GERMANY: SEIFFEN

SEE

In the middle of the town is the famous Seiffen church. If you’ve shopped for German souvenirs before, chances are that you’ve already seen miniature versions of the church, along with the accompanying choir boys. Seeing the church in real life helps to make those souvenirs even more memorable.

Erzgebirgisches Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum): I visited Seiffen several times before discovering this museum, which is such a shame because it is SO WELL DONE! Visits to the museum begin with a film (available in several different languages, including English) explaining the history of Seiffen. After the film, you move into the exhibit rooms centered around a giant pyramid. The exhibits contain thousands of vintage Seiffen products which will completely take your breath away, especially if you love Seiffen like I do. I was shocked and delighted to learn that many of the products used today are modeled after the exact same patterns and items offered one hundred years ago, including the boxed packaging. Despite the collections on display, this museum is kid-friendly with play areas and touchable wooden toys throughout the museum. It is located in the center of town, right across the street from the Glässer workshop. 

SHOP

Seiffen is the heart of production of wooden German handicrafts. There are many workshops and stores located along the Erzgebirge mountains, but here are a few of my favorite, not-to-miss shops. I recommend parking at the parking lot located at Jahnstraße 2, 09548 and walking to the shops from there. The list below is organized by the best route to follow through town. Please keep in mind that most shops close early, around 5:00pm. 

Glück auf Haus: Located across from the large parking lot, this shop tends to be one of the best priced in the area. They have a great selection of everything and can provide Global Blue tax free receipts. 

Seiffener Volkskunst: This shop is located down the stairs from the other side of the parking lot. Their speciality is nutcrackers and if you visit on a weekday, you can actually see the artists making the nutcrackers in the workshop! They offer a variety of different styles and may be one of the only shops that offer nutcrackers in the largest sizes. Don’t miss the sale section where items with minor blemishes reside. 

Schwibboggen Haus: The red building! Schwibbogen’s are the decorative arches, often with candles or lights around the top. This shop has a whole room of them, along with a smaller selection of smokers and other decorative items. This shop also sells wooden stands for about €5 a piece if you want to add height to your schwibbogen. Most importantly, if you’re worried about fitting the box into your suitcase, this shop ships for an incredibly reasonable rate (shipping fee is around €30 to the USA and arrives within 1-2 weeks). AND if you ship, they won’t charge you the VAT tax which basically makes the shipping free.

Seiffener Haus: The green building, owned by the same people next door. This shop has everything but has enough open space that it’s not totally overwhelming. I always find something here and the shopkeepers in both stores are very kind. 

Altes Handleshaus: This shop has everything you need and is organized very well. Take photos of the labels on pieces you’d like to purchase and show it to the shopkeeper at the front desk. My favorite items to buy from here are the Seiffener miniature figures for my Christmas town. 

Seiffener Pyramidenhaus: Great selection of pyramids but unfortunately they do not ship. Be aware that the boxes they use are HUGE and will take creative maneuvering to fit into your suitcase. If anything, this shop is a great picture spot with the giant angel and bergmann in the front. 

Richard Glässer: This shop is the most gorgeous showroom offering everything you could ever want. And bonus! They also ship to the states and will not charge the VAT tax if you choose to do so. Not the cheapest shop but the pieces are gorgeous. For a nominal fee, you can walk through the workshop and see the artists carving, painting, and assembling wood creations! So cool to see how these products are created in-house and truly authentic pieces. 

Bergleutehaus: Owned by the same family that owns Glück auf Haus, this shop is also reasonably priced and offers a great selection of everything. If you’re looking for an angel and bergmann set, this is the place to go as they have a wall full of them. If you opt for a set without lights, make sure to purchase candles in the shop as it can be quite difficult to find the right fitting size once you leave.

Altes Drehwerk: Another gorgeous showroom with a vast selection of unique nutcrackers.

STAY

I’ve never stayed in Seiffen, as we usually make a day trip or combine it with a Polish Pottery shopping trip with a night in Dresden. However, the Buntes Haus Hotel seems to be a nice lodging option and is located in the middle of town. Super convenient to bring bags back to the room in between shops, wink.

SAVOR

There are not many dining options in this town, but I usually eat at the Buntes Haus Hotel. The restaurant offers traditional German food and is quite delicious, but do note that it often takes a while for the food to be served. I would recommend eating a big breakfast before coming to Seiffen and then eating a late lunch/early dinner here after you’ve finished shopping. They also have a kids menu for small servings of pasta and schnitzel.