Zittau, Germany Guide
Zittau, a charming city nestled in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its well-preserved historic center, with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, invites visitors to step back in time. The city's rich past as a trading hub is evident in its grand merchant houses and the impressive Great Zittau Fasting Cloth, a medieval textile masterpiece displayed in the Church of the Holy Cross. Beyond its architectural treasures, Zittau serves as a gateway to the Zittau Mountains Nature Park, a stunning landscape of sandstone formations, forests, and picturesque villages. Hiking, cycling, and exploring the unique rock formations are popular activities. The city's location also makes it an ideal base for day trips to neighboring Poland and the Czech Republic, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences.
Food & Cuisine
Zittau's culinary scene reflects its regional influences, with hearty German fare and touches of Polish and Czech cuisine. Traditional Saxon dishes like Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) and Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) are common. Look for local specialties featuring fresh ingredients from the surrounding countryside. Several restaurants in the historic city center offer traditional German cuisine in cozy settings. The weekly market on the market square is a great place to sample local produce and regional delicacies. For a taste of something sweet, try the local pastries and cakes at one of the city's cafes.
Nightlife
Zittau's nightlife is relatively relaxed, with a focus on traditional pubs and restaurants. The area around the market square and Hauptstraße (Main Street) offers a selection of bars and pubs where you can enjoy local beers and wines. While not a bustling metropolis, Zittau provides a pleasant atmosphere for an evening out, with opportunities to socialize and enjoy the local culture. Some venues offer live music on weekends.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Zittau is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring the city and the surrounding Zittau Mountains. The summer months (June-August) can be warm and are also a good time to visit, but may be more crowded. The winter months (November-March) can be cold and snowy, but offer a unique charm, especially during the Christmas season when the city hosts a traditional Christmas market.
Transportation
Zittau offers a convenient network of public transportation. Local buses connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The Zittau train station provides regional train connections to major cities like Dresden and Görlitz, as well as to neighboring countries. The narrow-gauge Zittau Mountain Railway, a historic steam train, is a popular tourist attraction and provides access to the Zittau Mountains. Taxis are also readily available.
Airport
The closest major airport to Zittau is Dresden Airport (DRS), located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. From Dresden Airport, you can take a train to Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and then connect to a regional train to Zittau. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Zittau, which takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Attractions
Klosterkirche Zittau (Monastery Church)
The Monastery Church in Zittau is a historical religious site with notable architecture and a rich history. Visitors can explore the church's interior, admire its design, and learn about its past as part of a monastery complex. It often hosts cultural events.
Westpark Zittau
Westpark Zittau is a green space offering relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, benches, and natural surroundings. It's a pleasant place to unwind, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors within the city.
Zittau Town Hall
The Zittau Town Hall is a prominent building on the market square, showcasing impressive architecture. Visitors can admire its facade and learn about the city's history. Guided tours may be available, offering insights into the building's interior and its role in local governance.
Gerhart Hauptmann Theater Zittau
The Gerhart Hauptmann Theater in Zittau offers a variety of performances, including plays, operas, and concerts. Visitors can enjoy cultural events and experience the local performing arts scene. Check the schedule for upcoming shows and ticket information.
Heffterbau
The Heffterbau is a historical building in Zittau, known for its architectural significance. It contributes to the city's charming streetscape. While it may not always be open for tours, its exterior is worth admiring as part of the city's historical fabric.
Zittau Market Square
The Zittau Market Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by historical buildings like the Town Hall and merchants' houses. It's a great place to soak in the atmosphere, admire the architecture, and enjoy local cafes and shops. The square often hosts events and markets.
Zittau Mountains Nature Park
The Zittau Mountains Nature Park offers beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore forests, rock formations, and scenic viewpoints. It's a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Das Große Zittauer Fastentuch von 1472
The Great Zittau Fasting Cloth of 1472 is a rare and significant textile artwork displayed in the Church of the Holy Cross. It depicts biblical scenes and was used during Lent. Viewing this cloth offers a unique glimpse into medieval art and religious practices.
Blumenrad Zittau
The Blumenrad Zittau, or Flower Wheel, is a decorative floral display that adds charm to the city. It's a visually appealing attraction, especially during the blooming season. Visitors can admire the colorful arrangement and take photos.
Kulturhistorisches Museum Zittau
The Kulturhistorisches Museum Zittau showcases the city's history and cultural heritage. Exhibits cover various aspects of Zittau's past, including its industry, art, and daily life. Visitors can gain insights into the region's development and its unique identity.
St. Johannis Church
St. Johannis Church is a significant religious landmark in Zittau. Its architecture reflects different periods, and the interior often features notable artwork and historical artifacts. Visitors can attend services or explore the church's history and significance to the local community.
Day Trips
Görlitz, a town straddling the German-Polish border, boasts a remarkably well-preserved Old Town with stunning Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. It's a popular filming location, often standing in for other historical European cities. Explore the Untermarkt (Lower Market Square), the Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church), and wander through the charming cobblestone streets.
Approx. 30-45 minutes by car or train Lake Berzdorfer See is a large artificial lake created from a former open-pit mine. It offers opportunities for swimming, boating, cycling, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by beaches, parks, and recreational facilities.
Approx. 45 minutes by car Hradek nad Nisou is a small town located on the border between Germany, Poland and Czech Republic. The main attraction is the Trojmezí, a tripoint where the borders of the three countries meet.
Approx. 30 minutes by car Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is a city renowned for its art, architecture, and cultural heritage. Rebuilt after World War II, it boasts stunning landmarks like the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and Semper Opera House. Explore its museums, stroll along the Elbe River, and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes by car or train Bautzen, a historic town in Saxony, is known for its medieval architecture and its role as the cultural center of the Sorbian minority. The Ortenburg castle complex dominates the skyline, and the Old Town is filled with charming squares, churches, and historic buildings.
Approx. 1 hour by car or train Oybin is a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the Zittau Mountains. The main attraction is the Oybin Mountain, topped by the ruins of a medieval monastery and castle. The climb to the top offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A narrow-gauge railway connects Zittau to Oybin.
Approx. 30 minutes by train (Zittau-Oybin narrow gauge railway) or 20 minutes by car Książ Castle, one of the largest castles in Poland, is a magnificent structure with a rich history. Explore its opulent interiors, wander through its beautiful gardens, and discover the secrets of its past.
Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by car Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its dramatic sandstone formations, offers breathtaking landscapes and numerous hiking trails. The Bastei Bridge, a stunning rock formation with a bridge spanning across it, is a must-see.
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours by car Liberec, a city in the Czech Republic, offers a mix of historical architecture and modern attractions. The Ještěd Tower, a unique architectural landmark on top of Ještěd Mountain, provides panoramic views. The city also features a zoo, a botanical garden, and a vibrant city center.
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car or train Jelenia Góra, nestled in the Karkonosze Mountains of Poland, is a charming town with a beautiful market square and colorful buildings. It's a gateway to the mountains and offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the region's natural beauty.
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car Görlitz Old Town
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Lake Berzdorfer See
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Hradek nad Nisou
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Dresden
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Bautzen
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Oybin Mountain and Monastery
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Książ Castle
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Saxon Switzerland National Park
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Liberec
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Jelenia Góra
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