Saxony attracts numerous travelers for a variety of compelling reasons. Located in the eastern region of Germany and sharing borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Bavaria to the south, it stands as the premier cultural destination in the country. The state boasts vibrant modern cities, charming historic towns, gentle mountain ranges, picturesque water landscapes, vast parks, and gardens, all complemented by welcoming and service-oriented hosts. Additionally, there is now a new incentive to visit Saxony: the opportunity to experience its latest UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The settlements of the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine, established by the evangelical Moravian Church in the Saxon town of Herrnhut, have been designated as Saxony’s latest UNESCO World Heritage site. This designation brings the total number of UNESCO sites in Saxony to three, joining Muskau Park—shared with Poland and celebrated for its innovative English landscape design at the time of its establishment—and the Ore Mountains, famous for their scenic beauty and historical mining activities that contributed to Saxony’s prosperity.
Herrnhut, located in southeastern Saxony, is recognized as the birthplace of the Moravian Church, which is renowned globally for its creation of Moravian stars and extensive missionary activities. Presently, the Moravian Church has a presence on four continents and holds considerable significance in both ecclesiastical and cultural-historical contexts. Alongside its neighboring towns, Herrnhut serves as a regional hub in the central area of Upper Lusatia, situated between Löbau and Zittau, along the historic route known as Europe’s Via Sacra.
The influence of the Moravian Church in Herrnhut and the inclusivity of its theological approach is evident globally, particularly in the United States, where over 60,000 Moravians reside. The impact of the Moravian Church is notably recognized through its Daily Texts, a longstanding tradition that provides a “daily message from God that is renewed each morning.” The inaugural Daily Text was issued in Herrnhut in 1731, and currently, these texts are disseminated to more than 1.5 million individuals across 50 different languages.
The group aimed to foster a sense of brotherhood and unity. Under Zinzendorf’s guidance, the Christian community cultivated an environment of religious tolerance. Zinzendorf and his followers advocated for the “Theology of the Heart,” which emphasized the fundamental connection between Christ and the believer, rather than fixating on doctrinal disparities among churches. Christianity was characterized by faith in Christ, mutual love, and hope for the future. The capacity to exist within a loving community was seen as a true testament of faith. Herrnhut emerged as a unique destination that drew individuals from across Central Europe seeking a deeper and more personal commitment to Christianity.
This small Christian community, dedicated to disseminating its beliefs and engaging in religious evangelism, has significantly shaped contemporary Christian practices globally. The Moravian missionaries journeyed across various regions to convey their message. Notably, Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, serving as a missionary in America, established the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on December 24, 1741.
The Völkerkundemuseum, or Museum of Ethnology, located in Herrnhut, contains a diverse array of artifacts collected by the Moravians during their missionary expeditions across the globe. This institution is affiliated with the State Art Collection Dresden and features items originating from regions such as India, Asia, North and South America, and Greenland, among others.
The Moravian star enjoys global recognition. Its origins trace back to Saxony in the 1830s, where it began as a craft initiative aimed at teaching Moravian boys the principles of geometry. In 1880, Pieter Verbeek established a modest bookstore that became the first venue for selling these stars. His son, Harry, later enhanced the family business by founding a star manufacturing facility in Herrnhut, Germany. This factory enabled the mass production of stars, which were distributed worldwide, including to the United States. Although the original factory was destroyed during World War II, it was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now open for public visits. The stars can feature anywhere from six to over 100 points, with the traditional Moravian star having 26 points, symbolizing the festive season.
Herrnhut serves as a pilgrimage destination for numerous individuals seeking the location of the inaugural Moravian church, which has been meticulously restored to reflect its original design. Guests have the opportunity to explore Berthelsdorf Church, the venue of the first communion, Count Zinzendorf’s manor house and burial site, in addition to the modest yet moving cemetery, notable for its understated elegance.
Scholars interested in exploring the history of the Moravian Church may access the comprehensive Moravian archives, which represent the oldest archival institution in Saxony. Established in 1764, these archives house a library containing all publications related to the Moravian Church, as well as works by Moravian authors, including letters, mission reports, memoirs, and diaries from congregations. Although the original Moravian Church, constructed in 1756, was destroyed by the Russian Army in 1945, the community successfully reconstructed the church and other affected buildings during the 1950s.
Herrnhut is located about 55 miles from Dresden and is most conveniently accessed by car. The guest house of the Moravian Church offers the most extensive accommodations, set in a tranquil area on the periphery of the town’s historic center, complete with a park-like garden. The town center is within a short walking distance, taking only a few minutes to reach. Herrnhut is enveloped by picturesque countryside, providing numerous opportunities for exploration through cycling or hiking. The local community is always eager to welcome visitors to their Moravian Church services on Sundays, as well as to their Easter service held at dawn.
