The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Görlitz, Germany

Görlitz is one of those places that you have never heard of, we hadn’t, and we must recommend it for a stop if you are visiting Germany.  It has history, picturesque original buildings and has been the backdrop to many films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel.

We stayed in Görlitz for 2 nights on our recent trip and it is safe to say that we loved our stay.

It’s a small town with a walkable old town.  In Görlitz you can not only walk into Poland but go on a film locations tour and then settle down with a fresh local beer and watch the world go by.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Görlitz, Germany.

1. Stroll into Poland

2. Take a film tour

Görlitz (a.k.a. Görliwood) has been a popular film location for many mainstream movies in recent years. Films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglorious Bastards, Monuments Men, Around The World in 80 Days, and The Book Thief were all filmed here.  This is mainly due to the city being spared from destruction during WW2.

Either book a tour through the tourist information centre or print out an online map here and wander at your own pace.

3. St. Peter and Paul’s Church

The impressive St. Peter and Paul’s church overlooks the town and the river.  There has been a church here since the 11th century, with . This church is famous for its “Sun Organ” built by Eugenio Casparini back in 1703.  The organ features 18 sun faces around which the organ pipes radiate.

4. Whispering Arch

The “Whispering Arch”(Flüsterbogen – how good does that sound?) is so called as if one of you put an ear to one end arch and someone whispers into the other end of the arch – you can hear them clearly. Climb up onto the well-worn steps and whisper away.

 5. Lower Market

Untermarkt (lower market) is where you will find the whispering arch above as well as cafes and a view of the town hall.  We visited Ratscafe for some lunch and cake.

6. Barockhaus

The Barockhaus is a palace that houses part of the Cultural History Museum and the Upper Lusatian Library. Did you know that the library holds more than 150,000 different books

You can visit the official site for more information.

7. Town Hall and Tower

 

The town hall sits in the lower market (untermarkt)  and dates make to the mid-14th century.  We took a tour of the town hall tower, which had some superb views of Görlitz.  Click here to find out about the Görlitz town hall tower tour.

8. The Silesian Museum

The Silesian Museum is located inside a beautiful building which also features in The Grand Budapest Hotel.  In here you will discover Silesean art, history and artifacts.

Permanent exhibition  €7, discount ticket €5
Special exhibition  €3 discount ticket  €2.50
Free entrance for visitors aged up to 16
and on every first Sunday of the month

visit the official website for more information.

9. Upper market

Obermarket (upper market) is a large square in the old town of Görlitz.  Here you will find the Reichenbach Tower at one end and the Holy Trinity Church at the other end.  The tourist office is located at the Holy Trinity Church end of the market.

10. Glockenspiel

The Glockenspiel has been here since 2002.  Take some time out to sit and relax or make a tune on the glockenspiel with your feet.

BONUS. Strassburg Shopping Arcade

Map of the Best Things to do in Görlitz

Here is a map of the best things to do in Görlitz. If you select the icon on the left with the arrow, you will see a list of all of the attractions. Select which one you’d like to visit and information on it will show up.

Planning to visit Görlitz?

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments or share your tips on visiting Görlitz.

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