Torgau - history full of life

Torgau is idyllically situated on the River Elbe just 50 km north-east of Leipzig and around 100 km from Berlin and Dresden, and looks back on over 1000 years of history. The Renaissance, Reformation, fortress construction and the historic encounter between the Allies on the Elbe in April 1945 have all left their mark here.

As the Electoral Saxon residence and state capital, Torgau was the political center of the Reformation and experienced a heyday in the 16th century that still characterizes the image of the old town today. Hartenfels Castle with its bear pit, large spiral stone and rose garden, museums and even a museum trail along selected, historically valuable buildings, exhibitions, young art and high-quality events - Torgau combines history and the present in a unique way, making the town a destination for guests interested in culture and history.

This year, the city on the Elbe is celebrating its 1050th anniversary, making 2023 a jubilee and celebration year. The first mention of Torgau dates back to June 5, 973. Various events are planned throughout the year in this historical context. There will also be a week of festivities from September 18 to 24, which will be the highlight of the town's anniversary and will take place together with "Torgau shines", i.e. on the occasion of Luther's church consecration, which commemorates the consecration of the castle chapel by Martin Luther in 1544. The now traditional and legendary light art is dedicated to the history of Torgau and dares to take an interesting and impressive look back. There will of course be a parade and a princely wedding will take place in the castle courtyard.

With the densely wooded areas of the Dübener and Dahlener Heide, the Elbe cycle path, regional, well-developed cycle and hiking trails, the main Saxon stud farm in Graditz, the castles and manor houses of Eastern Elbe, there are numerous excursion destinations and opportunities for sporting activities right on the doorstep of the Elbe city.

The youth hostel, which opened in summer 2020 right next to Hartenfels Castle, the play and climbing landscapes created on the former site of the State Garden Show, the observation tower on the Elbe and the Torgau Ark with its petting zoo make a visit to Torgau an experience for families too.

In the summer months, open-air events round off the tourist offer. These include enjoyable evening markets with regional traders and direct marketers on the historic market square, a town beach in July and the International Saxon Singing Academy at Hartenfels Castle in Torgau. Students from international universities and young singers meet here to rehearse, make music and demonstrate their skills in daily concerts under the guidance of renowned lecturers. The cultural summer, garden and cellar nights and a night of churches and museums are among the cultural highlights.

In addition to the public city tours that take place from May to September, special themed tours are also offered, e.g. with the Lutheran Katharina von Bora, the night watchman, the little miller or the baker's wife Sophie. There are also tours through mysterious gardens, in the footsteps of Lucas Cranach or to the court jesters.