Grimma is a large county town in the state of Saxony in Germany. Often referred to as Saxony's most picturesque riverside town, Grimma offers a stunning architectural ensemble of Gothic and Renaissance buildings nestled along the sweeping curves of the Mulde river. It serves as a perfect escape for travelers seeking a mix of deep-rooted German history, romantic castle views, and active outdoor exploration in the lush Muldental valley.
Understand
[edit]Grimma is often called the "Pearl of the Mulde Valley" (Perle des Muldentals). Situated in the scenic state of Saxony, about 25 km southeast of Leipzig and 16 km south of Wurzen, it boasts one of Germany's most beautiful and best-preserved historic old towns. Despite being a victim of two major "century floods" (2002 and 2013), the town has been meticulously restored. It is historically significant as a residence of the of the Wettin dynasty and for its prestigious "Prince's School" (St. Augustin).
Get in
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By train
[edit]- 1 Grimma Oberer Bahnhof, Bahnhofstraße 2, 04668 Grimma. Just over half an hour by regional train (RB110) from Leipzig. Trains run every hour.
By horseless carriage
[edit]Grimma has an exit on the A14 motorway (Leipzig–Dresden).
Get around
[edit]See
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- 1 Rathaus Grimma, Markt. Renaissance style town hall dating from 1442
- 2 Gymnasium St. Augustin, Klosterstraße 1. School founded in 1550 attached to the Klosterkirche St. Augustin
- 3 Nimbschen abbey (3 km south of the town core). Ruins of a medieval Cistercian convent. Its most famous nun was Katharina von Bora who, together with eight of her sisters, fled from the place in 1523 and later married the Protestant reformer Martin Luther.
- 4 Pöppelmannbrücke. Baroque stone bridge across the Mulde river, built in 1719, designed by Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann, court architect to Augustus the Strong.
- 5 Mutzschen castle (14 km east of the town core).
Do
[edit]- 1 Geopark Porphyrland (Leipziger Str. 17a), ☏ +49 3437 707361.
- 2 Muldenschifffahrt Grimma–Höfgen (Mulde River Cruises), Anleger Hängebrücke, 04668 Grimma (Main pier at the suspension bridge (Hängebrücke).), ☏ +49 3437 915158, [email protected]. Seasonal (Apr–Oct): Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 (departure every hour). Take a scenic boat trip on the MS "Grimma" or the ferry boat. It connects the historic town center with the Nimbschen abbey ruins and the "Village of the Senses," Höfgen. Great views of the Gattersburg and the school St. Augustin from the water. Adults approx. €8.00 return trip.
Buy
[edit]- Local Pottery: The region is famous for its Porphyry stone (red volcanic rock). Look for small crafts or jewelry made from this unique material.
Eat
[edit]- Glashaus Pizzeria, Bahnhofstraße 5, 04668, ☏ +49 3437 7083167. Pizza restaurant.
- 1 Ratskeller Grimma, Markt 27.
- 2 Hotel zur Schiffsmühle, Zur Schiffsmühle 2, 04668 Grimma (Höfgen) (3 km south of the town center, reachable by boat or river path.), ☏ +49 3437 76020, [email protected]. Daily 11:00–22:00. A must-visit destination for traditional Saxon food and their famous "Schiffsmühlen-Brot" (bread). Located right by a technical monument water mill at the river bank.
- 3 Café am Markt, Markt 11, 04668 Grimma (Directly at the market square.), ☏ +49 3437 919696. Tu–Su 08:00–18:00. Perfect for coffee and "Eierschecke" (a typical Saxon cake) while watching the hustle and bustle on the historic Market Square.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Romantisches Hotel Schloss Gattersburg, Colditzer Str. 3,.
Connect
[edit]- Tourist Information: Located at Markt 23. They offer maps for hiking and cycling.
Go next
[edit]- Colditz (15 km south; half hour by bus 619) – the 1000-year old castle was used as a prisoners-of-war camp during World War II.
- Wurzen (18 km north; half hour by bus 693)
- 6 Hubertusburg (22 km northeast; 40 min by bus 630) – Baroque hunting château in Wermsdorf
- Borna (23 km southwest)
- Rochlitz (25 km south) – medieval castle
- Leipzig (30 km northwest; half hour by train)
- Döbeln (40 km southeast; 35 min by train) – beautiful renovated old town core
- Riesa (50 km east)
