Görlitz: Where leisure time is still limitless…
Görlitz, like its surrounding area, is the perfect starting point for boundless discoveries and a wide variety of active pursuits. Here, your leisure time knows no bounds! Those who love the mountains will find themselves quickly at home. The Zittau Mountains, the Giant Mountains, or the Jizera Mountains: the journeys there are short – and beautiful. The tri-border region, like Upper Lusatia, is a unique cultural, historical, and scenic area that stretches south of Görlitz to Germany's smallest low mountain range. The region can be explored and discovered on well-maintained cycling and hiking trails, on scenic drives, or, in the Zittau Mountains, on the narrow-gauge railway that chugs its way up to Oybin, a monolith resembling a gigantic beehive that even captivated Caspar David Friedrich. In winter, cross-country ski trails and downhill slopes wind through the mountains, while in summer, hiking or downhill mountain biking through the forests awaits. You can explore the Neisse River by inflatable boat, and if you prefer a fresh breeze, Lake Berzdorf awaits you!
For sunbathers, cyclists and captains, right outside the city
Lake Berzdorf lies just outside the (southern) city limits and covers an area of almost 1,000 hectares. Originally used as an open-cast mine, the lake and its surrounding landscape have become a true natural paradise, perfect for swimming, surfing, sailing, cycling, skating, and hiking. Beautiful sandy beaches like the "Blue Lagoon" or the circular cycling route offer wonderful opportunities for relaxation as well as active pursuits. Numerous tourist attractions, restaurants, and other options ensure there's something for everyone – whatever suits your taste!
Lake Berzdorf
Experience art & culture: Between spectacle and inspiration
Culturally, a packed events calendar ensures artistic spectacles and cultural highlights that delight thousands of residents and visitors year after year. Original markets, vibrant street theater and colorful city festivals, classical theater and modern dance, changing exhibitions and museums steeped in tradition create the backdrop for impressive settings, encounters, and experiences. On both sides of the Neisse River, this European city, with its unique flair, inspires artists and bon vivants, residents and guests, young and old. For all of them, art and culture in Görlitz are a sign of a vibrant city that navigates diverse terrain between history, present, and future – and has much to offer.
Highlights include
Find a connection quickly
The European city of Görlitz-Zgorzelec and its surrounding area are pleasantly quiet compared to major cities. You don't spend half the day stuck in traffic. And you can get around without constantly bumping into other people. Yet you're never alone here. Whether it's sports, culture, or hobbies; whether you prefer a tightly organized or relaxed approach; whether at a club or in a garden allotment – there's something for everyone. In Görlitz alone, there are around 450 clubs. It's a comforting feeling not to be alone and to work together with like-minded people.
Here you can find an overview of all clubs in Görlitz:
Discover clubs in Zgorzelec (Polish website)
Civic engagement
The Engaged City and Volunteer Agency of Görlitz is the central point of contact for volunteers. On its interactive digital platform, interested individuals will find a knowledge blog and an ideas platform for exchanging experiences and ideas from their volunteer work, as well as a resource pool, exciting training opportunities, and a digital volunteer exchange. Anyone who prefers to learn more about volunteering in person is welcome to schedule an appointment.
Photo: Görlitz for Families eV.
