Old town & Obermarkt
Well-kept town houses around the Obermarkt with its late-Gothic 15th-century town hall.
Regional historyOre Mountains · Day trip
Freiberg in the Ore Mountains – silver town of architecture and Reformation history
Freiberg Cathedral with its Golden Portal, terra mineralia, a show mine and an old town spanning centuries: why a trip to Freiberg from the Zollhaus is worth it.
⛏️Founded in the 12th c.
💎3,500 minerals
🎹Silbermann organs
📜Reformation since 1537
Centuries of architecture
Freiberg’s highlights
Freiberg Cathedral
Late Gothic – with the famous Golden Portal, tulip pulpit and Gottfried Silbermann organs.
Ore Mountains artSt Peter’s & St Nicholas
Silbermann organ and tower with views over town and mountains; St Nicholas with medieval roots.
Views while hikingterra mineralia
In Renaissance Freudenstein Castle: around 3,500 minerals, gems and meteorites.
Also great: GlashütteFrom silver to Reformation
Freiberg’s history in five stops
12th c.
Silver discovery
After silver was found, the town quickly became one of Europe’s key mining centres.
15th c.
Town hall
The late-Gothic town hall on the Obermarkt is built.
1537
Reformation
Duke Henry the Pious introduces the Reformation before it spreads across Albertine Saxony. Monasteries close, the cathedral becomes the main Protestant church.
16th c.
Freudenstein Castle
Built in Renaissance style on medieval walls – once a residence of Saxon electors.
Today
Mining academy
Freiberg hosts the historic mining academy. In the “Reiche Zeche” show mine you experience silver mining.
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After your trip: back at the Zollhaus four saunas, massages and daily yoga await (yoga times may change). More ideas: Glashütte watch museum, own or guided hikes and winter sports.
Discover the Ore Mountains
Your base camp in the Ore Mountains
Landhotel Altes Zollhaus lies in the heart of the Ore Mountains near the Czech border: trails, ski tracks and excursions start right at the door.
Your stay
Stay at the Zollhaus
After your trip, calm awaits. Rooms & rates
What should you see in Freiberg?
The cathedral with its Golden Portal, terra mineralia, the old town and the “Reiche Zeche” show mine.
Why is Freiberg called silver town?
Because it was founded in the 12th century after silver was found.
When did the Reformation arrive?
1537, introduced by Duke Henry the Pious.
Conclusion
Silver, art and history
Freiberg combines mining history, great architecture and Reformation history – an ideal day trip from the Zollhaus, with relaxation afterwards.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
Hiking, skiing & cyclingHike to CzechiaWatch manufactoryWood artWolves & natureTorch hikeShort break SaxonyAlkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources: Stadt Freiberg · terra mineralia
Ready?
Discover the Ore Mountains with us
Nature, culture and calm – and a cosy room at the Zollhaus at night.
