Advent in the Ore Mountains Winter wonderland at Fichtelberg & Striezelmarkt in Dresden
During Advent, the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) are transformed into a fairytale Christmas land. Experience the wintry landscape on a journey aboard the Fichtelberg Railway and discover the traditions of the region. Neukirchen is an ideal base for an excursion to Dresden and its famous Striezelmarkt. The Lichtelfest in Schneeberg brings together mining heritage, tradition and local customs. Year after year, the Lichtelfest casts its spell over thousands of guests and visitors from near and far.
Dates and prices
- 2026
| 04.12. - 08.12.2026 | Fr. - Di. | from CHF 685.- |
Day 1: Switzerland - Neukirchen
Journey via Nuremberg to Neukirchen and the Hotel Schloss Schweinsburg.
Day 2: Excursion to Dresden
(Optional excursion) Drive to Dresden.
Our knowledgeable local guide will proudly show you the sights of the city. In the morning, you will see, among other things, the Brühl Terrace, the Procession of Princes, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Zwinger, the Hofkirche and the Semperoper. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll through the Striezelmarkt. Return by coach to Neukirchen.
Day 3: Fichtelberg - Lichtelfest
In the morning, enjoy a ride on the Fichtelberg Railway from Cranzahl through the charming landscape, past picturesque Ore Mountain houses, to the spa resort of Oberwiesenthal, the highest-lying town in Germany. On its journey, the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway overcomes a height difference of 238 m on a track gauge of 750 mm. Stop at lunchtime. In the afternoon, continue to the Lichtelfest in Schneeberg. In winter, the miners of the past hardly saw any daylight. They therefore placed carved miner figures holding a candle in their windows. This glow was meant to bring them safely home. To this day, the custom of placing miners and angels in the windows continues in the Ore Mountains. For many, light was and still is a symbol of life, and the miners guarded it carefully.
Day 4: Freiberg - Seiffen
In the morning, you will visit the silver town of Freiberg and see the cathedral with its famous Silbermann organ. Continue through the charming Ore Mountains to the toy village of Seiffen, magically decorated for the season. How about a visit to the Erzgebirge Toy Museum? Watch the craftsmen at work as they create smoking men and nutcrackers. Afterwards, return journey to Neukirchen.
Day 5: Neukirchen - Switzerland
Return journey to Switzerland.
Included
- Journey by Deluxe coach
- Accommodation, based on double room
- HB (dinner/breakfast buffet)
- Tour guide on days 3 & 4
- Ride on the Fichtelberg Railway
- Guided tour of Freiberg Cathedral with organ music
Hotels
You will stay at the romantic 4* Hotel Schloss Schweinsburg (official national rating), which offers elegantly furnished rooms. Valuable wood panelling, fine parquet floors and a fresh, friendly colour scheme add a modern touch to the historic setting. Rooms with shower/WC, Wi-Fi, telephone and TV. Equivalent hotel in case of unavailability.
