Over the years I haven’t heard too many people say: I want to vacation in Saxony. That’s too bad, because if all you do is visit Germany’s bigger cities, you’re missing out on way too much. And a good central location to see some of the best parts of the state would be the town of Callenberg, right in the heart of the Zwickau Region.
These days Callenberg is most famous for being close to the Sachsenring, where every year they hold a motorcycle Grand Prix. Which, conveniently enough, is close to the Motor Racing Museum in nearby Hohenstein-Ernstthal.
However, I’m here to tell you there’s more to this small town…
One of Callenberg’s other famous places is the Oberwald, a 16-acre lake that has a 64-foot waterslide; a super-fun toboggan track in the summer; many camping sites; an outdoor theater; and a nudist beach. Ok, this last one is optional, but I’d say the rest of it is mandatory for a good time. ;-)
From a more historical visit, it would be off to the 450 year old mill in Langenchursdorf (one of Callenberg’s seven villages).
Or, you could wander out into the Saxon countryside to see the 14th century pottery at the Waldenburg, which also offers workshops and guided tours of the castle. Don’t let its Classical architecture fool you, the original castle dates back to the 1100s.
It is, however, the nearby Hinterglauchau Castle and Forderglauchau Castle (over in Glauchau) that are the show-stoppers. Housed within these medieval walls are exquisite art collections, a library, and a Local History Museum. Not exactly what the nobility had in mind when they built them, huh?
Just the thought of being stuck in a medieval prison will make you appreciate the great outdoors. So, no time like the present to ramble along any one of the six marked hiking and cycling routes. You’ve got your choice to pass along idyllic country lanes, along ponds, or seek out some rare plants and animals.
No wonder Callenberg is the heart of the Zwickau Region — and it’s a wonder why more people don’t come to visit.
