Lying between Berlin and Prague, Saxony has a long history spanning some of the most significant events that shaped Europe, including the Reformation, the Napoleonic Wars and the fall of the Iron Curtain. From 1697 until 1763 Saxony was united with Poland, and the Saxon Great Electors were also kings of Poland. During this period Saxony flourished, and Dresden became a major centre of the arts and culture until the Seven Years’ War (1756–63) put an end to the region’s prosperity. In 1806 Saxony declared itself on the side of Napoleon, and the Great Elector acquired the title of King. But Saxony paid a heavy price for supporting Napoleon – following the Congress of Vienna (1815), the kingdom lost the northern half of its territory to Prussia, and in 1871 it was incorporated into the German Empire.

With such an eventful past, Saxony is rich in historic sites, and its capital city, Dresden, ranks among the most beautiful and interesting towns in Germany, despite the devastation it suffered during World War II. The region also boasts the enchanting Erzgebirge mountains and the glorious scenery of “Saxon Switzerland”, where the mighty Elbe river runs amid fantastic rock formations.