In Upper Lusatia, especially in Bautzen and the neighborhood, Easter is closely connected with the culture and customs of the Sorbs. German and Sorbian traditions, which occur only in Lusatia, can be observed here. Easter especially attracts thousands of visitors from near and far to Lusatia, coming especially to Bautzen – the Capital of Easter.

The best known attraction here is the Easter cavalcade (Osterreiten), a tradition cultivated every Easter Monday in the Catholic region between Bautzen, Kamenz and Hoyerswerda. More than 1,000 Easter riders set out on various processions to proclaim the resurrection of Christ with singing and prayer. Horses and riders are festively decorated, and thousands of visitors roam the streets.

On the Lusatian Easter stalls, visitors can watch folk artists during their artistic decorating of the Lusatian Easter eggs. They can also test their own abilities in various decorating techniques or choose from a rich variety of Easter eggs on offer.   

Also the rolling of eggs on the Protschenberg hillside is a century-long tradition and is especially popular among children.

Bautzen is worth visiting not only during Easter! Through the year, a number of other holidays and events take place here.   

Kontakt:
Tourismusverein Bautzen/Budyšin e.V.
02625 Bautzen, Hauptmarkt 1
Tel. +49 3591 2793700
dietmar.stange@agora-Lausitz.de
www.bautzen.de
www.altstadtfestival-bautzen.de

During the Festival in the Old Town “Water-Art-Light” which takes place during the last weekend of August, the medieval backdrop of the town on the river Spree becomes the stage of a fascinating play of lights, accompanied by cultural, musical and historical events in the ancient walls.

Regional organizers prepare this unique holiday with love and commitment. Visitors are surrounded by the unique magic of a thousand-year old town. The knights struggle between themselves in duels and knightly tables bend under the weight of various goods presented in the castle courtyard; all this constitutes a reminiscent scene of medieval times.  On the squares, in the streets and between the towers, there are readings, music, theater, dance performances, exhibitions and much more. Everyone will find something for themselves here. Germans and Sorbs present their coexistence in bilingual Lusatia. Bautzen presents itself in all its diversity. A bustling old town and a masterful combination of colours and lights. On the streets, in the alleys, on towers and markets, all your senses will be spoiled for choice. The restaurants, cafés and pubs maintained in an unchanged condition encourage visitors to visit.

Both big and small guests are welcome to participate in the many discoveries, the celebration of light is filled with sounds and colours. Contrasts make this Holiday of the old town so special. The Holiday provides a fascinating photographic experience when lighting installations illuminate the picturesque backdrop of the old town. See for yourself!

Kontakt:
Tourismusverein Bautzen/Budyšin e.V.
02625 Bautzen, Hauptmarkt 1
Tel. +49 3591 2793700
dietmar.stange@agora-Lausitz.de
www.bautzen.de
www.altstadtfestival-bautzen.de

This date is known and highlighted in the calendars of every fan of dance and folk music; the four-days long, “Łužica − Lusatia” International Folklore Festival held every two years at the beginning of the Saxon holidays is, held in three different locations. As the only event of its kind, literally an explosion of international songs and dances in the interpretation of Lusatian folk groups, friendly artistic bands from Germany, as well as bands from all around the Globe: Latin America, The Far East and also Europe. Splendid colours and temperaments struggle among each other for the attention of the public.

The former exchange of Sorbian choirs and dance groups with their partners in the Slavic neighboring countries gained in old times great fame; since 1995 Domowina – Association of the Sorbs, “Schmerlitz” Sorbian Dance Group, the Lusatians Artistic Group Wudwor from Höflein have invited artistic bands from around the world to the “Łužica − Lusatia” International Folklore Festival. They are supported by many other organizations: the Foundation for the Lusatians, Upper Lusatia and Lower Silesia Cultural Space as well as many other partners and sponsors.

The Festival creates an opportunity to meet many different singers, dancers and musicians. After the ceremonial march which takes place on Thursday evening, that begins at the Lusatian House on the Postal Square in Bautzen/Budyšin and passes through the town center, the inaugural gala takes place at the German-Lusatian Folk Theatre.

On Friday, the Festival relocates itself to Drachhausen/Hochoza in Lower Lusatia. This small village in Amt Peitz in 2019 hosted for the seventh time groups from around the world.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Festival moves to Crostwitz/Chróscia. This is how Domowina invites foreign art groups to an open cultural forum, where they can present themselves and exchange experiences. On Saturday afternoon, as part of a special folklore program, the presentation of groups cultivates the intangible cultural heritage of their nation – regardless of whether they already belong to the world cultural heritage of UNESCO, or are seeking this title. At the same time, Lusatian groups gather the young generation and present their excellent vocal, dance and instrumental skills in various courtyards. The center of the Village is inviting for a walk and encourages enjoyment and viewing of the products of traditional handicraft on offer.

In the evenings, other rural farms also open their gates to guests. On the stages national and foreign artistic groups play relentlessly. Filled with both cultural events and cuisine, both interpreters and the audience enjoy music, rhythm and colours presented in the special atmosphere of the courtyards.

Sunday is the last day of the festival. It starts at 10 a.m. with a Mass in the meadow near the monument in Crostwitz. Then, a ceremonial procession takes place and the local groups present their program; at the end of the International Folklore Festival, the special fanfare ending this unique event can be heard. The next International Folklore Festival is scheduled for the end of July, 2021.

Kontakt:

DOMOWINA – Bund Lausitzer Sorben e.V.
Postplatz 2
02625 Bautzen
Tel. +49 3591 550-202
folklorefestival-lausitz@sorben.com
www.domowina.de
www.folklorefestival-lausitz.de

Hay-ho! Hay-ho! To the countryside we go! To the Saxon castle, less than forty-five minutes away by car from the Polish border. To the baroque village located among the green hills, forests and idyllic valleys of Upper Lusatia – welcome to the Baroque Rammenau Castle.

Hidden within the Historic baroque and classicist interiors are fascinating stories of its former owners. Stylish living rooms, expensive porcelain and charming wall decorations allow one to imagine what life in this summer residence was once like. Undisturbed relaxation can be experienced in the romantic landscape park, directly at the castle.

Aroused by open trade, the baroque was influenced by exotic cultures. The most favoured artistic style at that time was Chinoiserie.  Asian patterns shaped the repertoire of artistic and craft forms. In the Baroque Rammenau Castle, the main indicator of being carefree in distant parts of the world, and thus the first phase of the Castle’s decoration are wallpapers in the Chinese room. Visiting this baroque village Castle cannot be completed without a visit in the excellent castle restaurant.  In its historical interiors and on the Castle terrace one can try the dishes of the former Castle kitchen as well as simple peasant cuisine.

Every year during the last weekend of August, the Castle area and park are transformed into a market that attracts lovers of esteemed natural products, precious flax, old crafts and home-made products. Under the name Oberlausitzer Leinen (“Upper Lusatian Linens”), nine companies from the region merged in the 1990s and initiated the International Upper Lusatian Days of Linen. At the beginning, this event attracted several hundred visitors and a dozen exhibitors, but now it has a permanent position in the calendar of traders and lovers of noble Linen. Currently, during the International Upper Lusatian Days of Linen, its environmentally friendly and top quality materials, textiles and handicrafts are presented by over 200 designers, artists, small producers and traders from the region.

During the presentation, one can experience how much work must be done to make linen from small blue plants and find out that people probably used it as clothing long ago. Presented fashion shows provide incentives and surprises one with unusual ideas.  The market of forgotten crafts and a rich scenic program accompanied with live music on two open-air stages provide a variety of entertainment.  At the food stands, the culinary delicacies satisfying the needs of the body can be tasted. There is also a program for the youngest guests: DIY as well as various creative games and plays await them on a special meadow prepared for the youngsters.

Kontakt:

Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen gemeinnützige GmbH
Barockschloss Rammenau
Am Schloss 4, 01877 Rammenau
Tel. +49 3594 703559
Rammenau@schloesserland-sachsen.de
www.barockschloss-rammenau.com

Upper Lusatia has the largest area of ponds in Europe used for industrial purposes. The special charm of this place is created by over 1,000 ponds. Due to the natural arrangement of the ponds, Upper Lusatia became the home of many rare animal and plant species, such as the White-Tailed Eagle, the Common Crane and Botaurus. 30,000 hectares of this unique natural landscape has been recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1996.

It has been proven that pond farming management has been cultivated in Upper Lusatia for over 750 years. The initiators of creating ponds were wealthy landowners of noble and urban origin. Mainly Common Carp are bred in the ponds, and sold after they reach sufficient size during three summer seasons. Other fish that live in the ponds are Pike, Tench, Zander and Catfish that can be caught with a fishing rod or using traditional cast nets.

The fish are caught during the autumn every year. This event has been accompanied since 2002 by the Lusatian Weeks of Fish. Nature lovers and fans of regional fish dishes have the opportunity to discover, experience and enjoy the fauna of the Lusatian ponds.

For six weeks, from late September to early November, visitors can participate in the “harvest of the year”. The water in the pond is then drained and the fish are pulled out, all this accompanied by the typical celebration for catching fish. During the fascinating wanderings around the land of ponds, there are organized walking and cycling trips and exhibitions, interested persons can learn even more about the Lusatian Fish. Pond farms offer hobby anglers the opportunity to actively spend their time, and travel offers encourage them to spend their holidays on a fishing farm or for a short stay in one of the romantic rural hotels offering a rich program.

Regional inns offer extraordinary culinary expeditions. During the Sorbian Fish Weeks, Lusatian gastronomy offerings include tasty dishes made from fresh local fish. Everyone will find something for themselves here. Carp is traditionally served “blue”, but also baked and grilled. In addition, you can eat a variety of dishes made out of other types of fish. On offer is the Upper Sorbian BIO carp, specially prepared carp fillets and innovative culinary creations such as carp burgers, carp chips or marinated carp, all fish farms respond to the continuously changing expectations of consumers. The origin of the fish is given in the menu. During trips, guests can learn about the origin and quality of served fish as well as choose meals made of fresh/smoked fish carefully selected from the rich offer of fishing farms.

Kontakt:

Marketing-Gesellschaft Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien mbH (MGO)
Humboldtstraße 25 a
02625 Bautzen
Tel. +49 3591 48 77-0
info@oberlausitz.com
www.oberlausitz.com
www.lausitzer-fischwochen.de

A Pottery Festival that has been organized since 1989, with the Lehmann pottery plant in Neukirch as the focal point, is already a permanent element of the calendar of events in Upper Lusatia. Every year, on the first weekend of October, over 75 pottery factories from all over Germany and neighboring countries such as Austria, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia and Hungary meet in the Lehmann pottery plant in Neukirch. Over the course of the last 30 years, over 250 different workshops and around 450,000 visitors have participated in the Event.

The Lehmann family, which over the past few years has been involved in organizing the Pottery Festival, continuously ensures the celebration, and of variability pottery branches. However, not only their creativity makes visitors discover new and useful products, but their high craft skills, especially in the field of ceramic pottery and consumer goods, should be particularly emphasized here.

Starting from the first pottery event, which was organized in June 1989 on the square in Neukirch, around a quarter of exhibitors presented there still participate in it to this day. Many of the long-term participants of this Event are able to see the idea of further development of the workshops, but they are also grateful for the uninterrupted continuity of the range of pottery products.

Not only the pottery industry offers products, but also other branches of crafts, such as the Hultsch felt slippers factory from Neukirch (popularly called Pantoffel Hultsch), the Max Spitzer gingerbread factory from Pulsnitz, Messer Mager from Dresden (formerly from Neukirch), Neukircher Zwieback, Inu von Kleist flax plant and our Himmelsbäckerei Hultsch bakery, famous far beyond the town of Neukirch.

Over the years, many matters regarding the celebration of this Pottery Festival have changed. Among other matters, the location of the areas intended for exhibitors and supplies. In order to increase protection against possible unfavourable weather conditions, new possibilities of supplying a large number of visitors were used and various other activities were undertaken.

New ideas from the Lehmann pottery plant contribute to the fact that the event is an opportunity to have fun for many thousands of newcomers. In the first years, new play equipment was set up related to clay processing, pots were stuck on a car wheel, and then even on a moving car. The travelling pottery wheel from Neukirch (tandem with potter’s pad) is a constant element of this event, as well as the popular pottery treadmill, giving the possibility of making pots of large sizes, “pulling the ear” and work of the journeymen. All these attractions have become very popular among young and old guests alike and make participation in the pottery celebration in Neukirch an unforgettable event for the whole family.

Of course, participants’ appetites are also taken care of. While playing in the Christmas tent everyone finds the right drink for themselves, and the potter’s pan offers guests tasty snacks and other delicacies according to their choice. From the guarded parking lot to the event area, you can easily walk on foot in just a few minutes.

We invite all guests far and near to participate in this event.

Kontakt:

Karl Louis Lehmann GmbH
Dammweg 26
01904 Neukirch
Tel. +49 35951 3690
info@toepferei-lehmann.de
www.toepferfest.de

Everybody is waiting impatiently for an unforgettable event like the Gingerbread Fair in Pulsnitz.The Pulsnitz Old Market offers varied delicacies carefully prepared by the bakers, who became masters in gingerbread baking. They are accompanied by demonstrations of old craft techniques, theater performances and exhibitions.

The tradition of gingerbread production has been practiced in Pulsnitz since 1558. Confectionery factories producing gingerbreads are usually family bakeries that have been in the business for many generations, and in which the ancient secrets of gingerbread production are nurtured.

During the gingerbread market, you can also try the latest creations of the bakery master and get carried away by the colourful crowd pulsing trough the marketplace.

Do you Want to learn how to make gingerbreads? If so, please come to the Gingerbread Museum for an exciting guided tour. Or maybe try to decorate a gingerbread and give it as a gift to a loved one? At the gingerbread fair, everybody can give something of themself every day and create their own cakes.

Every year, on the first weekend of November, eight craft workshops and the company Lebkuchen GmbH present their products around the market well in Pulsnitz, offering a wide range of their gingerbreads.

On the other hand, slightly smaller craft workshops gather on the church square. There are dyers that cover blue fabrics with a white pattern, potters, engravers engraving in glass, wood carving and representatives of other traditional craft trades who offer their products and allow curious tourists to look over their shoulder during production.

Two gingerbread children are busy handing out tasty samples on the market.

Visitors to the Fair have the opportunity to visit museums and workshops of the town, especially the Museum of Gingerbread, as well as the workshop for covering blue materials, pottery and puppet theatre.

For children, there are carousels, puppet theatre performances and gingerbread decorating contests.

Varied culinary delights ensure the everlasting atmosphere of delight among guests. A variety of delicacies from near and far tempts visitors to stop and try them. In addition, the shops in the town centre are also open.

It is really worth visiting. You will be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the traditional gingerbread market.

Kontakt:

Karl Louis Lehmann GmbH
Dammweg 26
01904 Neukirch
Tel. +49 35951 3690
info@toepferei-lehmann.de
www.toepferfest.de

Only here, in Bautzen, away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life, everyone can really enjoy the magic of the Advent period. Among the seventeen towers of this town, visitors can stroll around the oldest Christmas market in Germany. And yet this town, located on the river Spree has even more to offer!

Every year, from the Friday preceding the first day of Advent until December 22, the well-known smell of mulled wine, sweet and spicy delicacies hovers in the air, and in the eyes of children you can see the joy of Santa Claus. About 90 sellers and restaurateurs offer their products in the centre of the romantic old town. And in 2019 this Fair will be held here for the 636 time! All this makes the Wenceslaus Fair in Bautzen the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Its patron is the Czech King Wenceslaus IV, who in 1384 gave Bautzen the right to organize fairs. Since then, there is no place for silence in this town. This year, all winter sports enthusiasts can count on attractions; for the first time, young and adult skaters will be able to skate on ice.

In addition, tourists visiting the Wenceslas Fair can count on a colourful cultural offer. For the weekend, i.e. from December 6 to 8, special attractions are promised: brass bands concerts, moody choral music and puppet performances. Later, the Bautzen Market Choir (Budissiner Marktgesinde) invites you to a medieval performance to Grosse Brüdergasse. Craftsmen, jugglers and restaurant owners will revive the mystical atmosphere of the ruins of the local monastery.

Away from the Christmas market, tourists visiting Bautzen can discover other numerous cultural treasures. Just a few meters from the Wenceslas Square, the magnificent St. Peter Cathedral can be found.  This structure has been used since 1524 by Christians: both Catholics and Evangelicals. Thanks to this, the Cathedral is the oldest and largest church in Germany, which is also used by two Christian denominations. In Bautzen, not only this temple is extraordinary. These of you who walk around the town on the river Spree with open eyes will have the opportunity to meet two cultures at the same time. Not only Germans live here, but also Sorbs – representatives of the smallest Slavic nation. Bautzen was in the past, and is also today, the political and cultural centre of this national minority. In the Sorbian Museum in Ortenburg, interested guests can see not only historical and life-style certificates from ancient times, but also admire contemporary art.

And all in all, why not extend your stay in Bautzen for the entire Advent weekend? In the beautifully arranged stores of this town, even the most demanding guests can have a successful shopping trip. Everyone will find something that to their taste! In the heart of the town there are small boutiques, some of them under antique vaults. Near the Wenceslas square, you can wander around the Kornmarkt-Center for hours, which ensures relaxation even when the weather is not good. This facility, in which there are over 70 stores from various industries, is the largest shopping center of Upper Lusatia.

We wish you a beautiful Christmas in the picturesque old town of Bautzen!

Kontakt:

Tourist-Information Bautzen-Budyšin
Hauptmarkt 1
02625 Bautzen
Tel. +49 3591 42016
touristinfo@bautzen.de
www.wenzelsmarkt.de

Projekt „Bautzen i Bolesławiec – dwa powiaty turystyczne!” jest współfinansowany ze środków Europejskiego Funduszu Rozwoju Regionalnego z Programu Interreg Polska-Saksonia 2014-2022 w ramach Funduszu Małych Projektów Euroregionu Nysa

Das Projekt „Bautzen und Bolesławiec – zwei touristische Landkreise!“ wird aus den Mitteln des Europäischen Fonds für Regionale Entwicklung im Rahmen des Fonds der Kleinen Projekte
Interreg Polen – Sachsen 2014 – 2022 kofinanziert

„Bauzen and Bolesławiec- two tourist districts”project  is co-financed from the contributions  of the European Regional Development Fund of the Interreg Poland-Saxony 2014-2022 programme  under the Small Projects Fund of the The Neisse-Nisa-Nysa Euroregion (ERN)