"In Christmas Country" Kurort Seiffen by Kathrin_E

Kurort Seiffen Travel Guide: 29 reviews and 126 photos

Seiffen, church and a pyramid - Kurort Seiffen

Seiffen street view

If there is a region in Germany which deserves to be called "Christmas Country" it is Saxony, especially the Ore Mountains. If there is a place in the Ore Mountains which is connected with Christmas atmosphere and the making of those traditional Erzgebirge decorations, it is Seiffen. Seiffen's little yellow church appears in all sizes everywhere in woodcarvings and other crafts, it is probably the best-known building in Saxony after Frauenkirche in Dresden.

The place is, of course , most atmospheric in Advent. Christmas market stalls are put up along the streets. If there is snow and sunshine, even better. However, the shops sell their products all year round.

Nativity scene in the main street

All over the Ore Mountains wooden toys and ornaments are made, but Seiffen is the best place for shopping. Every second house in the main street, and several in the back street, contains a shop that sells woodcarvings. In many, you buy right from the producer. Others are merchants that sell the products of several workshops, and some sell stuff that wasn't even made in the Ore mountains. When comparing styles you'll quickly notice the difference.

Last visit to Kurort Seiffen: Dec 2009
Intro Updated Jan 5, 2010
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Reviews (15)

Adventsleuchter - Advent Candle Holder Local Customs (10)

This candle holder is a very typical Ore Mountains product. Such candle holders are used instead of Advent Wreaths. On... more travel advice

Christmas market stalls in the main street - Kurort Seiffen

Christmas Market Local Customs (10)

The Christmas market in Seiffen consists of little wooden huts that are shattered along the main street, in the square... more travel advice

The church of Seiffen in woodcarvings - Kurort Seiffen

Seiffen Church in Woodwork Local Customs (10)

Seiffen's so characteristic village church has become a popular model among woodcarvers. The little octagonal church... more travel advice

The smallest village in the world - Kurort Seiffen

Seiffen Miniatures Local Customs (10)

A speciality of Seiffen: little toys and scenes that fit into a matchbox. These were invented around 1900 when not only... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
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Written Jan 5, 2010

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Comments (2)

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yumyum Jan 6, 2010 at 11:29 AM

Like the village in the matchbox. It's lovely to see VT pages in snow :)
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german_eagle Jan 5, 2010 at 9:55 AM

You covered it all. Nothing to add. Amazing how much you saw in a few hours. Btw, Angel and Miner were called "Geflügelte Jahresendfigur mit Mann" in the GDR times. LMAO