Cabrio focused
Handpicked routes
Open Horizons Logo

On the Silver Road

On the Silver Road
270 km
Min. 2 Days
Historic mountain towns, mines
FFichtelberg
ZZwinger

The Silver Road is the oldest and longest tourist route in Saxony, stretching over approximately 275 kilometers.

It impressively connects historic mining towns, breathtaking nature, and fascinating industrial monuments. This cabrio route follows the traces of silver mining and leads through picturesque landscapes that reveal their charm, especially in a cabrio or roadster.

Those who choose this route can look forward to a journey through the history and beauty of the Ore Mountains. The route offers everything that makes the hearts of cabrio fans beat faster: varied roads, stunning views, and charming towns with historical landmarks. Particularly in spring and autumn, when nature shows itself in vibrant colors, driving along the Silver Road is an unforgettable experience.

Starting in Zwickau – The Cradle of the Silver Road

The cabrio tour begins in Zwickau, a city known for its mining history as well as its role in the automobile industry. Zwickau is considered the birthplace of August Horch, the founder of the Audi brand, making the city particularly interesting for car enthusiasts. The August Horch Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of the automobile and is a must-visit for cabrio lovers.

There's also much to discover in Zwickau:

  • St. Mary's Cathedral – An impressive Gothic cathedral that is among the most important religious buildings in Saxony.

  • Priest Houses Zwickau – A historical ensemble of buildings that includes the oldest preserved residential houses in Germany.

  • Robert Schumann House – A museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous composer, offering insights into music history.

From Zwickau, the journey continues toward Schneeberg, where the first sights of the Silver Road await visitors.

Schneeberg and Annaberg-Buchholz – Experience Mining History Up Close

In Schneeberg, everything revolves around the historical mining that shaped the region for centuries. At the Silver Mine “St. Anna am Freudenstein”, you can dive deep into the history of silver mining. Here, you will learn how silver shaped the lives of people in this region and the challenges mining brought with it.

Next, we head to Annaberg-Buchholz, the most famous silver city of the Ore Mountains. This town has a long tradition in mining and shines with a rich cultural heritage. A visit to the St. Annen Church, one of the most magnificent church buildings in Saxony, is a true highlight.

In Annaberg-Buchholz, there are many more attractions that fit perfectly into a cabrio tour:

  • Frohnauer Hammer – A well-preserved hammer mill from the 17th century that showcases the traditional craft of blacksmithing.

  • Manufacture of Dreams – A museum dedicated to Ore Mountain folk art, where you can learn more about the world-renowned crafts of the region.

  • Visitor Mine Markus Röhling Stolln – Another exciting insight into the world of silver mining that takes you deep underground and makes the working world of miners tangible.

Now we continue on the Fichtelbergstraße, one of the most beautiful cabrio routes of the Ore Mountains.

Fichtelbergstraße – Winding Drive with Panoramic Views

The Fichtelbergstraße is a true paradise for cabrio drivers. It leads over the highest mountain in Saxony, Fichtelberg, rewarding drivers with a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Especially in spring and autumn, when nature shines in vibrant colors, driving here becomes an unforgettable experience.

In Oberwiesenthal, Germany's highest town, a short break is worthwhile. Here you can enjoy the charming place or take a ride on the historic Fichtelberg Railway. The steam-powered narrow-gauge train takes you through beautiful landscapes that you would not experience in the same way from your cabrio.

The cabrio tour continues to Freiberg, another important silver city in Saxony.

Freiberg – The Treasury of the Silver Road

In the Middle Ages and early modern times, Freiberg was one of the most important centers of Saxon silver mining. Even today, the city is shaped by its history and offers numerous sights related to mining and the region's history.

Particularly noteworthy in Freiberg:

  • Schloss Freudenstein – An impressive castle that today houses the world-famous mineral collection “Terra Mineralia.” This collection is a must-see for anyone interested in minerals and gemstones.

  • St. Mary's Cathedral – A magnificent church well worth a visit, featuring its Golden Gate and historical organ.

  • Mining Museum Freiberg – Another exciting museum that delves deeper into the history of mining and shows how silver mining shaped the region.

From Freiberg, the cabrio route continues to Dresden, the cultural heart of Saxony.

Dresden – The Baroque Pearl of Saxony

The conclusion of the Silver Road takes you to Dresden, a city that, with its baroque buildings and cultural treasures, ranks among the most beautiful cities in Germany. Here, you can take one last look at the Elbe and end the driving pleasure with a stroll along the riverbank.

Dresden offers numerous attractions, including:

  • Frauenkirche – One of the city's landmarks, meticulously restored after its destruction in World War II.

  • Zwinger – A baroque masterpiece that now houses art museums and is considered one of the most significant buildings in Germany.

  • Semper Opera – A world-famous opera house where classical performances take place in a unique atmosphere.

Why the Silver Road is Perfect for a Cabrio Tour

The Silver Road is a fascinating route that takes you on a journey through the history of silver mining. It leads through historical towns shaped by this heritage and offers a varied mix of winding mountain roads and relaxed country roads – perfect for a cabrio tour.

Along the way, breathtaking views of the Ore Mountains unfold, and numerous viewpoints invite short stops. The combination of historically significant places, spectacular panoramas, and exciting road courses makes every drive on the Silver Road an unforgettable experience.

Tips for Your Cabrio Tour

The best time to embark on a cabrio tour along the Silver Road is during the spring and autumn months when nature shines in its most beautiful splendor. Plan plenty of breaks to explore the historic towns and attractions along the cabrio route at a relaxed pace. Since it can also get cool in the higher regions of the Ore Mountains in summer, it’s wise to always have a warm jacket on hand. A culinary stop at the inns in the region is worthwhile – whether it’s the traditional “Neunerlei” or Ore Mountain dumplings, there are many specialties to discover.

Cruising the Silver Road in a Cabrio

The Silver Road is one of the most diverse and scenically beautiful cabrio routes in Germany. The route takes you through the Ore Mountains, with its fascinating history and breathtaking nature. In addition to historic towns and impressive buildings, there are numerous panoramic views that make the cabrio journey a true experience. This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to experience not only the history but also the joy of driving on a cabrio tour through Saxony.