This German region's rich heritage is an essential stop on your next European getaway.

Germany boasts charming towns and historic cities, seamlessly blending with nature's beauty. The Ore Mountains stand out not only for their stunning landscapes—offering both adventure and tranquility—but also for their vibrant folk-art traditions and a deep mining legacy. From the Middle Ages to modern times, southern Saxony’s Ore Mountains have been a significant hub for metal mining, primarily silver and tin, along with rare cobalt and, later, uranium. Over the centuries, miners have driven technological and scientific advancements in ore extraction, processing, and smelting, while also pioneering essential water pumping systems, both above and below ground.

In 2019, UNESCO recognized the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region as a World Heritage Site, justly so. The valuable metals extracted from these mines enabled Saxony's rulers to finance the opulent city of Dresden; Leipzig’s status as a key European trading center would likely have waned; and the flourishing mountain towns that emerged during the silver boom might not have thrived. By the late 18th century, as silver and tin resources dwindled, miners turned to crafting wooden toys and Christmas decorations inspired by local traditions, enhancing prosperity and commerce in the Ore Mountains. Visiting the area reveals numerous attractions, including the mines themselves, with experiences suitable for all ages, including families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges.

Discover the intriguing history of Dresden’s “white gold.”

Before venturing into the mountains and exploring the mines, take some time to enjoy Dresden. Widely regarded as one of the most stunning cities globally, it offers fantastic shopping for locally crafted porcelain and breathtaking hiking opportunities, among numerous other attractions. Located in the city center, the Hilton Dresden overlooks the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and is a short walk from cultural landmarks such as the Semperoper opera house, the Zwinger museum complex, and the New and Historic Green Vaults within the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace). The hotel is an excellent place to relax and indulge, particularly at the Vis-à-Vis café along Brühl’s Terrace—lovingly referred to as “the Balcony of Europe”—which overlooks the Elbe River.

Utilizing kaolin clay sourced from the Ore Mountains, Dresden and its nearby town, Meissen, achieved the remarkable feat of producing porcelain (“white gold”) in the West that rivals China’s finest. This history is preserved at the Royal Dresden Porcelain Collection in the Zwinger, recognized as the world's largest repository of Meissen and other ceramics.

Nearby, the Procession of Princes adorns the wall of the Residenzschloss Stallhof, or Stable Yard, extending over 100 yards. This remarkable mural is crafted from more than 24,000 Meissen porcelain tiles and notably survived the devastating bombings of 1945 that destroyed much of the city.

Across the Elbe lies Pfunds Molkerei, often hailed as “the most beautiful dairy shop in the world.” This description is well-deserved, as the shop features stunning hand-painted tiles covering every surface—from floors to walls to the ceiling.

For a truly immersive porcelain adventure, consider taking a cruise to Meissen along the Elbe River. If you wish to start or expand your personal collection, you'll find numerous porcelain shops, or you can seek guidance from the Hilton concierge.

Don’t hesitate to inquire with your Hilton concierge about the Ore Mountains, as Dresden serves as the perfect launch point for exploration. Many gateway cities in North America provide connecting flights to Dresden via Frankfurt or Munich. If you're departing from New York, you can opt for a nonstop flight to Berlin and catch a direct train from the airport.

Explore historic towns and mines along the Silver Road.

Glück auf! This traditional greeting among miners has been used for centuries when entering or leaving the mines. It carries a dual meaning: wishing for good fortune in finding valuable ore and a safe return home. Today, you'll find this phrase displayed throughout the Ore Mountains, particularly in the towns and villages along the Silberstrasse (Silver Road), which once served as the main route for transporting silver, tin, cobalt, and other ores from Saxony’s mines to the wider world.

The Silver Road stretches 170 miles from Zwickau to Dresden. Along its route, you’ll discover over 30 show mines, many of which are located near educational hiking and walking trails that traverse the historic landscapes. The towns along this route are as ancient as the mines themselves, preserving the charm of earlier times. In museums and workshops, you can experience the intricate hand-carved wooden folk art that the region is renowned for. Here are a few recommended stops to kickstart your journey.

Freiberg, known as the Silberstadt (Silver City), was established in 1168, making it the first mining town in the Ore Mountains. Today, it stands as a vibrant university city with 500 listed buildings that showcase its medieval heritage.

Terra Mineralia at Freudenberg Castle is an impressive exhibition featuring 3,500 minerals and gemstones sourced from five continents. The Freiberg City and Mining Museum, currently undergoing renovations, is expected to reopen in late 2024, coinciding with the annual Christmas market.

Gottfried Silbermann, the esteemed organ builder from Freiberg, was a close friend and respected peer of Johann Sebastian Bach in nearby Leipzig. Visitors to the Cathedral of St. Mary can admire two of Silbermann’s finest organ works on display there.

Located just outside the city, the Reiche Zeche (Rich Mine) is an impressive 800-year-old silver mine and one of the largest in the region. Visitors are outfitted with helmets, coveralls, and boots before experiencing a thrilling nearly 500-foot descent in a cage elevator, leading to an informative guided exploration of the underground tunnels. This site is still operational as a research facility for students and scientists.

The town of Annaberg-Buchholz is named in honor of St. Anne, the patron saint of miners. Begin your journey at the Frohnauer Hammer Museum, a historic blacksmith’s forge where you can discover the hammer-mill technique used to create everyday metal tools from mined materials. Close by, the Erzgebirgsmuseum features a significant exhibit on bobbin lace-making, which has been a vital source of income for the area. Additionally, you can access the Im Gössner silver mine directly from here.

At the Markus-Röhling-Stolln Visitor Mine, climb aboard the mining train that takes you a third of a mile deep into the mine. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the life of a miner, and you can also hike to the site from town via the educational mining trail.

While it's difficult to pinpoint a single highlight during your visit to Ehrenfriedersdorf, a fantastic starting point is the Zinngrube Ehrenfriedersdorf tin mine. It's advisable to book a special tour that includes an underground train ride and a chance to see a replica of a medieval wheel pump. Above ground, you’ll find additional attractions such as the Machine Park, the Mineralogical Museum, and a fascinating “mountain parade” featuring 1,025 hand-carved and painted wooden figures in the Bergschmiede (Mountain Forge).

Discover local history through folk art in Seiffen and Annaberg-Buchholz.

Unlike mining, the art of carving and painting wooden figures, toys, and Christmas decorations allowed families to participate together, leading to the development of a genuine folk-art tradition. Seiffen, affectionately referred to as the “Toy Village,” serves as the perfect place to witness the transformation of these charming wooden pieces into true works of art.

The Toy Museum features an extensive collection of over 25,000 items, with about 5,000 on display at any given time, often described as a life-sized toy box.

Seiffen is also home to the Erzgebirge Open Air Museum, a collection of historic craft workshops. Its main highlight is a demonstration of the unique Seiffen art of ring turning, where numerous decorative figures are crafted simultaneously from a single piece of tree trunk.

Calling Seiffen a shopper’s paradise is no exaggeration. Its main street is lined with at least 50 shops filled with handcrafted toys and Christmas collectibles, as well as active studios showcasing their creations.

The Manufaktur der Träume (Dream Factory) in Annaberg-Buchholz contains a historic collection of Erzgebirge folk crafts, many associated with mining and Christmas. The museum engages all senses with realistic sounds, music, lighting and video displays, interactive activities, and even a chocolate experience at the café. Numerous participatory hand-craft experiences are available throughout the Ore Mountains as well.

Experience the thrill of steam and soar through the stunning Ore Mountains.

As the tallest mountain in eastern Germany, Fichtelberg attracts downhill and cross-country skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts. Consider taking the scenic route the traditional way aboard a steam locomotive train from Cranzahl to the spa town of Oberwiesenthal, nestled at the mountain's base.

To reach the summit, hop on the Fichtelberg Suspension Railway (cable car), which celebrated its centenary last December. From May to October, thrill-seekers can make an exhilarating descent on the Fly Line, one of the longest ziplines in the world. Back in Oberwiesenthal, the Fichtelbergbahn offers behind-the-scenes tours of its workshop, showcasing the maintenance of steam locomotives in real-time.

Explore Leipzig’s vibrant contemporary communities of artists and craftspeople.

Essentially a self-sufficient village, die Spinnerei is a curated arts community located on the grounds of what was once the largest cotton mill in continental Europe. About two decades ago, members of Leipzig’s contemporary art scene recognized the potential of the old factory and its preserved workers’ housing as an ideal space for a creative hub. Close to Leipzig’s historic center, the complex now boasts over 100 studios, 14 galleries, and several performance venues. The public is welcome to explore the galleries, where many pieces are available for purchase.

Close by, another industrial icon, a century-old power station, has been transformed into Kunstkraftwerk-Leipzig, showcasing contemporary and digital art—particularly immersive experiences. An international immersive art exhibit is always featured, with numerous ambitious projects on the horizon.