Oberlausitzer Leinentage Rammenau

Linen — The Heritage of the Oberlausitz

For centuries, the Oberlausitz was one of the most important textile regions in Central Europe. Flax grown here was spun, woven, and dyed into linen — fabrics that were exported as far as London, Amsterdam, and Hamburg. Today, the linen industry has largely disappeared, but the heritage lives on in regional manufactories, craftspeople, and in a festival that brings this tradition to light every year at Rammenau Baroque Palace: the Oberlausitz Linen Days. The fair has been held since 1998 — with international participation, a well-established concept, and an audience travelling from all over Saxony, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Rammenau Baroque Palace as a Backdrop

Rammenau Baroque Palace in the Bautzen district, about 30 kilometres east of Dresden, is one of Saxony's most beautiful preserved noble residences. Built between 1721 and 1737, it is a typical baroque four-sided complex with a mansard roof, a courtyard, and a large palace park. Today part of the State Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony, it serves as a museum, event venue, and wedding location. During the Linen Days, the courtyard becomes the main stage of the fair — with the baroque palace as a spectacular backdrop for fashion, crafts, and the cultural programme.

Programme — Fashion, Crafts, Culture

The festival runs over a weekend and combines several formats: Fashion shows on a catwalk in the courtyard display collections by international designers working with linen (dresses, suits, traditional costume adaptations, modern ready-to-wear). Craft demonstrations showcase historical and contemporary techniques — spinning on a spinning wheel, weaving on a handloom, bleaching, dyeing, embroidery. Artisans offer their wares: table linen, bedding, wall hangings, clothing, toys, jewellery — all made from linen or related natural fibres. In addition, there are animal companions (alpacas as suppliers of wool quality, birds of prey as exhibits) and a cultural programme on the palace stage with readings, theatre, and concerts. DJs provide the atmosphere with Jazz, Swing, and Discofox on both days, and dancing is encouraged — and happens.

Getting There and the Region

Rammenau is located between Bischofswerda and Bautzen, in the heart of the western Oberlausitz. The region is more than just a travel route: those extending their weekend should visit Bautzen with its rich Sorbian culture, St. Marienstern Monastery in Panschwitz-Kuckau, and the Felsenstadt Stolpen (Stolpen Rock City). By car via the A 4, by train to Bischofswerda (8 km from Rammenau) and then by bus or taxi.