Herrnhut Star Manufactory
Herrnhuter Sterne Manufaktur51°01′ N 14°44′ E
The manufactory suits anyone who wants to watch Herrnhut stars being made and then build one, with free entry to the show workshop and a step-free site. Every Sunday and public holiday it stays shut, and that includes Advent.
In the show workshop staff fold and glue the paper points and assemble the small plastic stars while you watch, and entry costs nothing. A children's discovery area opened beside it in March 2018, with an indoor play area of 150 m² over two floors. The restaurant Bei Sterns serves regional dishes and coffee with cake. Parking is free for cars and coaches, and the whole site is step-free.
At the craft benches a 13 cm plastic star costs €17.50 and a paper star of 40 or 60 cm starts at €50, without the electrics. Small groups can sit down at the plastic-star bench without booking, and on busy days you should expect a wait. A paper star you decorate has to dry and be pressed, so you collect it a few days later or pay to have it posted home.
From January to August the site opens 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday, and from September to December it stays open to 18:00. On 24 and 31 December it opens 8:00 to 12:00. The firm's first shop is the Stammhaus at Löbauer Straße 21 in the town, and it opens all day on the Advent Saturdays.
Worth knowing
- Book ahead for a paper star, since those benches take reservations only.
- Saturday is the one weekend day to come, because the manufactory shuts on Sundays.
Quick answers about Herrnhut Star Manufactory
Can you visit the Herrnhut star factory?
Yes. The show workshop at Oderwitzer Straße 8 in Herrnhut is free to enter and opens Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 17:00 from January to August and 9:00 to 18:00 from September to December. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Can you make your own Herrnhut star?
Yes. Assembling a 13 cm plastic star costs €17.50, and a decorated paper star of 40 or 60 cm starts at €50. Paper stars need a reservation, and you collect them a few days later or have them posted.