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Landkreis Görlitz – A Hidden Gem in Eastern Germany

Landkreis Görlitz (District of Görlitz) is located in the easternmost corner of Germany along the Polish border and is an absolute hidden gem. Steeped in cross-border cultural synthesis and blessed with dramatic natural landscapes, it is a region where the past feels beautifully alive.

??? History

Landkreis Görlitz boasts a multi-layered history, deeply influenced by its location in Upper Lusatia and its close proximity to Poland and the Czech Republic. In the Middle Ages, the city of Görlitz became incredibly wealthy as an important trading center along the Via Regia, the vital historical trade route that connected Western and Eastern Europe. The area flourished under the Lusatian League – an alliance of six cities that protected regional trade.

While much of Europe was devastated during World War II, Görlitz’s architectural heart remained completely untouched. After 1945, the Oder-Neisse line divided the capital, creating Görlitz on the German side and Zgorzelec on the Polish side. Today, they function as a unified European city, symbolizing peace and cross-border cooperation.

The region’s impeccably preserved historic buildings have even caught the attention of Hollywood, earning the city the nickname “Görliwood” for hosting film sets such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglourious Basterds and The Book Thief.

Description

Imagine a destination where fairytale architecture meets modern leisure. The Görlitz district offers a picturesque mosaic of medieval towns, rolling romantic hills and expanses of sparkling blue lakes.

Charming city stays

You can book an elegant apartment in the old town set in centuries-old Baroque or Renaissance facades, so you can wake up just steps from cobbled market squares and bustling cafés.

Rural stays

For a more peaceful retreat, the surrounding countryside is dotted with beautifully restored historic villas and cozy half-timbered houses, known locally as Umgebindehäuser.

Lakeside luxury

Looking for modern comfort? You’ll find first-class vacation apartments and modern lakeside villas right on the shores of Lake Berzdorf, offering private terraces and panoramic water views.

Whether you choose a rustic vacation rental tucked away in the mountains or a grand villa overlooking the Neisse River, the district feels less like a typical tourist trap and more like a scenic home away from home.

Typical dishes

The regional cuisine is a hearty and comforting fusion of Saxon, Silesian, Sorbian and Polish traditions.

Teichelmauke

The quintessential Oberlausitzer comfort food. The dish consists of a mound of creamy mashed potatoes shaped into a “pond” (Teichel), filled with rich gravy or broth and served with tender boiled beef and sauerkraut.

Schlesisches Himmelreich

“Silesian Heaven Kingdom” is a unique sweet and savory dish consisting of smoked pork neck simmered with dried fruits such as prunes and apricots, served with fluffy potato dumplings.

Mohnklöße & Mohnstriezel

The region is known for its love of poppy seeds. Mohnklöße are sweet poppy seed dumplings served with sugar and cinnamon, while Mohnstriezel is a decadent poppy strudel.

Landskron Beer

Brewed in Görlitz at the historic Landskron Brau-Manufaktur, this traditional beer is the perfect accompaniment to local specialties.

Activities

From historical exploration to outdoor sports, there’s no shortage of things to do.

City and architecture walks

Take guided tours through the historic streets and discover famous film locations as well as architectural gems like the Schönhof – the oldest Renaissance merchant’s house in Germany.

Cross-border cycling

Hop on a bike and explore the famous Oder-Neisse cycle path, which follows the river border between Germany and Poland.

Water sports at Berzdorfer See

Rent a boat, paddle board or take a boat trip on the former open-cast mine, which is now a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.

Nostalgic narrow-gauge railway

The historic Zittau narrow-gauge steam railway takes you through the forests and up into the mountains on an authentic journey back in time.

Festivals

The district comes alive all year round with vibrant and culturally rich events.

ViaThea Street Theatre Festival

Every August, Görlitz and Zgorzelec are transformed into huge outdoor stages filled with international actors, artists and acrobats.

Altstadtfest / Old Town Festival

A large medieval festival with live music, historical crafts, traditional costumes and plenty of local food and drink.

Silesian Tippelmarkt

A popular ceramics market where artists from all over Europe exhibit their handmade works in the historic old town.

Silesian Christmas Market

The Schlesischer Christkindelmarkt transforms the city into a winter wonderland with the scent of gingerbread, mulled wine and traditional artcrafts.

Nature

Nature lovers will find unique and breathtaking landscapes in every direction.

Zittau Mountains

This small nature park is famous for its bizarre sandstone formations, dense forests and excellent hiking trails.

Kromlau Park and Rakotzbrücke

The English landscape park is world famous for the Rakotzbrücke, also known as the Devil's Bridge, which forms a perfect circle in the reflection of the water.

The Lusatian Lake District

A spectacular example of ecological restoration, where former mining areas have been transformed into peaceful nature reserves and recreational lakes perfect for birdwatching and relaxation.

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