Dresden Stollen Festival

Saxony

Saxony is the largest Eastern German state of Germany. About 4.5 million Saxons inhabit an area of 18,413 square kilometers. Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz as the three administrative districts embrace altogether 546 local communities. The state`s capital is Dresden (approximately 500,500 inhabitants). Harboring about 504,000 citizens, Leipzig is the largest city of Saxony. Further important cities are Chemnitz (about 246,000 inhabitants), Zwickau (about 97,000), Plauen (68,500), Görlitz (57,000), Hoyerswerda (42,000), Freiberg (43,000), Bautzen (42,000), and Pirna (40,000). The thousand year old history of Saxony, the cultural and architectural richness of the region, and its significant role in research, science, and industry in the past and the present contribute to the state`s reputation as a land that combines tradition and the future in a unique way.

With regard to tourism, Saxony belongs to one of the most charming regions in Germany. Year after year, millions of tourists have been attracted by the famous royal capital Dresden, the old trading and exhibition metropolis of Leipzig, or the numerous historically appealing regions of Eastern Germany. Saxony, which comprises Saxon Switzerland, the mountainous Erzgebirge, the Saxon and Silesian Oberlausitz, the Elbe territory with its various castle complexes, and the Vogtland, represents incomparable scenic diversity. Its location in the geographic triangle of Germany-Poland-Czech Republic and its close proximity to Berlin, Prague and Breslau places Dresden into the center of Europe.

During the time of Advent, Saxony turns into a romantic Christmas country. Particularly in the Erzgebirge, where the legendary Saxon craftsmen and wood carvers produce toys and Christmas decorations, the lights of Christmas trees, pyramids, and Schwibbögen give the region a special touch. Everywhere, in the Western Lausitz where the famous Pulsnitz-gingerbread is produced, the Oberlausitz with its ancient glass-art, and of course, in Dresden - the home of the Stollen (fruit loaf or Christmas cake, a local specialty) - visitors can watch Saxon arts and craft. All over the country, the smell of mulled wine, sugared almonds, gingerbread and stollen hovers over Christmas fairs, the most well-known and oldest of which is the Dresdner Striezelmarkt having the largest pyramid and the biggest Stollen in the world on show for its visitors. The biggest Advent calendar is located in Leipzig. All over Saxony the time of Advent is celebrated with traditional parades and regional customs.

Further information: www.saxony.de