Saxony has several graduation towers that channel brine over large surfaces, creating a noticeably salty environment.
This overview presents three well-known sites: the Körse-Therme in Schirgiswalde-Kirschau, the Erlebniswelt Krauschwitz and the graduation tower in the Bürger- und Familienpark in Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge.
Important for planning your trip: the Körse-Therme is currently closed and undergoing extensive renovation.
Schirgiswalde-Kirschau: graduation tower in the Körse-Therme
The Körse-Therme in Schirgiswalde-Kirschau is one of the best-known brine and graduation tower sites in Upper Lusatia. The facility includes a brine area and a graduation tower.
At the moment, however, the baths aren’t open as usual: operations stopped at the end of 2022, and a major renovation and upgrade is now under way.
If you’d like to visit, check the latest status of the project on the Körse-Therme website before you travel. The site remains interesting for the region’s spa and salt history, but it isn’t a regular destination at the moment.
Krauschwitz: graduation tower in the Erlebniswelt
In the east of Saxony, close to the Polish border, lies the Erlebniswelt Krauschwitz. Here, the graduation tower is part of a larger leisure, brine and sauna complex. The official Upper Lusatia tourist information still lists the graduation tower as part of the complex.
The site is particularly good for a combined day out, because baths, sauna and graduation tower are all in one place.
You’ll find current opening times and information from the Upper Lusatia tourist information.
Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge: graduation tower in the Bürger- und Familienpark
The Oelsnitz graduation tower stands in the Bürger- und Familienpark, on the former site of the 2015 State Garden Show. The site links the town’s mining history with the later transformation of the former railway and industrial area into a public park.
The town of Oelsnitz still lists the graduation tower as a tourist attraction. In 2026, there were temporary interruptions for technical and maintenance reasons. Before making a special trip, it’s worth checking the latest information from the town of Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge.
How does a graduation tower work?
In a classic graduation tower, brine is channelled over a large surface, usually filled with brushwood. Some of the water evaporates as the brine flows down. Historically, these towers were mainly used to increase the salt content of brine before boiling.
Today, graduation towers are often run as part of spa parks, thermal baths or public leisure facilities. Many visitors find the humid, salty atmosphere and the sound of trickling water pleasant. This is a statement about the experience and ambience, not about any medical effect.
Which site suits which kind of trip?
Krauschwitz combines the graduation tower with a larger range of leisure and bathing facilities. Oelsnitz is good for a walk through the Bürger- und Familienpark and for anyone interested in how mining history, a garden show and today’s park come together. Schirgiswalde-Kirschau remains an interesting site of regional spa history, but isn’t regularly accessible at the moment because of the ongoing renovation.
The graduation tower principle on a smaller scale
The SalinoVatis Mini Saline takes up part of the basic technical principle of a graduation tower: brine is channelled over a structured evaporation surface, and water evaporates at room temperature. It isn’t a scaled-down historic graduation tower or a medical device, but a device in its own right for indoor use.
The mini saline works without ultrasonic mist or hot steam. If you’d like to experience the principle of brine evaporation at home, regardless of opening times, you’ll find more technical information in our articles A graduation tower for your home and How does cold evaporation work?.
Conclusion
Graduation towers in Saxony combine technology, regional history and places to visit. Of this selection, Krauschwitz and Oelsnitz are currently the obvious destinations. The Körse-Therme remains a site whose redevelopment is worth following while it’s being renovated.
As opening times, maintenance and renovation work can change, always check the relevant official website before travelling a long way.
Frequently asked questions
Where are there graduation towers in Saxony?
This article presents the sites in Schirgiswalde-Kirschau, Krauschwitz and Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge. The Körse-Therme in Schirgiswalde-Kirschau is currently closed for renovation.
Is the Körse-Therme open at the moment?
No. Regular operations are currently suspended. The responsible association publishes the latest information on the renovation on the official website.
Can I visit the graduation tower in Oelsnitz?
The Bürger- und Familienpark is a public place to visit. The graduation tower may be temporarily out of operation for technical or maintenance reasons, so it’s worth checking the town’s information before you travel.
Is a mini saline the same as a graduation tower?
No. It only takes up the basic principle of channelling brine over a structured surface and letting water evaporate. Size, location and use are very different.
Visitor information as of September 2026. Opening and operating times may change.
