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Saxony

Saxony is one of sixteen German federal states with approximately 4.3 million inhabitants, making it the sixth most densely populated area in the country. It extends over 18,413 km2. Its capital is historical city Dresden. In medieval times Saxony constituted a different region, to the north of the country. It was re-established as a state after national unification in 1990.

Saxony shares a border with the Czech Republic and Poland, and with Brandenburg and Bavaria on national territory. Apart from Dresden, the state's big cities include Chemnitz and Leipzig. These three have been established as the main regions of Saxony, further divided into 22 districts. However, the towns themselves are independent of regions and districts. There are four other free towns - Gorlitz, annexed by Saxony in 1945, Hoyerswerda, Plauen and Zwickau.

The Elbe River runs diagonally through Saxony's territory, dividing it in half and forming a magnificent natural gorge through the Elbsandsteingebirge Mountains in the process. Other rivers in this land are the Neisse and Mulde.

The state is inclusive of marvelous mountainous terrains on the south side. The Ore Mountains are in this area, ranging from the border with Bavaria to the Elbe watercourse. Saxony was settled even in ancient times. Excavations have produced prehistoric temple ruins, dating back to 5000 BC. This area was settled in 250-500 AD by the Saxon tribes, which had spread throughout Europe.

The first Saxon duchy was established seven centuries after Christ, in the northwest region of present-day Germany. Its dukes were also emperors of the Roman Empire. It reached its apogee under Henry the Lion, founder of Munich, but sadly suffered a downfall due to the Italian wars thereafter. Extensive Saxonian territories came under the rule of the bishops of Cologne, and the remaining parts were eventually divided into Saxony-Lauenburg and Saxony-Wittenberg. The latter was to comprise the primary part of Saxony in the future. Ruled by the Wettin dukes in 1423, it experienced another revival.

In the 1700s Saxony was widely known as a prosperous and strong state, finally acheiveing the status of kingdom in 1806. In the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars the north part of Saxony was relinquished to the Prussians. The geographical borders of the state at that time roughly corresponded to those of the present day. Germany experienced a number of rebellions and revolutions in the mid-1800s. Rebels were known to seek refuge here. One such person was the democrat Richard Wagner.

The state has marked significant economic progress in recent years, which is all the more commendable considering that it was a part of the communist Eastern Germany before 1990. It registered 2.1% economic growth last year. Saxony is not only a historically powerful and economically buoyant area, but also a popular holiday destination. There is a wide variety of attractions, monuments, and forms of entertainment for all tastes here. Saxonian Christmas traditions and folklore are perfectly unique, and an interesting aspect to explore.

An important tradition is the Illumination. It originated at the time when miners' families greeted the heads of house with lights in the windows when they were coming home after dark, helping them see the way. Shimmering lights grace almost all Saxonian houses this time of year. The beautiful decorations create a vibrant, festive holiday atmosphere. This tradition also served as the origin of the Advent Star.

The Christmas markets in Saxony are vibrant, exciting and definitely worth a visit. The oldest such market in Germany is the Dresden Striezel Market, dating back almost six centuries. It features delicious foods and drinks, souvenirs, decorations, and traditional wax pyramids. Many other fabulous items are on display at the stalls. Folklore is practically a way of life here. This is proven by the wide variety of arts and crafts found here, expressing the essence of deep-rooted cultural beliefs. The mountain areas provide a perfect setting for ski tourism, and indeed this niche has been developing very well. The Natural Reserve with its gorgeous landscapes, resorts, thick woods and undisturbed habitats is an important site to visit. There is a 36 km cross-country ski track in the rugged terrain here, which ranks as one of the best in all Germany.