Torgau is one of those German towns whose calm streets hide a surprising amount of history. It was a residence of the Ernestine electors of Saxony, a major place in the early Reformation, and later the town where American and Soviet troops met on the Elbe in April 1945.
The great sight is Schloss Hartenfels, a Renaissance castle above the river. Its chapel was built for Lutheran worship and was consecrated by Martin Luther himself. A few minutes away, St Mary's Church keeps the grave of Katharina von Bora, Luther's wife, which gives Torgau a more human link to the Reformation than a list of dates ever could.
The old centre is compact and easy to walk. The market square, Renaissance town hall, riverside memorials, and castle courtyard make a satisfying half day, and the Elbe Cycle Route gives the town a steady trickle of travelers who arrive at exactly the right speed.