Altenburg

Altenburg, Germany

If you fancy a hand of cards, Altenburg is the place for you: playing cards has been practised here for over 500 years, and the national card game ’skat’ was first played here. The town has a history of 1000 years, and boasts an impressive castle set on a rocky outcrop. Buy collapsible top hats on Rossplan Square, and baptise your cards at the Skat fountain: it brings good luck!

Population:

38,200

Currency:

1€ = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

112

Opening Hours:

Normal opening hours are 8h30-18h weekdays and 8h30-13h on Saturdays.

Newspapers:

Die Zeit
Leipziger Volkszeitung

The City

Altenburg is also a town of seven towers, four of which are open to the public and provide excellent views towards Leipzig. The town is known for its cultural programme with over 400 events every year. The former Royal Theatre provides a selection of events from puppets to ballet whilst the castle often hosts music festivals and organ recitals. Altenburg is still a hidden gem of architecture and art. A most astounding variety of buildings from over 1000 years of history compose the lovely old town. The "Rote Spitzen" abbey was founded by Germany’s favourite Emperor Barbarossa in 1182 and built by Italian monks as the first brick towers in Germany. Martin Luther preached in the St. Bartholomew church and Bach played the precious baroque organ in the castle church.

The town has Thuringia’s largest tennis centre, zoo and lake. Shopping and sightseeing are both popular, and in the evening there is nothing better than stopping for a beer and have something to eat at one of the many inns in town.

Known for its charm and character, the town is very popular with younger and older travellers. Strolling through the old town with its many places and parks is a perfect way of passing a morning or afternoon.

Do & See

Altenburg is rich in sights and history. Here you can stroll around and look at towers, castle, parks and old buildings. The city also offers many interesting museums and those who are interesting in beer there is Altenburg Brewery and Museum.

Dining

Mingle with the locals and learn about the many local festivals to enjoy some regional fare. German food is always wholesome and there are always plenty of takeaway stalls in the town. Pork is a popular meat and so is chicken, and Sauerkraut with bratwurst is a must try. The local specialities include goat cheese, “Mutzbraten” roasted pork chops with a dark coat of herbs, “Rostbrätel” a pork steak with onion sauce and minced potatoes, and “Bierfleisch” is pork chops sautéed with dark beer.

Cafes

Take your time to find the true gems in the city: they will take you back to the old times of Germany.