Why do Tourists Ignore Saxony?

For some reason, which is unknown to me, the German state of Saxony has been mostly ignored by tourists, except for those to venture to Dresden.

Almost all of those who do visit the state are Germans, international visitors seem to be completely unaware of the states charms and attractions.

My recent visit to the area was not a particularly long one but it inspired me to write this post and explore why Saxony has been ignored by so many for so long.

On the face of it the state should be a major tourist magnet. Dresden has the high culture and low thrills that build a wide appeal. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has recently undergone a magnificent renovation after the destruction of the war and the ignominy of communism.

Outside the city the state has mountains, the sort of castles that make anyone brought up on Disney go weak at the knees and enough preserved history to shake a stick at. There is also the river Elbe with its leisure potential and sheer scenic beauty.

So these are the attractions, but what are the problems? In terms of direct problems there are none. There is no war raging in the state, or uncontrolled crime ravaging its cities. There are no infectious diseases present, the prices are similar if not lower than other more established destinations and the transport infrastructure is very good.

The problems are more nebulous. Europe’s tourist destinations were generally established during the Cold War, when Saxony was cut off behind the Iron Curtain, or quickly established themselves afterwards, like neighbouring Prague. Since the former East Germany, and Dresden particularly, has needed time to recover from those fifty years of stagnation, it has missed out on the tourist boom.

There is also a problem in that the main attractions of Saxony can be found in a similar from elsewhere. Bavaria has mountains and castles, Vienna, Prague and countless other cities have culture and nightlife in various forms. More established destinations build a momentum which draws more and more visitors and new entrants can have trouble competing.

While I am interested in why tourists have ignored Saxony for so long I am not desperate to change this, and I don’t think the inhabitants are either. Hordes of tourists bring in money but they also inevitable change a place. That change has positive and negative aspects but it is still changed.

Saxony will certainly become a more high profile tourist destination because such a secret cannot be kept for long. The reconstruction works in Dresden are nearly complete and absolutely fantastic. This forgotten corner of Europe will not remain so for long, but I hope discovery does not taint Saxony’s unique charm and style.

Photo of tourists in Dresden, Saxony, by rizkapb

Topic:  General Travel | 1 Comment
Tags:  Germany

About the author

Will Joce is a recent graduate from the London School of Economics who has a morbid fear of working in an office. As well as travelling and writing he has worked in the UK Parliament and as a press monitor. Refusing to follow advice and get a real job he will soon be beginning a Masters degree at St Petersburg State University