Have you ever climbed a volcano? The Landeskrone not only offers breathtaking views of Görlitz and the picturesque surroundings, but also holds a fascinating secret: the formation of the Landeskrone is of volcanic origin. Once rising from the depths of the earth, the Landeskrone is now a green paradise for exploring and relaxing. Rising almost 420 meters above sea level, Görlitz's local mountain is a landmark visible from afar in the district of Biesnitz. For families who like to be active, there are numerous opportunities to explore the Landeskrone. Whether on foot or by bike, the trails are suitable for all levels of difficulty and offer a wonderful opportunity to spend time together in the fresh air. Picnic areas along the route invite you to linger, so you can fortify yourself while your gaze wanders into the distance. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Schneekoppe in Poland or the Jeschken in Liberec. At the top of the Landeskrone, you can treat yourself to an ice cream at the kiosk or climb the observation tower to enjoy great views of the city.

The entrance gate to the Ochsenzwinger is marked by the remains of the once mighty Ochsenbastei. This estimated a secondary exit from the city and consisted of two interconnected bastions, through which a gate allowed the passage and especially the cattle drive from the pastures (now the city park) and to the slaughterhouse located outside the city at the mouth of the Lunitz. In 1834, the bastion facing the Neisse River and the gate were demolished for traffic reasons.Today, the tower is a meeting place for the Interessengemeinschaft Denkmalpflege e.V. The garden opens after the staircase with the fountain terrace. This part of the Ochsenzwinger was created as a garden in baroque design between 1962 and 1963 according to the plans of the then garden director Henry Kraft and with the gratuitous help of the citizens of Görlitz within the framework of the National Reconstruction Program. The restoration, which was in keeping with the preservation order, was completed in 1999. Six fountain basins stand between the inner and outer city wall and form the creative center of the complex with inserted ornamental beds. The ornaments on the beds result from the planting of edelgamander and boxwood. The fountain terrace of the Ochsenzwinger is the only green space in Görlitz that was modeled on the Baroque style. From the adjacent square to the south and somewhat higher, one looks back over the fountain terrace to St. Peter's Church. A narrow staircase leads to the upper terrace. The open space, created in the 1960s, underwent a deliberate contemporary redesign in 2000. Spatially framed by a pergola along the south, east and north sides, the visitor is first offered a view of the magnificent courtyard facades of Kränzelstraße. An olive willow grows in the lowered area; together with the perennial bed surrounding it and the small lemon trees and decorative lilies that have been set up, it is intended to convey a southern flair. The design of the upper terrace was honored by the Association of German Landscape Architects in May 2001.The landscaped southern part of the garden adjoins the fountain terrace. Here, various woody plants and perennials alternate with lawns and seating areas. The striking columnar oaks and yews date from Henry Kraft's time. Towards the east, a view opens up to the striking facade of the Jacob Böhme House on the Polish bank. A few steps away is another fortified tower, the Swedish Ensign. Its name commemorates the Swedish Ensign Löst, who in 1641 unsuccessfully defended a neighboring tower, which was destroyed, against the imperial troops. Further on, you get to the exit Bergstraße, and via Jakob-Böhme Straße back to the city center.

The Görlitz administrative reports show that in 1858 the "extension of the facilities on the slope of the Obermühlberg above the Neisse viaduct" took place. The viaduct had been built in the years 1844 to 1847 with material from the quarry of the nearby Limasberg (Königshain/Liebstein), the blockhouse in 1855. It was supposed to serve military purposes at the bridgehead of the viaduct, but proved unsuitable for this purpose. Time had overtaken it. So it soon became an excursion restaurant for the people of Görlitz and their guests. The name "Friedenshöhe" for the lookout point in front of the blockhouse commemorates the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, in which Prince Friedrich Karl, nephew of the later Emperor Wilhelm I, took part as commander, as well as in the German-German War that ended in 1866. It was not until 1891 that the monument to Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia was erected on the plateau on the Neisse side in front of the building. Like many bronze monuments, it was sacrificed in 1942 to the armaments industry for the Second World War. The sculpture is said to have been the only monument to this commander in all of Germany. Its creator was Franz Ochs (1852 - 1903), who was also involved in the realization of the design of the "Mussel Minna" by Toberentz in 1886/87. In the following years, information about redesigns and improvements of the lots at the blockhouse, the square and the plants at the blockhouse appear again and again, the last time in 1940. We have no knowledge of plans. In 1952, the Görlitz garden director Henry Kraft designed the redesign of the Friedenshöhe, now the part of the grounds just southeast of the blockhouse: on the northwest side, above the railroad tracks, a pergola invites visitors to linger; in front of it are beds with perennials and summer flowers. In the mid-fifties of the 20th century, the three approximately life-size cast stone figure groups of the Bautzen artist Rudolf Enderlein (1908 - 1985) were installed there: girl with tomcat, boy with cat, boy with dachshund. Around a large meadow sparsely covered with copses, paths lead in a gentle curve in the direction of the Neisse River and connect to the vineyards. A revision and addition to the Friedenshöhe took place in 1965, but there were no fundamental changes compared to the situation in 1952. The current state is the result of a repair, which took place in 2003.

The Gorlitz Holy Sepulchre, built at the end of the fifteenth century, is considered the closest to the Jerusalem original of all European Holy Sepulchre complexes of the Middle Ages. It includes the Crucifixion Chapel, the Anointing House with the Pietà, and the tomb. Written testimonies and copperplate engravings show that since the middle of the 16th century the Jerusalem conditions were symbolically transferred to the landscape around the Gorlitz Holy Sepulchre: The little water Lunitz became the "brook Kidron"; at the foot of the slope facing the Holy Sepulchre there was the "Disciples' Meadow", and halfway up this bare hill, called the "Mount of Olives", stood the "Olive Tree", today a maple about 150 years old. The "Ölberggarten" was created between 1923 and 1928 according to a design by the then garden director Heinrich Diekmann as a multifunctional orchard.

The Bismarck Tower, a truly imposing structure, was built in honor of the famous German politician. Built from robust stone, it rises majestically above the town and offers an impressive view of the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by green meadows and picturesque nature, the Bismarck Tower is a popular excursion destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Immerse yourself in crystal clear water, surrounded by fine sandy beaches and the living history of a former open-cast lignite mine - that's what a day at Lake Berzdorf offers you. Experience the variety of water sports, discover natural paths by bike or on foot and enjoy culinary delights right on the shore. A harmonious symbiosis of nature experience and relaxation, paired with a touch of adventure.

The breathtaking view on the banks of the Neisse brings back the history and beauty of times gone by. There are plenty of medieval buildings, half-timbered houses and the impressive town wall to discover. With a picturesque backdrop of flowers, water features and sunbathing lawns, this place also offers relaxation and a great view across the Neisse to Poland. The surrounding nature is also home to a variety of rare bird species that live in a nearby bird sanctuary. Enjoy the uniqueness and charm of this historic panorama.

Every Sunday at 12 noon, the Sun Organ unfolds its unique sound, surrounded by ornate paintings, sculptures and frescoes. This 18th-century organ, which can even imitate animal voices, forms the heart of St. Peter's Basilica. Their pipes, arranged in a radial pattern, offer an acoustic experience that is enhanced by the impressive architecture of the largest late Gothic hall church in Saxony.

As you climb through dense deciduous forests, past historic ruins, you will be greeted by spectacular views from the extinct volcano. The panorama stretches far over Görlitz and the Neisse Valley to the mountain ranges on the horizon. The diverse flora and fauna of the nature reserve, coupled with the opportunity to protect rare bat species, makes each hike unique.

Explore over 6.5 million objects from zoology, botany, and geology and immerse yourself in the world of science. From lifelike dioramas of Upper Lusatian nature to exotic creatures in the live animal sector, this museum offers you unique insights into the diversity of our planet and the history of natural research.

Catch the perfect moment when the crescent-shaped bridge of basalt and field stones in the waters of Lake Rakotz combines its reflection into a perfect circle, a magical spectacle of nature and human architecture that transports you to another world.

In the second half of the 19th century, an economic upswing also began in Görlitz, which led to the expansion of many medium-sized companies. The existing production facilities no longer met the requirements, and new ones had to be built. There was space for this to the south of the Görlitz - Dresden railroad line. Tenement houses for the workers were built in addition to the new factories, as well as housing for more upscale requirements. The Südstadt, an important city district, was created. In 1913, the garden director Heinrich Diekmann presented the project and model of the "Südpark" (South Park) and urged quick decisions, as he hoped that the park would enable faster marketing of the designated villa plots. Already in 1914 the earthworks could begin with emergency workers. In 1916, when the Lutheran Kreuzkirche was consecrated, the park was essentially completed. At the foot of the slope, which slopes to the southeast, a children's paddling pool was built; the paddling pool was renewed for the last time in 1936, remains of which can still be found on today's lawn playground, the old sunbathing lawn.Across the large, extensively cultivated meager slope meadow, there is a beautiful view of the Landeskrone and a recreational facility with a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. The part of the park on the left as seen from above is densely covered with shade-giving woods, a playground for smaller children and many seating areas are sheltered there, especially in the summer heat. In winter, the children of Südstadt enjoy using the open space of the park as a sledding hill.

Where once the Turisedian people romped around, exciting adventures await you today in near-natural tree houses. Children's hearts beat faster when romping through the spacious grounds, watching the animals or at the crazy events. For adults there is wellness in the Faulenzum. A paradise for the whole family that blurs the boundaries between history, play and relaxation.