Broschüre „Old splendor in new glory“

SCHLOESSERLAND SACHSEN. 

OLD SPLENDOR IN NEW GLORY.

information & tickets 

T +49 351 49 11 705 / semperoper.de

Old splendor in new glory 

Augustus the Strong invites for an audience ____________________ 3 

Solid walls and sturdy towers 

Margrave Otto the Rich recounts ____________________________ 7 

Altzella Monastery Park / Mildenstein Castle ___________________ 8 / 9 

Stolpen Castle ___________________________________________ 10 / 11 

Gnandstein Castle / Scharfenstein Castle _______________________ 12 / 13 

Mylau Castle ____________________________________________ 14 / 15 

Castles become palaces 

Duchess Elisabeth von Rochlitz remembers____________________ 17 

Rochlitz Castle / Kriebstein Castle ____________________________ 18 / 19 

Weesenstein Castle _______________________________________ 20 / 21 

Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle / Rochsburg Castle ________________ 22 / 23 

Schoenfels Castle_________________________________________ 24 

New thinking - new forms 

Elector Augustus introduces ________________________________ 27 

Augustusburg Castle / Klaffenbach Castle ______________________ 28 / 29 

Wildeck Castle / Dresden Royal Palace ________________________ 30 / 31 

Freudenstein Castle / Hartenfels Castle ________________________ 32 / 33 

Wildenfels Castle / Glauchau Castle __________________________ 34 / 35 

ZWINGER EXPERIENCE / FESTUNG EXPERIENCE _________ 36 / 37 

Colditz Castle ___________________________________________ 38 / 39 

Lauenstein Castle / Klippenstein Castle ________________________ 40 / 41 

Koenigstein Fortress / Nossen Castle__________________________ 44 / 45 

The splendor of Baroque and Rococo 

Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann presents______________________ 47 

Pillnitz Palace and Park / Wackerbarth Castle ___________________ 50 / 51 

The Grand Garden of Dresden / 

Richard-Wagner-Staetten Graupa ____________________________ 52 / 53 

The Dresden Zwinger______________________________________ 54 / 55 

Rammenau Baroque Castle / Zabeltitz Baroque Garden ___________ 56 / 57 

Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden / Wolkenburg Castle_______________ 58 / 59 

Moritzburg Castle / Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle ____________ 60 / 61 

Delitzsch Baroque Castle / Lichtenwalde Castle and Park __________ 62 / 63 

Between Romanticism 

and industrialization 

Prince Hermann Pueckler-Muskau remembers _________________ 65 

Prince Pueckler Park Bad Muskau / Frohburg Castle______________ 66 / 67 

Voigtsberg Castle / Royal Grounds Bad Elster___________________ 68 / 69 

Lodge royally 

Katharina Luther, née von Bora, invites_______________________ 71 

Nimbschen Monastery Hotel / Hohnstein Castle ________________ 72 / 73 

Boarding House »Zur Koeniglichen Ausspanne« / 

Dresden Pillnitz Palace Hotel _______________________________ 74 / 75 

Proschwitz Castle / Youth Hostel Colditz Castle _________________ 76 / 77 

»Old Splendor 

in New Glory« 

You can also order 

these brochures free 

of charge from: 

www.publikationen.sachsen.de 

Legend: 

App with 

Audio Guide Tour 

Audio Guide Tour 

Gastronomy 

Museum 

Benefits from the 

schloesserlandCARD 

Accommodation 

WiFi 

tested accessibility 

Information 

Video »Welcome to Schloesserland Sachsen« 

schloesserlandCARD___________________ 78 

How to get to Saxony __________________ 79 

Editorial details _______________________ 80 

Map of Saxony _______________________ 82

Kingdom on the go 

The 

entertaining smartphome-audioguide through the history of 

the parks and gardens in Schloesserland Sachsen. 

Your permanent companion: free of charge for your Android or iOS smartphone 

Grand Garden of Dresden, Dresden Zwinger, Wackerbarth Castle, Altzella Monastery Park, Royal Grounds Bad Elster, Grosssedlitz Baroque 

Garden, Lichtenwalde Park, Pillnitz Park, Zabeltitz Baroque Garden, Moritzburg Castle & Pheasant Castle Moritzburg, Stolpen Castle 

Get it on 

Available on the 

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de 

/Schloesserland.Sachsen 

/schloesserlandsachsen 

/Schloesserland

Old splendor in new glory 

»Be warmly welcomed to Schloesserland Sachsen! For more than eight hundred years, the land which once had 

emerged from the March of Meissen was ruled by members of my dynasty. They left magnificent buildings everywhere 

– evidence of their power and wealth, but also testimony to joie de vivre and love of the arts. As margraves, 

dukes, electors and kings of the House of Wettin they once contributed to what Saxony represents today: the most 

popular destination in Germany for culture-loving tourists. Of course, it was not just them – everywhere in the 

country, Saxon nobles strived to emulate their idol, thus generating a density of gorgeous estates that is unique in 

the world. Many of them were designed by the best architects of their time. Master builders, such as Arnold von 

Westfalen, Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann and Johann Christoph Knoeffel, created buildings which met the 

highest standards of the time and which today continue to attract as much admiration as ever. They have been 

carefully restored and are now open to visitors from near and far as museums, cultural sites or hotels. With 

every step you take you will encounter outstanding testimonies to Saxon creativity: medieval castles 

and monasteries, proud Renaissance palaces, pompous Baroque residences, extensive gardens and 

parks and fantastic neo-style buildings of the 19th century. Indulge in the way of life of the 

nobles of bygone times and allow yourself to be enchanted by an atmosphere of exclusivity. 

Listen to a wealth of anecdotes about our rich history, which are due in no small part to me.« 

Elector Frederick Augustus I of Saxony, King Augustus II of Poland, 

»THE SKIRT 

CHASER« 

also known as »Augustus the Strong« (1670 – 1733) 

Movie »THE SKIRT CHASER« 


3

Moritzburg Castle

Altzella Monastery Park

Solid walls and 

sturdy towers 

»In my time, the March of Meissen started to blossom. I had forests chopped down, land turned into arable 

fields and counties founded. Towns, such as Leipzig and Freiberg, emerged. Proud, fortified castles secured the new 

settlements and trading routes. Some of them have been preserved so very well that still today one might expect the 

castle gates to open and the lord of the castle and his companions on their stallions to sweep over the drawbridge. 

Bowers and keeps, knights’ halls, castle chapels and gloomy dungeons invite you to embark on a fascinating trip 

into medieval times. The special atmosphere of those times continues to greet visitors to the castles of Mildenstein, 

Gnandstein and Scharfenstein even today. Apart from the castles, monasteries were set up as centers of 

spiritual life. They steadily developed into centers of culture and education, as for example, the Cistercian abbey 

of Altzella. The latter did not only become famous as the burial site of Meissen margraves, but also for 

its extensive library which ranked among the most important ones in the Empire. However, the 

reason why the sobriquet »the Rich« was added to my name after my death has less to do 

with gaining knowledge than with acquiring a hoard of silver treasures. Rich finds of this 

noble metal were first discovered in the densely wooded mountains nearby the monastery 

in 1168. It precipitated a »Berggeschrey« (mining frenzy), attracting scores of pitmen 

and miners, charcoal burners and traders to Saxony. I gave every man who was up 

to it the rights to mine in the »Ore Mountains«. Ambitions were spurred – and the 

»Bergzehnte« or mining duty that was owed to me filled my treasury thoroughly …« 

»THE 

MONEY 

RAKER« 

Margrave Otto the Rich (1125 – 1190) 

Movie »THE MONEY -RAKER« 


7

The heritage of 

 

the Cistercians 

ALTZELLA MONASTERY PARK 

When the waves of Reformation swept over 

Saxony the German princes who had 

converted to the Lutheran faith drove the monks out 

of their monasteries. There remained ruined monastery 

grounds, in which only those interested in history 

could perceive the echo of the monks and their activities. 

Such was also the case at Altzella, after the Saxon 

sovereign, Prince Henry the Pious, had ordered the 

secularization of the Cistercian monastery there. The 

grounds where the monks had lived and worked since 

1175 fell into ruin, the bricks of the monastery were 

removed to be used elsewhere, while valuable books 

from the library, numbe ring well over a thousand, 

were passed on to the University of Leipzig. However, 

since Altzella was the cemetery of the noble Wettin 

family, the royal court in Dresden never ceased to be 

interested in the site. Here, in 1787, Elector Frederick 

Augustus III erected a mausoleum in early neoclassicistic 

style, while his garden architect Johann Friedrich 

Huebler surrounded the white burial place with a 

landscape park in the style of the Romantic period. 

The manmade landscape, so natural in its appea rance, 

with its old pointed arches, seemingly fixed gables and 

broken pillars quickly attracted famous names of the 

German art world of the time, including Caspar David 

Romanesque Refectorium 

Friedrich and Ludwig Richter, who found inspiration 

galore in Altzella. Anybody attracted to the soft splendor 

of the old monastery grounds is certain to find the 

same fascination that drew those Romantics before 

them. 

Mausoleum of the Wettins 

Romanesque Stepped Portal 

Holiday apartments 

• 9 rooms 

• 25 beds 

Video »Altzella Monastery Park« 

Klosterpark Altzella | Zellaer Strasse 10 | 01683 Nossen | Phone +49 (0) 3 52 42 5 04 50 | altzella@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.kloster-altzella.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 14, exit Nossen-Nord or Nossen-Sued, via autobahn A 4, exit Siebenlehn | BY BUS No. 424 from Dresden to Altzella 

8 www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

MILDENSTEIN CASTLE 

A symbol of power 

carved in stone 

T 

he mighty castle of Mildenstein is one of the 

oldest in Saxony; its name first appeared in a 

document in 1046. The Salier kings held court here, 

The castle complex towering high above the Freiberger Mulde River 

followed by the Staufer kings under Emperor Barbarossa 

who undertook a large-scale extension, and later the 

Wettin margraves under whom Mildenstein became a 

court of law and a notorious prison. The instruments of 

torture and the many bolted and barred doors behind the 

meter-thick walls still send a shiver down the visitors’ 

spines. Architecturally, the barrel vaulting of the Gothic 

granary, the keep and the Romanesque castle chapel 

with its three-winged altar are outstanding, as are the 

medieval knights’ halls. The sheer size of the castle 

complex allows it to be used in many ways: exhibitions 

and concerts are held throughout the year. Delicacies 

that were then served to the elector in festively lit halls 

are still served by stewards and pages on St Martin’s 

Day. The rustic knights’ halls can also be used for private 

festivities. Furthermore, Mildenstein surrenders to 

those intending to enter into wedlock to rule the castle 

for one day. The exhibition provides sometimes drastic 

insights into medieval judiciary and regulation. 

»Frieder Berg«, an unusual witness, has been revived 

especially for children: the keep, the longest serving 

building of the castle, chats about the events it witnessed 

during almost 1,000 years of history. The new 

permanent exhibition »The Court of the Young Lords« 

– Mildenstein Castle as the electoral nursery in the 

newly restored manor supplements the family-friendly 

exhibitions with further interactive offers. Mildenstein 

Castle is highly recommended for young castle visitors! 

The »Princes’ Parlor« and the »Black Kitchen« are 

available for weddings, family functions or conferences. 

Stage your celebration in a very special ambience. 

Attic of the Front Castle 

Burg Mildenstein | Burglehn 6 | 04703 Leisnig | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 21 6 25 60 | mildenstein@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.burg-mildenstein.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 14, exit Leisnig to town center | BY RAIL from Leipzig, Chemnitz or Dresden to Leisnig 

Video »Mildenstein Castle« 


9

Stolpen Castle

STOLPEN CASTLE 

Simply 

inescapable 

The castle and town of Stolpen 

A 

fortress of roughly cut timbers is said to have 

stood here since at least 1100, where today 

Stolpen Castle greets its visitors. The castle was first 

mentioned in documents in the year 1222. The following 

eight hundred years saw much light but even 

more shadow, for Stolpen was to suffer greatly in the 

storms of European feuds. Hussites, Swedes, Prussians 

achieve fame by war and catastrophes, but instead by 

intrigues at the Saxon court, to which Stolpen Castle 

ows its most famous and lasting resident. For almost 

half a century, until her death in 1765, Anna Constantia 

Countess von Cosel was to remain banished behind 

its walls. This cheerful, beauti ful and clever woman, 

long-time mistress of Augustus the Strong and mother 

was to become a victim of her princely bedmate. The 

stone on which the castle is built is as hard as the fate 

suffered by countess. Basalt, which forms the base of 

the fortress, was first described by scientists in Stolpen. 

The characteristic stone of the castle mountain, as well 

as the deepest, unsupported basalt well in the world, 

carry the status of a national geotope. 

and French were to leave scars on the fortress, just as 

of three of his children, had made enemies due to her 

Ann Constantia 

Countess Cosel 

Movie »Imprisoned for life« 

plague and fire did, too. But the castle was not to 

apparent interference in political affairs and eventually 

Burg Stolpen | Schlossstrasse 10 | 01833 Stolpen | Phone +49 (0) 3 59 73 2 34 10 | stolpen@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.burg-stolpen.org 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Ottendorf-Okrilla via Radeberg to Stolpen via federal road B 6 Dresden – Bischofswerda, then signposted; from Saxon Switzerland 

the way is signposted from the »Bastei« | BY BUS from Dresden to Stolpen, bus stop Schützenhausstraße | BY RAIL from Pirna to Stolpen, followed by a 30-minute walk 

Video »Stolpen Castle« 

Marketplace 

Stolpen 


11

GNANDSTEIN CASTLE 

A picture book castle 

T 

he best preserved Romanesque fortification in 

Saxony rises near the »potters’ town« of Kohren - 

Sahlis. The lords of the castle came from old Meissen 

nobility, the Von Einsiedel family (the name literally 

meaning »hermit«). Indeed did the lords of the castle 

seem to be »hermits« in the sense of being closely connected 

to this place far off the world’s hustle and bustle, 

since the family continually inhabited Gnandstein from 

the late 14th century until the end of World War II, 

without ever having had to surrender the keys of the 

castle to anyone else. This may be the reason why, 

despite numerous conversions and extensions, it ranks 

among the unique group of German knights’ castles 

still invoking the spirit of long-gone ages. The keep, 

the ward, the battlements, the curtain walls, the Palace 

Building: the fortress above the small Wyhra River is a 

dream come true for all those fascinated by the Middle 

Ages. Climb the keep, which was ultimate refuge for 

the castle’s inhabitants in times of war. Or visit the 

late-Gothic chapel with its splendid wood-carved 

altars and you will feel as if transported back to those 

unsettled times when Saxony was in the hands of 

armored warriors. Furthermore, befitting the medie val 

aura of Gnandstein, there is an old legend of a hidden 

treasure waiting to be found in the grounds of the fortress. 

Visitors to the Romanesque defense castle can 

still return home feeling enriched without having discovered 

gold or precious gems, as the exhibition of the 

Castle chapel 

»Gross Collection« allows them to admire about four 

hundred precious exhibits collected over seven centuries. 

Gnandstein Castle 

12 www.schloesserland-sachsen.de 

Video »Gnandstein Castle« 

Burg Gnandstein | Burgstrasse 3 | 04654 Frohburg | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 44 6 13 09 | gnandstein@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.burg-museum-gnandstein.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4 to autobahn interchange Kreuz Chemnitz, continue along autobahn A 72 towards Leipzig, exit Penig, continue along federal road B 95 

towards Leipzig, then signposted | BY RAIL from Leipzig, Chemnitz to Geithain; then continue by bus to Kohren-Sahlis

SCHARFENSTEIN CASTLE 

The family 

castle 

For centuries the Ore Mountains had lived from 

the precious stone for which they had once been 

At the Christmas and Toy Museum 

named – especially the silver mines had made this 

picturesque mountain range a prosperous region. But 

Castle. This 800-year-old castle possesses the »Martin 

Walpurgis Night, and GHOSTLY SPOOKS on the 

when the faceworkers in the sixteenth century started 

Collection«, a special treasure of folk art objects 

weekend before Halloween. Adults, too, can learn a lot 

to bring even less white ore out of the mines, the peo- 

and toys from all over the Ore Mountains. Scharfen- 

about the region and be entertained by the exhibitions 

ple of the Ore Mountains had to look for new sources 

stein is widely known as the »Family and Adventure 

on folk art traditions, castle history as well as by Karl 

of income. Therefore, what previously had been a way 

Castle« which offers a hands-on historical experience 

Stuelpner’s history. So anybody wanting to come as near 

of passing the long winter nights, became their way of 

to live and learn by. The program includes fairytale 

as possible to such items as carved wooden animals, 

earning their daily bread: the production of wooden 

events, Scharfenstein Advent Magic ANNO 1900 

the German incense smoker, the Christmas arch or the 

figures and Christmas decorations. It is possible to see 

on weekends before Christmas, scary highlights like 

Christmas pyramid, should conquer Scharfenstein 

the rich fruits of this craft tradition at Scharfenstein 

Scharfenstein Castle 

the WITCHCRAFT event on the weekend before 

Castle as soon as possible! 

Burg Scharfenstein | Schlossberg 1 | 09430 Drebach, OT Scharfenstein | Phone +49 (0) 3 72 91 38 00 | service@die-sehenswerten-drei.de | www.die-sehenswerten-drei.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via federal road B 174, second exit in Zschopau | BY RAIL Chemnitz – Baerenstein, get off at Scharfenstein 

Video »Scharfenstein Castle« 


13

MYLAU CASTLE 

From the 

Imperial Castle to the 

»Castle of the People« 

accommodated next to the council hall. Today, the 

museum has the oldest and largest natural science 

collection in the Vogtland region. The modern museum 

now features fascinating historical rooms and a 

wide range of information on the history of the castle, 

the town of Mylau, and the Göltzsch and Elster 

Viaducts. It’s always worth a visit! 

things, a 27-m-high donjon has survived since the 

time of the castle’s emergence around 1200. The 

Imperial Lords of Milin became the Governors of 

Gera, Weida and Plauen. The fact that Mylau shows a 

crowned ruler in its coat of arms today goes back to 

Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Emperor of the 

Holy Roman Empire of German Nations, had appropriated 

the castle and assumed rule. In 1367, he personally 

visited it and, on that occasion, gave the settlement 

at its foot its town charter. Aristocratic rule at 

Mylau Castle came to an end in 1772. The building 

Council Hall 

Mylau, communal part of the Town of Reichenbach 

today, is located in the immediate proximity 

to the Goeltzschtal Bridge. As the world’s largest 

viaduct built of brick, the spectacular 19th-century 

structure keeps attracting flocks of visitors to the 

region, where they can encounter yet another superlative: 

Mylau Castle. It is the largest medieval fortification 

in the Saxon Vogtland region – and, at the same 

time, the only one within a wide reach that has almost 

completely been preserved. Among several other 

became a bourgeois residence and one of the first 

industrial sites in Saxony, but it gradually wasted 

away. Later on, the castle changed hands many more 

times; in 1892, the town acquired the decrepit and 

decaying property. The town restored it, partially redesigning 

it in the spirit of historism. A castle inn and 

the museum of the natural history association became 

Metzsch Room 


Video »Mylau Castle« 

Museum Burg Mylau | Burg 1 | 08499 Mylau | Phone +49 (0) 37 65 3 82 23-0 | Fax +49 (0) 37 65 3 82 23-53 | kontakt@burgmylau.de | www.burgmylau.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via A72, exit Reichenbach, further via federal road B 94 towards Greiz/Auerbach/Rodewisch; from Reichenbach follow B 173 to Mylau; free parking at the castle 

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Reichenbach, get off at stop Oberer Bahnhof, continue by bus line C towards Mylau or line 84 towards Reichenbach/Elsterberg to get off at stop 

Mylau Warte, then take a 5 – 10-minute walk (slightly ascending)

Mylau Castle

Rochlitz Castle

Castles become 

palaces 

»As the widow of Duke John of Saxony, I resided in Rochlitz for ten years. Much to the dismay of my father-in-law, 

Duke George, who fiercely opposed Luther, I supported the Reformation in my dominion. But when the religious 

war started, in which even brothers and relatives fought each other, I tried to mediate. Nevertheless my 

heart beat for the Protestant side. Before my time in Rochlitz, the architecture in Central Germany was in full 

bloom already. This lent my residence special splendor, since it was here where renowned master builder Arnold 

von Westfalen tried out completely new forms and possibilities in building. High and wide windows ending in 

pointed arches and resembling gathered curtains became his trademark. This shape gave them their name: »arched 

curtain windows«. They are not only found at Rochlitz, but also at Kriebstein and 

Meissen Albrechts burg Castle, which is deemed to be Arnold’s masterpiece. 

That is also where a second invention of his gained full recogni tion: the cellular 

vault, an entirely new technique of ceiling design. It was capable of 

spanning most various groundplans in a wide range of forms. Slowly, 

along with these novelties and the changing requirements of the 

property owners, the frugal castles began to give way to a kind of architecture 

that turned away from the idea of defense in order to focus on 

representation: the palace.« 

»THE 

FRONTLINE 

FEMINIST« 

Elisabeth of Rochlitz (1502 –1557) 

Movie »THE FRONTLINE FEMINIST« 


17

ROCHLITZ CASTLE 

Fat, One-Eyed, Revolutionary 

In the 10th century, this fortress was part of the 

defense of the hard-won German victory over the 

West Slavs. Today, more than a millennium later, the 

Rochlitz towers »Lichte Jupe« and »Dunkle Jupe« still 

rise over the Zwickauer Mulde River and have the castle 

appear like a fortified cathedral. Whoever comes to visit 

this area can still feel the historic turbulence which was 

part of the German settlement drive to the east during the 

High Middle Ages. Later emperors, kings and electors 

held court here. Wars and sieges were also part of the 

history of the outpost above the Zwickauer Mulde 

River – even today it still bears the scars of shots from the 

Thirty Years’ War. However, there is also a brighter 

side to the history of Rochlitz Castle, especially thanks 

to three of the Wettins. Dedo von Groitzsch had the 

impenetrable forests cleared and encouraged the settlement 

of the lands around Rochlitz, while Margrave 

William the One-eyed and later the Electors Ernest and 

Albert had the defense castle rebuilt as a residential castle. 

Duchess Elisabeth of Saxony dedicated herself to the 

The castle at the Mulde River 

Reformation and attempted to be a negotiator between 

the two sides in the Schmalkaldic War (1546– 1547). 

Each generation of occupiers of the castle left their 

stamp on it, and inside there are numerous architectural 

gems waiting to be discovered. Anybody who likes to be 

transported back into history will enjoy the Gothic windows, 

ornamented cross vaults, defensive passages, 

dungeons, the large court kitchen and the torture 

chamber. A special attraction is the lovingly restored 

Princes’ House with its impressive state rooms, such as 

the 300-m 2 Dining Hall, for example. After almost 

20 years of restoration, a newly opened interactive 

exhibition thrills visitors both young and old with the 

history of the »long forgotten Wettins«. The castle has 

also earned reputation by its exciting and highly entertaining 

guided tours during which one can experience 

at close range how people lived centuries ago. 

Explore bygone layers of time wearing VR goggles 

Partial 

wheelchair 

access 


Video »Rochlitz Castle« 

Schloss Rochlitz | Soernziger Weg 1 | 09306 Rochlitz | Phone +49 (0) 37 37 49 23 10 | rochlitz@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.schloss-rochlitz.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 72, exit Rochlitz, continue along federal road B 175, and via autobahn A 14, exit Doebeln Nord, 

follow federal roads B 169 and B 175 | BY RAIL/BUS from Geithain, Narsdorf, Mittweida, Erlau by bus to Rochlitz

KRIEBSTEIN CASTLE 

A dream of a 

knight’s castle 

Raftsmen used to cross themselves when they 

rea ched the steep rock of the ochre castle of 

Kriebstein, from here on the Zschopau River was reasonably 

tame and the countryside safe, at least in times 

of peace. The steepest road in Saxony now leads up the 

granulite rock, on top of which the late Gothic jewel 

was built. The unique residential tower, 147 feet tall and 

with six dormer windows, was home to the first owner 

Dietrich von Beerwalde over 600 years ago. It contains 

the richly decorated Kriebstein Room from about 1423. 

Just as unique are the illusionist murals in the 

15th-century Treasure Vault, the scenes depicting the 

Virgin Mary in the 1410 chapel and, of course, the 

Alexius Altar. In 1986, a treasure was discovered in the 

chimney of the living room, the jewels of which are now 

on display in the Treasure Vault. A varied program 

of events and cultural highlights, such as a medieval 

festival, a »fairy-tale castle« event, rock concerts, stylish 

knights’ banquets and spine-chillingly mysterious tours 

of the ancient walls are held here on this steep rock. 

Inside the castle chapel 

Kriebstein Castle 

Burg Kriebstein | Kriebsteiner Straße 7 | 09648 Kriebstein | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 27 95 20 I kriebstein@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.burg-kriebstein.eu 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Mittweida or Hainichen, follow the touristic signposting to Talsperre Kriebstein/Burg Kriebstein; 

via autobahn A 14, exit Doebeln-Nord towards Waldheim | BY RAIL Berlin – Chemnitz, get off at Waldheim station 

Video »Kriebstein Castle« 


19

Weesenstein Castle

WEESENSTEIN CASTLE 

The pearl in 

Saxony’s crown 

The castle chapel 

Like a pearl, Weesenstein grew layer by layer. The 

castle, which has stood above the Mueglitz River 

valley for nearly seven hundred years, has often been 

partly demolished and rebuilt according to prevailing 

contemporary tastes, which is why it shows varied stylistic 

elements from the Gothic to the Classicist 

period. Thus, a curiosity among Saxon castles arise: It 

grew down wards into the valley over the centuries 

and, occasionally, it was just too much for its owners. 

Here, in his favorite residence, the gifted Prince John 

worked on his translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy 

before he became king of Saxony. Today visitors can 

discover the nooks and crannies of this network of 

staircases. On the fifth floor, they come across a horse 

stable while the noble chambers from the 18th and 

19th century, with their precious wall coverings, can 

be found one floor below the cellar. The »Monk’s Way« 

is said to be haunted by the lost ghost of a former castle 

resident. Perhaps it is the illusion-filled façade paintings 

which prevent him from finding peace in this confusion 

– in this unusual palace where even the windows 

are often nothing more than an illusion, for 

every third is only a painting. In short: Whoever 

enjoys mazes and the unexpected will find adventure 

enough in the peculiar residence of King John. Afterwards, 

a walk in the castle park, a visit to the restaurant 

»Koenigliche Schlosskueche« or a tankard of good 

»Weesenstein Schlossbraeu« – a traditional beer which 

originates from the 16th century – guarantees a most 

enjoyable recovery. 

The Leather Tapestry Hall 

Schloss Weesenstein | Am Schlossberg 1 | 01809 Mueglitztal | Phone +49 (0) 3 50 27 62 60 | weesenstein@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.schloss-weesenstein.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 17, exit Pirna, further along towards Glashuette or via federal road B 172 to Heidenau or Pirna, then continue towards Altenberg 

BY CITY RAIL Dresden – Schöna, get off at Heidenau, then by »Mueglitztalbahn« railway to Weesenstein | BY BUS Heidenau-Glashuette, get off at the Weesenstein bus stop 

Video »Weesenstein Castle« 


21

MEISSEN ALBRECHTSBURG CASTLE 

Meissen with the castle hill at night: Albrechtsburg Castle with the Cathedral and the Local Court 

Movie »Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle« 

» 

Where is the hill on which three castles grow, 

along its side three waters flow?« – Thus 

life 

goes an old German rhyme. The solution to the riddle 

Trendsetter 

since 1471 

View in the Boettger Room 

was breathed into the castle situated above the Elbe 

River. With the »White Gold« produced in Meissen, 

is »Meissen«. Here, where the castle hill is surrounded 

the heart of Europe, which steadily gained in power. 

erected by the Wettins as a symbol of their power to be 

its triumphant march through Europe began. Impres- 

by the Elbe, Triebisch and Meisa Rivers, a wooden 

The fortification was soon replaced by a castle built of 

seen from afar – a masterly piece of architecture whose 

sive exhibits in the castle rooms, displayed in a modern 

fortification was built in 929, high above the gloomy 

stone that hence forth stood out as a solitary landmark 

bold architectural solutions and design still impress 

interactive style, remind us of this stroke of occidental 

forests in the eastern-most parts of the then still young 

of mundane power sending out impulses far beyond 

visitors today. However, after centuries of blossoming, 

inventive genius. In every corner, visitors will find a 

Holy Roman Empire. It was to become the cradle of 

the borders of the Meissen Margraviate. So it was here 

the place re mained unused for a long time. It was not until 

real picture book of Saxon history, which time and 

Saxony – the place from where, for centuries to come, 

that, supervised by master builder Arnold von West- 

Augustus the Strong decreed that the first European 

again brings the fascination of architecture, power and 

the princes’ dynasty of the Wettins ruled the land in 

falen, Germany’s first representative castle building was 

porcelain manufactory move into the building that new 

porcelain in Germany’s oldest castle back to life. 


Albrechtsburg Meissen | Domplatz 1 | 01662 Meissen | Phone +49 (0) 3521 47070 | albrechtsburg@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.albrechtsburg-meissen.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, 

exit Siebenlehn, further along federal road B 101 up to Meissen; via autobahn A 13, exit Radeburg; via autobahn A 14, exit Nossen-Ost; via federal road B 6 from Dresden to Meissen 

BY BOAT by Elbe River steamboats up to the Meissen jetty | BY CITY RAIL S 1 to Meissen station | By sightseeing tour bus between the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, the city center and the castle hill 

Bus M between Moritzburg and Meissen, through Weinboehla, from April - October

ROCHSBURG CASTLE 

Hidden Treasure 

amidst Greenery 

Located in a nature reserve and embedded in the 

valley of the Zwickauer Mulde River, Rochsburg 

Castle has turned into a visitor attraction over the past 

years, also being the destination of fantastically beautiful 

hiking and cycling paths. The imposing property 

goes back to a castle dating from the late 12th century. 

Between 1470 and 1480, the medieval building was 

redesigned into a palace by Arnold von Westfalen, the 

ingenious state master builder of the Wettins. After 

several devastating fires in the 16th century, the von 

Schoenburg family took rule of Rochsburg Castle and 

returned to it its previous splendor. Until 1945, the 

castle always remained the property of the family. 

Today, the castle invites visitors to delve into the 

nobility’s everyday life. The exhibition »The man 

makes clothes«, showing more than fifty hand-sewn 

Festive Hall 

costumes, offers an outing into the history of fashion 

of the past one hundred years. And in the late-Gothic 

basement, one will not find sausages or turnips, but 

knowledge about natural building blocks. – Multi - 

façetted guided topical tours allow to discover even the 

remotest nooks and crannies of the castle. Those 

intending to get married may do so surrounded by the 

romantic ambience of the Small Festive Hall. For connoisseurs 

of sweet temptations, the castle’s chocolate 

manufactory offers select delicacies. 

Rochsburg Castle 

Schloss Rochsburg | Schlossstraße 1 | 09328 Lunzenau | Phone +49 (0) 37 38 3 80 38 10 | www.schloss-rochsburg.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via A 72, exit Niederfrohna, then pass through Penig for Rochsburg; via A4, exit Chemnitz-Ost, via federal road B 107 to Burgstädt – Lunzenau – Rochsburg; 

via A 14, exit Döbeln-Nord, then conrinue along federal road B 175 to Elsdorf – Lunzenau – Rochsburg | BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Geithain, Narsdorf or Glauchau; 

bus to Rochlitz, Wechselburg, Lunzenau, Penig or Waldenburg; from there by public transport operator »BusTrain 629« to Rochsburg 

Video »Rochsburg Castle« 


23 

Partial 

wheelchair 

access

SCHOENFELS CASTLE 

Of knights, bailiffs and the Wettins 

Those who would like to see an unspoilt medieval 

fortification, will find it at Schoenfels Castle. 

Seldom, the typical setup of a castle like this, with a 

wall and moat running all round, with an outer bailey, 

a lower castle and the core castle, has been preserved in 

such completeness and genuineness over the centuries. 

The defiant building was founded presumably around 

1200 when colonizers opened up new territories for 

settlement in the later Pleissenland area. In the 13th 

century, Schoenfels was under the rule of bailiffs, 

noble families who, on behalf of the emperor, governed 

and held court in the Vogtland [Vogt lit. bailiff] 

region, which was named after them. But they eventually 

lost their power to the Wettins in 1398, who then, 

in their turn, enfeoffed noble lords with the Schoenfels 

dominion. Today’s appearance of the castle interior was 

most strongly influenced by the Lords von Weissenbach, 

who resided at Schoenfels from 1459 to 1586. 

The gentry, in its time, claimed higher standards in 

modern conveniences and enhanced the old buildings. 

To the outside, the fortified character of the castle was 

maintained; the interior, however, became more comfortable. 

Therefore, from about 1480, a new wing was 

attached to the northwest of the castle. It also included 

a bower that has largely been preserved in its original 

state. It was built of painted planks of timber, could be 

Schoenfels Castle 

heated and created a pleasant atmosphere, even during 

winter time. At the same time, a castle chapel was set 

up, built of the remainder of a tower gate of the lower 

bailey. The winged altar in this late-Gothic sacred 

space shows Renaissance forms; the enchanting little 

organ with its wooden pipework as well as the lavishly 

decorated pulpit originate form the time of the 

Baroque. A round tour of Schoenfels Castle conveys 

fascinating impressions of the living conditions of 

those who used to inhabit it. 

Late-Gothic bower 


Video »Schoenfels Castle« 

Museum Burg Schönfels | Burgstrasse 34 | 08115 Lichtentanne | Phone +49 (0) 3 76 00 23 27 | burg-schoenfels@gemeinde-lichtentanne.de | www.burg-schoenfels.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR along autobahn A 4 to exit Zwickau, then follow federal road B 93 to Zwickau, B 173 to Lichtentanne; along autobahn A 72 from Chemnitz-Hof 

to exit Zwickau West, then follow federal road B 173 towards Lichtentanne | BY RAIL/BUS from Chemnitz to Zwickau, then by bus No. 29 to Lichtentanne, then along 

the hiking path Russbuttensteig, or bus No. 181 to Schoenfels (Mon-Fri)

Schoenfels Castle

Augustusburg Castle

New thinking – 

new forms 

»In my time, in the 16th century that is, the spirit of Renaissance came to take hold of Saxony. The Dark Ages gave 

way to the dawn of discoveries and to newly gained knowledge. We, the princes, supported the arts and sciences 

and took care of the development of trade and crafts. We did not want to carry on living in the tight, uncomfortable 

castles of our forefathers. So we had residential palaces redesigned Torgau and Dresden. With their richly decorated 

façades, long rows of windows, artfully designed spiral staircases, new castle chapels and representative 

flights of rooms, they raised admiration throughout Europe. In fact, I myself contributed to the latter with my 

Cabinet of Artifacts and Curiosities, in which I collected anything precious or rare in the world that 

Movie »THE ART ADDICT« 

I could lay my hands on or that was given to me – from a unicorn to mineral specimens to precious 

items and paintings – and presented them to my awestruck visitors. Many of my successors 

became addicted to collecting, too, some even worse than me. I also had the old castles in 

Freiberg, Nossen and Colditz converted into representative castles with splendidly 

decorated portals, widely stepped gables and large halls. State-of-the-art fortifications in 

Italian and Dutch style with cannon-armed battlements and safe casemates were built in 

Dresden and Leipzig for the defense of the towns. The Koenigstein Mountain in the Elbe 

»THE ART 

ADDICT« 

Sandstone Mountains was extended to become an unconquerable state fortress. And with 

Augustusburg Castle in the Ore Mountains, I left a truly impressive edifice.« 

Elector Augustus (1526 –1586) 


27

AUGUSTUSBURG CASTLE 

Where the renaissance meets bikes 

Here, where stallions once breathed heavily in 

front of grand barouches, horse-powered 

engines now roar. Augustusburg Castle is one of the 

favorite places of motorcycle fans since it is the home 

of Europe’s the most important motorbike museum. 

Numerous unique exhibits from the history of this fascinating 

means of travel are on display here. During 

the »Winter Meeting« of the motorcycle congregation, 

Augustusburg Castle attracts thousands of motorcycle 

fans. The monumental Re naissance castle stands on a 

well-chosen site. Visible from afar, this old hunting 

lodge rises above the Zschopau valley on a porphyry 

cone. It is aptly called the »Crown of the Ore Mountains« 

because of its roof shape. The imposing 

structure, which in four centuries has lost none of its 

former appeal, was completed in the year 1572. 

Augustusburg Castle, however, not only impresses 

At the Motorcycle Museum 

through its historic atmosphere but also because of its 

View from the service yard to the castle 

spaciousness which has been put to good use. There is 

hardly another castle in Germany which offers such a 

large variety of cultural and educational programs 

inside its castle walls. Here, visitors will not only find 

the motorcycle museum, but also other worthwhile 

exhibitions of game and birds, of coaches and of the 

hunting and castle history, with impressive murals in 

the Venus and Rabbit Hall. Visitors can have a magnificent 

view from its watchtower. In addition, falconry 

shows of eagles and hawks allow visitors to vividly 

experience these majestic birds of prey. The artistically 

minded will love the sight of the altarpiece of the castle 

church which was painted by Lucas Cranach the 

Younger. This altarpiece is considered to be one of the 

most remarkable works of art of the Protestant faith. 

It has never been removed from its original location 

since the church was consecrated. Furthermore, for 

those who wish to rest after having enjoyed all the 

sights, the castle also accommodates a youth hostel 

where you can stay the night. 


Video »Augustusburg Castle« 

Schloss Augustusburg | 09573 Augustusburg | Phone +49 (0) 3 72 91 38 00 I service@die-sehenswerten-drei.de | www.die-sehenswerten-drei.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 72/A 4, exit Frankenberg, further via federal road B180 towards Floeha up to Augustusburg 

BY RAIL Line 517 Floeha – Baerenstein to Erdmannsdorf, continue using the historical cable car to Augustusburg

KLAFFENBACH CASTLE 

Visitors cannot but fall in love with the charm of 

this castle to the south of Chemnitz which 

hardly anyone will want to call a »castle«. This white 

Renaissance jewel is poised almost weightlessly above 

the waters of Wuerschnitz River which fills the castle 

moat. The unique sweeping ogee arch roof looks much 

too ornate and the picturesque view too friendly to 

appear splendid or even well-fortified. The wedding 

room is especially popular among those who are in 

love and who want to take their marriage vows with the 

good spirit of Fraeulein von Taube, who once refused 

to marry the ugly burgrave of Rabenstein, watching 

over them. However, she had to pay the price as she 

was immured alive in the castle tower by her own 

father. Other rooms which have been reconstructed 

according to old handcraft tradition display regional 

and international artwork. The castle grounds include 

a friendly hotel and numerous studios surrounded by 

a golf course and riding stables. 

Love at 

first sight 

The castle with the moat and the side buildings 

C³ Chemnitzer Veranstaltungszentren GmbH c/o Wasserschloss Klaffenbach | Wasserschlossweg 6 | 09123 Chemnitz | Phone +49 (0) 3 71 26 63 50 

wasserschloss@c3-chemnitz.de | www.wasserschloss-klaffenbach.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 72, exit Stollberg to Neukirchen, from there follow the signposting to the castle 

BY RAIL from Chemnitz main station to Klaffenbach/Neukrichen railroad station 

Video »Klaffenbach Castle« 


29

WILDECK CASTLE 

Cold ore and 

red-hot motorbikes 

Inner castle courtyard 

Wildeck Castle 

The Bohemian Route used to link the trading 

centre of Leipzig with the royal residence of 

tury fortifications, watched over the Zschopau River 

passage by night and by day and made the town of the 

order of Duke Maurice of Saxony into a far less martial 

hunting castle. From the 17th to the early 20th century 

two-wheeled treasures, since Zschopau used to be a 

centre of the Saxon automotive industry in the 20th 

Prague. Initially, it was mainly used for transporting 

same name a safe harbor for merchants from all direc- 

the Higher Forestry and Gamekeeping Authorities 

century – noble DKW bikes of the »Rassmussen 

salt from the Halle region to Bohemia, hence its name 

tions. Today only »Fat Henry«, a more than 30-meter- 

were accommodated there. Today, the white Renais- 

Collection«, numerous MZ motorbikes as well as 

»Salzstrasse« (salt road), but later also by traders and 

high residential watchtower with meter-thick walls, is 

sance castle that can be seen from afar, houses several 

enduros and racing motorbikes wait to be admired. 

carters – and they all needed protection. Therefore, 

a reminder of the once defiant fortification. In the 

museums especially devoted to the industrial history of 

Especially the children will love the coin-minting 

Wildeck Castle, built on the foundations of 12th-cen- 

middle of the 16th century, Wildeck was converted by 

the region. Mainly bikers will be thrilled by the many 

workshop, the mineral collection and the giant slide. 


Video »Wildeck Castle« 

Schloss Wildeck | Schloss Wildeck 1 (satnav address: Altmarkt 2) | 09405 Zschopau | Phone +49 (0) 37 25 28 71 70 | kultur@zschopau.de | www.schloss-wildeck.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Chemnitz-Nord, further along federal road B 95 to Chemnitz and via federal road B 174 to Zschopau 

BY RAIL from Chemnitz to Zschopau

DRESDEN ROYAL PALACE 

Where the arts 

 

reside 

Almost eight hundred years of history are reflected 

at Dresden Royal Palace which was not only 

the royal seat but has also been the cultural center of 

the Saxon capital. Severely damaged in World War II, 

Courtyard whose Renaissance architecture is overarched 

by a bold roof construction which appears to 

be hovering above and is made of transparent plastic 

pillows. Close by, another rather more precious material 

it has now been restored to its previous beauty and 

houses one of Europe’s greatest art collections, the 

Dresden State Art Collections. The Royal Palace is 

part of a museum complex of extraordinary European 

significance in which the famous Green Vault, the 

Dresden Royal Palace 

»Turkish Chamber« and the Giants‘ Hall accomodating 

the Armory, the Coin Cabinet and the Collection 

of Prints, Drawings and Photographs – Germany’s 

oldest museum of graphic art – have found a worthy 

home. The Great Castle Courtyard shows the artistic 

properties of the Sgraffito in an exemplary manner. 

The façades here have been richly decorated using this 

ambitious pebbledash method. The visitor’s lobby of 

the »Art Residence« is located in the Small Castle 

protects a unique mural on an outer wall from the 

adverse effects of time: 25,000 painted tiles made of 

Meissen porcelain © form the Procession of Princes, a 

102-meter-long parade which depicts the rulers of the 

House of Wettin. On the other side of Saxony’s most 

famous mural is the Dresden Stable Yard, a building 

with arched collonades which was already an attraction 

of the city in the 16th century and which forms 

the backdrop of a romantic medieval Christmas market 

in December. The size and beauty of the palace can 

be seen best from the 100-meter-high Hausmannsturm 

Tower with a platform affording visitors a fantastic 

panoramic view of the old town of Dresden and the 

Elbe River valley below. 

Small Castle Courtyard 

Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden | Taschenberg 2 I 01067 Dresden | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 49 14 20 00 I besucherservice@skd.museum | www.skd.museum 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden Altstadt, then follow the signposting to the city center | BY TRAM get off at tram stop Theaterplatz or Altmarkt 

Video »Dresden Residential Castle« 


31

FREUDENSTEIN CASTLE 

Treasures of the earth 

Access road to the castle 

adults and adults as well as students on educational 

trips, tourists, mineral collectors or scientists. Children 

for Freiberg’s new star attraction, the »terra mineralia« 

exhibition. The Renaissance castle, built in 1577 on 

original structure of the building, which dates back to 

the 16th century, never fails to impress both its users 

and young adults can take part in a »research trip« and 

the site of the original fortress that protected Freiberg 

and visitors alike – Freudenstein’s vaulted cellars and 

You won’t find the Philosopher’s Stone here but 

other than that, everything that makes the hearts 

an »interactive laboratory« to introduce them to 

sciences such as geology and mineralogy. The elabo- 

and the local silver mines, also provides the Bergarchiv 

Freiberg mining archive with suitably historic premises 

rooms with vaulted ceilings, Renaissance staircases, 

the round tower and the gate house are eye-catching 

of geologists and mineral collectors miss a beat or two. 

rately restored Freudenstein Castle is a fascinating setting 

for its work and archives. The carefully maintained 

architectural features. 

Freudenstein Castle invites you to explore the world’s 

most beautiful minerals with a visit to the TU Bergakademie 

Freiberg’s »terra mineralia« exhibition. With 

3,500 minerals, gems and meteorites on display, it is 

one of the world’s most comprehensive and beautiful 

mineral exhibitions, a stunning presentation of these 

treasures from below the ground. The modern exhibition 

concept and the castle’s complex of historic building 

bring their beauty to life. It follows the minerals, 

gemstones and other precious stones across five continents. 

Visitors are often overwhelmed by the wide 

array of colors and shapes of the dazzling exhibits in 

the »Schatzkammer« treasury. Everyone can discover 

something new at the »terra mineralia«, children, young 

The Treasure Chamber of the »terra mineralia« 


Video »Freudenstein Castle« 

Schloss Freudenstein | terra mineralia | Schlossplatz 4 I 09599 Freiberg | Phone +49 (0) 37 31 39 46 54 I fuehrungen@terra-mineralia.de | www.terra-mineralia.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4/A 14, exit Siebenlehn/Nossen Ost, continue along federal road B 101 towards Freiberg to the town center (Schlossplatz); 

via federal roads B 173/B 101 to the Freiberg town center | BY RAIL Dresden – Chemnitz – Hof; get off at Freiberg station

HARTENFELS CASTLE 

The spirit 

 

of reform beneath 

the spiral staircase 

This town is a monument to Luther’s reform 

spirit. In Torgau, the spiritual center of the 

German Reformation, Hartenfels Castle is the most 

significant building of the townscape, an outstanding 

masterpiece in one of Germany’s most beautiful 

Renaissance towns. This is where the »Torgau Articles« 

laid the foundation for the Augsburg Confession, 

where the first Protestant songbook was published, 

and where the Protestant rulers signed the »Torgau 

League of Princes«. This is also where Luther’s wife 

Katharina von Bora died and was buried in St. Mary’s 

Church. The »Torgau Museum Route« leads visitors 

up the hill to the castle and the Castle Church, the first 

Protestant church to be built in Europe, whose design 

was based on an idea of Luther and which was personally 

consecrated by the great reformer. Today the castle 

courtyard is the central place where cultural events 

in Torgau are held. It is dominated by the Large Spiral 

Staircase: This »impossible staircase«, created by great 

master builder Konrad Krebs, supports itself without 

the aid of any central pillar. In its time, Hartenfels 

Castle was regarded as a »modern residential castle« to 

which an innovative elevator for lowering the drinks 

stored in the bottle tower pays tribute – this contrap- 

Castle Courtyard 

tion would provide the nobles who were wining and 

dining to the sound of clinking glasses with fresh 

supplies. A new permanent exhibition on show in this 

tower and in the electoral chambers of the castle titled 

»Firm in Faith. Well-versed in the Bible. Able to Hold 

His Drink. John Frederick I – The Last Ernestine 

Elector.« has the Reformation come alive again in the 

Torgau Residence. During an almost one-hour tour, 

Elector John Frederick Augustus I and his consort 

Sibylle guide visitors round their chambers – just 

virtually, of course. 

Castle courtyard with the Large Spiral Staircase 

Schloss Hartenfels | Schlossstrasse 27 I 04860 Torgau | Phone +49 (0) 34 21 7 01 40 I info@schloss-hartenfels.de | www.schloss-hartenfels.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 13, exit Duben, further along federal road B 87 up to Torgau; via autobahn A 14, exit Mutzschen | BY RAIL from Leipzig to Torgau 

Video »Hartenfels Castle« 


33

WILDENFELS CASTLE 

Oriental gloss of silk 

of the main attractions of the venerable castle. Its 

name goes back to the dynasty of those von Wildenfels 

who had set up a castle more than 800 years ago, which 

is regarded as the predecessor to today’s intricate 

building complex. After the noble family became 

comital family’s parlors is dedicated mainly to the castle 

and town history as well as the nobles of the Counts zu 

Solms-Wildenfels. Further rooms in the north wing of 

the castle display pieces of contemporary fine arts, the 

trade of making ginger-bread and natural-historical 

knowledge about the Wildenfels Intermountain Area. 

Blue Salon 

Bandy-beaked birds in pink and gold crowd richly 

embroidered blue webs of silk, exotic plants 

blossom and oriental oil lamps gently swing. Still 

being in the heart of Saxony, you will feel enchanted 

by the magic of »Arabian Nights« in the »Blue Salon« 

of Wildenfels Castle. The wall decoration, which is 

unique throughout Europe, is presumed to consist of 

parts of a pompous tent for representation, originating 

from the Persian-Turkish cultural area, which had come 

to Wildenfels as spoils of war in 1737. After their elaborate 

restoration, the silk tapestry webs can be admired 

again for their previous splendor and are deemed one 

extinct in 1602, the Counts zu Solms inherited its 

estate and shaped its current appearance. They converted 

the old castle palace into a granary, erected 

today’s castle tower and redesigned the residential and 

representation rooms in the area of the outer bailey in 

neoclassicist style. It is mainly in the style of the late 

18th century, in which the interior of the castle presents 

itself to its visitors today. The castle hall, whose centerpiece 

is a high, round stove of Meissen porcelain tiles, 

is being used for performing concerts and giving lectures 

now; the former ancestors’ hall with its precious wall 

and ceiling murals provides for a perfect ambience for 

wedding ceremonies. The permanent exhibition »Court 

of Muses – Wildenfels Castle« in what used to be the 

Wildenfels Castle 

Video »Wildenfels Castle« 

Freundeskreis Schloss Wildenfels | Schlossstrasse 2 | 08134 Wildenfels | Phone +49 (0) 3 76 03 5 85 69 | schloss-wildenfels@gmx.de | www.schloss-wildenfels.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR along autobahn A 72, exit Zwickau Ost, then follow road S 283 up to Wildenfels | BY RAIL from Chemnitz to Zwickau, then by bus No. 141 to Wildenfels 


GLAUCHAU CASTLE 

Glauchau Castle 

Collectors, benefactors and scholars 

fortification was converted into a late-Gothic residential 

and in its immediate vicinity, only separated from 

well as the history of the interior of stately residences 

Corridor to the knight‘s hall with ancestral portrait gallery 

castle. Today, the beautiful ogival curtain windows in 

the east wing still catch the eye as evidence to the 

Hinterglauchau by a duct, Forderglauchau Castle was 

newly built and motivated to slightly adjusting the 

from the Renaissance to Historicism. Another exhibition 

complex of fine arts (graphic art, painting, plastic 

modernization during that time, adopting the archetypal 

older building to the current zeitgeist. The museum at 

arts) goes back in large parts to a donation by Dresden 

Members of one of the oldest bloodlines of Saxon 

nobility, the immediately imperial – i.e., solely 

design developed by Arnold von Westfalen in the at 

Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle (see p. 22). The ogival 

Hinterglauchau Castle belongs to the oldest of its kind 

in Saxony. It was founded in 1884 and displays several 

medical professor and art collector Professor Dr. Paul 

Geipel (1869–1956). As the famous Renaissance scholar 

subordinate to the emperor and thus counting among 

portals as well as rooms, such as the Banquet Hall 

fields of collection, including paintings, sacral sculp- 

Georgius Agricola (1494–1555), who became known 

the high nobility – Lords von Schoenburg erected a 

(»Knights’ Hall«) and the castle chapel go back to that 

tures, furniture and handicraft. The themes the exhibi- 

as the »Father of Mineralogy«, was born in Glauchau, 

castle on the edge of the Mulde River valley towards 

time, too. Other forms of design, for example the 

tions are dedicated to cover the town and castle history 

a topical cabinet show is dedicated to his life and work. 

the end of the 12th century as a center of their new 

volute-ornamented stepped gable or the beautiful bay, 

of Glauchau, the everyday life of the weavers in the 

A small, but nice collection of minerals complements 

Glauchau dominion. Three hundred years later, this 

emerged later, during early Renaissance. In that time 

Schoenburg lands from the 16th to the 20th century as 

this area. 

Museum und Kunstsammlung Schloss Hinterglauchau | Schlossplatz 5 A | 08371 Glauchau | Phone +49 (0) 37 63 29 31 | www.glauchau.de, rubric culture/leisure 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR along autobahn A 4, exit Glauchau; alternatively: use federal road B 175 | BY RAIL from Dresden, Leipzig to Glauchau 

Video »Glauchau Castle« 


35

POWER. HISTORY. DIMENSIONS. 

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME. 

*For more information to the opening date please go to our website www.dresden-Xperience.de. 

/Schloesserland.Sachsen /schloesserlandsachsen /Schloesserland

SPLENDOR. TEARS. DISASTERS. 

CLOSER THAN EVER. 

NOVEMBER 

* 

*For more information to the opening date please go to our website www.dresden-Xperience.de. 

/Schloesserland.Sachsen /schloesserlandsachsen /Schloesserland

Colditz Castle

COLDITZ CASTLE 

Great 

escapes 

Movie »Escape from Colditz« 

Second inner courtyard with a view of the castle chapel 

Ruler’s seat, hunting lodge, widow’s residence – 

with its white gables Colditz Castle is one of the 

military personnel were kept prisoner here, including 

the nephew of Winston Churchill and the nephew of 

were dug through the castle walls and even a glider was 

made. Of course, the »Escape Museum« looks at this 

most beautiful and stylistically unadulterated architec- 

the then King of England, George VI. The prisoners of 

aspect of the castle’s history in great detail. But also the 

tural monuments of Central Germany of the 16th cen- 

the »Oflag (officer’s camp) IV C« were, however, only 

old battlement with its mighty walls, the Princes‘ 

tury. When nowadays groups of travelers from around the 

minimally impressed by the lovely atmosphere of the 

House the Renaissance portal of the Trinity Church, 

world crowd around the castle and its grounds, it is not 

castle – their one and only goal was to escape its walls. 

the castle tower with its bulbous cupola and the old 

only because of their interest in Renaissance architecture. 

About 300 documents of escape attempts exist, some 

stone bridge impress visitors time and again. Visitors 

It has far more to do with recent history than with the 

past since the spacious castle was a significant internment 

Scene from the Movie »Escape from Colditz« 

Enrico Paglialunga as captured Bristish soldier 

of them reveal an unbelievable creativity, including 

successful escape attempts which today are part of this 

from all over the world can reside here quite nobly 

when checking in at the castle’s European Youth 

camp for high ranking officers of the Western allies dur- 

later on by the book »The Colditz Story« and the film 

legendary military history. Secret radio rooms kept the 

Hostel with its reasonably priced modern rooms, 

ing World War II and it was to become world famous 

of the same name. Mainly British, Dutch and French 

prisoners in contact with their home country, tunnels 

friendly atmosphere and good cuisine. 

Also see page 77 

Kultur/Museum-Gesellschaft Schloss Colditz e. V. I Schlossgasse 1 I 04680 Colditz | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 81 4 37 77 I info@gesellschaft-schloss-colditz.com www.schloss-colditz.de 

Europa-Jugendherberge Schloss Colditz | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 81 4 50 10 | colditz@jugendherberge.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 14, exit Grimma, further along federal road B 107 towards Colditz; via autobahn A 4, exit Glauchau, via Rochlitz to Colditz 

BY RAIL/BUS by railway from Leipzig main station to Grimma, then by bus to Colditz or from Leipzig main station to Colditz by bus 

Video »Colditz Castle« 


Youth Hostel 

• 34 rooms 

• 161 beds 

39

LAUENSTEIN CASTLE 

Inspiration for a 

master builder 

with calling the valley of the Mueglitz River, over 

which Lauenstein Castle rises, Saxony’s loveliest valley. 

Visitors may judge this for themselves. As a matter 

of fact, however, this castle perched on a mighty cliff is 

not only worth a visit because of its fabulous surroundings. 

Instead of a fortified medieval castle, in the 

16th century, a spacious residential castle was erected 

here with lavish furnishings which testify to the artis- 

In the Museum of the East Ore Mountains 

tic-mindedness of its owners and which today houses 

Dresden was born in the nearby village of Fuersten- 

the Museum of the East Ore Mountains. The murals 

walde in 1666. He spent his childhood and youth in 

in the Bird Hall, the splendidly arched stuccoed ceil- 

Lauenstein. Perhaps it was the grand architecture of 

ing of the Coat-of-Arms Hall, and the portraits in the 

the local castle which profoundly affected the later 

castle chapel remain a feast for visitor’s eyes even many 

career of this carpenter from the Ore Mountains. Or 

centuries after their creation. Lauenstein Castle really 

maybe it was the famous sandstone altar and the 

The castle with the Baroque garden 

comes to life whenever the falconry presents its birds 

of prey. We must not, however, forget the town’s 

Buenau epitaph of the town church? Filigree »architecture« 

of a completely different kind can be found 

Although many a Saxon countryside has its own 

beauty, hardly any would be able to sing its own 

praises because it had been marked so highly with the 

favor of a king. King John of Saxony got carried away 

greatest son, George Baehr. This exceptional architect 

who built the world-famous Church of Our Lady in 

only a few kilometers away from Lauenstein – in 

Glashuette where Germany’s finest watches are made. 


Video »Lauenstein Castle« 

Osterzgebirgsmuseum Schloss Lauenstein I 01778 Lauenstein | Phone +49 (0) 3 50 54 2 54 02 I info@schloss-lauenstein.de | www.schloss-lauenstein.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A17, exit Bad Gottleuba then towards Geising/Lauenstein via road S178 to Lauenstein | BY CITY RAIL S1 Dresden – Schöna to Heidenau, 

then continue with the »Mueglitztalbahn« railroad to Lauenstein

KLIPPENSTEIN CASTLE 

A huntsman’s 

fortune 

The castle with front castle and castle pond 

Equestrian staircases would provide their knightly 

users with a maximum amount of comfort. 

Especially impressive is the winding stairway on Klippenstein 

Castle in Radeberg. With its flat wide steps it 

would allow the noble hunters to reach the castle court 

comfortably on horseback and thus save them from 

having to carry their weapons and armor by foot. This 

well-fortified and romantic castle from the 13th century 

was converted into a hunting lodge by the prince-elector 

Maurice in the middle of the 16th century. Since then 

the historical construction phases have merged in rapid 

succession from the foot of castle hill – from Classicism 

to Renaissance and back to Gothic times. Today a 

museum dedicated to the history of the castle and the 

town is housed at Klippenstein Castle. Since 2012, the 

reconstructed castle – located near the Radeberg Export 

Brewery, which once as a supplier to the royal court 

brewed the Saxon kings’ favorite drink and has hence 

been well-known far beyond Saxony’s borders – has 

reappeared in its old, new splendor. 

Museum 

Schloss Klippenstein Radeberg | Museum Schloss Klippenstein | Schlossstrasse 6 | 01454 Radeberg | Phone +49 (0) 35 28 44 26 00 | kontakt@schloss-klippenstein.de 

www.schloss-klippenstein.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 4, exit Ottendorf or Pulsnitz, continue towards Radeberg via federal road B 6 from Dresden towards 

Bautzen to Radeberg | BY RAIL from Dresden to Radeberg 

Video »Klippenstein Castle« 


41

Koenigstein Fortress

KOENIGSTEIN FORTRESS 

Already conquered? 

Four centuries of the art of fortifying are presented 

by this imposing fortification situated in the 

Saxon Switzerland: On a rock plateau of that table 

mountain, which takes the size of thirteen soccer 

grounds, more than fifty buildings and extensive green 

spaces invite visitors to explore what everyday life at a 

Aerial view of Koenigstein Fortress 

fortress used to be like. Thereby, one will encounter 

numerous superlatives, such as Germany’s oldest 

preserved barracks, Saxony’s deepest water well 

(152.5 meters) and the first Saxon garrison church. Also, 

Augustus the Strong’s legendary giant wine barrel, 

which could take 238,600 liters, can be marvelled at 

again, presented in its original place in a modern way. 

For its unique location, the unconquerable mountain 

fortress used to be a much favored destination for outings 

by the Saxon court; it was a place for celebrations to 

which high-ranking guests from abroad were invited to 

impress them. When the political situation got dicey, 

the Saxon state treasury was brought to safety behind 

its walls. Also, the alchemist and porcelain inventor 

Johann Friedrich Boettger was temporarily kept there 

in safe custody and protected from other rulers. 

Numerous prominent prisoners, including Saxon 

Chancellors Nikolaus Krell and Wolf Dietrich von 

Beichlingen, the anarchist Michael Bakunin, the social 

democrat August Bebel and writer Frank Wedekind, 

languished in the state prison dungeons of the fortress, 

also known as the »Saxon Bastille«. Those who conquer 

the fortress today as visitors, which is possible 

without much effort thanks to a lift and a panoramic 

elevator, will enjoy numerous exhibitions, themed 

culinary experiences and a breathtaking panoramic 

view of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and its vicinity. 

View of the Lilienstein mountain 

Allow for sufficient time! And if you like, you can celebrate 

there, get married or rent a holiday apartment 

to feel like the fortress commander himself ... On 

1,200 sqm in 33 rooms, the permanent exhibition »In 

lapide regis – on the King’s Stone« tells the history of 

800 years of life on Koenigstein. Apart from numerous 

exhibits, there are models, vivid dioramas and life-size 

groups of figures illustrating historical milestones. 

Thirty media stations and an audio guide provide 

more detail. In addition to that, there is an extensive 

scope of educational activities at the museum. 


Video »Koenigstein Fortress« 

Festung Koenigstein | 01824 Koenigstein I Phone +49 (0) 3 50 21 6 46 07 I info@festung-koenigstein.de | www.festung-koenigstein.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 17, exit Pirna follow signposting along federal road B 172 from Dresden to Bad Schandau to Koenigstein 

BY CITY RAIL S1 Dresden-Schoena to Koenigstein | BY BOAT by Elbe River steamboats to Koenigstein

NOSSEN CASTLE 

Elites. Myths. 

Misconceptions. 

Changing fortunes create particularly charming 

buildings. This is especially true for Nossen 

Elector Augustus started converting the old walls into 

a Renaissance hunting lodge in 1554. This gave the 

Nossen Castle 

Castle. The medieval knights’ castle that previously stood 

architecture of what used to be a murky fortification a 

on this site was first mentioned in 1185 in connection 

certain degree of ease. The spirit of that European era 

cells and authentic replicas of medieval torture instru- 

Today, Nossen Castle presents the fascinating history 

with a legal dispute of the owners, the Lords of Nuzzin. 

of cultural dawn can still be sensed today. Former prison 

ments, however, are proof of the dark side of this place 

of Saxon nobility in changing exhibitions. Apart from 

where, for quite some time, a court pronounced its 

the von Schoenberg and von Friesen families, the exhi- 

relentless sentences. Also, Countess von Cosel, the 

bitions will present further chronicles of other aristo- 

famous mistress of excessive Saxon ruler Augustus the 

cratic ancestry that ruled the country between the 

Strong, is part of Nossen Castle’s history. In 1716, the 

Vogtland and Lusatia regions for many centuries. 

critically sick mistress had been attended to at this 

From 2022 on, a new and unique permanent exhibi- 

place for a month before she was taken to Stolpen 

tion to be put on show in the south wing will be dedi- 

Castle where she was to die in solitude 49 years later. 

cated to the theme of the history of the Saxon nobility. 

The historical library 

The Fireplace Room 

Schloss Nossen | Am Schloss 3 | 01683 Nossen | Phone +49 (0) 3 52 42 5 04 35 | nossen@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.schloss-nossen.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 14, exit Nossen-Nord or Nossen-Ost, via autobahn A 4, exit Siebenlehn 

Video »Nossen Castle« 

BY RAIL from Dresden, Meissen, Doebeln, Leipzig to Nossen | BY BUS from Meissen, Freiberg, Doebeln, Dresden to Nossen 


45

Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden

The splendor of 

Baroque and Rococo 

»Being the senior state master builder in the services of His Majesty, Augustus the Strong, was not always an easy 

job. It was not that I felt neglected by the »Saxon Roi Soleil« since he was always busy courting his ever-changing 

mistresses. No – it was rather for his perpetually new architectural ideas and for him being so hard to please. Time 

and again he contributed sketches of his own hand. He was a particular admirer of the art of the Far East. Asian 

rulers were legendary for their wealth and immense power which many European princes starved to copy. Porcelain 

from these far-off lands was regarded to be extraordinarily precious, which is why the Elector and King took 

extreme delight in his alchemist Boettger who, as the first in Europe, had succeeded in making a »white gold« 

of similar quality. My job, however, was building. Pillnitz Palace was the implementation of my idea of Asian 

architecture. But what I am especially proud of is the Dresden Zwinger. This is where I managed to merge the 

Movie »THE BUILDING TYCOON« 

arts in the minutest detail: the well-dimensioned and diversely structured complex virtually 

amalgamates with the richly decorated sculptures that were contributed by sculptor Balthasar 

Permoser’s workshop. What had initially been thought to become an orangery and backdrop 

to a festive area turned into a feast for my own eyes. But, of course, I was not the only 

outstanding architect of my time. My colleagues and successors Johann Christoph 

Knoeffel, Zacharias Longuelune and Jean de Bodt contributed their shares to increasing 

the scores of magnificent buildings in the middle and late Baroque in Saxony – an era 

that later became known in this area as the »Augustan Age«. 

»THE 

BUILDING 

TYCOON« 

Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann (1662 –1736) 


47

Pillnitz Palace

PILLNITZ PALACE AND PARK 

Ease and magic of blossoms 

Elector Augustus the Strong once acquired the 

castle for his favorite Anna Constantia Countess 

von Cosel. When Saxony’s best-known mistress fell 

out of his favor and the castle became his property 

again, Augustus had the Hillside as well as the Riverside 

Palace erected according to plans by the famous 

architect, Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann. The grand 

In the Lilac Courtyard of the New Palace 

castle and park grounds directly situated on the banks 

of the Elbe River are considered a perfect example of 

the chinoise style merging the architecture of the Far 

East with that of European Baroque. Away from the 

hustle and bustle of the residence town of Dresden, 

the place served the noble family as a »pleasure castle« 

and retreat to nature during the summer season. It is 

most impressive to approach the castle with its distinctive 

pagoda roofs on an Elbe River steamboat. The 

view from the river was a sight Augustus and his 

entourage, who often indulged in pleasure rides on the 

Elbe River using fancifully designed gondolas, have 

already enjoyed in their time. One of them has been 

preserved and can still be admired in the park. The 

English, the Dutch and the Chinese Garden on the 

extensive grounds around the castle buildings urge the 

visitor to take a stroll and be enchanted by the wealth 

of exotic plants and gorgeous floral decoration. The 

Orangery and the Palm House, that has been reconstructed, 

in old splendor, attract those who take a 

botanical interest to appraise their exotic treasures, as 

does the famous 250-year-old Japanese camellia. It has 

meanwhile grown to the size of a tree and has been 

given a glass home all of its own to protect it in winter. 

Every spring it displays a new its stunning wealth of 

blossom. The Museum of Decorative Arts and the 

Castle Museum accommodated in the castle itself are 

open during summer season with changing special 

Baroque chinoiseries 

Movie »Pillnitz Palace Holiday Cottage« 

exhibitions. At the Castle Museum, one can see the 

Royal Kitchen, the classicist Domed Hall and the 

Catholic Chapel and learn about its eventful times as a 

summer residence. Most recently, there is a guided 

tour offered for guests who suffer from dementia at 

Pillnitz Park. These are beautiful moments for relatives 

and carers , if the sense of memory awakes and a short, 

relaxing break is possible. 

Holiday Apartments (2) 

• 2 rooms, 4 beds 

• 1 room, 2 beds 


Video »Pillnitz Palace and Park« 

Schloss & Park Pillnitz | August-Boeckstiegel-Str. 2 | 01326 Dresden | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 2 61 32 60 | pillnitz@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.schlosspillnitz.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden-Hellerau or Dresden-Altstadt; via autobahn A 17, exit Pirna, towards Radeberg and then follow the signposting 

BY BOAT by Elbe River steamboats to the Pillnitz jetty

WACKERBARTH CASTLE 

A fizzy 

pleasure 

Wackerbarth Castle (valiant beard) sounds 

like the name from a fairy-tale. In fact, what 

awaits the visitor at the foot of the vineyard in Radebeul 

truly seems legendary: the unique ensemble of a 

stately home and a belvedere, Baroque gardens and a 

modern factory for making wine and sparkling wine in 

the middle of the lovely landscape of Saxony’s Elbe 

River valley; a true jewel built between 1727 and 1729 

by Christoph August Imperial Count von Wackerbarth 

as his retirement residence. With all this pomp, 

the count was not alone for long: even Augustus the 

Strong treasured the charming atmosphere and the 

delicacy maturing in the barrels. Wackerbarth Castle, 

which experienced many a euphoric party of the Saxon 

court, has since then been a by-word for elegant wines 

and Saxon joie de vivre, and now presents the 

850-year-old tradition of wine-growing in Saxony in its 

most beautiful form. A bubbly pleasure is the sparkling 

Wackerbarth Castle 

wine from the Wackerbarth vintners which has been 

produced for almost 200 years now. This secondoldest 

sparkling wine producer in Germany allows the 

grapes to mature traditionally in the bottle to become 

a fine and fizzy specialty. Visitors can try the quality of 

The Belvedere amidst the vineyards 

the Saxon State Winery themselves, take a tour in the 

transparent factory to see the production of the wines 

and sparkling wines, feast on fine food, be entertained 

in various events and, of course, take home a bottle of 

this noble drop. 

Sächsisches Staatsweingut GmbH | Schloss Wackerbarth | Wackerbarthstrasse 1 | 01445 Radebeul | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 8 95 50 

kontakt@schloss-wackerbarth.de | www.schloss-wackerbarth.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden-Neustadt then towards Radebeul 

BY CITY RAIL S1 towards Meissen up to Radebeul-Altkoetzschenbroda | BY TRAM No. 4 towards Weinböhla up to Schloss Wackerbarth 

Video »Wackerbarth Castle« 


51

THE GRAND GARDEN OF DRESDEN 

The green heart 

of Dresden 

The Saxon capital itself is a big garden landscape. 

Only few large cities are so close to nature or 

have such extensive gardens, spacious parks and generous 

lawns for playing and sunbathing. The most 

impressive park in the Saxon metropolis is the 363-acre 

Grand Garden of Dresden. Elector John George III 

started the most favorite park of Dresden with its absolutely 

straight avenues in 1678, modeling it after the 

French parks. The Grand Garden Palace at the point 

where the avenues meet is a jewel of early Baroque and 

is still used today for festive events in the middle of 

green surroundings. Especially the Baroque part of the 

park around the Palace is regularly maintained and 

atten ded to. Otherwise, the park is dominantly landscaped 

in the English style of romantic labyrinthine 

paths, little forests, extensive meadows, bodies of 

water and topical gardens. Restaurants and cafés, 

open-air stages and facilities, such as the Dresden Zoo 

and the Botanical Garden make the place a cultural 

oasis in the middle of the city. To journey through the 

wide landscape, visitors, young and old alike, prefer to 

take the miniature park railway, which is traditionally 

operated by Dresden schoolchildren. 

The Grand Garden Palace 

Miniature Park Railway 

WiFi: Restaurant 

Carolaschloesschen 


Video »Grand Garden of Dresden« 

Grosser Garten Dresden | Kavaliershaus G | Hauptallee 10 | 01219 Dresden | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 4 45 66 00 | grosser.garten@schloesserland-sachsen.de 

www.grosser-garten-dresden.de | www.dresdner-parkeisenbahn.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden-Hellerau or Dresden-Altstadt, follow the signposting 

towards the center/Zoo/Glaeserne Manufaktur | BY TRAM get off at tram stops Comeniusplatz, Zoo or Grosser Garten

RICHARD-WAGNER-STAETTEN GRAUPA 

Where Wagner’s 

»Lohengrin« 

emerged 

» 

Mein lieber Schwan!« – literally meaning »My 

dear swan!« – is a well-known German phrase 

used when you comment on something overwhelming 

or an extraordinary situation. It originates from Richard 

Wagner’s opera »Lohengrin«. There, where the 

musical outline to this opera was once drafted, the 

Richard-Wagner-Staetten Graupa invite visitors today 

lodging at a farmyard there to find rest from the everyday 

strain of his service. He walked a lot, and the idyllic 

landscape between Pillnitz and Saxon Switzerland 

inspired him to compose music. In a true frenzy of 

creativity, he drafted the outline of his romantic opera 

»Lohengrin«. In as early as 1907, memorial rooms 

Graupa Hunting Chateau 

for experiences which themselves would deserve to be 

labeled »extraordinary«. Although Richard Wagner is 

usually linked to Bayreuth and its Festspielhaus there, 

his musical career started, however, in Saxony. In 

1843, he was appointed Royal Saxon Court Conductor 

at the Dresden Court Theatre. In 1846, a threemonth 

summer vacation led him to Graupa, a place 

near the royal residence town of Dresden. He took 

were established in the house where Wagner had lived 

and worked. The farmstead, termed as the »Lohengrin 

House« since then, was re-opened in 2009 in a new 

design after its elaborate restoration. Apart from an 

exhibition dedicated to the opera »Lohengrin«, visitors 

can see Wagner’s recreated rooms. In 2013, a new permanent 

exhibition was set up only a stone’s throw 

away, at the Graupa Hunting Chateau, which deals 

with Wagner’s life and work in Saxony until 1849, but 

also touching on the composer’s later works. Audiovisual 

and multimedial means of presentation show the 

process of how he created his operas – from the libretto 

and composition to their staging. This provides fascinating 

and emotionally touching encounters with 

world culture – not only to the Wagner expert, but 

also to anybody interested in cultural history. 

Concert Hall 

Richard-Wagner-Stätten Graupa | Lohengrinhaus | Richard-Wagner-Straße 6 | Jagdschloss | Tschaikowskiplatz 7 | 01796 Pirna | Phone +49 (0) 35 01 4 61 96 50 

Fax +49 (0) 35 01 46 19 65-44 | wagnerstaetten@pirna.de | www.wagnerstaetten.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR from Dresden: Via the Blue Wonder Bridge to Pillnitz and beyond to Graupa | BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT City rail from Dresden (Lines S1 or S2) to Pirna; 

from Pirna Bus Depot (next to railway station) by bus line G/L to Graupa, Tschaikowskiplatz; bus line 63 from Dresden via Pillnitz to Graupa, Tschaikowskiplatz 

Video »Richard-Wagner-Stätten Graupa« 


53

The Dresden Zwinger

THE DRESDEN ZWINGER 

A Garden of Eden on Earth 

A 

zwinger, or outer ward, is actually just the free 

space between the inner and outer ring of the 

city walls. In Dresden, the capital of Saxony, the most 

splendid outer ward in the world was created for the 

Bildunterschrift 

prestigious festivities of the European aristocracy in 

the early 18th century. Pushed on by the architectural 

passion of Augustus the Strong, the originally simple 

plans for a new orangery suddenly gained in extent 

and size. This courtly synthesis of the arts was created 

by architectural genius Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann 

and master sculptor Balthasar Permoser. Plans 

The Inner Yard of the Dresden Zwinger with Orange Trees 

for the construction of an adjoining palace were never 

Dresden State Art Collections, including the Porcelain 

an atmospheric backdrop to a series of open-air events. 

year, eighty orange trees adorn the ensemble from 

realized, but in the 19th century Gottfried Semper’s 

Collection, the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the 

The rather secluded »Nymphs’ Bath« counts among 

May to October. They take up on its historical function 

picture gallery and opera house were built on the 

Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instru- 

the most beautiful fountains of Baroque – an artistic 

as an orangery and lend the Zwinger a very special 

planned site. Today, visitors find the museums of the 

ments in the Zwinger. In summer, the Zwinger forms 

synthesis of architecture, sculpture and water. Every 

charm. 

Dresdner Zwinger | Museen der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden | Theaterplatz 1 | 01067 Dresden | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 49 14 20 00 

besucherservice@skd.museum | www.skd.museum l zwinger@schloesserland-sachsen.de l www.der-dresdner-zwinger.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden Altstadt, follow the signposting to the city center | BY TRAM get off at tram stop Postplatz 

Video »The Dresden Zwinger« 

WiFi: 

Old Masters 

Picture Gallery 


55

RAMMENAU BAROQUE CASTLE 

Invited by the 

chambermaid 

Here on the foothills of the Lusatian Mountains 

you can find the only manor house in Saxony 

which has remained intact. Having been comprehensively 

View of the manor from the park 

restored, Rammenau Castle stands out as a masterpiece 

of Saxon country Baroque. After the building of the 

mansion had ruined the first owner, the Von Hoffmann 

Castle Restaurant 

family obtained the grand estate by auction. Their 

most famous scion was Johann Centurius von Hoffmann, 

Imperial Count von Hoffmannsegg, botanist 

and highly-respected entomologist; a stroke of luck 

for Saxon science, as the new owner was to give a 

new home to intellectual creativity and education in 

Rammenau. The interior of the castle is a sparkling 

treasure trove of late Baroque and early Classicist 

room design. The Chinese Room, the Pompeii Room, 

Bird Room, Peacock Room, Hunters‘ Room and the 

painted walls around the staircase all go to show the 

ingenuity of the cultured country nobles. Even today 

you can regularly listen to concerts in the imposing 

Mirror Hall. Perhaps it was this special flair one can 

feel throughout the palace that set the greatest son of 

the soil on his path: Johann Gottlieb Fichte, born in 

Rammenau in 1762, was to become one of the leading 

philosophers of his age. The visitor can find varied and 

aesthetic abundance not only in the interior decoration, 

but also in the cuisine. In the historic dining 

room, the master chef and the chambermaids serve 

extraordinary dishes which combine original Lusatian 

delicacies with Me diterranean flair. 

Suite 

• 1 room 

• 2 beds 


Video »Rammenau Baroque Castle« 

Barockschloss Rammenau | Am Schloss 4 | 01877 Rammenau | Phone +49 (0) 35 94 70 35 59 | rammenau@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.barockschloss-rammenau.com 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Burkau to Rammenau; via federal road B 6 from Dresden to Bischofswerda, then towards Kamenz up to Rammenau 

BY RAIL from Dresden, Goerlitz, Zittau to Bischofswerda, then continue with the bus to Rammenau

ZABELTITZ BAROQUE GARDEN 

An invitation 

 

to take a stroll 

The Palace 

At Zabeltitz, magnificent alleyways lined by linden 

and chestnut trees, rows of hedges, groves 

Imperial Count August Christoph von Wackerbarth. 

At the place where originally was a moated castle to protect 

the old salt road, he erected a neat Baroque palace. 

This palace, and a second one close-by, jointly form a 

married at Zabeltitz will find a Registry Office in the 

adjacent palace with the adequate ambience for an 

and rondels form a backdrop that inspires to take a 

charming architectural ensemble. The oblong Renais- 

unforgettable wedding ceremony. Apart from a café, 

relaxed stroll. Ever new and surprising views and per- 

sance building of the latter had already been built in 

there are numerous rooms of various sizes available for 

spectives open up again and again. Artistic sandstone 

the late 16th century under Elector Christian I, who 

cultural events and meetings. After taking a stroll 

sculptures form highlights; large water surfaces reflect 

favored Zabeltitz as a hunting lodge. It is called the 

through the extensive park grounds, visitors who seek 

all the splendor and additionally accentuate how nature 

»Old Palace« today. Its ground floor used to serve as a 

further encounters with the region and its cultural his- 

was brought into strict symmetrical order by human 

horse stable originally, whereas its upper floor provid- 

tory are recommended to visit the Zabeltitz Peasant 

hand. No less a person than Johann Christoph Knoeffel, 

ed electoral hunting parties with adequate accommo- 

Museum. Apart from that they may also have a closer 

Augustus the Strong’s court master builder, designed 

dation. Still today, festive events take place in the mag- 

look at St George’s Church with its artistic epitaph 

this Baroque garden around 1728 on behalf of the 

nificant palace hall. Those who would like to get 

altar and the burial place of Count von Wackerbarth. 

View of Zabeltitz Baroque Garden 

Video »Zabeltitz Baroque Garden« 

Zabeltitz-Information | Am Park 1 | 01561 Grossenhain/OT Zabeltitz | Phone +49 (0) 35 22 30 42 77 | zabeltitz@stadt.grossenhain.de | www.barockgarten-zabeltitz.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR from Dresden via autobahn A 13 to federal road B 98 (exit Thiendorf) and then, in Grossenhain, along federal road B 101 up to Zabeltitz 

(which can optionally be reached along country roads, too) | BY RAIL up to rail stop Zabeltitz, then approx. 15 minutes to the village center 


57

GROSSSEDLITZ BAROQUE GARDEN 

Versailles 

of Saxony 

View from the Lower Orangery to the »Silent Music« 

The garden at Grosssedlitz is among the most 

notable in Germany, but this jewel of absolutist 

drawn by his own hand. It should have been nothing less 

than a Saxon Versailles here, but in the end Grosssedlitz 

cious terraced grounds are a masterpiece of artistic garden 

architecture with two orangeries, fountains and 

creative drive is worth a visit for other reasons, too. It is 

was never completed – an acute shortage of funds at the 

around 60 sculptures. Taking a walk around the garden, 

also of special significance because a prominent Saxon 

court of Dresden, where otherwise money was happily 

new views and perspectives will open up to the visitor 

The Upper Orangery 

ruler left his imprint on the park’s design. Having con- 

and abundantly spent, put an end to the creative fantasy. 

all the time, which still today testifies to the expertise 

structed his residence for retirement here in 1719, the 

Nevertheless, the 12 hectares which were finished in the 

of garden planning at the time. Especially in summer, 

After several years of elaborate restoration, the sculp- 

Imperial Count von Wackerbarth sold it – not entirely 

end are so full of splendor that it is hardly possible to 

when orange trees and other exotic plants fill the park 

tures and trick fountains on the garden estate shine in 

of his own volition – to Augustus the Strong. The new 

imagine how the park might have appeared had all the 

with scent and colour, the visitor can experience the 

Baroque splendor again and spread the enchanting 

owner had the garden and completely rebuilt, with plans 

planned 96 hectares been completed. Today, the spa- 

imagination of the highborn creator of Grosssedlitz. 

charm of »Versailles of Saxony«. 


Video »Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden« 

Barockgarten Grosssedlitz | Parkstrasse 85 | 01809 Heidenau | Phone +49 (0) 35 29 5 63 90 | grosssedlitz@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.barockgarten-grosssdelitz.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 17, exit Pirna, then follow the signposting; via federal road B 172 from Dresden up to Heidenau or Pirna, then follow the signposting 

BY CITY RAIL from Dresden to railway stop Heidenau-Großsedlitz, a 20-minute walk following the signposted walkway will take you there

WOLKENBURG CASTLE 

The count’s lovely cabinets 

centuries, the defiant building changed hands several 

times. It was mainly the Von Einsiedel family that 

changed the appearance of Wolkenburg, which was 

held by them from 1635 for 310 years. The castle was 

then first changed into a palace, giving it forms of the 

Renaissance and the Baroque. Around 1790, Detlev Carl 

Count von Einsiedel had the main building re designed 

in the style of Classicism. The banquet hall, which is still 

in use today for events, has been preserved from that 

time. Stucco reliefs on the walls include depictions of 

allegories on the stages of a lifetime, of the times of day 

and the seasons as well as portrait medallions. Likewise, 

cast-iron figurines that can be admired in both the castle 

building around 1795. Neo-Gothic tracery, reminiscent 

of the design in Venetian palazzi, decorates, for 

example, the cast-iron balustrades, the wall decorations 

and the filigree grates of doors of the beautiful 

built-in cabinets. The precious interior has undergone 

thorough restoration and now appears in its vigor of 

200 years ago again. – Today some of what used to be 

the counts’ residential rooms accommodate topical 

museum chambers dedicated to the Counts von Einsiedel 

and to the Wolkenburg-born painter Fritz von 

Uhde. The courtyard and the terraced castle park lend 

open-air events a romantic and atmospheric ambience. 

The count‘s library 

In the Middle Ages, the estate may have appeared as 

being in the clouds [Wolke lit. cloud] to those who 

beheld it from the Mulde River valley. Still today, 

some of its walls seem to grow directly from the steep 

rock spur precipices straight into the sky. Over the 

and park recall the lifetime of the count. As proprietors 

of the art foundry in Lauchhammer, Detlev Carl Count 

von Einsiedel and his son had developed a process for 

manufacturing large-size cast-iron sculptures. The 

count’s library is an architectural gem of the special kind. 

The two-storied, pavilion-like room of a circular floor 

plan was installed into the attic of the castle‘s main 

Wolkenburg Castle 

Schloss Wolkenburg | Schloss 3 | 09212 Limbach-Oberfrohna | Phone +49 (0) 3 76 09 5 81 70 | post@limbach-oberfrohna.de | www.schloss-wolkenburg.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR along autobahn A 4 to exit Limbach-Oberfrohna, then along roads S 244 to Limbach-Oberfrohna and S 249 to Wolkenburg; 

along autobahn A 72 to exit Penig, then along federal roads B 95 and B 172 to Wolkenburg | BY RAIL from Chemnitz to Glauchau, then by bus to Wolkenburg 

Video »Wolkenburg Castle« 


59

MORITZBURG CASTLE 

A fairy-tale castle 

Video »Moritzburg Castle Island« 

 

and its treasures 

ers in ochre and white, the splendor of which is mirrored 

in the artificial lake surrounding the castle. One 

of the most outstanding collections of hunting trophies 

in Europe is not the only big treasure of Moritzburg 

Castle. Just as unique is the lavishly painted gold leather 

tapestry on the walls of the electoral refuge. The 

»Feather Room« even won a European Cultural Heritage 

Award. Far more than one million colorful feathers 

were made into a unique piece of art: the magnificent 

bed of the castle lord for the purpose of representation 

– a bed as one cannot find another one in the world. 

And there was a good reason why the stately home was 

used as a magical backdrop in the legendary fairy-tale 

movie »Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella«. During the 

The castle island and the Baroque garden 

winter season, the Baroque castle turns into a mekka 

for hundreds of thousands of fans of the most beauti- 

The Hall of Monstrosities with leather tapestry walls 

The certainly most beautiful Saxon moated castle 

is named after Duke Maurice, who built a 

Daniel Poeppelmann, architect of the Dresden Zwinger, 

with the conversion of the building to provide an 

ful fairy-tale movie of all time. In the exhibition on the 

cult-movie, one can walk in the steps of the cheeky 

Movie »Dancing like cinderella« 

hunting lodge in 1542 near his residence in Dresden. 

appropriate and magnificent setting for his glittering 

little fairy-tale princess. Also, the visitor should by no 

can be reached in just a few minutes on foot or by 

In 1723 Augustus the Strong commissioned Matthaeus 

parties. This resulted in a Baroque jewel with four tow- 

means miss a look at the Little Pheasant Castle that 

horse and carriage. 

Holiday Apartments (5) 

• 2 rooms, 4 beds (1) 

• 1 room, 2 beds (4) 


Video »Moritzburg Castle« 

Schloss Moritzburg und Fasanenschlösschen | 01468 Moritzburg I Phone +49 (0) 3 52 07 8 73 18 I moritzburg@schloesserland-sachsen.de 

www.schloss-moritzburg.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden-Wilder Mann; via autobahn A 13, exit Radeburg | BY BUS/RAIL from Dresden-Neustadt 

station by bus towards Radeburg – Grossenhain, get off in Moritzburg | Historical narrow-gauge train Radebeul Ost – Radeburg, get off in Moritzburg 

Bus M between Moritzburg and Meissen, through Weinboehla, from April – October

MORITZBURG LITTLE PHEASANT CASTLE 

Paradise 

in a nutshell 

Only a few people are allowed to enter because this 

solitaire amongst German castles is simply too 

eye-catchers inside the building. While strolling 

through the garden outside, visitors can go back in 

small for crowds. A walk through Little Pheasant Castle 

time to the world of 18th century court society. Even 

therefore remains an exclusive pleasure just as it used 

more picturesque and unusual are the pier and the red- 

to be in the past. Embedded in the gentle cultivated 

and-white brick lighthouse close by, which give testi- 

landscape east of Moritzburg Castle, the prestigious 

mony to the playful and decadent spirit of the times. 

castle built by the Dresden Court in 1770 is the only 

This is where the nobles of landlocked Saxony dreamed 

late Rococo castle remaining in Saxony. Funding by 

the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz, the Ostdeutsche 

Sparkassen Stiftung and by the World Monuments 

Fund allowed for it to be comprehensively 

restored and it is now open to the public again with all 

Little Pheasant Castle 

its filigree glory. Originally erected in a confined space 

in chinoise style, it once housed a complete small-size 

their dream of glorious sea battles which for want of a 

Castle offered its masters and mistresses a room with a 

royal court. Furniture and murals restored to their 

real fleet could only be carried out with extras and a 

real »sea view« – this is also afforded to today’s visitors 

original state and a collection of stuffed birds are 

Lighthouse at Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle 

great amount of imagination. At least Little Pheasant 

be they of royal blood or not. 

Schloss Moritzburg und Fasanenschlösschen | 01468 Moritzburg I Phone +49 (0) 3 52 07 87 36 10 I fasanenschloesschen@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.schloss-moritzburg.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 4, exit Dresden-Wilder Mann; via autobahn A 13, exit Radeburg 

BY BUS/RAIL from Dresden-Neustadt station by bus towards Radeburg – Großenhain, get off in Moritzburg | Historical narrow-gauge train Radebeul Ost – Radeburg, get off in Moritzburg 

Video »Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle« 


61

DELITZSCH BAROQUE CASTLE 

»Intrigue and Love« 

at court 

In the event that a princess should beget a child out 

of wedlock the European higher nobility of former 

times had no scruples. The illegitimate offspring of 

Duchess Henriette Charlotte of Saxony-Merseburg is 

said to have been given to a nanny after birth and 

removed from court. The child, however, passed away 

soon after – it is assumed today that poison may have 

been involved. This put an end to the collateral line of 

Saxony-Merseburg that could have rivaled for succession 

to the Saxon Electoral throne. In stark contrast to such 

nasty intrigues appears the bright and cheerful Baroque 

character of Delitzsch Baroque Castle. The pastel color 

of the castle, the once-popular residence of traveling 

Saxon princes in the middle of the Delitzsch Lake District, 

attracts artistically minded visitors with its museum, 

Baroque garden and watchtower. Inside, the castle 

visitors can marvel at the prestigious interior which 

despite the temporary use of the castle as a women’s 

penitentiary has still retained a great deal of its original 

appeal. 

The dining room in the »beletage« 

Baroque castle and park 

The prayer room 


Video »Delitzsch Baroque Castle« 

Barockschloss Delitzsch | Schlossstrasse 31 I 04509 Delitzsch | Phone +49 (0) 3 42 02 6 72 37 I barockschloss@delitzsch.de | www.barockschloss-delitzsch.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 9, exit Wiedemar, then follow the signposting; via autobahn A 14, exit Leipzig-Mitte/Delitzsch 

BY RAIL Leipzig – Dessau/Wittenberg, get off at Delitzsch Unterer Bahnhof

LICHTENWALDE CASTLE AND PARK 

A rendezvous 

for the arts 

Lichtenwalde Castle and Park 

Being surrounded by a network of fountains, 

Lichtenwalde is very different from other Saxon 

good reason. Approaching the castle from the park’s 

avenue, one is left almost speechless by the impressive 

River valley below, which is now a nature preserve. 

The castle itself houses the »Treasury« Museum which 

castles. One hundred of these fountain complexes are 

layout of this peaceful green paradise. While aptly illus- 

displays, on three floors, exhibits of foreign or long gone 

situated throughout the Baroque garden with more 

trating the transition from Baroque to Rococo, the 

cultures, including art objects and ritual items from 

than 400 individual fountains connected by an intricate 

terraced park, however, never completely reveals itself 

Nepal and Tibet, pieces of porcelain, lacquered items, 

circulating system. Visitors can experience a symphony 

of rustling leaves, splashing water and the sweet scent 

The count‘s library 

to the visitor’s eyes. Time and again the eye is attracted 

by playful details such as antique amphoras, statues 

furniture and silk embroidery from China and Japan 

as well as burial objects and ghost masks from West 

of flowers in spring. Lichtenwalde was chosen as one 

and circular flower beds or it is drawn from the artifi- 

Africa. Visitors should not miss the largest and most 

of Germany’s most beautiful park ensembles with 

cial garden itself to the real nature of the Zschopau 

comprehensive silhouette collection in Germany. 

Schloss und Park Lichtenwalde | Schlossallee 1 | 09577 Niederwiesa, OT Lichtenwalde | Phone +49 (0) 3 72 91 38 00 | service@die-sehenswerten-drei.de 

www.die-sehenswerten-drei.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via autobahn A 72/A 4, exit Frankenberg, continue along federal road B 169 towards Chemnitz up to Lichtenwalde 

BY RAIL/Bus Rail from Dresden/Chemnitz to Niederwiesa, then by city-rail to Braunsdorf, then bus No. 706 to Lichtenwalde 

Video »Lichtenwalde Castle and Park« 


63

Prince Pueckler Park Bad Muskau

Between Romanticism 

and industrialization 

»If my name ever rings a bell in you, then the triple-layered icecream specialty will come to your mind first. The 

delicacy had once been dedicated to me, but, unfortunately, I didn’t invent it myself. Instead, I can be proud of 

other things – first of all, of my parks, of course. All my life, I was driven by the urge to design landscapes after 

my own will. I eventually sacrificed all my fortune to it. When my money came to an end, which, however, 

Movie »THE MARRIAGE SWINDLER« 

my plans and ideas never did, my wife even agreed to our formal divorce, so that, by re-marrying, 

I would have the opportunity to get hold of fresh money ... – It was in 18th century England 

where they first began to turn away from the geometric landscaping forms of the Baroque to 

start designing landscape gardens close to nature instead. Soon thereafter, the call »Back to 

nature!« had its effect in Germany, too – and my Muskau Park is certainly one of the most 

famous and beautiful among the newly designed grounds of that time. For building mansions 

and palaces in my time, architects borrowed shapes and forms from all styles of architectural 

history. What used to be Baroque pomp was now answered by Classicist simplicity. Then the 

»THE 

MARRIAGE 

SWINDLER« 

Romantic yearning for the Middle Ages was complemented by Gothic elements, such as little 

towers, pointed arches, vaults and buttresses. Towards the end of the century, even forms of the 

Renaissance, Romanticism and Baroque were »revived« and often merged with each other. In all new palaces, 

villas and manors, their builders were thereby striving for originality and high standards – noblesse oblige. 

Prince Hermann von Pueckler-Muskau (1785 – 1871) 


65

PRINCE PUECKLER PARK BAD MUSKAU 

The New Palace At the Pueckler exhibition View of the park 

The park by the Neisse River in Muskau is a 

symbol of greatest possible contrast to the 

geometrical landscape gardening of the Baroque court. 

Romanticism declared that nature should first and 

foremost be »natural«, and the landscape gardeners 

helped to the best of their ability. Ornamental gardening 

became the art of scenic landscaping. The most outstanding 

example in the world is the park of Prince 

Hermann von Pueckler-Muskau, who was mainly 

known as a travel writer in the 19th century. The way 

Gardening art 

 

the self-educated gardener combined plants and landscape 

together into a »natural work of art« was so rich 

in perspective that he even became an example and a 

pioneer of the style as far away as the USA. Today the 

spacious UNESCO world heritage site is also a symbol 

of European integration, since two thirds of it are on 

of world renown 

Polish soil and only one third in Germany. The New 

Palace in the heart of Muskau Park, which burned 

down completely at the end of the World War II, has 

now been almost fully rebuilt. On two floors of the 

south wing you can see the spectacular exhibition 

»Pueckler! Pueckler? Simply Unbelievable!« From the 

35-meter-high observation platform on the South 

Tower you can enjoy the panorama of the park. 

WiFi: 

Café Vorwerg 


Video »Prince Pueckler Park Bad Muskau« 

Tourismuszentrum Muskauer Park | Stiftung Fuerst-Pueckler-Park Bad Muskau | Neues Schloss | 02953 Bad Muskau | Phone +49 (0) 3 57 71 6 31 00 

info@muskauer-park.de | www.muskauer-park.de | DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 15 from Berlin and Cottbus, exit Roggosen, then follow federal road B 115 

to Bad Muskau, autobahn A 4 Dresden–Bautzen, exit Bautzen-Ost, continue on federal road B 156 to Bad Muskau, federal road B 115 from Goerlitz to Bad Muskau 

BY RAIL from Goerlitz to Weisswasser (Oberlausitz), then continue with the bus to Bad Muskau

FROHBURG CASTLE 

Ceramics, art and 

childhood dreams 

When Kurt Feuerriegel founded the »Workshop 

of Saxon Handicraft Potteries« in Fro- 

A second exhibition area at the castle museum will 

Frohburg Castle 

ings, which have been »growing together« into the cur- 

hburg in 1910, the little town developed into a center 

definitely light up childrens’ eyes: historical toys from 

rent castle building over the centuries. Individual 

of ambitious ceramic production of great renown 

100 years ago will take visitors back to the time when 

building stages can still be retraced by the shapes of 

throug hout Germany. The potter’s craft, with its deep 

their grandparents or great-grandparents were still chil- 

window and door jambs, gables, decorative elements 

roots in Middle Saxony for centuries, received a new 

dren. Dolls and doll houses, affectionately equipped 

and the like. The castle saw its heyday at the beginning 

impetus – and the master himself earned numerous 

toy kitchens, toys for playing shops, steam engines, 

of the 19th century. Its owner at the time, Baron Ernst 

prizes and awards. With its precious collection of 

railways, puppet-on-a-string theaters and much more 

von Bluemner, had the interior of the building rede- 

ceramics made by Feuerriegel, the museum at Fro- 

will rekindle the desire to play, even in adults. Taking 

signed in Classicist style. Two beautiful halls with alle- 

hburg Castle possesses a truly special treasure. The 

a first look at the four-wing property of Frohburg Cas- 

goric decorations, the Stone Hall with its monumental 

variety of his works on display there – from faiences 

tle may not instantly reveal its age, but it does go back 

landscape fresco and the Hall of Paintings with its 

and terracotta sculptures via stove tiles down to struc- 

to a Romanesque castle from around 1200. Its mason- 

arched, illusionistically painted coffered ceiling, have 

tural ceramics – enchants and surprises the beholder. 

Hall of Paintings 

ry has been preserved to a large extent in today’s build- 

survived time since then. 

Museum Schloss Frohburg | Florian-Geyer-Strasse 1 | 04654 Frohburg | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 48 5 15 63 | museum-schloss@frohburg.de | www.museum-schloss-frohburg.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR along autobahn A 72, exit Frohburg, then along federal road B 7 to Frohburg 

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT by rail from Leipzig or Chemnitz to Geithain, then by city rail to Frohburg 

Video »Frohburg Castle« 


67

VOIGTSBERG CASTLE 

Snug as a bug in a rug 

The carpet – once a simple substitute for fur – is 

a demanding and also comfortable piece of 

interior design nowadays. Carpets surround us, often 

unnoticed, as part of our living culture every day. The 

Oelsnitz Carpet Museum at Voigtsberg Castle is dedicated 

to this frequently »trampled-on« textile. Tied to 

the 130-year history of local machine and industrial 

Voigtsberg Castle 

carpet weaving, it provides information about the 

various carpet manufacturing techniques and shows, 

among other things, the variety of design on a »Road 

of the Best«. No wonder that, when visiting this 

fascinating exhibition, the visitors’ desire to freshen up 

their own living habitat may be spurred. However, the 

rooms in the »older part« of Voigtsberg Castle will 

take visitors back to times long ago. The defiant building 

compound cannot deny its origin as a medieval 

castle and stands out decisively against the more recent 

buildings of the outer bailey, which accommodate the 

Carpet Museum. Initially in the possession of the bailiffs 

of Strassberg and Plauen, respectively, it was used 

as electoral office by the Wettins for almost 500 years 

afterwards. Today, visitors are impressed by the Gothic 

St. George’s Chapel with its sacral pieces of art, by 

the Schoesserstube parlor with its splendid Baroque 

ceiling as well as by the Knights’ and the Princes’ Halls 

with their carefully preserved architectural elements; 

with the latter boasting of a special attraction since 

2012: an invaluable painting by Tizian, which an honorary 

citizen donated to the Town of Oelsnitz. By the 

way, you may even get married being very close to it if 

you dare … The castle’s actual treasury, however, is to 

be found in the historical vaults. It is there where the 

»Oelsnitz Minerals Vault« displays a gorgeous collection 

of 400 minerals typically occurring in the Saxon 

Vogtland region: barite from Zobes, wavellite from 

Splendid carpets 

Minerals collection 

Schloditz, fluorite from Schoenbrunn and many other 

most beautiful treasures from below the ground – a 

feast for the eye! 

Partial 

wheelchair 

access 


Video »Voigtsberg Castle« 

Schloss Voigtsberg | 08606 Oelsnitz/Vogtland | Phone +49 (0) 3 74 21 72 94 84 | museum@schloss-voigtsberg.de | www.schloss-voigtsberg.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 72, exit Plauen Sued then follow federal road B 92 and road S 312 towards Oelsnitz, from there follow castle signposting 

BY RAIL from Plauen to Oelsnitz/Vogtland

ROYAL GROUNDS BAD ELSTER 

Touched 

by the muse 

Germany’s first open-air stage, the Bad Elster Natural 

Theater. The awesome stage on the Waldpark grounds 

is one of the trumps played by the town still today to 

The Albert Spa Bath 

attract visitors. Awarded by the Saxon royals with the 

title of a ‘Royal Saxon State Spa’ in the middle of the 

The Royal Spa House 

It certainly takes no wonder that well traveled Goethe 

had also been to Bad Elster. Nonetheless, the idyl- 

19th century for its curative water wells, Bad Elster 

quickly turned into a posh spa town. That is where 

invite people to take a stroll and to enjoy culture. The 

historical spa park laid out in 1850 in the style of an 

KunstWandelhalle art forum, the King Albert Theater 

and three music pavilions form a »Festive Mile of Short 

lically located cultural and festival town in the Vogt- 

Europe’s high society met: you did something for your 

English landscape park, boasting of rare shrubs and 

Ways«. The Bad Elster »Electoral Saxon Philharmonic 

land border triangle is quite proud of that 1795 epi- 

health, enjoyed the surroundings and culture and 

trees, colorful flowerbeds and sap-green lawns, is a treat 

Orchestra«, jointly with other top-notch ensembles 

sode, as his stay there is said to have inspired the prince 

maintained important social contacts. The Saxon kings, 

for the eye and soul. Topical gardens, sculptures, trick 

and artists, stage more than 1,000 cultural events a year. 

of poets to write the epic poem »Hermann and Doro- 

who loved being frequent visitors themselves, had gen- 

fountains and Lake Louisa complement the designed 

Those who – faced with such rich variety in a gorgeous 

thea«. Therefore, a festive performance elaborating on 

erous parks laid out and magnificent buildings set up. 

landscape. Surrounding the historical Albert Spa Bath 

ambience – are not touched by the muse, may well be 

that piece of poetry was put on in 1911 to inaugurate 

Still in our day, the well-tended historical grounds 

in the heart of the town, the Royal Spa House, the 

out of reach of it forever … 

Touristinformation Bad Elster | 08645 Bad Elster | Badstrasse 25 | Phone +49 (0) 3 74 37 5 39 00 | touristinfo@badelster.de | www.badelster.de 

Video »Royal Grounds Bad Elster« 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 72, exit Plauen Sued follow signposting to Bad Elster | BY RAIL Bad Elster railway station approx. 2.5 km off the town centre 

Hof-Plauen Airport at a distance of approx. 40 km; pick-up service available on request 


69

Nimbschen Monastery Hotel

Lodge 

royally 

»My husband loved good food in gay company. We used to have guests in our house at any time; many scholars 

and students, even noble lords wanted to have disputes with the famous Reformer Martin Luther. I attended to 

them and was proud when they felt at home. Back at Nimbschen Monastery, I had learned much which was of 

advantage to me now: housekeeping and cooking, washing and sewing, gardening, brewing and animal keeping, 

and I was also well versed in the art if healing. Martin appreciated this a lot and would let me run the household 

my way. He used to call me – sometimes teasingly, sometimes respectfully – his »dear Mr. Kaethe«. – I was sure 

to expect that even 500 years after our time hospitality would still be regarded one of the highest Saxon virtues. 

Places where exclusivity had always prevailed can often be experienced again today: some of the most 

beautiful palaces and manors that have returned into private ownership have reopened as hotels 

and restaurants inviting customers to relax and enjoy. So everyone may take the temporary 

role of a »castle lord« or the »noble damsel«. Experience the flair of a glamorous past in the 

historical atmosphere of residences of the Saxon nobility and allow yourself to be invited 

to a real treat!« 

Katharina Luther, née von Bora (1499– 1552) 

»HOME- 

MAKER AND 

HOST« 


71

NIMBSCHEN MONASTERY HOTEL 

Where Katharina used to live as a nun 

Nestled among old beech and oak trees, it is only 

romantic ruins today that attest to the once 

lavishly equipped Marienthron Monastery in Nimbschen. 

However, there is still an exuberant flair of something 

Comfort suite 

special emanating from those grounds, for it was Katharina 

von Bora who used to stay there as a Cistercian, 

before she eventually got married to Martin Luther. 

Influenced by the teachings of the renowned reformer, 

Kartharina, jointly with another eight nuns, escaped 

from the monastery in 1523 and subjected herself to 

Luther’s protection. He married her some time later, 

after she had refused other candidates who had proposed 

to her. It was a good choice. Six children were 

born from that wedlock, who founded the ancestry of 

the »Lutherides« still growing in our day. Those who 

come to Nimbschen today will find a modern hotel 

compound on what used to be the stables and warehouses 

of the old monastery premises. The buildings 

have been developed with great effort and much care 

for detail. This combination of historical ambience 

and exclusive equipment has created a special atmosphere. 

The range of services is extensive: Nights can be 

spent comfortably both at the four-star hotel, with its 

altogether 48 rooms, suites and apartments, or in one 

of the 32 rooms of the three-star guesthouse. Exquisite 

catering and a multitude of leisure activities will perfect 

any stay. Those who are looking for history not 

only within the monastery’s sphere, will find a wide 

variety of palaces and castles along the Mulde River. 

Art on the monastery premises 

Monastery ruins 

Hotel ★★★★ 

• 48 rooms 

• 96 beds 

Guesthouse ★★★ 

• 32 rooms 

• 56 beds 


Video »Nimbschen Monastery« 

Hotel Kloster Nimbschen GmbH | Nimbschener Landstrasse 1 | 04668 Grimma | Phone +49 (0) 3 4 37 99 50 | info@kloster-nimbschen.de | www.kloster-nimbschen.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR along autobahn A 14, exit Grimma, head for Grimma Zentrum, then follow federal road B 107 towards Colditz; the hotel is at a distance of 2 km 

after leaving Grimma (from the city limits sign) | BY RAIL from Leipzig to Grimma | BY BUS No. 619 Rochlitz – Grimma (also from Grimma railway station)

HOHNSTEIN CASTLE 

Nature hostel in the 

Elbe Sandstone Mountains 

No enemy ever managed to scale the walls of 

Hohnstein Castle, such is the steepness of the 

jagged rocky spur that it stands on, high above the 

Polenz River valley. There was also no hope of liberation, 

making the Black Hole of Hohnstein one of the most 

feared dungeons of the Middle Ages. As the people 

said, »He who goes to Hohnstein seldom goes home«. 

Thank goodness, this saying does not apply any more, 

since the current owners of the castle happily welcome 

guests to their beautiful building. In 1924, the castle at 

the gateway to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains was 

judged »most beautiful youth hostel in Germany«. 

Today it is open to visitors of all ages and from near 

and far for staying overnight, since the hostel is situat- 

Hohnstein castle 

ed on a plateau of rock in the heart of the Saxon Swit- 

was forced in 1756 by residents who were enraged that 

the Nations, because artillery and horses under Gener- 

curious crowds in 1795. Curiosity is today stilled by 

zerland, the most beautiful national park of Europe. 

animals had escaped and caused »high spirits« in the 

al Dominique Vandamme had to surrender before 

the »castle tour for all the senses«, the many concerts, 

Countless stories tell of Hohnstein’s eventful past, of 

village; of the steep Wartenberg Road, which »in a 

managing to get up the wet road; from the sinister gal- 

the famous church designed by George Baehr and the 

Elector Christian II’s bear-pit, the closure of which 

way« cost Napoleon his victory at the 1813 Battle of 

lows hill, where the last public execution drew large 

annual puppet festival in front of the museum. 

Burg Hohnstein | Am Markt 1 | 01848 Hohnstein | Phone +49 (0) 3 59 75 8 12 02 | info@burg-hohnstein.info | www.burg-hohnstein.info 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR federal road B 172 to Pirna, from there towards Neustadt via Lohmen and Rathewalde to Hohnstein 

BY CITY RAIL S1 from Dresden-Hauptbahnhof to Pirna, from there by bus to Hohnstein (bus stop Markt) 

Video »Hohnstein Castle« 

Guesthouse 

• 16 romms 

• 50 beds 


Youth Hostel 

• 40 rooms 

• 200 beds 

73

BOARDING HOUSE »ZUR KOENIGLICHEN AUSSPANNE« 

Rest aristocratically 

Where there once was a manor house dedicated 

mainly to vineyards there is now a boarding 

house with a long history in one of the most beautiful 

areas of Dresden. In 1835, the Saxon King 

Frederick Augustus II personally acquired these chambers 

and expanded them to become a brewery which, 

along with the court’s demand for wine, was also to 

satisfy its thirst for beer. After his death in 1854, the 

court disposed of this property and it functioned 

mainly as a residential property. Later it even became 

the location of a nationally-owned factory for decorated 

candles. In the 1990s, the old depots and stables were 

lovingly restored, and are now an insider’s tip for visitors 

to Dresden, who can discover the city on the Elbe 

and its fascinating surroundings from here. The former 

property of the King of Saxony is only a few steps 

away from Pillnitz Palace, the picturesque buildings 

along the Elbe are right on the doorstep and the sights 

of Dresden city centre are only twenty minutes away 

by bus, tram or steamship. But surrounded by ivy-covered 

walls, vines and rose beds, it can sometimes be 

tempting just to stay at home and enjoy the almost 

Mediterranean flair of the »Koenigliche Ausspanne«. 

Historical vault 

Entrance area 

Stylish interior 

B&B 

• 9 rooms 

• 16 beds 

Pension »Zur Koeniglichen Ausspanne« | Eugen-Dieterich-Str. 5 | 01326 Dresden | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 2 68 95 02 | info@koenigliche-ausspanne.de | www.koenigliche-ausspanne.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 4, exits Dresden Hellerau or Dresden Altstadt autobahn A 17, exit Pirna follow federal road B 172 towards Radeberg up to exit Graupa/ Pillnitz 


DRESDEN PILLNITZ PALACE HOTEL 

Lodge 

royally 

hotel with its three suites and 42 rooms has acquired 

its first-class reputation especially because visitors to 

Elbsuite 

Dresden, after a visit to the Semper Opera House or 

walking by the Church of Our Lady, do not want to 

Open-air terrace at the Lilac Court 

On the edge of the wide parkland of the Baroque 

summer palace is this hotel on the banks of the 

miss the Baroque ambience. This private family hotel 

is only a few meters away from the many small and large 

restaurant, hotel guests may wander through the Pillnitz 

Park and let themselves be whisked away to a time in 

nitz at all, they can plan tours for the following day, 

for from here sights such as the picturesque vineyards 

Elbe. It received its four-star ranking only partly thanks 

architectural and botanical attractions which make up 

which ladies in layered dresses and gentlemen in pow- 

of the Elbe River valley or the natural treasures of the 

to its special location in a peaceful suburb of the former 

the varied, special palace grounds. Therefore, having 

dered wigs engaged in courtly conversation on the very 

Saxon Switzerland National Park are only an hour 

royal residence city of Dresden. This small, exclusive 

experienced Saxon cuisine par excellence in the castle 

same footpaths. Should anybody then wish to leave Pill- 

away by steamboat. 

Schloss Hotel Dresden Pillnitz | August-Boeckstiegel-Strasse 10 | 01326 Dresden | Phone +49 (0) 3 51 2 61 40 | reservierung@schlosshotel-pillnitz.de | www.schlosshotel-pillnitz.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 17, exit Pirna, follow federal road towards Radeburg up to Graupa / Pillnitz, autobahn A 4, exit Dresden-Hellerau, then follow signposting to Pillnitz 

BY BOAT by Elbe River steamboats to Pillnitz 

Video »Dresden Pillnitz Palace Hotel« 

Hotel ★★★★ 

• 45 rooms 

• 89 beds 


75

PROSCHWITZ CASTLE 

Saxon winery 

at its best 

Proschwitz Palace 

what used to be the family-owned winery. Since 1990, 

the entrepreneur has been dedicated, with all his commitment 

and widely accepted expertise, to controlled 

Proschwitz Castle counts among Saxony’s most 

traditional seats of nobility. In the early 18th 

century, it was newly erected, and later extended, in 

the place of a medieval manor. In 1914, it was redesigned 

in baroque style for the Prince zur Lippe families. 

In the 1990s, Dr. Georg Prince zur Lippe reacquired 

the winery at first, then also the castle of his 

parents, who had been expropriated in 1945. With 

great efforts, he advanced both the winery and the 

manor to a state that sets standards beyond Saxony. 

Today, the estate of Proschwitz Castle has not only 

been returned to serve as his family’s residence again, 

but also as a cultural center with effects reaching far 

into the region. Jointly with the surrounding park area, 

it provides a stylish ambience to concerts, corporate 

events, business or private receptions. For that purpose, 

a choice can be made from among ten function rooms 

to be rented and used, depending on size, equipment 

and combination. It is with his greatest passion that 

Dr. Georg Prince zur Lippe is devoted to continuing 

and environmentally friendly viniculture. Within 

only a few years, the brand name »Weingut Schloss 

Proschwitz« acquired a superb reputation among wine 

connoisseurs. Again and again, top wines from Proschwitz 

win prestigious awards; they are delightful, 

mainly for their fruitiness, minerality and authenticity. 

– The Winery of Proschwitz Castle, which has also 

been restored, is located near the family’s home in 

Zadel. This four-sided listed manor house has been 

lovingly redeveloped and now features its own inn 

with ten double rooms and two holiday apartments, 

offering visitors the chance to enjoy the enchanting 

rural atmosphere of the wine-growing landscape to the 

right of the River Elbe across from the town of Meissen. 

Winery 

B&B 

• 10 rooms 

• 22 beds 

Holiday appartement (2) 

• 2 rooms, 4 beds 

• 1 room, 2 beds 


Video »Proschwitz Castle« 

Weingut Schloss Proschwitz Zadel | Dorfanger 19 | 01665 Diera-Zehren OT Zadel | Telefon +49 (0) 3521 76760 | weingut@schloss-proschwitz.de | www.lippesches-gutshaus.de 

Schloss Proschwitz | Heiliger Grund 2 | 01662 Meißen OT Proschwitz | Telefon +49 (0) 35 21 4 06 00 | willkommen@schloss-proschwitz.de | www.schloss-proschwitz.de 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR Highway A14 exit Nossen Ost, follow Federal Road B101 towards Meißen/Großenhain, in Meißen towards Riesa, when leaving Meißen towards Winkwitz / 

Proschwitz up to the castle

YOUTH HOSTEL COLDITZ CASTLE 

Feeling at home, 

 

rather than 

planning an escape 

became known all over Europe during WW II as a 

heavily guarded POW camp for high-ranking officers 

of the Allied Forces. Its inmates included, for example, 

Winston Churchill’s nephew. Several spectacular 

attempts to escape, later described in books and made 

into exciting movie scenes, tell us that the POWs were 

spending quite some sleepless night to regain their 

freedom. Today, a part of the property houses the 

Colditz Castle 

Family Room 

Colditz Castle European Youth Hostel, filling the 

building with an international flair in a new and very 

also social rooms, such as the fireplace room, the historical 

guardroom and the small library, can be used 

State Music Academy. Be it a cycle tour along the 

Mulde River, hiking tours through the Colditz Forest, 

Those who spend the night at Colditz Castle, will 

rest at a historic site. One could not always take 

different way. Thirty-four bright, friendly and fashionably 

furnished rooms can host up to 161 guests. Each 

by families, school classes or seminar groups. Musically 

ambitioned guests will find superb rehearsal and 

rubber dinghy tours or castle visits, creativity workshops, 

seminars or literary readings – surely, no visitor 

it for granted to peacefully snuggle into a good night’s 

room has its own bathroom. Apart from 4-to-6-bed 

working conditions at the immediately adjacent Saxon 

will die of boredom there! 

sleep. The daunting castle located on the Zwickauer 

rooms, there are also three family suites and four fit for 

Mulde River, one of the oldest of its kind in Saxony, 

wheelchair users. Conference rooms with terraces, but 

Also see page 39 

Youth Hostel Colditz Castle I Schlossgasse 1 I 04680 Colditz | Phone +49 (0) 3 43 81 4 50 10 I Fax +49 (0) 3 43 81 4 53 35 | colditz@jugendherberge.de I www.schloss-colditz.de 

am – 10:00 pm (arrival as per arrangement) I closed at Christmas closed (group bookings subject to enquiry) 

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR via A 14 exit Grimma, continue via B 107 towards Colditz, follow signage there; via A 4 exit Glauchau, via Rochlitz to Colditz 

BY RAIL/BUS from Leipzig Hbf. (main station) by regional train to Grimma, continue by bus to Colditz or from Leipzig Hbf. to Colditz by bus 

Video »Youth Hostel« 


Youth Hostel 

• 34 rooms 

• 161 beds 

77

JETZT BEI 

Join us on a Tour of the Schloesserland 

and become Augustus’ favorite! 


Discover 

your 

kingdom 

Entdecken 

Sie Ihr 

Königreich 

Discover your 

kingdom 

Moritzburg Castle 

Family bonus 

in the 

Schloesserland 

schlösserlandKARTE 

You can now purchase a digital 


Buy ticket 

Information 

Card Tours More 


The schloesserlandCARD gives you free entry to the most beautiful palaces, castles and gardens in Saxony. 

Pay once, experience lots – all permanent and special exhibitions included. 

Take advantage of our family bonus – 2 children aged 16 and under can accompany card holders for free. 

Save with our partner benefits – 25% discount on your second card! 

Purchase your schloesserlandCARD for 1 year or 10 days in all castles or download the app with a savings calculator 

and the schloesserJAGD palace hunting game. 


/Schloesserland.Sachsen /schloesserlandsachsen /Schloesserland 

Erhältlich im

How to get 

to Saxony 

By car 

Autobahns in Saxony 

A 4: 

Aachen – Cologne, interrupted once, 

continued in Bad Hersfeld via Erfurt – 

Weimar – Chemnitz – Dresden – Goerlitz 

A 13: Berlin – Dresden 

A 14: Magdeburg – Halle – Leipzig and from 

Nossen further along the A 4 to Dresden 

A 38: Goettingen – Leipzig 

A 72: Hof – Chemnitz 

Driving times in Saxony 

Dresden – Leipzig: 

Dresden – Berlin: 

Dresden – Prague: 

Dresden – Munich: 

Dresden – Hamburg: 

Dresden – Frankfurt (M): 

Dresden – Cologne: 

Dresden – Vienna: 

Dresden – Zurich: 

Dresden – Warsaw: 

1 h 15 min 

2 h 

2 h 





5 h 


8 h 

By plane 

The Dresden and Leipzig/Halle airports are wellconnected 

to the largest inner-German airports of 

Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Duesseldorf. There 

are regular connections to other inner-German airports, 

too. Flight times do not take longer than one 

hour in any case. There are also direct flights to Vienna 

and Zurich. 

By rail 

There is an ICE connection between Dresden and 

Leipzig. IC or ICE connections are available from 

many larger stations in Germany. EC trains go 

between Dresden and Vienna, and between Dresden 

and Zurich there is a CNL (CityNightLine) 

connection. www.bahn.de 

By public transport 

Saxony has a well-developed local public transport 

network. All public transport providers offer day 

tickets for individuals or groups. 

Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe (VVO) 

www.vvo-online.de: Dresden – Meissen – 

Saxon Switzerland – Eastern Ore Mountains 

Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund (MDV) 

www.mdv.de: Leipzig – Halle 

Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS) 

www.vms.de: Chemnitz – Central Ore Mountains 

Zweckverband Verkehrsverbund Oberlausitz- 

Niederschlesien (ZVON) www.zvon.de: 

Bautzen – Goerlitz 

Verkehrsverbund Vogtland (VVV) 

www.vogtlandauskunft.de: 

Plauen - Vogtland 

Traveling times by public transport in Saxony 

Dresden – Leipzig: 1 h 15 min 

Dresden – Chemnitz: 1 h 

Dresden – Görlitz: 1 h 15 min 

Dresden – Meissen: 45 min 

Dresden – Saxon Switzerland: 30 – 45 min 

For further information and current advice as well 

as ticket prices and opening hours please go to 

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de. 



/Schloesserland 

Rochlitz Castle 


79

Editorial details 

PUBLISHER 

Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen gemeinnützige GmbH 

Stauffenbergallee 2 a | 01099 Dresden 

Telefon +49 (0) 3 51 5 63 91-10 01 

Telefax +49 (0) 3 51 5 63 91-10 09 

E-Mail service@schloesserland-sachsen.de 




/Schloesserland 

TMGS Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH 

Bautzner Straße 45-47 | 01099 Dresden 

Telefon +49 (0) 3 51 49 17 00 

Telefax +49 (0) 3 51 4 96 93 06 

E-Mail info@sachsen-tour.de 

www.sachsen-tourismus.de 

CONCEPT, DESIGN, MAPS 

Ö GRAFIK agentur für marketing und design 

Wittenberger Strasse 114 A | 01277 Dresden | www.oe-grafik.de 

PRINT 

Beisner Druck GmbH & Co. KG 

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF 

Albrechtsburg Meissen, Alexander Schmidt, punctum, Angermann Luftbildservice - Holm Röhner, Anja Weiss, Burg Kriebstein, 

Burg Mildenstein, Burg Scharfenstein, Claudia Hübschmann, Ernst Wrba, Festung Königstein, Foto-Walther-Heidenau, Frank Höhler, 

Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau, Gabriele Hanke, Gerhard Weber, Großer Garten Dresden, h. & d. zielske, Herbert Boswank, 

Jörg Schöner, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Klaus Schieckel, Kloster Nimbschen, Königliche Anlagen Bad Elster, Lutz Pfennig, 

Lutz Zimmermann, Manfred Lohse, Michael Schultz, Oliver Killig, panthermedia, Pension »Königliche Aus spanne«, Peter Mauksch, 

Rainer Weisflog, Schloss Augustusburg, Schloss Klaffenbach, Schloss Moritzburg, Schloss Nossen, Schloss Rochsburg, Schloss 

Voigtsberg, Schloss Wackerbarth, Schloss Weesenstein, Schlosshotel Dresden-Pillnitz, Stadt Delitzsch, Steffen Peschel, Stiftung 

Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau, Sylvio Dittrich, René Schleichardt - Picturewolrd, Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen, Volker 

Kreidler, Marcel Quietzsch, DDpix, Produktion CFilms, Christian Fietze (Foto: Andreas Zgraja), DJH Lvb Sachsen e.V./ Gerhard Dörner, 

Pegasus Video & Design, Jan Rieger, Michael Wilke, Fotofestival Sandstein 

Schloesserland Sachsen online 

EDITORIAL DEADLINE 

March 2019 

This project is being co-funded by tax money, based on the budget passed by the Deputies of the Saxon Parliament. 

Saxony is one of the leading states in Germany in terms of its commitment to accessible tourism. The facilities marked with the 

»accessible« pictogram have been carefully inspected by Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH to make sure they are 

fully accessible. You can find more detailed information on accessibility, special offers and support in the free »Accessible Saxony« 

brochure or online at www.sachsen-barrierefrei.de. 


Pure emotion! 

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: JAN VOGLER 

MORITZBURGFESTIVAL.DE TICKETS: 0351–16 09 26 15

Experience memorable festival moments 

with top-class artists at Dresden‘s most 

beautiful venues 

INTENDANT: JAN VOGLER 

WWW.MUSIKFESTSPIELE.COM 

TEL. +49 (0)351-656 06 700

Halle 

(Saale) 

Naumburg 

(Saale) 

Hof 

Gera 

Bavaria 

Saxony-Anhalt 

Zeitz 

Zeulenroda-Triebes 

Plauen 

Federal road 

A 9 

Mylau 

Castle 

Altenburg 

Voigtsberg 

Castle 

92 

87 

6 

Delitzsch 

Baroque Castle 

Delitzsch 

Leipzig 

Thuringia 

175 

184 

Zwickau 

Schoenfels 

Castle 

Royal Grounds Bad Elster 

2 

169 

A 72 

2 

A 38 

95 

Nimbschen 

Monastery Hotel 

Colditz 

Castle 

Frohburg 

Castle 

Gnandstein 

Castle 

A 4 

Glauchau 

Castle 

173 

93 

A 72 

Motorway 

283 

107 

Torgau 

Saxony 

Lichtenwalde 

95 

Castle & Park 

Wolkenburg 

Castle 

Klaffenbach 

Castle 

Wildenfels 

Castle 

Rochlitz 

Castle 

Rochsburg 

Castle 

169 

101 

87 

A 14 

Mildenstein 

Castle 

Ostrov 

175 

Hartenfels 

Castle 

Döbeln 

Chemnitz 

Scharfenstein 

Castle 

95 

Karlovy Vary 

Scale 

6 

182 

Kriebstein 

Castle 

A 4 

169 

Wildeck 

Castle 

1 5 10 15 20 km 

Riesa 

Augustusburg 

Castle 

174 

Herzberg 

Brandenburg 

Proschwitz Castle 

Winery in Zadel 

Proschwitz Castle 

Meissen Albrechtsburg 

Castle 

Freudenstein 

Castle 

Zabeltitz 

Baroque 

Garden 

Meissen 

Altzella 

Monastery Park 

Nossen Castle 

173 

101 

101 

Freiberg 

Elsterwerda 

101 

Chomutov 

Moritzburg Castle, 

Moritzburg Little 

Pheasant Castle 

Wackerbarth 

Castle 

Dresden 

Most 

Finsterwalde 

Radebeul 

Dresden Royal Palace, 

Dresden Fortress, 

The Dresden Zwinger, 

The Grand Garden of Dresden 

The Dresden Park Railway 

170 

A 13 

Weesenstein 

Castle 

Lauenstein 

Castle 

Teplice 

Castle, Palace, Fortress, Garden, 

Park, Monastery, Castle Hotel 

Klippenstein 

Castle 

Senftenberg 

Radeberg 

Boarding House »Zur 

Koeniglichen Ausspanne« 

A 17 

Grosssedlitz 

Baroque Garden 

Koenigstein 

Fortress 

97 

Rammenau 

Baroque Castle 

Děčín 

Ústí nad Labem 

Spremberg 

6 98 

Stolpen 

Castle 

Bautzen 

Pillnitz Palace and Park, 

Dresden Pillnitz Palace Hotel 

Richard-Wagner-Staetten Graupa 

London 

Hohnstein 

Castle 

172 

Paris 

96 

Czech Republik 

Amsterdam 

Brussels 

Ceská ˇ Lípa 

Hannover 

Cologne 

Prince Pueckler 

Park Bad Muskau 

Stuttgart 

Munich 

Berne 

Frankfurt 

am Main 

156 

A 4 

Nový Bor 

Copenhagen 

Rostock 

Hamburg 

Berlin 

Potsdam 

100 km 

Dresden 

6 

178 

Zittau 

300 km 

200 km 

Vienna 

115 

400 km 

Prague 

500 km 

Bratislava 

Ljubljana 

Zagreb 

Görlitz 

Budapest 

Warsaw 

Żary 

Poland 

Frýdlant 

Liberec

Old Splendor in New Glory.

Broschüre „Old splendor in new glory“ – englisch

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