Brand-Erbisdorf was once a hustling silver mining town. It’s location close to the Czech border hasn’t changed over the years and can be reached by air, bus, rail, or car; and only a few minutes hop from great Freiberg.
Silver mining was quite central to the town’s economy since the 16th century; ceasing only in 1913. After the mining of all that silver stopped was when all the werewolves moved in. ;-)
I’m just kidding, no werewolves live in Brand-Erbisdorf or her six surrounding villages; only about 11,000 human residents.
There are mining exhibits over at the Museum Huthaus Einigkeit, as well as art designed by the miners from stones found in the pits. The museum is only open Tuesday to Sunday, so plan accordingly.
Created from one of the mining pits is the Erzengler Teich. This huge artificial lake, that’s open mid-May to mid-September, has everything you could ask for a day of fun. There’s a diving board, a water slide, a beach volleyball court, table tennis, a playground, and even paddleboats. Clean changing rooms are the icing on the cake.
Only things remaining to see around town are the Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1624 and the Buttermilk Gate from 1821.
Speaking of buttermilk, that reminds me of a local specialty of Saxony, Buttermilchgetzen are delicious buttermilk potato pancakes. For dessert, try the Eierschecki which is a three layer cake made with Quark (a kind of cheese curd), sugar, milk, and the last layer is a sweet dough.
Most local dishes can be tried during Brand-Erbisdorf’s Autumn Celebration that’s held annually at the end of September. But, with all the farm land that surrounds the town, you’re sure to get your hands on the absolute freshest produce just about any season.
Remember to come to Brand-Erbisdorf when you’re in the eastern part of Germany. Even if all you do is spend it hanging around that posh Erzengler Pond. :-)
