Görlitz

At the Polish border on the Neisse River, Görlitz is an underrated gem with exceptionally well-preserved Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture spanning four centuries. The town served as a filming location for numerous period films and offers a stepping stone into Poland with its twin city Zgorzelec.

Things to do

• Reichenbacher Turm — Climb this 13th-century tower for panoramic views over the Old Town and the Neisse River valley.
• Untermarkt Square — Wander this picturesque Renaissance square ringed with meticulously restored merchant houses and cafés.
• Silesian Museum — Explore regional history, medieval artifacts, and contemporary art housed in a baroque palace.
• Art Nouveau architecture walking tour — Self-guide through the Gründerzeit district to admire elaborate facades and decorative details from the early 1900s.
• Neisse River walk to Zgorzelec — Stroll along the waterfront promenade to the Polish border and cross into twin city Zgorzelec for a day trip.
• Film location scouting — Visit sites used in productions like Grand Budapest Hotel and The Reader by following self-guided cinema routes.

Food to try

• Sauerbraten — Tender marinated pot roast, a traditional Silesian specialty, typically served with red cabbage and potato dumplings.
• Mohnkuchen — Poppy seed cake with a rich, moist crumb that's a beloved local dessert found in every bakery.
• Schlesische Kartoffelpuffer — Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage.
• Quarkkäulchen — Soft quark (curd cheese) pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, a traditional Silesian breakfast or dessert treat.
• Rye bread with Linsengericht — Hearty lentil stew paired with dark, dense local rye bread typical of German-Polish border cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Cross the border freely — As an EU resident, you can walk directly into Poland via the Neisse River bridge with just your ID, making it easy to experience both cultures.
• Film tourism is thriving — Many locals are accustomed to visitors seeking out movie locations, and tourist information centers provide detailed cinema maps.
• Restoration is ongoing — The town is actively preserving its architectural heritage, so you'll notice construction and scaffolding on some beautiful buildings.
• Bilingual heritage — German and Polish names appear on many signs and in local identity, reflecting Görlitz's shared border culture and history.