Auctions sell church and former forest school, while Dresden’s Erlwein Tower goes under the hammer next

A former forest school, a church and a building once used by the House of German-Soviet Friendship have all found buyers at property auctions in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

The former forest school in Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, in the Vogtland district and birthplace of Germany’s first space traveler, Sigmund Jähn, sold for €130,000. The former House of German-Soviet Friendship in Zwickau changed hands for €30,000.

A buyer paid more for a listed church building in Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, securing the church, its connecting structure and tower, as well as a house with a terrace and garage, for €150,000.

In total, 107 properties worth around €5.8 million were sold during the autumn auctions in Dresden and Leipzig. The next event will feature a more recognizable landmark: Dresden’s listed Erlwein Tower.

Built around 1906, the tower is regarded as an Art Nouveau icon and is closely associated with city architect Hans Erlwein. After years of deterioration, parts of the tower have been renovated. According to the auction organizers, about €4.75 million has been invested in the building. Its minimum bid at the winter auctions, scheduled for Nov. 25 to 27, 2026, will be €1.5 million.