On the market square of Neustadt in Saxony stands a modest yet fascinating monument - an Electoral Saxon postal distance column dating from 1729. It's one of many stone markers that once guided travelers along the old postal routes of Saxony, and it makes a charming little stop while exploring the town at the edge of the Zittau Mountains and Saxon Switzerland.

The column stands almost exactly where it was originally placed nearly three centuries ago, beside the eastern wall of the town hall. The surrounding square, its old townhouses and the calm, small-town atmosphere make this a pleasant short detour during a longer hike through the Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge region. In summer the market square buzzes with life, while in winter the column takes on a quiet, historic charm against snow-dusted rooftops.

• Market square in Neustadt in Sachsen - a few minutes' walk from the town centre, easy, accessible to everyone
• The town is a convenient starting point for walking or cycling tours toward the Zittau Mountains and Saxon Switzerland

• Made of Cotta sandstone, the column consists of seven parts: base, pedestal, pedestal crown, intermediate plate, shaft, coat-of-arms piece and top
• It bears the year 1729, marking when it was erected
• Until 1888 it stood directly in front of the town hall, was then moved to a park by the former imperial post office, and returned to the market square in 1929
• Its top was destroyed during Walpurgis Night in 1954 and later restored

It is one of many such columns commissioned by Elector Friedrich August I of Saxony and built by commissioner Adam Friedrich Zürner, forming a network meant to help travelers judge distances along Saxony's postal roads.