What Is Erzgebirge

The Erzgebirge region of the former East Germany lies south of the city of Dresden along the German border with the Czech Republic. The region is home to many small firms employing 2-6 craftsmen and women. The area was originally a silver mining region, thus the region’s name of Erzgebirge translating roughly into “Ore Mountains.” With the demise of the mining industry in the 17th century, the region had no employment for the workers.

Since there was an abundance of waterpower and the area was heavily forested, the woodworking industry was soon born. Many small companies began making dishes, furniture, and other wooden products. Christmas was then as now a major holiday for the people. Since they had the skilled craftsmen, they began to make toys for their children in their spare time. Their hobby soon developed into the area’s major industry and since has become world renown for Christmas Items. We stock many of these traditional items under the Erzgebirge Brand.