Easter in Saxony

Now that winter is over, Easter is just around the corner. Saxony has something to offer for everyone during this holiday for the whole family, be it a trip to its idyllic forests, regional delicacies or traditional customs. 

Have you ever spent your Easter Sunday with tigers, meerkats and giraffes? You could also have your Easter egg hunt at the legendary Königstein Castle. Or maybe you want to spend the long weekend in one of Saxony’s lush forests? No matter which trip you pick, your Easter holidays in Saxony will not be boring! There is a wide variety of activities that you can partake in, from Easter Markets in Leipzig and Bautzen to special events held in Saxony’s many beautiful castles.  

Burgk Castle for example offers a medieval spectacle, while the Easter Bunny is paying a special visit to Moritzburg Castle. The zoos in Dresden and Leipzig also offer many different activities that the whole family can partake in together. 

Saxon Easter customs are as diverse as the state itself. There are Easter Fires, bonfires lit the night before Easter Sunday, the ceremonial collection of Easter Water or even a special tradition in the city of Bautzen where kids get to roll toy Easter eggs down a steep hill to win special prizes. Of course, there are also the lovingly decorated Sorbian Easter eggs that you should see while you spend the Holidays in Saxony.

There is another important Sorbian custom: the traditional Easter Rides that are unique to the Lusatia region. During this ride through the neighbouring villages, the parish’s men announce the good word that Jesus has risen from the dead. 

Of course, food is an important part of any culture. The Saxon people eat lamb, rabbit or vegetarian dishes at Easter. The most important part of the meal is that the whole family comes together. For the traditional tea time (called Kaffee here) you might find a Saxon »Eierschecke« (a regional cake) next to the more traditional Easter bun.