Learn About Seiffen, Germany
Seiffen is located in the state of Saxony in the Ore Mountains (the Erzgebirge) bordering the Czech Republic. The population is a little over 2,000. The village has a toy museum, living history museum, and many family-owned businesses. Artisans from Seiffen have been coming to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt since it started in 2017.
More About the Items in the Exhibit
Nutcrackers
Seiffen, Saxony, is known for its family-owned businesses that have been producing wooden toys and decorations for centuries. Seiffen resident Wilhelm Füchtner invented the mass production method of making wooden nutcrackers on a lathe in 1870. His family still lives in Seiffen and continues the tradition.
The Miner and the Angel
Many centuries ago, miners often carved figures of themselves or guardian angels while waiting to be lowered into the mines or during winter months. The Miner and the Angel are depicted on many decorative items and serve as symbols of the Erzgebirge woodworking tradition and mining history.
Winter
Seiffen is a popular destination during the winter holidays because of its picturesque location in the mountains, Christmas market, choir and brass band concerts, and festive ambiance. Some refer to Seiffen as the Christmas capital of Germany since so many Christmas decorations are made there.
Pyramids
Although originally a mining community, Seiffen has transitioned to a city with a thriving woodworking industry and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is protected for future generations to appreciate. Among the popular items made by woodworking artisans are pyramids that usually portray the nativity through different scenes on 1–5 tiers or the industry development and traditions of the Erzgebirge. You can see a 33-foot tall pyramid right here in Carmel at the Christkindlmarkt on Carter Green!
Mountain Parades
Mountain parades (Bergparaden) have been taking place in the Ore Mountains, including in Seiffen, for many centuries. Brass bands in traditional mining outfits walk through the streets, and many visitors come to enjoy the spectacle. It's one of many ways to honor the long-standing traditions that make people from this area proud.
Wooden Toys
For centuries, families in Seiffen have produced wooden toys to make a living. During COVID, one Seiffen family created wooden ball tracks to be installed throughout the village. That way, families could play outside at a safe distance. The project started with 7 tracks and has grown to 23. It's an homage to the area's history, inventiveness, and persistence.
