1050 years of Altenburg: The first Altenburg 0-euro note is being issued to mark the town’s anniversary

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Leipzig was so proud when it celebrated the 1000th anniversary of its first mention by Thietmar of Merseburg in 2015. But Altenburg, to the south of Leipzig, is actually a little older. In 2026, Altenburg will celebrate the 1,050th anniversary of its first documented mention. On 1 August 976, Emperor Otto II bestowed the town of Altenburg upon the Diocese of Zeitz. Of course, Altenburg was not yet a town at that time, but – like Leipzig – the central castle of a fortified settlement, at the foot of which the town subsequently developed. The celebrations in Altenburg will really get underway with the Altenburg Games Festival from 21 to 23 August.

And just in time for Altenburg’s 1050th anniversary, Altenburger Tourismus GmbH is presenting the first 0-euro note in the ‘Skatstadt’. It is available now for 3.90 euros at the shop at Markt 17.

A 0-euro note? What’s the point of that?

“Time and again, visitors, locals and collectors ask for a 0-euro note in Altenburg,” says Altenburger Tourismus GmbH, explaining the appeal of this note, which is so popular with tourists. “These special editions, which cannot be used as legal tender, are already available in other towns in Thuringia. The idea kept the team at Altenburger Tourismus GmbH (ATG) thinking. Just in time for the town’s 1,050th anniversary, the first edition of this new, exclusive souvenir is now being released.”

The banknote features the Altenburg Skat Fountain, Altenburg Residential Palace and the ‘Rote Spitzen’.

“The 0-euro note completes our existing range of Altenburg originals and, in a small way – in your wallet, so to speak – helps spread the word about Altenburg around the world,” says Jessica Paeschke, head of the ATG agency, delightedly.

In this limited edition of 3,000, the ‘banknotes’ are available for €3.90 – and this combination of motifs is unique, emphasises Altenburger Tourismus GmbH. For particularly quick buyers, ATG is offering an introductory discount of around 10.50 per cent during the anniversary week, meaning that from 17 to 23 August 2026, the price is just €3.50.

“This is our way of saying thank you to our region,” says Jessica Paeschke, who initiated and led the project. To mark the anniversary year, ATG has issued the now very popular Altenburger Land Skat voucher, “which allows travellers and locals alike to rediscover cultural and culinary partners in the district and receive discounts there,” Paeschke adds. Both products will also be available at the Spielefest (21–23 August 2026) around the Großer Teich.

Games Festival

During the Altenburg Games Festival from 21 to 23 August, there will be numerous special events that highlight Altenburg’s past and present. Plans include a large games flash mob involving 1,050 Altenburg residents, as well as the ‘Parade of Clubs & Schools’ under the motto ‘What Altenburg has to offer’, which aims to showcase the town’s diversity and community spirit.

The 0-euro note is available from Altenburger Tourismus GmbH, Markt 17 (next to Rossmann) and via www.spielkartenladen.de