Zwönitz in the wooden Ore Mountains might not be your first pick in choosing a place to stay in Germany. However, the town has been welcoming visitors for centuries; including many medieval travelers making their way on the old Salt Route or coming from places like the Czech Republic (which isn’t too far away).
They stayed at what was once the only hotel in town, the Hotel Roß, that’s been welcoming weary travelers since 1537. Hotel Roß has been updated with the most modern conveniences but it still has its original framework construction (making it an area attraction). It’s the oldest hotel in all of Saxony and a place where you can sit back and enjoy a drink in its cobblestoned beer garden.
Right outside the hotel’s front door is another of Zwönitz’s attractions, a granite post office mile marker that was put here in 1727.
Another interesting attraction is a stone baking oven from 1585 that still works. So does the town’s paper mill from 1568 (now a museum of sorts) that’s one of the oldest mills of its type still functioning. Medieval German engineering was sure built to last!
The town’s Trinitatiskirche might not be a medieval creation (built in a Baroque style), but again, German engineering has kept it standing since the 18th century.
Most of Zwönitz’s history can be learned at the local history museum and the town’s Austel Mansion is overflowing with artwork, coins, stamps, and other collectibles.
You’d think a town this small wouldn’t have too many cultural activities (being only about a half hour southwest of Chemnitz), you’d think you might have to go to a big city — but, that’s not the case! Zwönitz has many musical, theater, and film performances throughout the year.
Can’t forget about the town’s Hallenbad, either. For only about 2.50 Euro, you can enjoy a day swimming in the indoor pool or relaxing tired muscles in its sauna.
So, Zwönitz might not be your first choice for a German destination, but with a town this charming and historic — it deserves to at least be on your top ten list of supplemental places to consider.
