Altenburger Land
Altenburger Land is a region located in the heart of Germany with a current population of about 90,000 people. You will find it on a map in the middle of the central part of Germany inside the former East German Federal State of Thuringia. It is located about 25 miles south of Leipzig and 56 miles west of Dresden. Altenburger Land is well-known for its hilly and fertile loess soil that has been utilized for years in the successful production of agricultural crops and cattle farming. A popular product of the region is Altenburger Ziegenkäse, which is a soft cheese produced from goat’s milk with a special type of caraway seed added to it. There are also very distinct historic fortresses, residences, and manor houses visible all around the Altenburger Land region, which also serve as museums, youth hostels, and gorgeous backdrops for music concerts and weddings.
Altenburg
Altenburg is the capital and the largest city within the Altenburger Land region with approximately 36,000 people living there. It lies along the Pleisse River and its history dates back over a thousand years. It has historic roots in mining and textile machinery manufacturing. Because of its prime location on major trade routes, the city has flourished, and it has become an important epicenter for both trade and culture. Beautiful villages with traditional buildings and historic structures in 19th Century Gründerzeit architecture surround the city of Altenburg. Fortunately, most of these structures have survived over the years through several different political regimes and their rulers. Altenburg’s cultural richness includes visits by some of the most notorious Germans in history such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Martin Luther who preached inside Altenburg’s St. Nicholas Church during the 16th Century. Altenburg is also known for its local mustard, which is produced by Altenburger Senf und Feinkost, and Altenburger beer is extremely popular, especially with the locals. But the city is probably best known as the birthplace of the three-handed card game Skat, which is similar to Bridge and originated in Altenburg in 1552. Skat and other beloved playing cards are still manufactured today at the Bechstein Playing Card Factory in Altenburg. There is also an impressive playing card museum, located right inside the Altenburg castle that is open to visitors for public viewing. The German Skat Association (DSKV), the umbrella organization of all Skat clubs and the German Skat Court, which is the highest decision-making body for disputes about the game, both have been located in the city for over 80 years. There is also a Skat school, which offers courses for learning the game and opportunities for students to participate in regional Skat tournaments. Many local restaurants, bars and pubs proudly display the Skat symbol in their windows indicating there are assigned tables available for regulars to come in and catch a game. Altenburg is also home to the only Skat fountain around, so it is no surprise that Altenburg is still known today by many as Skatstadt/Skat City in honor of their deep traditional ties to the card game.