Things To Do
in Löbau
Löbau is a small, historic town in Saxony's Upper Lusatia (Oberlausitz) known for a compact old town, surrounding rolling hills and easy access to the Zittau Mountains. It mixes well-preserved 18th–19th century architecture with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere and a viewpoint-topped hill (Löbauer Berg) overlooking the region. The town is a good base for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling and for exploring nearby cultural centres such as Görlitz and Bautzen.
Visitors will find local cafés, traditional Gasthäuser and weekly markets that highlight Saxon culinary traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh baked goods and a cup of aromatic coffee. After that, take a stroll through the charming streets of Löbau, where you can admire the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and historic architecture. Visit the St. Nicholas Church, known for its stunning Gothic design and intricate stained glass windows.
In the afternoon, head to the Löbau Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region through its various exhibitions. Spend some time in the surrounding park, enjoying the picturesque scenery and perhaps indulging in a picnic lunch with local treats. Conclude your afternoon by visiting the scenic Löbauer Berg, where you can take a short hike to enjoy panoramic views of the town and the countryside.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional German restaurant in the heart of Löbau, where you can try local specialties like Saxon potato soup or schnitzel. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town square, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a cozy pub. If you’re in the mood for entertainment, check for any live music events or performances happening in the area.
Begin your day by visiting the Löbau weekly market, where local vendors offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies. Engage with the friendly stall owners and sample some artisanal cheeses or homemade jams to kick-start your culinary adventure. The vibrant atmosphere of the market is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
After the market, take a guided tour of the nearby Löbau Castle, exploring its fascinating history and enjoying the beautifully landscaped gardens. Spend some time reflecting in the castle grounds, perhaps taking photos of the impressive architecture against the backdrop of the lush greenery. For lunch, try a nearby bistro that features seasonal dishes made with ingredients sourced from the market.
In the evening, return to the town center for a delightful dinner at a restaurant that specializes in seasonal German cuisine. Post-dinner, enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the Löbau River, where you can absorb the tranquil atmosphere and the sound of water flowing. If you are interested, look for any local craft workshops that may offer evening sessions for visitors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $3-4 |
| 🚆Regional train/bus single ticket | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-110 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, compact historic town with relaxed atmosphere
- Excellent access to outdoor activities and scenic landscapes
- Lower prices and fewer crowds than larger Saxon cities
- Good base for day trips to Görlitz, Bautzen and the Zittau Mountains
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with big cities
- Public transport is adequate but less frequent in rural areas
- Fewer specialized services (e.g., vegan restaurants, late-night amenities)
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thanks / Thank you very much
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie komme ich zum Markt?" - How do I get to the market?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
Places to Visit in Löbau
Visit one of these nice places.
The hill overlooking Löbau with a viewpoint or tower offers sweeping panoramas of the town, surrounding countryside and, on clear days, the undulating Lusatian landscape — best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Colorful façades, historic town hall, cobbled streets and café terraces provide classic small-town European scenes — great for street and architectural photography.
Dramatic rock formations, forested ridges and valley vistas make this nearby range ideal for landscape photography and golden-hour shots.
Rivers, meadows and farmland on the town’s outskirts create peaceful rural images, especially in spring bloom or autumn colors.
Food in Löbau
Löbau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small potato-and-quark pancakes, lightly sweetened and often served with applesauce or sugar; commonly found in cafés and at local festivals.
Must-Try!
A layered Saxon cake with a quark or custard base and a distinct egg-sugar top; look for it in Konditoreien across town.
Roast pork or beef served with potato dumplings and rich gravy — a typical hearty main course at traditional Gasthäuser.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local weekly market on the Markt square: fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, sausages and seasonal specialties — a great place to sample local flavors and buy picnic supplies.
At market days and town festivals you’ll find grilled sausages (Bratwurst), pretzels and sweet pastries — convenient, tasty and affordable.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use formal greetings (Guten Tag, Guten Abend) especially with older people and in shops; a firm handshake is common when meeting. Address people with Herr/Frau plus surname unless invited to use first names.
Germans value punctuality — arrive on time for guided tours, appointments and restaurant reservations.
Observe Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in residential areas, particularly mid-day and after 10 p.m.; avoid loud noise late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Löbau
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is customary for good service. For smaller purchases, tipping is not expected. Cash is often used for small amounts but cards are widely accepted in larger establishments.
Germany still uses cash frequently; have some euros on hand for markets, smaller cafés and rural places. Debit cards (EC/Girocard) and major credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and hotels, but always check beforehand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming countryside make spring ideal for walks and cycling; occasional rain means layered clothing and a light waterproof are useful.
Warm, pleasant weather for hiking, outdoor cafés and festivals; expect the warmest and sunniest conditions from June to August with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Crisp air and colourful foliage are perfect for photography and hikes; temperatures cool quickly in the evenings, so bring a warm jacket.
Cold weather with possible snow; town is quieter and cozy, ideal for seasonal markets and hearty food — dress warmly and check local transport during heavier snow.
Löbau at Night
Hiking in Löbau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short local loop hikes around the Löbauer Berg with forest paths, viewpoints and a tower — ideal for a quick nature escape close to town.
Well-known for rocky outcrops, marked trails and panoramic ridges; accommodates day hikes, family walks and more challenging routes.
Rolling hills and mixed-forest trails extending across the region with scenic panoramas, farmhouse villages and quiet country paths.
Airports
How to reach Löbau by plane.
About 70–90 minutes by car from Löbau; offers domestic and European flights and is the most convenient major airport for the region. Regional trains and car hire are available.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car; larger international connections and reasonable rail links to Saxony, suitable if flights to Dresden are limited.
A cross-border option about 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; can be convenient for certain international routes and is reachable with a rental car or transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is ethnic German, living in both the town and surrounding villages; social life centers on family, clubs (Vereine) and community events.
Upper Lusatia is home to a Sorbian (Slavic) minority with distinct cultural traditions, language traces and festivals found more prominently in parts of the region.
Like many smaller German towns, Löbau has a sizable older demographic alongside families; community services and clubs reflect this mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football clubs are popular, with community matches and training common on weekends.
Road and recreational cycling are widely enjoyed thanks to quiet country roads and marked regional routes.
Walking and hiking are very popular given the nearby wooded hills and mountain trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Löbau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less prominent than meat dishes; look for salads, potato-based mains, egg and cheese dishes, and ask staff for vegetable or pasta specials. Larger cafés and restaurants in nearby Bautzen/Görlitz offer more variety.
Strictly vegan choices are more limited in smaller Gasthäuser; shops sell fresh produce and supermarkets stock vegan basics. Inquire at cafés for plant-based milks and ask restaurants to adapt sides where possible.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is increasing; bakeries and restaurants may offer a few gluten-free items but cross-contamination can occur. Communicate your needs clearly and consider supermarkets for packaged GF products.