The Best Weekend Getaways from Leipzig

As far as city escapes go, it’s nearly impossible to beat Germany’s glamorous capital city. The hub of politics, culture, art, architecture and history, Berlin has something for every taste and all ages. Some of the most notable landmarks in Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Berlin War Memorial, Charlottenburg Palace, the Gendarmenmarkt square, the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, and the Victory Column. Berlin also has some of the best museums in Europe and some exciting activities for children.

Dresden is a scintillating city that never fails to awe travelers, especially enthusiasts of architecture, art, and history. A weekend in Dresden invariably means a fascinating time exploring Dresden’s skyline, comprised of Zwinger, Dresden Castle, the Opera House, and Dresden Frauenkirche, plus enjoying sweeping river views and exploring its treasure trove of museums and galleries.

Potsdam, the Versailles of Germany, promises a weekend filled to the brim with beautiful architecture, oodles of history, and lush greenery. Though best known for its stunning Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam also has several other awesome landmarks, including Schloss Cecilienhof, Babelsburg Filmpark, St Nicholas Church, New Palace, Alexandrowka, and the Charlottenhof Palace.

Saxon Switzerland National Park, flanking both banks of River Elbe, is famous for its epic sandstone rock formations and dense wilderness. Travelers can base themselves in one of the quaint towns (such as Pirna and Bad Schaundau) to explore this magnificent swathe of nature. The most well-known sights in the park include the Bastei Bridge, the Lilienstein mountain, and the Koenigstein Fortress.

Hugely popular among locals but often overlooked by tourists, the Ore Mountains are a perfect getaway from the bustle of city life at any time of the year. This mountain range stretches from Germany into the Czech Republic and promises mirror lakes, lofty mountains, history, mines, great museums, and endless opportunities for winter sports. Whether you go skiing in Fichtelberg, explore the wooden-toy factories in Seiffen, or celebrate a magical white Christmas in the midst of sparkling lights, a weekend in Ore Mountains is something you are not likely to forget.

Simply hop over the border to enjoy a weekend in the incredibly romantic city of Prague. The 1,100-year-old skyline of the city comprises gems such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, St Vitus Cathedral, and the Municipal House. Prague’s narrow alleys, gorgeous greenery, historic squares, and delicious food all add up to a perfect weekend. Prague can be easily explored on foot or by public transport.

The historic town of Görlitz wows travelers with its stunning skyscape composed of gothic, renaissance, and baroque architecture. A weekend is enough time to explore St Peter and Paul’s Church, St Marienthal Abbey, Fat Tower, and some of its museums with enough time left over to take a stroll along the impeccably preserved medieval town square.

For wine connoisseurs, a weekend getaway can never be more perfect than one spent in Radebeul. Viticulture has been the focal point of this town since the 1300s. Today, it is still a magnet for tourists with its lush, aromatic vineyards and opportunities for wine tasting. Schloss Wackerbarth is where most travelers head for their fill of exotic wine and scrumptious meals in the midst of stunning nature.

The green city of Hanover is home to some of the best architecture in all of Germany. You can spend a memorable weekend admiring the world-famous Herrenhausen, New Town Hall, Lower Saxony State Museum, Old Town, and Aegidienkirche, basking in nature at the Tiergarten or Eilenriede Forest, or entertaining yourself at Maschsee. In summer, travelers have the chance to join two million other fun-seekers at the Lake Festival at the Maschsee.

Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic is your best choice for a rejuvenating weekend. This gorgeous spa town not only offers luxurious mineral hot springs, but also stunning scenery and architecture. The most popular landmarks in this city include Mill Colonnade, Butterfly House, Market Colonnade, Orthodox Church of St Peter and Paul, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, and the Diana Observation Tower.