Saxony attractions

Set inside the former headquarters of the Stasi, East Germany’s secret police, the Museum in der Runden Ecke in Leipzig has a loaded history. Today, it sheds light on the spying experienced by the city’s general public after World War II, with exhibits that focus on accounts from the era and the dire consequences that came of this mass surveillance.

Rising high above Leipzig’s rooftops, the Panorama Tower stands out as a modern skyscraper in the German city’s more traditional skyline. Little about this office building will interest visitors to the city, except for two things: the extensive view from its 31st-floor observation platform and the fine dining on offer from its restaurant, Plate of Art.

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss Dresden’s Transparent Factory (Gläserne Manufaktur), a large electric vehicle production site and a Volkswagen brand showcase. In a city better known for its reconstructed baroque buildings, the aesthetic simplicity of the glass building stands apart. See some of Germany’s most modern e-cars under construction and learn about high-tech innovation on guided tours.

On the outskirts of Leipzig, the Belantis amusement park entertains visitors with a variety of live performances and more than 60 rides and attractions. Fun seekers of all ages will find plenty to do, from toddler-sized bumper cars to topsy-turvy roller coasters.

Presenting a visual representation of Dresden’s changing cityscape from 1695 to 1760, the Panometer Dresden is one of the city’s most unique museums. The creation of Austrian artist Yadegar Asisi, the gigantic, 360-degree display measures 344 feet (105 meters) long, stretching along the walls of a former gasometer.

Plauen is located in Saxony in the eastern part of Germany, near the border of Bavaria and the Czech Republic. In the 1930s, Plauen hosted the first chapter of the Nazi Party outside of Bavaria, and about 75% of the city was destroyed during World War II. During the division of Germany, Plauen fell into East Germany. Some of the earliest and most significant peaceful demonstrations against the communist regime occurred here, leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

With a history dating back to 1804, the Halloren Chocolate Factory (Halloren Schokoladenmuseum) is the oldest in Germany and famous for its Halloren-Kugeln (chocolate balls). Today, it’s also a popular tourist attraction, offering chocolate tastings, interactive exhibits, and chocolate-making displays.