Annaberg-Buchholz is a mountain town in Saxony. It was once divided into two separate towns and began as a silver mining settlement. As the mining industry declined, lace-making became the principal manufacturing industry in the mid-16th century. The town started to grow when uranium mining commenced after World War II, but there are still technical schools for lace-making in the city today.
Head to the Ore Mountain Museum to see folk art and pewter vessel displays. It is one of a number of museums in the city and was originally housed in the Town Hall. After significant donations from townsfolk, the museum expanded rapidly and was eventually moved to its current location next to St. Anne’s Church.
While you are there, take a look around St. Anne’s, which is a unique church hall influenced by Gothic and Renaissance styles. The church is considered an iconic symbol of the town and is the largest church of its kind in Saxony. It is an important example of Late Gothic architecture and has been restored to its original state.
On the outskirts of the city, you will find the Frohnauer Hammer, which is a technical museum. Learn about the industrial development of the Ore Mountains and see forged items and the historic hammer mill. It was originally a corn mill in the 15th century, but went through a number of changes, including being a mint and an oil mill, before becoming a museum.
The largest folk festival in the region, Annaberger Kät, is held in the city after Pentecost each year and includes a number of shows and rides. If you are visiting in summer, you might be there for the Abbey Festival, which takes place every second year in the ruins of Annaberg Abbey.
The city is located in eastern Germany, close to the Czech border. It is accessible by train, and buses run from the train station into downtown Annaberg-Buchholz.
