Frankenberg Pride 2027

Frankenberg in Saxony – not to be confused with Frankenberg an der Eder in Hesse – is picturesquely located on the Zschopau river, just about 13 kilometres northeast of Chemnitz in the district of Mittelsachsen (Central Saxony). The small town of around 14,000 inhabitants combines Saxon industrial history with a lively present and has also made a name for itself in recent years as a surprisingly colourful place.

Since the town was largely spared destruction in both world wars, Frankenberg has preserved a remarkable historic centre around its large market square and town hall. The town's weaving tradition – a centre of textile production in the 19th century – can still be seen today at the historic Webermeisterhaus (master weaver's house). A modern highlight is the ZeitWerkStadt, an interactive museum dedicated to Saxony's industrial and automotive history. A few kilometres upstream, Sachsenburg Castle towers above the Zschopau: completed in the 15th century, it is considered – alongside Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen – one of the few fully preserved late Gothic residential castles in Saxony. At the same site, a memorial commemorates the early Sachsenburg concentration camp – an important place of remembrance in Central Saxony. Nature lovers also appreciate the Zschopau valley and the Lützelhöhe recreation area.

Frankenberg has been proving since 2022 that queer life doesn't only happen in big cities like Leipzig or Dresden: that year, around 100 people marched in the town's first-ever Christopher Street Day, from the train station across the Lützelhöhe to the market square. Since then, the demonstration for acceptance, diversity and the rights of LGBTQIA* people has become a firm fixture of town life. The third CSD took place in 2024, the fourth in 2025, and the next edition is announced for 25 July 2026. With speeches, information stands run by associations and initiatives, and a colourful parade, CSD Frankenberg sends a visible signal against discrimination – especially in rural areas, where queer visibility is far from a given.

The CSD is the expression of a growing queer community in the region. It is carried by the volunteer commitment of young people from Frankenberg and the surrounding area, supported by statewide networks such as the CSD Sachsen alliance and the Tolerantes Sachsen network. LGBTQIA* people in Central Saxony can also turn to nearby services in Chemnitz – including queer youth groups and counselling services – for support and community. Frankenberg proves the point: even a small town on the Zschopau can be a place where diversity is celebrated.

Whether it's the late Gothic castle, industrial heritage at the ZeitWerkStadt or rainbow flags on the market square – Frankenberg in Saxony is a rewarding destination for anyone who wants to experience Saxon history and lived open-mindedness beyond the big cities.