#1 – Ride the Steam Train to Oybin

The narrow-gauge railway to Oybin is undoubtedly the main attraction for visitors in Zittau. Departing from its own station near the Zittau train station, this historic train winds through picturesque countryside to the spa town of Oybin, renowned for its stunning mountaintop castle ruins.

A full day excursion from Zittau to Oybin is highly recommended. I have a complete guide to visiting Oybin that includes train schedules, ticket purchasing, and tips for your arrival. This day trip was certainly a highlight of my experience in Saxony, so be sure to allocate time in your itinerary for this journey.

#2 – Visit the Pop Art Quarter

Another unique aspect of Zittau is its “Pop-Art-Viertel”, or Pop Art Quarter. This vibrant district of East German-style apartment buildings was reimagined by a Berlin artist into a colorful community for creatives.

Most of the renovations took place in 2010, featuring repainted buildings, artwork on facades, and large-scale public art installations in the streets and green spaces. Spend around fifteen to twenty minutes exploring this color-filled neighborhood, located just five minutes southwest of the Markt square.

🎨 If you enjoy the Pop Art Quarter, you’ll also love the Art Passage in Dresden.🎨

#3 – Zittau City Hall

The next attractions are located around the bustling Markt square. First up is the stunning Zittau Rathaus, or City Hall, which on a sunny day resembles something from Andalusia.

This is the fourth Town Hall built on this site, with the earliest dating back to the 1200s, while the current structure was completed in the 1840s. If you have a chance to go inside, don’t miss the beautiful stained-glass windows and the elegant hall adorned with gilded busts of important local figures.

#4 – The Mars Fountain

At the opposite end of the Markt, you’ll find the Mars Fountain (also known as Roland’s Fountain). Constructed in the 1500s by stonemason Mattias Zimmerman, this fountain showcases several symbols representing Zittau’s historical wealth.

At the top of the fountain, Mars, the Roman god of war and agriculture, oversees the square, protecting the town. This protection may have been effective, as Zittau was once known as “Die Reiche” (The Rich) during the Middle Ages.

#5 – Zittau’s Largest Wine Cellar

Zittau’s most intriguing wine shop and the largest wine cellar in town is owned by a Hungarian gentleman specializing in wines from his homeland.

Weinshop Borpince is accessible from the Markt by passing through the archway at House #13 (Fürstenherberge) and following signs to Baderstraße. The shop generally opens on Fridays and Saturdays; the wine-tasting room in the cellar typically welcomes visitors on Saturdays by appointment. Give them a call or send an email to inquire.

In the underground tasting room, you’ll find over 40 varieties of Hungarian wine available by glass for €2.50, along with tastings of palinka (a traditional Hungarian spirit). You may even arrange a complete Hungarian meal to accompany your wine tasting—just ask in advance!

#6 – Other Buildings on the Markt Square

Several other noteworthy buildings adorn the Markt, including:

• Noack’s House: Once the residence of a former merchant and tax collector, this is one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the historical center.
• The Old District Courts: This is the oldest Baroque building in Upper Lusatia. Once a family home, it later served as the town’s court, a prison, a bank, and eventually a government office.
• City Pharmacy: A pharmacy has operated on the ground floor of this historic family home since the 1500s, with articles from the historical pharmacy displayed in municipal museums.
• Tourist Information Office: While not particularly impressive, this is a good place to grab a city map and learn about local attractions, especially if you’re driving.

If you’re in the mood for a stay in a boutique hotel, consider the Hotel Sonne on Markt Square. This 18th-century Baroque building reopened in 2019 and is known for its rooftop terrace and stylish accommodations.

#7 – The Historic City Baths

The historic core of Zittau is encircled by a scenic three-kilometer park system known as The Green Ring, which roughly follows the old fortification walls and is inspired by 1800s English gardens.

Among the most important sites along the Green Ring is the Stadtbad, or public swimming pool, among Germany’s oldest, dating back to 1874.

Visitors may appreciate the sauna area featuring five heated saunas, a cold plunge pool, thematic showers, and relaxation zones, with prices starting at a very reasonable €13 for a two-hour visit. Note that while the sauna area is likely textile-free, the official (German-only) site doesn’t confirm this.

#8 – Saint John’s Church

The original church on this site was destroyed by Austrians during the Seven Years War, later rebuilt in the 1800s by one of Germany’s prominent architects. The interior is now bright and airy, featuring tall, narrow columns and large windows.

A visit to Saint John’s Church is not complete without climbing its sixty-meter viewing tower, offering a panoramic vista of the historic town center. The church is also renowned for its organ, a significant instrument from Germany’s interwar years.

During my visit, the church was supposed to be open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, there was a very clear note in German, Polish, Czech, and English stating they couldn’t guarantee those hours due to a lack of volunteers.

#9 – The Old Grammar School

Just behind Saint John’s Church stands the Old Grammar School of Zittau. While you can’t enter the building, visiting the courtyard allows you to imagine attending this school back in the late 1500s, when lessons were primarily taught in Latin and Greek—until a progressive headmaster changed the approach in the 1600s.

The quote on the school’s facade reads: “We can fulfill no greater and better task for the state than by educating the youth, especially in these times and under these circumstances, which have so corrupted them that they must be restrained and kept in check by all means.” While it sounds timely, it originates from Cicero, a Roman statesman who passed away around 40 BCE.

#10 – Neustadt Square

Saxony is home to many beautiful market squares, like those in nearby towns such as Gorlitz and Freiberg. Beyond the lively Markt square in Zittau, it’s worthwhile to stroll over to Neustadt square.

This side of the historic center features several fountains, including the Hercules fountain (shown above), the Samaritan fountain, and even one with a gaggle of geese. 🪿 Here you’ll also find the Salt House, one of Europe’s largest medieval storage facilities, where salt collected from passing merchants was stored.

I stayed at the Hotel Zittauer Hof on Neustadt Square. It offered a spacious room with views of the historic square and included a simple breakfast. If you prefer affordable accommodations in a great location, this is an excellent choice in Zittau.

#11 – The Zittau Municipal Museums

Zittau’s municipal museum is divided between two locations: the Museum Kirche zum Heiligen Kreuz and the Kulturhistorisches Museum Franziskanerkloste.

The first site houses Zittau’s celebrated Great Lenten Veil, the third-largest veil in existence. Measuring over eight meters by six meters, this 15th-century artifact is adorned with more than ninety biblical scenes. Legend has it that the display case holding it is the largest glass museum cabinet in the world, although that seems hard to believe.

The second museum features a broader collection of applied and decorative arts from Zittau and surrounding regions. It also hosts galleries displaying coins, military artifacts, and ethnographical pieces. However, be aware that most signage is in German, so Google Translate will be your friend here!

#12 – Dornspachhaus Historic Restaurant

This restaurant caught my eye due to its unique architecture; it’s the oldest residential building in Zittau, constructed in the early 1500s. Below the restaurant lies an 11th-century cellar still in use, perfect for group dinners.

If you’re seeking traditional local cuisine in a charming environment, the Dornspachhaus is a great option. They offer hearty dishes like goulash and pork schnitzel, along with vegetarian choices (I enjoyed a plate featuring baked cheese, potatoes, and a colorful salad). It tends to get busy, so consider making reservations in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Zittau?

The best time to visit Zittau is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are abundant.

How can I get to Zittau?

Zittau can be accessed by train from other major cities in Saxony, including Dresden, and is also reachable by car.

Are there accommodations available in Zittau?

Yes, Zittau offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and charming B&Bs in Historic buildings.

What should I not miss while visiting Zittau?

Be sure to ride the steam train to Oybin, explore the Pop Art Quarter, and visit the historical city hall and museums.