"Zittau deserves to be better known" Zittau by christine.j

Zittau Travel Guide: 74 reviews and 211 photos

Zittau is a small town in the South-Eastern corner of Germany, only a short drive from both the Czech Republic and Poland. There are some beautifully restored old houses, but the biggest attraction are the two lenten cloths,
the big one from 1472 and the small one from 1573.

Still, even with these unique attractions, we didn't see any other tourists in the town, and we happened to be there on a busy weekend when Zittau was celebrating a musical festival, with lots of different music bands.

A pity really, we enjoyed our stay very much. Zittau deserves to be better known. On the other hand we could admire the lenten cloths as long as wanted, without any tour group asking us to move.

The Police Station

The beautiful flower clock of Zittau

Last visit to Zittau: Apr 2008
Intro Updated May 21, 2008
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Reviews (9)

An old Brewery Restaurants (2)

The next evening we went to the Klosterstübl, near an old cloister where the monks had enjoyed their beer. It is called... more travel advice

A Constitution Pillar Things to Do (5)

This is a constitution pillar, the only one still in existence today. In the first part of the 19th century there were... more travel advice

A Clock of Flowers Things to Do (5)

I had heard about the flower clock in ZIttau, but couldn't understand what this was supposed to be. It is a clock, dug... more travel advice

Just walk around... Things to Do (5)

...in the town centre. There are many beautifully restored old buildings to be seeen, the city hall for example is... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Don't watch Hitchcock's The Birds

Hotels (1)
A very good choice

Comments (7)

Maryimelda Feb 11, 2012 at 8:17 PM Report Abuse

I don't know quite what led me to this page, but I'm certainly glad I found it. I think I would like this town especially the Lenten Cloths which I agree would be a feast rather than a fast. That brewery restaurant sounds great as well. I made it to Erfurt against all odds, so why not Zittau some time? Thanks for another enlightening page, Christine.
BruceDunning Jul 2, 2010 at 1:26 PM Report Abuse

This may be one of the towns we plan to visit next spring. Thank you so much for the great pictures and the clock is wonderful. We may get as close to you as Weimar-but still counting the time and days to stay.
yumyum Aug 16, 2008 at 11:49 AM Report Abuse

What a shame you couldn't enjoy the Dornspachhaus like we did but I'm glad that you had a great time otherwise :)
toonsarah Aug 4, 2008 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Like Joan & Ingrid I have never heard of Lenten Cloths, and am pleased to know about them now :-) The beer sounds lovely too - any destination that combines interesting history and good beer is worth seeking out!
scottishvisitor May 28, 2008 at 8:30 AM Report Abuse

I had never heard of Lenten Cloths either until today nor the democracy pillars - all very interesting Nice to find the floral clock :) I do like to come across them!!
robertgaz May 26, 2008 at 4:56 AM Report Abuse

What's the blooming time in Zittau?
Trekki May 24, 2008 at 3:23 AM Report Abuse

I never heard of lenten cloths before, so VT is once more daily learning :-)) The flower clock looks so nice and I think, I've seen one as well (but can't remember where). Oh and we must send Richie & Doreen here, they would love the beer :-)