Since its founding in the 13th century, the town has continually grown into one of the major textile-producing centers in Saxony of the 20th century.

Embedded within the steep hills and valleys of the river and two smaller creeks, the town is green and picturesque. Of interest are the Gothic church from the 15/16th century, technical museums and the nearby Kriebstein castle and the historic old town.

Mittweida is home to a university with about 5000 students. Founded in the late 19th century, it is known far beyond the Saxony borders. Among its students were August Horch, Walter Bruch, Jørgen Skafte Rasmussen, and Gerhard Neumann. During World War II, a subcamp of Flossenbürg concentration camp was located there.

Museums

On the Kirchberg you will find the museum "Old rectories." Part of the museum is the "John Shilling House", which sculptures, drawings and inventions of the sculptor and creator of the Niederwald monument, John Schilling shows. 2011 was also the former home of Erich Loest Loest opened the exhibition, which shows the writer's personal belongings. There is also a private space museum.

Buildings 

Electorate post mile pillar in the marketplace

On the square stands a reconstructed Electorate postal distance column four times with a double coat of arms, as it occurs only in Leisnig and Zwickau, and the market well with Art Nouveau angel of peace. The Evangelical Lutheran Church city, "Our dear Lady" on the Kirchberg dates from the 15th Century.

In Ringethal is a Silbermann organ, the pumped storage plant Neudorfchen Mittweida.

In the neighboring village to the castle Zschöppichen Neusorge from the 18th Century.