NORTH SAXONY DISTRICT
LOVEABLE AND LIVEABLE

Northern Saxony is not only influenced by its buzzing medium-sized administrative hubs such as the towns of Delitzsch, Torgau and Schkeuditz; the region’s rural area also boasts plenty of charming tourist highlights, two of the most well-known being St. Giles’ Church in Oschatz and Delitzsch Baroque Palace. Hartenfels Castle in Torgau, a site of the Reformation, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture famous for its spiral staircase. The palace chapel was consecrated by Martin Luther himself in 1544.

Ambitious technology projects are being carried out to make the district fit for the future and thus more attractive for residents and newcomers. One main example is the extensions to the high-speed broadband network, which will see around 43,000 households, businesses and schools connected by 2020. The cost, a hefty 94 million euros, will be covered by funding from the federal government and the state of Saxony. 

The “MiLau” project – a planned arterial road running from east to west – is designed to make East Saxony’s infrastructure stand the test of time. The thoroughfare will connect Central Germany with Lusatia, an important factor behind the region’s plans to phase out brown coal. Other measures include driverless buses and trams, hydrogen-powered trains on non-electrified lines that will operate in the region over the long term. 

Nature lovers are drawn to beautiful natural parks such as the Düben and Dahlen heathlands, Wermsdorf Forest and the northern section of the Neuseenland lake district with the “Biedermeier beach” on Lake Schladitz – a very special cultural venue. The Elbe and Mulde cycle paths or the highly rated Heide-Biber-Tour trail hold great appeal for amateur sportspeople. 

Finally, another feature specific to North Saxony is the many mills that can be found all over the district. Fans of this ancient technology can admire not only the well-known post mills but also Paltrock mills, tower mills, motor-driven mills, watermills and ship mills. On Whit Monday, when Germany traditionally celebrates its mills, the millers are happy to guide guests through their realm.

What is life like in the North Saxony district?

Getting here is easy: the transport network is well developed, with two motorways running through the district and a dense rail network, and Leipzig/Halle airport is close at hand. For the little ones, 207 places are available at early years institutions and with childminders, and there is plenty of living space for young families from all over Germany thanks to the moderate rents and excellent self-build options. New members are always welcome at the many busy clubs: there are more than 460 sports and leisure clubs in North Saxony, along with numerous other recreational opportunities. These range from health and spa programmes at the state-recognised peat bath resort in Bad Düben to dramatic art in the “BAFF Theater” in Delitzsch or the famous concerts in the village of Melpitz, near Torgau, which has a population of 200 and has now even become an insider tip among Leipzig’s culture vultures.

What is it like to learn and work in the North Saxony district?

The people of North Saxony have an informal attitude, even at work. Most companies are traditionally small and medium-sized enterprises. That is not to say that there is nothing to do here: the friendly working atmosphere fosters plenty of innovative ideas. 

To stimulate even more ideas, the flagship “Glass Campus” project is being developed in the town of Torgau. Technicians, master craftspeople and scientists in the glass, ceramics and building materials industries will soon start learning at the new higher education institute there, designed to encourage skilled workers to stay in North Saxony’s less populated areas.

Lignite mining is already a thing of the past in North Saxony. Today, the industry with the highest turnover is machine and plant construction. The region’s structure is still also shaped by the metal and electrical industries, the glass and ceramics industries (Villeroy & Boch in Torgau), agriculture and the food industry. 

In recent years, international global players have also settled in North Saxony. The logistics industry in particular enjoys the advantages of the region's proximity to Leipzig/Halle Airport. Well-known companies such as DHL and Schenker-Logistik are stimulating Northern Saxony’s economy. The growing demand for qualified employees is one thing they all have in common. Companies working in the trades, the building sector, nursing and care and to some extent agriculture are all desperately on the lookout for well-trained, motivated skilled workers.