In Germany’s easternmost state, Saxony, crafts have been major contributor to the economy. According to 2005 figures, one-third of eastern Germany’s (excluding Berlin) crafts and trades firms are located in Saxony. An approximate 95,000 craftspeople and traders were said to be in Dresden, Chemnitz and Leipzig in 1989-90. It is also estimated that one in…
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Stretches of green meadows, uninterrupted views of majestic mountains, songs of birds, healing power of trees or changing colours of the sky—all nature experiences are best accessed on foot. Trekking has an infamous reputation of being strenuous. But if you, like me, tread these trails to be one with nature without exhaustion, there are quite…
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When I started sketching the itinerary of my travel to Germany’s eastern most state, Saxony, I was overwhelmed with the experiences it encapsulated. Needless to say that capturing the glory of Christmas was my focus, but accommodating all my wishes in a week’s visit was rather hasty. Oldest Christmas market in Germany Striezelmarkt in the…
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On a cold gloomy morning, I arrived at Leipzig, in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, with enthusiasm and anxiety. My weapon against the cold was my warm jacket and fighting my anxiety was a meticulously marked map of Leipzig in my pocket. Augustusplatz was where Leipzig Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) begun for me. Dating back to…
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Last year this time, I was packing my bags to explore the Christmas Markets in Saxony, Germany. My third and last destination within the state was a town called Seiffen. Seiffen sits on the border of Czech and Germany, in the region of Erzgebirgskreis. Historically, Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) was a silver mining region. Over the…
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Saxony’s capital, Dresden, overwhelmed me. With its Baroque beauty, spectacular museums, interesting cafes and bars, and seamless (but confusing) public transport, I knew I had too less time in the city even before I arrived. Only one-and-half hours by train from Leipzig, Dresden has a beat of its own. After the fire of 1491, Dresden…
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