Goerlitz
Introduction
You will find yourself in the easternmost town of Germany, situated along the river Lusatian Neisse. Located in Saxony, this town serves as the seat of the Görlitz district and sits directly opposite the Polish town of Zgorzelec.
As you explore the area, you can experience the unique character of the Euro City of Görlitz/Zgorzelec. This cross-border connection links the two towns that were once a single entity before 1945.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by noting the unique geography and history of this region. Located in historic Lower Silesia and Upper Lusatia, the town sits along major rail and autobahn routes connecting Dresden to Wrocław. You can experience a sense of cross-border connection as the twin city of Zgorzelec is just a short walk across the Neisse River.
You may find interest in the local cinematic history, as the town has served as a frequent filming location for movies set before and during World War II. Additionally, you can note that because the 15th meridian east passes through the town, much of Europe operates on what could be described as "Görlitz time."
Getting there
You can reach Görlitz by train from several nearby hubs, including Dresden, where regional trains run frequently. Other rail connections are available from Cottbus, which connects to Berlin, and from the Polish twin city of Zgorzelec, which offers links to Wrocław. A regional line also connects Görlitz to Zittau at the Czech-Polish-German border, occasionally providing a connection to Liberec in the Czech Republic.
If you prefer to travel by car, the city is situated on the European Route E40 (motorway A4), which provides access from Cologne via Chemnitz and Dresden, continuing toward Wrocław and Katowice. Alternatively, you can reach the city from the north via federal highway B115 from Cottbus; however, be mindful that this route passes through many small villages.
Getting around
You will likely spend most of your time in the old town and city centre, areas that are compact enough to navigate easily on foot. For reaching the outlying suburbs, you can utilize a local bus network; tickets purchased for the tram system are also valid for use on these buses.
Two tram lines connect the city centre with the surrounding suburbs. While the tram does not cross the Neiße, it provides access to areas further out. You must validate your ticket immediately upon boarding either a tram or a bus. Your travel is also covered by various regional transport network tickets and regional trains that serve the local fare zone.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences and budgets. For those seeking a unique atmosphere, you can stay at a cultural center and hostel located on the premises of a former cold storage facility. This site features rooms set within old garages and modern container buildings for amenities, alongside an outdoor bar and a small store for essentials.
- For mid-range options, you can find lodging at Dreibeiniger Hund.
- If you prefer a more upscale experience, you can stay at Parkhotel Görlitz Superior or Romantik Hotel Tuchmacher.
Food & drink
You can find several nice restaurants within the Old Town where you can sample local Saxon or Silesian cuisine. These traditional dishes typically feature meat, gravy, and potatoes. For a unique regional specialty, try the "Silesian Kingdom of Heaven," which consists of pork cooked in plum gravy.
The region boasts a long brewing tradition, with local options such as pilsner from the Landskron Brauerei or seasonal varieties like Maibock. You can also sample dark beer, which is characterized by its use of roasted malt to create a deep color and distinct taste. Other notable regional styles include Radeberger and Freiberger.
What to see and do
Explore a remarkably preserved cityscape where medieval, baroque, and renaissance architecture defines the old town. You can wander through a belt of 19th-century tenements and villas that stretch across the Neiße river into Poland. Because many buildings survived the war and were later renovated, you will find yourself in a unique heritage site filled with listed structures. The area is so well-preserved that it serves as a filming location for movies set in pre-1945 Germany, earning the town the nickname "Görliwood."
During your visit, you can experience the following:
- Admire the Gothic architecture of St. Peter and Paul Church or visit the Schönhof, one of the oldest civic renaissance buildings in Germany, which now houses a museum of Silesian history.
- Walk along the banks of the Neiße river to enjoy views of historic buildings and nature, or cross the pedestrian footbridge into Poland for a different perspective of the old town.
- Hike up the Landeskrone Mountain for an afternoon stroll above the city level.
- Visit Lake Berzdorf on the southern edge of town, formed from a former open-pit coal mine.
- Locate landmarks such as the 15th meridian marker, the Rathaustreppe, and the Sonnenorgel.
Three days in Goerlitz
Day one, you can explore the historic atmosphere of Görlitz and cross the Neisse River to experience the charm of Zgorzelec. This area serves as a unique cultural bridge between Germany and Poland.
Day two, you can travel through Upper Lusatia or toward neighboring regions like Lower Silesia. You might also consider exploring nearby destinations such as Dresden or Cottbus.
Day three, you can venture further along the European Route to see cities like Berlin, Zittau, or Chemnitz, while experiencing the diverse landscapes of Saxony and the surrounding territories.