Altenburg

Testing ground of the Reformation

Altenburg was among the most splendid residences of the Saxon Ernestine electors and is full of traces of the Reformation. Georg Spalatin worked here, a close friend of Martin Luther and confidant of Elector Frederick the Wise. The Skat game originated in Altenburg, as well as interesting culinary traditions. The town is nestled in a gently rolling landscape with extensive forests and a well-developed network of cycling and hiking trails.

A castle like a jigsaw puzzle

Altenburg Castle dominates the landscape above the old town centre. With its buildings from different centuries, it forms a fascinating architectural puzzle and reflects a lively history. Inside are the magnificent ducal apartments and banqueting halls and numerous museum exhibitions, from historical weapons collections to sacred art and porcelain. Bach once played the organ in the castle church and Margaret of Austria, the progenitor of the Saxon and Thuringian royal dynasties, is buried there. The castle towers offer the best views. On a fine day, you can see as far as Leipzig from the Hausmannsturm with its stairless spiral staircase.

Red tips ©Stadtverwaltung Altenburg

A living museum of the Reformation

Altenburg is like a living museum of the Reformation, with Georg Spalatin as the main protagonist. This lesser-known comrade-in-arms and friend of Martin Luther did indeed play an extremely important role. He was an organiser, diplomat and chronicler and an important link between Luther and Elector Frederick the Wise. A walk along Altenburg's ‘Spalatin Trail’ leads to places such as the town church of St Bartholomäi, the Wettin residence palace, the ‘Rote Spitzen’, remnants of the former Augustinian canons' monastery, and the magnificent Renaissance town hall.

Red tips ©Stadtverwaltung Altenburg

The birthplace of the Skat game

Five gentlemen of high society are said to have invented the Skat game in Altenburg in the early 19th century. They probably did not foresee the unique triumph of the card game, especially in German leisure culture. There are even European and world championships today. The International Skat Court, based, of course, in Altenburg, oversees the rules. Skat enthusiasts who want to ensure their success in the game can ‘baptise’ their cards at the Altenburg Skat Fountain in the old town. This is supposed to guarantee luck in the game. You can then find out more about Altenburg's gaming traditions at the playing cards museum in Altenburg Castle. After all, playing cards have been produced here since the Middle Ages.

Altenburg's new world of games

Where else could it be built but in Altenburg? Central Germany's new world of games, the Yosephinum®. Games fans will be able to play their way through 20 themed rooms on three floors. It's all about fun and learning, history and culture and the joy of playing. The opening of the project, which is unique in Germany, is planned for 2027. An impression and the current status can be found online at any time.

Yosephinum

Culinary extra tours

It may come as no surprise that good beer has been brewed in Altenburg since 1817. Nor that Altenburg has made a name for itself when it comes to mustard. More surprising is the town's saffron tradition. The highly prized exotic plant had been cultivated in Altenburg as early as in the 15th century, and again since 2016. There are even guided tours along the ‘Saffron Trail’ during the flowering month of October. The culinary traditions are reflected in other guided tours and events. There are brewery tours with tastings, cookery events in the ‘Altenburger Senfladen’ and also ‘tasting tours’, where you can taste your way through Altenburg delicacies.

Header: Rote Spitzen ©Stadtverwaltung Altenburg

Member of the association

Routes to Luther

This place is part of the ‘Wege zu Luther’ association.

At Altenburg Residential Palace

Castle church

On the way to the castle, you never lose sight of the castle church and former collegiate church of St George. Georg Spalatin was canon from 1511 and also met Luther here. The imaginatively carved choir stalls and wall paintings by an Italian master date from this period.

Landmark of the city

Red tips

The church building is one of the oldest monumental brick buildings north of the Alps and in central Germany, the initial building for stately buildings of this type. Georg Spalatin bared his teeth at the rebellious Augustinian monks for almost 20 years.