The Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) is a district (Kreis) in the south of Saxony, Germany. Neighboring districts are (from west clockwise) Weißeritzkreis, the district-free city Dresden and the districts Kamenz and Bautzen. To the south it borders the Czech Republic.

History

The district was created in 1994 when the two districts Sebnitz and Pirna were merged.

Geography

The district is named after the landscape - the Saxon Switzerland - as it is the most mountainous region of Saxony. In the west are the Ore Mountains,, in the east the Lausitzer Bergland (Lusatian Mountains). The river Elbe is separating the two mountain ranges flowing through the Elbsandsteingebirge. The highest elevation of the district is the 644 meter high Oelsener Höhe in the southwest of the district, the lowest elevation is the valley of the Elbe at the boundary to Dresden with 109 m above sea level.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms symbolizes the geographical location of the district. The two green areas stand for the forests in the two mountain areas, the white wavy line in the middle symbolizes the river Elbe. The coat of arms was created by Horst Torke, Pirna.

Towns and municipalities

Specal hint for foreign visitors

Saxon Switzerland is also notorious centre of Neo-Nazi and movement in Germany. Foreigners especially dark skinned person of Arab, Asian, or African/African American descent should expect harassment and other forms of discrimination and mistreatment.

See also

• Saxon Switzerland

External links

• Official website (German)
• Regional website (German)
• Touristic website