Nestled in the Ore Mountains (German: Erzgebirge) just over the Czech border in Germany is a bustling little city that prides itself in manufacturing intricate wooden toys and seasonal items for your home. More specifically, this is the place for handmade wood German Christmas and seasonal decorations.
A short two-hour drive northwest of Prague through the beautiful rolling hills and vistas of the Czech countryside passing by lesser know, yet quaint and interesting, Czech cities and villages of Slany, Louny, and onward past Most to the Czech border. A few kilometers more in Germany and then you have arrived to Seiffen.
The anticipation of what one will find along the drive and once in Seiffen certainly stirs the excitement in the car. During the summer and fall months, you will find roadside stands selling fresh fruit and vegetables. It is all a part of the day’s adventure to see how much one can squeeze into the confines of the car. When traveling with friends, we chat about our favorite stores and which one we should stop at first. Other times, with first time visitors, conversation circles around setting expectations of what they will experience on their day in Seiffen.
First stop in Seiffen? Consider stopping at a few stores prior to arriving to the central traffic junction in the city. You may find interesting traditional to modern designs offered just as you enter the city. Your head will be looking to either side of the street to determine where to stop, don’t hesitate pick a place to understand what awaits in the center of Seiffen. The Hauptstrasse is the main street where you will find the majority of the shops, museums and if you go during Christmas Market season there will be little huts up along the street selling items from the local manufacturers.
Parking in Seiffen is limited so plan accordingly. There are 3 main parking locations: near the tourism office, address: Hauptstraße 73 or Parkplatz Kurort Seiffen, address: Jahnstraße 2 or further afield is parking lot on Bahnhoffstrasse.
There are several companies in the area that manufacture intricate wood pieces with the original purpose for Christmas decorations. Specific to Christmas decorations, smokers, nutcrackers, pyramids, tree ornaments and other hand carved wood items are for sale with designs varying by store. Over the years, the manufacturers have expanded their product line to include all seasons of the year with the main focus still on Christmas decorations. Each item has specially designed craftsmanship down to the littlest of details. You will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and pride in each item for sale.
What not to miss? The Seiffen church (Bergkirche Seiffen), it is depicted by many of the manufacturers in their designs. It quietly sits on top a small hilltop and worth the effort to see it. From there you can walk down to the Verwaltung or the municipal administration office, the building is beautiful in the traditional German architecture. Just in front of it, the annual May pole is on display, you can’t miss it! The last recommendation is to take the self-guided manufacturing tour at Erzgebirgische Volkskunst Richard Glasser (RG) Manufacturing, address: Hauptstraße 80. You purchase tickets to the manufacturing tour at the central payment desk in the store.
You can spend an entire day between shops, taking in the beautiful surroundings of Seiffen and enjoying lunch. We generally lunch at Buntes Haus – Hotel Erbgericht, address: Hauptstraße 94. Their menu offering is traditional German and very good, with a covered area to sit outside during the warmer months.
Now, if you still have energy after all the shopping or traveling with adventurous friends, why not wrap up your day with a little excitement? A very quick drive from the center of Seiffen to Seiroba – Seiffener Sommerrodelbahn. A little something for everyone of all ages, from trains to playgrounds to the main attraction, the summer toboggan run. What fun!
Seiffen is a charming little city with beautiful German elements that everyone enjoys. Go with friends, family or by yourself it is a great way to spend a day outside of Prague!
Websites:
Seiffen Tourism: https://seiffen.de/
Erzgebirgische Volkskunst Richard Glasser (RG) Manufacturing: https://www.glaesser-seiffen.de/
Buntes Haus – Hotel Erbgericht: https://www.buntes-haus.com/
Seiroba – Seiffener Sommerrodelbahn: https://erlebniswelt-seiffen.de/
Kim Strebel, an IWAP member, has lived in Prague for several years with her family. Kim’s parent infused the excitement of travel when she was a small child. Kim enjoys sharing her love of travel and exploring new countries with her family or venturing off by herself.
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