Cultured: Freital

Deuben, Döhlen, Potschappel and Zauckerode – four small towns that came together to form the municipality now known as Freital and shaped Saxony hard coal mining and steel industries in the process. From the 16th century onwards, they are what underpinned industry, not only in the region but throughout Dresden itself until the early 20th century. Learn about Freital’s industrial history in the Tagesstrecke Oberes Revier Burgk heritage mine, or tap into tons of family fun at Discoveryland at Oskarshausen. There is art to admire in Burgk Castle, from the brushes of Otto Dix, Willy Kriegel and Curt Querner. Our recommendation: Hike through Rabenauer Grund then train it back home on the longest-serving narrow-gauge railway, the Weisseritztalbahn.