The view from an elevated spot has fascinated man at all times. It was not only for protection that important buildings were erected on a mountain, but also to get them a bit closer to heaven. Following this route will provide you with an impressing insight into our ‘Schloesserland’ from above. Enjoy the trip and do not forget your binoculars.
Koenigstein Fortress (A)
Koenigstein Fortress presents itself like a crown of stone. 240 metres above the Elbe River, the visitor can indulge in a panoramic view that goes beyond Saxon Switzerland. The mountains of Bohemian Switzerland can also be discovered from the eastern-most »Königsnase« (King’s Nose). In good weather, westward visibility is clear down to Dresden’s Television Tower. The fortress can be conquered on foot or by the panoramic elevator. Apart from the magnificent view, also Saxony’s deepest well can be marveled at and the never destroyed fortified architecture at the top.
Details about Koenigstein Fortress
Further to Station B – Dresden Royal Palace, approx. 32 km
Dresden Royal Palace(B)
The ‘Hausmannsturm’ tower of the Dresden Royal Palace offers a somewhat different perspective of the baroque Dresden. From a height of 67 meters, you will have a good overview of the city – and sometimes even as good view into Saxon Switzerland. The tower is the oldest preserved part of the Palace property, which accommodates renowned collections, such as the Green Vault, the Armory and the Turkish Chamber. The Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs puts changing exhibitions on display, showing graphic art and photographs from its inventory.
Details on Dresden Royal Palace
Further to Station C - Hartenfels Castle, approx. 91 km
Hartenfels Castle (C)
A bit further downriver, in Torgau, there is Germany’s oldest preserved Renaissance castle. The four-winged property is crowned by a watch tower from the first half of the 16th century. It links the late-Gothic Albert Wing with the gorgeous early- Renaissance John Frederick Wing and provides a spectacular view over the town and the expanse of the Elbe River landscape. There are also the bears that are still kept in the castle moat today. In the castle yard, the visitor will stand in awe in front of a real masterpiece of statics: the Large Spiral Staircase – built without any supporting central pillar.
Further to Station D - Gnandstein Castle, approx. 84 km
Gnandstein Castle (D)
This castle is Saxony’s best-preserved Romanesque defense system and one of Germany’s knight’s castles that have preserved the spirit of ancient times. Donjon, ward, battlement, shield wall – the fortress high above the Wyhra rivulet is a dream turned stone for all friends of the Middle Ages. The 33-m-high donjon in the inner castle yard, which can be climbed, provides a breathtaking view of the Kohren Land and towards Thuringia.
Further to Station E - Schoenfels Castle, approx. 83 km
Schoenfels Castle (E)
The foundation stone for that defiant building was probably laid around 1200 when colonists opened up new territories for settlement in the later Pleissen Land. Rarely has the typical layout of a castle – with a wall and a moat running all round, with an outer bailey, a lower castle and the core castle – been preserved in such completeness and genuineness as this.
Details about Schoenfels Castle
Fruther to station F - Voigtsberg Castle, about 42 km
Voigtsberg Castle (F)
There is proof of first building measures on today’s castle grounds dating back to the early 13th century. This so-called ‘olden part’ of Voigtsberg Castle, the Princes’ Hall, St. George’s Chapel with sacred pieces of art and the Castle Parlor from 1637 with its early Baroque beam ceiling and murals are waiting to be visited. In the Knights’ Hall, the original clay ceiling of oak stakes wrapped with a mix of straw fibers and clay paste is still preserved. Constructional changes shortly before 1900 changed the outer appearance of the castle strongly. The silhouette of the castle today is determined by its impressive castle, which is currently still being restored.