Old splendor in new glory by Schloesserland Sachsen

SCHLOESSERLAND SACHSEN. OLD SPLENDOR IN NEW GLORY.

Fascination Semperoper

Information and tickets T +49 351 49 11 705 semperoper.de

The splendor of Baroque and Rococo Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann presents______________________ 47

Pillnitz Palace and Park / Wackerbarth Castle ___________________ 50 / 51

Solid walls and sturdy towers

Information

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Augustus the Strong invites for an audience ____________________ 3

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Old splendor in new glory

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Margrave Otto the Rich recounts ____________________________ 7

The Grand Garden of Dresden / Richard-Wagner-Staetten Graupa ____________________________ 52 / 53

Altzella Monastery Park / Mildenstein Castle ___________________ 8 / 9

Dresdner Zwinger________________________________________ 54 / 55

Stolpen Castle ___________________________________________ 10 / 11

Rammenau Baroque Castle / Zabeltitz Baroque Garden ___________ 56 / 57

Editorial details _______________________ 80

Gnandstein Castle / Scharfenstein Castle _______________________ 12 / 13

Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden / Wolkenburg Castle_______________ 58 / 59

Map of Saxony _______________________ 82

Mylau Castle ____________________________________________ 14 / 15

Moritzburg Castle / Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle ____________ 60 / 61

How to get to Saxony __________________ 79

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

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_________________________________________

schloesserlandPASS ____________________ 78

New thinking - new forms Elector Augustus introduces ________________________________ 27 Augustusburg Castle / Klaffenbach Castle ______________________ 28 / 29 Dresden Royal Palace _____________________________________ 30 / 31 Freudenstein Castle / Hartenfels Castle ________________________ 32 / 33 Wildenfels Castle / Glauchau Castle __________________________ 34 / 35 Wildeck Castle / Dresden Fortress ____________________________ 36 / 37

Between Romanticism and industrialization

Legend:

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« /

App with Audio Guide Tour

Audio Guide Tour Gastronomy Museum

Dresden Pillnitz Palace Hotel _______________________________ 74 / 75 Proschwitz Castle / Youth Hostel Colditz Castle _________________ 76 / 77

Benefits from the schloesserlandPASS Accommodation

Colditz Castle ___________________________________________ 38 / 39 Lauenstein Castle / Klippenstein Castle ________________________ 40 / 41

WiFi

Koenigstein Fortress / Nossen Castle__________________________ 44 / 45

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

»Come and get your

Embark on a discovery tour! Download App

Schloesserlan app«

Imperial Count von Wackerbarth, the lady-in-waiting of the Countess von Cosel and Camillo Count Marcolini take you on a journey through the centuries. Always in their company: 13-year-old blogger Emma looking for exciting stories. Listen to the entertaining anecdotes about their experiences in the palaces and castles and the creation of their gardens. The Schloesserland app for iOS and Android includes german and english self-guided audio tours, site maps and much more information on:

Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden

• • • • • •

Altzella Monastery Park Royal Grounds Bad Elster Grand Garden of Dresden Dresden Zwinger Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden Lichtenwalde Castle and Park

For further information go to www.schloesserland-sachsen.de /schloesserland.sachsen / Schloesserland

• Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle • Moritzburg Castle and Park • Pillnitz Palace and Park • Stolpen Castle • Wackerbarth Castle • Zabeltitz Baroque Garden

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

IRT K S E H »T R« E S A H C

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

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www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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 abbeys of Buch and 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

»THE Y E N O M « RAKER

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 …«

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Margrave Otto the Rich (1125 – 1190)

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The heritage of the Cistercians

hen the waves of Reformation swept over

could perceive the echo of the monks and their activi-

1175 fell into ruin, the bricks of the monastery were

Saxony the German princes who had

ties. Such was also the case at Altzella, after the Saxon

removed to be used elsewhere, while valuable books

converted to the Lutheran faith drove the monks out

sovereign, Prince Henry the Pious, had ordered the

from the library, numbering well over a thousand,

of their monasteries. There remained ruined monas-

secularization of the Cistercian monastery there. The

were passed on to the University of Leipzig. However,

tery grounds, in which only those interested in history

grounds where the monks had lived and worked since

since Altzella was the cemetery of the noble Wettin

ALTZELLA MONASTERY PARK

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 appearance, with its old pointed arches, seemingly fixed gables and broken pillars quickly attracted famous names of the

Romanesque Refectorium

German art world of the time, including Caspar David 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.

Romanesque Stepped Portal

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Holiday apartments • 9 rooms • 25 beds

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Mausoleum of the Wettins

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MILDENSTEIN CASTLE

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 The castle complex towering high above the Freiberger Mulde River

document in 1046. The Salier kings held court here, followed by the Staufer kings under Emperor Barbarossa who undertook a large-scale extension, and later the

and concerts are held throughout the year. Delicacies

building of the castle, chats about the events it wit-

Wettin margraves under whom Mildenstein became a

that were then served to the elector in festively lit halls

nessed during almost 1,000 years of history. The new

court of law and a notorious prison. The instruments of

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

permanent exhibition »The Court of the Young Lords«

torture and the many bolted and barred doors behind the

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

– Mildenstein Castle as the electoral nursery in the

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

vate festivities. Furthermore, Mildenstein surrenders to

newly restored manor supplements the family-friendly

spines. Architecturally, the barrel vaulting of the Gothic

those intending to enter into wedlock to rule the castle

exhibitions with further interactive offers. Mildenstein

granary, the keep and the Romanesque castle chapel

for one day. The exhibition provides sometimes drastic

Castle is highly recommended for young castle visi-

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

insights into medieval judiciary and regulation.

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

medieval knights’ halls. The sheer size of the castle

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

available for weddings, family functions or conferenc-

complex allows it to be used in many ways: exhibitions

especially for children: the keep, the longest serving

es. Stage your celebration in a very special ambience.

Attic of the Front Castle

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

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Stolpen Castle

STOLPEN CASTLE

Simply

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Ann Constantia Countess Cosel

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Imprisoned

fortress of roughly cut timbers is said to have

achieve fame by war and catastrophes, but instead by

was to become a victim of her princely bedmate. The

stood here since at least 1100, where today

intrigues at the Saxon court, to which Stolpen Castle

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

Stolpen Castle greets its visitors. The castle was first

ows its most famous and lasting resident. For almost

suffered by countess. Basalt, which forms the base of

mentioned in documents in the year 1222. The fol-

half a century, until her death in 1765, Anna Constan-

the fortress, was first described by scientists in Stolpen.

lowing eight hundred years saw much light but even

tia Countess von Cosel was to remain banished behind

The characteristic stone of the castle mountain, as well

more shadow, for Stolpen was to suffer greatly in the

its walls. This cheerful, beautiful and clever woman,

as the deepest, unsupported basalt well in the world,

storms of European feuds. Hussites, Swedes, Prussians

long-time mistress of Augustus the Strong and mother

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

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

apparent interference in political affairs and eventually

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

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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

Marketplace Stolpen

olpen Castle«

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

GNANDSTEIN CASTLE

A picture

book castle

he best preserved Romanesque fortification in

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

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

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

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

despite numerous conversions and extensions, it ranks

Sahlis. The lords of the castle came from old Meissen

since the family continually inhabited Gnandstein from

among the unique group of German knights’ castles

nobility, the Von Einsiedel family (the name literally

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

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

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

without ever having had to surrender the keys of the

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 medieval 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 cen turies. Gnandstein Castle

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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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

Arts

and Crafts F

At the Christmas and Toy Museum

or centuries the Ore Mountains had lived from the precious stone for which they had once been

named – especially the silver mines had made this picturesque mountain range a prosperous region. But when the faceworkers in the sixteenth century started to bring

a special treasure of folk art objects and toys from all

Ore Mountains«. Adults, too, can learn a lot about the

even less white ore out of the mines, the people of the

over the Ore Mountains. Scharfenstein is widely known

region and be entertained by the exhibitions on

Ore Mountains had to look for new sources of income.

as the »Family and Adventure Castle« which offers a

folk art traditions, castle history as well as by Karl

Therefore, what previously had been a way of passing

hands-on historical experience to live and learn by.

Stuelpner’s history. So anybody wanting to come as

the long winter nights, became their way of earning

Fairy-tale weekends, carving, painting and crafting

near as possible to such items as carved wooden

their daily bread: the production of wooden figures and

workshops for children are among the castle attrac-

animals, the German incense smoker, the Christmas

Christmas decorations. It is possible to see the rich fruits

tions. Also popular with the youngsters are scavenger

arch or the Christmas pyramid, should conquer

of this craft tradition at Scharfenstein Castle. This

hunts with Karl Stuelpner, »the Robin Hood of the

Scharfenstein Castle as soon as possible!

Scharfenstein Castle

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

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800-year-old castle possesses the »Martin Collection«,

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www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

MYLAU CASTLE

Spectacular

Imperial

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

collection in the Vogtland region. Besides, it offers its

time of the castle’s emergence around 1200. The fact

visitors fascinating historical rooms and an abundance

that Mylau shows a crowned ruler in its coat of arms

of information about the history of Mylau Castle and

today goes back to Charles IV, King of Bohemia and

Town as well as about the Goeltzschtal and Elstertal

Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of German

Bridges. It’s always worth a visit!

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. Later on, the castle changed hands many more Council Hall

times; in 1892, the town acquired the decrepit and

ylau, communal part of the Town of Reichen-

region, where they can encounter yet another superla-

decaying property. The town restored it, partially rede-

bach today, is located in the immediate prox-

tive: Mylau Castle. It is the largest medieval fortifica-

signing it in the spirit of historism. A castle inn and

imity to the Goeltzschtal Bridge. As the world’s largest

tion in the Saxon Vogtland region – and, at the same

the museum of the natural history association became

viaduct built of brick, the spectacular 19th-century

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

accommodated next to the council hall. Today, the

structure keeps attracting flocks of visitors to the

completely been preserved. Among several other

museum has the oldest and largest natural science Metzsch Room

Museum Burg Mylau | Burg 1 | 08499 Mylau | Phone +49 3765 38223-52 | Fax +49 3765 38223-53 | 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, 14

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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 Albrechtsburg Castle, which is deemed to be Arnold’s masterpiece. That is also where a second invention of his gained full recognition: the cellu-

»THE NE I L T N FRO « T S I N I FEM

lar 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.«

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Elisabeth of Rochlitz (1502 –1557)

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www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

ROCHLITZ CASTLE

Fat, One-Eyed, Revolutionary I

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

rise over the Zwickauer Mulde River and have the castle

High Middle Ages. Later emperors, kings and electors

defense of the hard-won German victory over the

appear like a fortified cathedral. Whoever comes to visit

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

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

this area can still feel the historic turbulence which was

history of the outpost above the Zwickauer Mulde

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

part of the German settlement drive to the east during the

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).

Princes’ House with its impressive state rooms, such as

Each generation of occupiers of the castle left their

the 300-m2 Dining Hall, for example. After almost

stamp on it, and inside there are numerous architectural

20 years of restoration, a newly opened interactive

gems waiting to be discovered. Anybody who likes to be

exhibition thrills visitors both young and old with the

transported back into history will enjoy the Gothic win-

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

dows, ornamented cross vaults, defensive passages,

also earned reputation by its exciting and highly enter-

dungeons, the large court kitchen and the torture

taining guided tours during which one can experience

chamber. A special attraction is the lovingly restored

at close range how people lived centuries ago.

Explore bygone layers of time wearing VR goggles

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

eo »Rochli

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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

aftsmen used to cross themselves when they

granulite rock, on top of which the late Gothic jewel

reached the steep rock of the ochre castle of

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

Kriebstein, from here on the Zschopau River was rea-

with six dormer windows, was home to the first owner

sonably tame and the countryside safe, at least in times

Dietrich von Beerwalde over 600 years ago. It contains

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

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 34327 9520 I kriebstein@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.burg-kriebstein.eu

Vide

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

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

rieb

stein Cast

le«

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Weesenstein Castle

WEESENSTEIN CASTLE

pearl in crown

The Saxony’s

The castle chapel

ike a pearl, Weesenstein grew layer by layer. The

worked on his translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy

fusion – in this unusual palace where even the win-

castle, which has stood above the Mueglitz River

before he became king of Saxony. Today visitors can

dows are often nothing more than an illusion, for

valley for nearly seven hundred years, has often been

discover the nooks and crannies of this network of

every third is only a painting. In short: Whoever

partly demolished and rebuilt according to prevailing

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

enjoys mazes and the unexpected will find adventure

contemporary tastes, which is why it shows varied sty-

stable while the noble chambers from the 18th and

enough in the peculiar residence of King John. After-

listic elements from the Gothic to the Classicist

19th century, with their precious wall coverings, can

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

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

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

»Koenigliche Schlosskueche« or a tankard of good

grew downwards into the valley over the centuries

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

»Weesenstein Schlossbraeu« – a traditional beer which

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

resident. Perhaps it is the illusion-filled façade paint-

originates from the 16th century – guarantees a most

Here, in his favorite residence, the gifted Prince John

ings which prevent him from finding peace in this con-

enjoyable recovery.

The Leather Tapestry Hall

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tle

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

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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

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along its side three waters flow?« – Thus

goes an old German rhyme. The solution to the riddle

stle

Trendsetter

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here is the hill on which three castles grow,

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

MEISSEN ALBRECHTSBURG CASTLE

lbrechtsbu

since 1471

View in the Boettger Room

life 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 henceforth 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 remained 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 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 22

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

ROCHSBURG CASTLE

Hidden Treasure amidst Greenery L

ocated in a nature reserve and embedded in the

ingenious state master builder of the Wettins. After

valley of the Zwickauer Mulde River, Rochsburg

several devastating fires in the 16th century, the von

Castle has turned into a visitor attraction over the past

Schoenburg family took rule of Rochsburg Castle and

years, also being the destination of fantastically beauti-

returned to it its previous splendor. Until 1945, the

ful hiking and cycling paths. The imposing property

castle always remained the property of the family.

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

Today, the castle invites visitors to delve into the

Between 1470 and 1480, the medieval building was

nobility’s everyday life. The exhibition »The man

redesigned into a palace by Arnold von Westfalen, the

makes clothes«, showing more than fifty hand-sewn 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. – Multifaçetted 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.

Festive Hall

Rochsburg Castle

Schloss Rochsburg | Schlossstraße 1 | 09328 Lunzenau | Phone +49 37383 803810 | 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

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

SCHOENFELS CASTLE

knights, bailiffs and the Wettins

hose who would like to see an unspoilt medieval

1200 when colonizers opened up new territories for

fortification, will find it at Schoenfels Castle.

settlement in the later Pleissenland area. In the 13th

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

century, Schoenfels was under the rule of bailiffs,

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

noble families who, on behalf of the emperor, gov-

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

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

such completeness and genuineness over the centuries.

region, which was named after them. But they eventu-

The defiant building was founded presumably around

ally 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

Schoenfels Castle

maintained; the interior, however, became more com-

heated and created a pleasant atmosphere, even during

organ with its wooden pipework as well as the lavishly

fortable. Therefore, from about 1480, a new wing was

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

decorated pulpit originate form the time of the

attached to the northwest of the castle. It also included

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

Baroque. A round tour of Schoenfels Castle conveys

a bower that has largely been preserved in its original

bailey. The winged altar in this late-Gothic sacred

fascinating impressions of the living conditions of

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

space shows Renaissance forms; the enchanting little

those who used to inhabit it.

Late-Gothic bower

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Schoenfe

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 deco»T

A R T A DDI C

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

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

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

RT A E H »T T« C I D D A

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)

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

AUGUSTUSBURG CASTLE

The crown of the Ore Mountains H

ere, where stallions once breathed heavily in

places of motorcycle fans since it is the home of Europe’s

on display here. During the »Winter Meeting« of the

front of grand barouches, horse-powered engines

largest motorbike museum. Numerous unique exhibits

motorcycle congregation, Augustusburg Castle attracts

now roar. Augustusburg Castle is one of the favorite

from the history of this fascinating means of travel are

thousands of motorcycle fans. The monumental Renaissance 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

View from the service yard to the castle

has lost none of its former appeal, was completed in

stle«

At the Motorcycle Museum

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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the year 1572. Augustusburg Castle, however, not

In addition, falconry shows of eagles and hawks allow

only impresses through its historic atmosphere but

visitors to vividly experience these majestic birds of

also because of its spaciousness which has been put to

prey. The artistically minded will love the sight of the

good use. There is hardly another castle in Germany

altarpiece of the castle church which was painted by

which offers such a large variety of cultural and educa-

Lucas Cranach the Younger. This altarpiece is consid-

tional programs inside its castle walls. Here, visitors

ered to be one of the most remarkable works of art of

will not only find the motorcycle museum, but also

the Protestant faith. It has never been removed from its

other worthwhile exhibitions of game and birds, of

original location since the church was consecrated. Fur-

coaches and of the hunting and castle history, with

thermore, for those who wish to rest after having

impressive murals in the Venus and Rabbit Hall. Visi-

enjoyed all the sights, the castle also accommodates a

tors can have a magnificent view from its watchtower.

youth hostel where you can stay the night.

Schloss Augustusburg | 09573 Augustusburg | Phone +49 37291 38018 I augustusburg@schloesserland-sachsen.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

isitors 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

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

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

Kla

o»

DIRECTIONS | BY CAR autobahn A 72, exit Stollberg to Neukirchen, from there follow the signposting to the castle

sight Vide

Wasserschloss Klaffenbach | Wasserschlossweg 6 | 09123 Chemnitz | Phone +49 371 266350 | wasserschloss@stadthalle-chemnitz.de

The castle with the moat and the side buildings

ffen

tle

father. Other rooms which have been reconstructed

bach Cas

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Dresden Royal Palace

DRESDEN ROYAL PALACE

Where the arts reside

lmost eight hundred years of history are reflected

Courtyard whose Renaissance architecture is over

at Dresden Royal Palace which was not only

arched by a bold roof construction which appears to

the royal seat but has also been the cultural center of

be hovering above and is made of transparent plastic

the Saxon capital. Severely damaged in World War II,

pillows. Close by, another rather more precious materi-

it has now been restored to its previous beauty and

al protects a unique mural on an outer wall from the

houses one of Europe’s greatest art collections, the

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

Dresden State Art Collections. The Royal Palace is

Meissen porcelain© form the Procession of Princes, a

part of a museum complex of extraordinary European

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

significance in which the famous Green Vault, the

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

»Turkish Chamber« and the Giants‘ Hall accomodat-

famous mural is the Dresden Stable Yard, a building

ing the Armory, the Coin Cabinet and the Collection

with arched collonades which was already an attrac-

of Prints, Drawings and Photographs – Germany’s

tion of the city in the 16th century and which forms

oldest museum of graphic art – have found a worthy

the backdrop of a romantic medieval Christmas mar-

home. The Great Castle Courtyard shows the artistic

ket in December. The size and beauty of the palace can

properties of the Sgraffito in an exemplary manner.

be seen best from the 100-meter-high Hausmanns

The façades here have been richly decorated using this

turm Tower with a platform affording visitors a fantas-

ambitious pebbledash method. The visitor’s lobby of

tic panoramic view of the old town of Dresden and the

the »Art Residence« is located in the Small Castle

Elbe River valley below. Small Castle Courtyard

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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

Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden | Taschenberg 2 I 01067 Dresden | Phone +49 351 49142000 I besucherservice@skd.museum | www.skd.museum

Residentia

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

FREUDENSTEIN CASTLE

Treasures of the earth logical collection. About 3,500 of the total of 80,000

be seen in this permanent loan exhibition which bears

the exhibits has been increased as the »terra mineralia«

exhibits from the collection of the Wella heiress

spectacular and impressively beautiful witness to the

is being shown in a part of the castle which has been

Dr. Erika Pohl-Stroeher, who was born in Saxony, can

history of the earth on five continents. The splendor of

specifically refurbished for this purpose. This is where the functional architecture of the third millennium merges with architectural structures which have developed over 700 years providing a fitting stage for the crystals and precious stones whose age is measured in eons. The neighboring rooms house the Freiberg

Access road to the castle

Mining Archive’s collection of artifacts and scientific

mining documents from six centuries.

lthough you will not find the famous philosopher’s stone here, you will find everything which

makes the heart of geologists and mineral collectors beat faster. Freudenstein (literally Rock of Joy) is an appropriate name for this castle because it houses a treasure of worldwide reputation not just limited to the scientifically-minded public. The exhibition »terra mineralia« of the Bergakademie Freiberg, University of Technology, is the world’s largest private minera

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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The Treasure Chamber of the »terra mineralia«

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Entrance to the museum from the inner yard

Schloss Freudenstein | terra mineralia | Schlossplatz 4 I 09599 Freiberg | Phone +49 3731 394654I 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

his town is a monument to Luther’s reform Castle Courtyard

spirit. In Torgau, the spiritual center of the

German Reformation, Hartenfels Castle is the most

Protestant church to be built in Europe, whose design

tion would provide the nobles who were wining and

significant building of the townscape, an outstanding

was based on an idea of Luther and which was person-

dining to the sound of clinking glasses with fresh

masterpiece in one of Germany’s most beautiful

ally consecrated by the great reformer. Today the cas-

supplies. A new permanent exhibition on show in this

Renaissance towns. This is where the »Torgau Articles«

tle courtyard is the central place where cultural events

tower and in the electoral chambers of the castle titled

laid the foundation for the Augsburg Confession,

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

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

where the first Protestant songbook was published,

Staircase: This »impossible staircase«, created by great

His Drink. John Frederick I – The Last Ernestine

and where the Protestant rulers signed the »Torgau

master builder Konrad Krebs, supports itself without

Elector.« has the Reformation come alive again in the

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

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

Torgau Residence. During an almost one-hour tour,

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

Castle was regarded as a »modern residential castle« to

Elector John Frederick Augustus I and his consort

Church. The »Torgau Museum Route« leads visitors

which an innovative elevator for lowering the drinks

Sibylle guide visitors round their chambers – just

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

stored in the bottle tower pays tribute – this contrap-

virtually, of course.

Castle courtyard with the Large Spiral Staircase

Schloss Hartenfels | Schlossstrasse 27 I 04860 Torgau | Phone +49 3421 70140 I info@schloss-hartenfels.de | www.schloss-hartenfels.de

Vide

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

»H

arte

nfels Cast

le«

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

WILDENFELS CASTLE

Oriental

gloss of silk

of the main attractions of the venerable castle. Its

comital family’s parlors is dedicated mainly to the castle

the castle display pieces of contemporary fine arts, the

name goes back to the dynasty of those von Wildenfels

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

trade of making ginger-bread and natural-historical

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

Solms-Wildenfels. Further rooms in the north wing of

knowledge about the Wildenfels Intermountain Area.

is regarded as the predecessor to today’s intricate building complex. After the noble family became extinct in 1602, the Counts zu Solms inherited its Blue Salon

estate and shaped its current appearance. They con-

andy-beaked birds in pink and gold crowd richly

verted the old castle palace into a granary, erected

embroidered blue webs of silk, exotic plants

today’s castle tower and redesigned the residential and

blossom and oriental oil lamps gently swing. Still

representation rooms in the area of the outer bailey in

being in the heart of Saxony, you will feel enchanted

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

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

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

of Wildenfels Castle. The wall decoration, which is

itself to its visitors today. The castle hall, whose center-

unique throughout Europe, is presumed to consist of

piece is a high, round stove of Meissen porcelain tiles,

parts of a pompous tent for representation, originating

is being used for performing concerts and giving lectures

from the Persian-Turkish cultural area, which had come

now; the former ancestors’ hall with its precious wall

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

and ceiling murals provides for a perfect ambience for

rate restoration, the silk tapestry webs can be admired

wedding ceremonies. The permanent exhibition »Court

again for their previous splendor and are deemed one

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

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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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

castle. Today, the beautiful ogival curtain windows in

Hinterglauchau by a duct, Forderglauchau Castle was

from the Renaissance to Historicism. Another exhibi-

the east wing still catch the eye as evidence to the

newly built and motivated to slightly adjusting the

tion 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

embers of one of the oldest bloodlines of Saxon

design developed by Arnold von Westfalen in the at

Hinterglauchau Castle belongs to the oldest of its kind

medical professor and art collector Professor Dr. Paul

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

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

in Saxony. It was founded in 1884 and displays several

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.

Corridor to the knight‘s hall with ancestral portrait gallery

Museum und Kunstsammlung Schloss Hinterglauchau | Schlossplatz 5 A | 08371 Glauchau | Phone +49 3763 2931 | www.glauchau.de, rubric culture/leisure

Vide

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

»G

lauc

hau Cast

le« www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

WILDECK CASTLE

Cold ore and red-hot motorbikes Inner castle courtyard

Wildeck Castle

he Bohemian Route used to link the trading

tury fortifications, watched over the Zschopau River

order of Duke Maurice of Saxony into a far less martial

two-wheeled treasures, since Zschopau used to be a

centre of Leipzig with the royal residence of

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

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

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.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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tle«

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

* 9 1 20

SPLENDOR. TEARS. DISASTERS. CLOSER THAN EVER. Descend and get quite close to 450 years of Dresdens history on a fascinating adventure trip. Staged affectionately and spectacular in the earliest bastioned fortification of a German town.

Dresden Fortress is closed until the reopening. * For more information to the opening date please go to our website.

www.festung-dresden.de/en  /Festung.Dresden  /Schloesser land

Colditz Castle

COLDITZ CASTLE

Great

escapes Movie »E sc

om Colditz« e fr ap

Second inner courtyard with a view of the castle chapel

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

military personnel were kept prisoner here, including

were dug through the castle walls and even a glider was

with its white gables Colditz Castle is one of the

the nephew of Winston Churchill and the nephew of

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

of them reveal an unbelievable creativity, including

from all over the world can reside here quite nobly

successful escape attempts which today are part of this

when checking in at the castle’s European Youth

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

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 34381 43777 I info@gesellschaft-schloss-colditz.com

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

o»

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

Vi d

www.schloss-colditz.com | www.colditz.jugendherberge.de | Europa-Jugendherberge Schloss Colditz | Phone +49 34381 45010 | colditz@jugendherberge.de

Cold

itz Castle

Youth Hostel • 3 4 rooms • 1 61 beds

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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-

The castle with the Baroque garden

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

comes to life whenever the falconry presents its birds

Buenau epitaph of the town church? Filigree »archi-

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

tecture« of a completely different kind can be found

lthough many a Saxon countryside has its own

praises because it had been marked so highly with the

greatest son, George Baehr. This exceptional architect

only a few kilometers away from Lauenstein – in

beauty, hardly any would be able to sing its own

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

who built the world-famous Church of Our Lady in

Glashuette where Germany’s finest watches are made.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Osterzgebirgsmuseum Schloss Lauenstein I 01778 Lauenstein | Phone +49 35054 2 5402 I info@schloss-lauenstein.de | www.schloss-lauenstein.de

Lauen

n stei

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

huntsman’s

fortune

The castle with front castle and castle pond

questrian staircases would provide their knightly

well-fortified and romantic castle from the 13th century

town is housed at Klippenstein Castle. Since 2012, the

users with a maximum amount of comfort.

was converted into a hunting lodge by the prince-elector

reconstructed castle – located near the Radeberg Export

Especially impressive is the winding stairway on Klip-

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

Brewery, which once as a supplier to the royal court

penstein Castle in Radeberg. With its flat wide steps it

the historical construction phases have merged in rapid

brewed the Saxon kings’ favorite drink and has hence

would allow the noble hunters to reach the castle court

succession from the foot of castle hill – from Classicism

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

comfortably on horseback and thus save them from

to Renaissance and back to Gothic times. Today a

reappeared in its old, new splendor.

having to carry their weapons and armor by foot. This

museum dedicated to the history of the castle and the

Museum

Kli

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tle

Bautzen to Radeberg | BY RAIL from Dresden to Radeberg

o»

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

Vide

nstein Cas

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Koenigstein Fortress

KOENIGSTEIN FORTRESS

Already conquered? F

our centuries of the art of fortifying are presented

fortress used to be like. Thereby, one will encounter

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

by this imposing fortification situated in the

numerous superlatives, such as Germany’s oldest

For its unique location, the unconquerable mountain

Saxon Switzerland: On a rock plateau of that table

preserved barracks, Saxony’s deepest water well

fortress used to be a much favored destination for out-

mountain, which takes the size of thirteen soccer

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

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

grounds, more than fifty buildings and extensive green

Augustus the Strong’s legendary giant wine barrel,

which high-ranking guests from abroad were invited to

spaces invite visitors to explore what everyday life at a

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

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

View of the Lilienstein mountain

Johann Friedrich Boettger was temporarily kept there in safe custody and protected from other rulers.

ort

ress

Aerial view of Koenigstein Fortress

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

o »K

oenig

F stein

Numerous prominent prisoners, including Saxon

Allow for sufficient time! And if you like, you can cel-

Chancellors Nikolaus Krell and Wolf Dietrich von

ebrate there, get married or rent a holiday apartment

Beichlingen, the anarchist Michael Bakunin, the social

to feel like the fortress commander himself ... On

democrat August Bebel and writer Frank Wedekind,

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

languished in the state prison dungeons of the fortress,

Lapide Regis – On the King’s Stone« tells the history

also known as the »Saxon Bastille«. Those who con-

of 800 years of life on Koenigstein. Apart from numer-

quer the fortress today as visitors, which is possible

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

without much effort thanks to a lift and a panoramic

size groups of figures illustrating historical milestones.

elevator, will enjoy numerous exhibitions, themed

Thirty media stations and an audio guide provide

culinary experiences and a breathtaking panoramic

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

view of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and its vicinity.

scope of educational activities at the museum.

Festung Koenigstein | 01824 Koenigstein I Phone +49 35021 64607 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. C

hanging fortunes create particularly charming

Elector Augustus started converting the old walls into

buildings. This is especially true for Nossen

a Renaissance hunting lodge in 1554. This gave the

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 2021 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

Nossen Castle

The Fireplace Room

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

Vi d

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

osse n Castle«

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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

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

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

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

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 ING D L I U B N« O O C Y T

Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann (1662 –1736)

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Pillnitz Palace

PILLNITZ PALACE AND PARK

Ease and magic of blossoms E

lector Augustus the Strong once acquired the

castle and park grounds directly situated on the banks

most impressive to approach the castle with its distinc-

castle for his favorite Anna Constantia Countess

of the Elbe River are considered a perfect example of

tive pagoda roofs on an Elbe River steamboat. The

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

the chinoise style merging the architecture of the Far

view from the river was a sight Augustus and his

out of his favor and the castle became his property

East with that of European Baroque. Away from the

entourage, who often indulged in pleasure rides on the

again, Augustus had the Hillside as well as the River

hustle and bustle of the residence town of Dresden,

Elbe River using fancifully designed gondolas, have

side Palace erected according to plans by the famous

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

already enjoyed in their time. One of them has been

architect, Matthaeus Daniel Poeppelmann. The grand

and retreat to nature during the summer season. It is

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

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»Pi

Orangery and the Palm House, that has been recon-

nit

structed, in old splendor, attract those who take a

tag

Baroque chinoiseries

Movie

of exotic plants and gorgeous floral decoration. The

alace Holiday C

botanical interest to appraise their exotic treasures, as

exhibitions. At the Castle Museum, one can see the

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

Royal Kitchen, the classicist Domed Hall and the

meanwhile grown to the size of a tree and has been

Catholic Chapel and learn about its eventful times as a

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

summer residence. Most recently, there is a guided

Every spring it displays a new its stunning wealth of

tour offered for guests who suffer from dementia at

blossom. The Museum of Decorative Arts and the

Pillnitz Park. These are beautiful moments for relatives

Castle Museum accommodated in the castle itself are

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

open during summer season with changing special

relaxing break is possible.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

»Pil

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Holiday Apartments (2) • 2 rooms, 4 beds • 1 room, 2 beds

ark«

In the Lilac Courtyard of the New Palace

lnitz P

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Schloss & Park Pillnitz | August-Boeckstiegel-Str. 2 | 01326 Dresden | Phone +49 351 2613260 | 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 W

ackerbarth Castle (valiant beard) sounds

which experienced many a euphoric party of the Saxon

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

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

awaits the visitor at the foot of the vineyard in Rade-

and Saxon joie de vivre, and now presents the

beul truly seems legendary: the unique ensemble of a

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

stately home and a belvedere, Baroque gardens and a

most beautiful form. A bubbly pleasure is the sparkling

modern factory for making wine and sparkling wine in the middle of the lovely landscape of Saxony’s Elbe The Belvedere amidst the vineyards

River valley; a true jewel built between 1727 and 1729 by Christoph August Imperial Count von Wacker-

wine from the Wackerbarth vintners which has been

the Saxon State Winery themselves, take a tour in the

barth as his retirement residence. With all this pomp,

produced for almost 200 years now. This second- transparent factory to see the production of the wines

the count was not alone for long: even Augustus the

oldest sparkling wine producer in Germany allows the

and sparkling wines, feast on fine food, be entertained

Strong treasured the charming atmosphere and the

grapes to mature traditionally in the bottle to become

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

delicacy maturing in the barrels. Wackerbarth Castle,

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

this noble drop.

Wackerbarth Castle

cke

tle

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

o»

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

Vide

Sächsisches Staatsweingut GmbH | Schloss Wackerbarth | Wackerbarthstrasse 1 | 01445 Radebeul | Phone +49 351 89550

rbarth Cas

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

THE GRAND GARDEN OF DRESDEN

green heart

The

of Dresden

he Saxon capital itself is a big garden landscape.

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

Only few large cities are so close to nature or

and the Botanical Garden make the place a cultural

have such extensive gardens, spacious parks and gener-

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

ous lawns for playing and sunbathing. The most

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

impressive park in the Saxon metropolis is the 363-acre

take the miniature park railway, which is traditionally

Grand Garden of Dresden. Elector John George III

operated by Dresden schoolchildren.

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 attended 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, Miniature Park Railway

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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The Grand Garden Palace

nd Ga

o rden

RICHARD-WAGNER-STAETTEN GRAUPA

Where Wagner’s

»Lohengrin« emerged

»M

ein lieber Schwan!« – literally meaning »My

lodging at a farmyard there to find rest from the every-

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

day strain of his service. He walked a lot, and the idyl-

used when you comment on something overwhelming

lic landscape between Pillnitz and Saxon Switzerland

or an extraordinary situation. It originates from Rich-

inspired him to compose music. In a true frenzy of

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

creativity, he drafted the outline of his romantic opera

musical outline to this opera was once drafted, the

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

Graupa Hunting Chateau

Richard-Wagner-Staetten Graupa invite visitors today for experiences which themselves would deserve to be

were established in the house where Wagner had lived

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

labeled »extraordinary«. Although Richard Wagner is

and worked. The farmstead, termed as the »Lohengrin

also touching on the composer’s later works. Audiovis-

usually linked to Bayreuth and its Festspielhaus there,

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

ual and multimedial means of presentation show the

his musical career started, however, in Saxony. In

design after its elaborate restoration. Apart from an

process of how he created his operas – from the libret-

1843, he was appointed Royal Saxon Court Conduc-

exhibition dedicated to the opera »Lohengrin«, visitors

to and composition to their staging. This provides fas-

tor at the Dresden Court Theatre. In 1846, a three-

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

cinating and emotionally touching encounters with

month summer vacation led him to Graupa, a place

manent exhibition was set up only a stone’s throw

world culture – not only to the Wagner expert, but

near the royal residence town of Dresden. He took

away, at the Graupa Hunting Chateau, which deals

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 3501 461965-0 Fax +49 3501 461 965-44 | 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

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

The Dresden Zwinger

THE DRESDEN ZWINGER

A Garden of Eden on Earth

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 Bildunterschrift

splendid outer ward in the world was created for the 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 Poeppel-

The Inner Yard of the Dresden Zwinger with Orange Trees

mann and master sculptor Balthasar Permoser. Plans 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.

Dres

WiFi: Old Masters Picture Gallery

r«

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

»T

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

Video

Dresdner Zwinger | Museen der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden | Theaterplatz 1 | 01067 Dresden | Phone +49 351 49142000

den Z wi

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

RAMMENAU BAROQUE CASTLE

Invited by the

chambermaid

ere on the foothills of the Lusatian Mountains

restored, Rammenau Castle stands out as a masterpiece

family obtained the grand estate by auction. Their

you can find the only manor house in Saxony

of Saxon country Baroque. After the building of the

most famous scion was Johann Centurius von Hoff-

which has remained intact. Having been comprehensively

mansion had ruined the first owner, the Von Hoffmann

mann, 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

Castle Restaurant

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

tion, but also in the cuisine. In the historic dining

Rammenau in 1762, was to become one of the leading

room, the master chef and the chambermaids serve

philosophers of his age. The visitor can find varied and

extraordinary dishes which combine original Lusatian

aesthetic abundance not only in the interior decora-

delicacies with Mediterranean flair.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Suite • 1 room • 2 beds

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View of the manor from the park

ena

ro u Ba

Barockschloss Rammenau | Am Schloss 4 | 01877 Rammenau | Phone +49 3594 703559 | 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

invitation

to take a stroll The Palace

t Zabeltitz, magnificent alleyways lined by lin-

Imperial Count August Christoph von Wackerbarth.

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

married at Zabeltitz will find a Registry Office in the

den and chestnut trees, rows of hedges, groves

At the place where originally was a moated castle to pro-

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

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

n«

itz B

elt

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

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

Video »

aroque G

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

GROSSSEDLITZ BAROQUE GARDEN

Versailles of Saxony View from the Lower Orangery to the »Silent Music«

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

cious terraced grounds are a masterpiece of artistic gar-

notable in Germany, but this jewel of absolutist

than a Saxon Versailles here, but in the end Grosssedlitz

den 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

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”.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

ross

»G

Vide

arden«

he garden at Grosssedlitz is among the most

sedlitz

o Bar

The Upper Orangery

Barockgarten Grosssedlitz | Parkstrasse 85 | 01809 Heidenau | Phone +49 3529 56390 | 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

building around 1795. Neo-Gothic tracery, reminis-

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

times. It was mainly the Von Einsiedel family that

cent of the design in Venetian palazzi, decorates, for

the counts’ residential rooms accommodate topical

changed the appearance of Wolkenburg, which was

example, the cast-iron balustrades, the wall decora-

museum chambers dedicated to the Counts von Ein-

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

tions and the filigree grates of doors of the beautiful

siedel and to the Wolkenburg-born painter Fritz von

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

built-in cabinets. The precious interior has undergone

Uhde. The courtyard and the terraced castle park lend

Renaissance and the Baroque. Around 1790, Detlev Carl

thorough restoration and now appears in its vigor of

open-air events a romantic and atmospheric ambience.

Count von Einsiedel had the main building redesigned 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

and park recall the lifetime of the count. As proprietors of the art foundry in Lauchhammer, Detlev Carl Count

n the Middle Ages, the estate may have appeared as

von Einsiedel and his son had developed a process for

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

manufacturing large-size cast-iron sculptures. The

beheld it from the Mulde River valley. Still today,

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

some of its walls seem to grow directly from the steep

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

rock spur precipices straight into the sky. Over the

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

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

o»

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

Vide

Wolkenburg Castle

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The count‘s library

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www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Video » Mo

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A fairy-tale castle and its treasures

MORITZBURG CASTLE

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 winter season, the Baroque castle turns into a mekka

The castle island and the Baroque garden

The Hall of Monstrosities with leather tapestry walls

Movi

for hundreds of thousands of fans of the most beautiDaniel Poeppelmann, architect of the Dresden Zwing-

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

tle is named after Duke Maurice, who built a

er, with the conversion of the building to provide an

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

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.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Schloss Moritzburg und Fasanenschlösschen | 01468 Moritzburg I Phone +49 35207 87318 I moritzburg@schloesserland-sachsen.de eo »

Holiday Apartments (5) • 2 rooms, 4 beds (1) • 1 room, 2 beds (4)

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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

MORITZBURG LITTLE PHEASANT CASTLE

Paradise in a nutshell O

nly a few people are allowed to enter because this

eye-catchers inside the building. While strolling

solitaire amongst German castles is simply too

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 Little Pheasant Castle

restored and it is now open to the public again with all its filigree glory. Originally erected in a confined space 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

great amount of imagination. At least Little Pheasant

be they of royal blood or not.

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

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

Video »M

Schloss Moritzburg und Fasanenschlösschen | 01468 Moritzburg I Phone +49 35207 873610 I fasanenschloesschen@schloesserland-sachsen.de | www.schloss-moritzburg.de

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Lighthouse at Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle

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original state and a collection of stuffed birds are

stle«

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

Little Phe

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

DELITZSCH BAROQUE CASTLE

»Intrigue and Love« at court I

n the event that a princess should beget a child out

times had no scruples. The illegitimate offspring of

said to have been given to a nanny after birth and

of wedlock the European higher nobility of former

Duchess Henriette Charlotte of Saxony-Merseburg is

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 Dis-

The dining room in the »beletage«

trict, 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.

Baroque castle and park

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www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Barockschloss Delitzsch | Schlossstrasse 31 I 04509 Delitzsch | Phone +49 342 02 67237 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

Gently caressed by the waters

Lichtenwalde Castle and Park

eing surrounded by a network of fountains,

good reason. Approaching the castle from the park’s

River valley below, which is now a nature preserve.

Lichtenwalde is very different from other Saxon

avenue, one is left almost speechless by the impressive

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,

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

furniture and silk embroidery from China and Japan

by playful details such as antique amphoras, statues

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.

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

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

Video »L

Schloss und Park Lichtenwalde | Schlossallee 1 | 09577 Niederwiesa, OT Lichtenwalde | Phone +49 37206 8873812 | lichtenwalde@schloesserland-sachsen.de

Park

of rustling leaves, splashing water and the sweet scent

The count‘s library

circulating system. Visitors can experience a symphony

walde Castle a

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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 MARRIAGE

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

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

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

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 AGE I R R A M « R E L SWIND

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)

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

PRINCE PUECKLER PARK BAD MUSKAU

The New Palace

At the Pueckler exhibition

View of the park

Gardening art of world renown

he 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

the self-educated gardener combined plants and land-

helped to the best of their ability. Ornamental garden-

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

ing became the art of scenic landscaping. The most out-

in perspective that he even became an example and a

Polish soil and only one third in Germany. The New

south wing you can see the spectacular exhibition

standing example in the world is the park of Prince

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

Palace in the heart of Muskau Park, which burned

»Pueckler! Pueckler? Simply Unbelievable!« From the

Hermann von Pueckler-Muskau, who was mainly

spacious UNESCO world heritage site is also a symbol

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

35-meter-high observation platform on the South

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

of European integration, since two thirds of it are on

now been almost fully rebuilt. On two floors of the

Tower you can enjoy the panorama of the park.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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foremost be »natural«, and the landscape gardeners

ueckler P

Tourismuszentrum Muskauer Park | Stiftung Fuerst-Pueckler-Park Bad Muskau | Neues Schloss | 02953 Bad Muskau | Phone +49 35771 63100 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

art

Ceramics, and childhood dreams

Frohburg Castle

hen Kurt Feuerriegel founded the »Workshop of Saxon Handicraft Potteries« in Fro-

A second exhibition area at the castle museum will

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

throughout 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

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

survived time since then.

tural ceramics – enchants and surprises the beholder. Hall of Paintings

»Fro

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

Vid

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

hburg Ca

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

VOIGTSBERG CASTLE

Snug as a bug in a rug T

he carpet – once a simple substitute for fur – is

carpet weaving, it provides information about the

take visitors back to times long ago. The defiant build-

a demanding and also comfortable piece of

various carpet manufacturing techniques and shows,

ing compound cannot deny its origin as a medieval

interior design nowadays. Carpets surround us, often

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

castle and stands out decisively against the more recent

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

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

buildings of the outer bailey, which accommodate the

Oelsnitz Carpet Museum at Voigtsberg Castle is dedi-

fascinating exhibition, the visitors’ desire to freshen up

Carpet Museum. Initially in the possession of the bail-

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

their own living habitat may be spurred. However, the

iffs of Strassberg and Plauen, respectively, it was used

the 130-year history of local machine and industrial

rooms in the »older part« of Voigtsberg Castle will

as electoral office by the Wettins for almost 500 years afterwards. Today, visitors are impressed by the Goth-

Splendid carpets

ic 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

Minerals collection

be found in the historical vaults. It is there where the »Oelsnitz Minerals Vault« displays a gorgeous collec-

Schloditz, fluorite from Schoenbrunn and many other

tion of 400 minerals typically occurring in the Saxon

most beautiful treasures from below the ground – a

Vogtland region: barite from Zobes, wavellite from

feast for the eye!

Voigtsberg Castle

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Schloss Voigtsberg | 08606 Oelsnitz/Vogtland | Phone +49 37421 729484 | museum@schloss-voigtsberg.de | www.schloss-voigtsberg.de

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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

The Royal Spa House

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

t certainly takes no wonder that well traveled Goethe

19th century for its curative water wells, Bad Elster

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

KunstWandelhalle art forum, the King Albert Theater

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

quickly turned into a posh spa town. That is where

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

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 …

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

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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

Vide

Grounds B

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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)

E M O »H D N A R E MAK HOST«

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

NIMBSCHEN MONASTERY HOTEL

Where

Katharina used

to live as a nun

estled among old beech and oak trees, it is only

special emanating from those grounds, for it was Kath-

Kartharina, jointly with another eight nuns, escaped

romantic ruins today that attest to the once

arina von Bora who used to stay there as a Cistercian,

from the monastery in 1523 and subjected herself to

lavishly equipped Marienthron Monastery in Nimbschen.

before she eventually got married to Martin Luther.

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

However, there is still an exuberant flair of something

Influenced by the teachings of the renowned reformer,

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

Art on the monastery premises

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 49 rooms, suites and apartments, or in one of the 32 rooms of the three-star guesthouse. Exquisite

Monastery ruins

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.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

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Hotel ★★★★ Guesthouse ★★★ • 4 8 rooms • 3 2 rooms • 9 8 beds • 5 6 beds

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Comfort suite

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Hotel Kloster Nimbschen GmbH |  Nimbschener Landstrasse 1 | 04668 Grimma | Phone +49 3437 9950 | 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

o 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

Hohnstein castle

and far for staying overnight, since the hostel is situated 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.

»Ho

Guesthouse • 16 romms • 50 beds

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

Vid

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

hnstein C

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Youth Hostel • 40 rooms • 200 beds

BOARDING HOUSE »ZUR KOENIGLICHEN AUSSPANNE«

Rest

aristocratically

here there once was a manor house dedicat-

tiful areas of Dresden. In 1835, the Saxon King

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

ed mainly to vineyards there is now a board-

Frederick Augustus II personally acquired these cham-

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

ing house with a long history in one of the most beau-

bers and expanded them to become a brewery which,

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

Historical vault

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«.

Stylish interior

Entrance area

B&B • 9 rooms • 1 6 beds

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 74

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

DRESDEN PILLNITZ PALACE HOTEL

Lodge

royally hotel with its three suites and 42 rooms has acquired its first-class reputation especially because visitors to Dresden, after a visit to the Semper Opera House or Elbsuite

Open-air terrace at the Lilac Court

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

n the edge of the wide parkland of the Baroque

miss the Baroque ambience. This private family hotel

restaurant, hotel guests may wander through the Pillnitz

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

summer palace is this hotel on the banks of the

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

Park and let themselves be whisked away to a time in

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.

el« Hot

Hotel ★★★★ • 45 rooms • 8 9 beds

den

BY BOAT by Elbe River steamboats to Pillnitz

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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

Video

Pillnitz Pa

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

PROSCHWITZ CASTLE

Saxon winery at its best Proschwitz Palace

mitment and widely accepted expertise, to controlled

schwitz win prestigious awards; they are delightful,

and environmentally friendly viniculture. Within

mainly for their fruitiness, minerality and authentici-

only a few years, the brand name »Weingut Schloss

ty. – The Winery of Proschwitz Castle, which has also

Proschwitz« acquired a superb reputation among wine

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

connoisseurs. Again and again, top wines from Pro-

Zadel. On the premises of the lovingly reconstructed

roschwitz Castle counts among Saxony’s most

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

traditional seats of nobility. In the early 18th

but also as a cultural center with effects reaching far

and listed four-sided farmstead, the restaurant

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

into the region. Jointly with the surrounding park area,

»Lippe’sches Gutshaus« invites guests to enjoy stylish

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

it provides a stylish ambience to concerts, corporate

wine tastings and to indulge in regional culinary

signed in baroque style for the Prince zur Lippe fami-

events, business or private receptions. For that purpose,

specialties (to be booked in advance). In a boarding

lies. In the 1990s, Dr. Georg Prince zur Lippe reac-

a choice can be made from among ten function rooms

house, which is part of the manor and provides ten

quired the winery at first, then also the castle of his

to be rented and used, depending on size, equipment

double-rooms and two holiday apartments, guests

parents, who had been expropriated in 1945. With

and combination. It is with his greatest passion that

may thoroughly enjoy the magically rural flair of the

great efforts, he advanced both the winery and the

Dr. Georg Prince zur Lippe is devoted to continuing

vineyard landscape on the right Elbe river bank across

manor to a state that sets standards beyond Saxony.

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

the town of Meissen; moreover, a converted hayloft is

Today, the estate of Proschwitz Castle has not only

the entrepreneur has been dedicated, with all his com-

available for conferences and conventions.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Cas

Holiday appartement (2) • 2 rooms, 4 beds • 1 room, 2 beds

Vid

B&B • 10 rooms • 22 beds

tle«

Winery

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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 Colditz Castle

freedom. Today, a part of the property houses the Colditz Castle European Youth Hostel, filling the

also social rooms, such as the fireplace room, the his-

State Music Academy. Be it a cycle tour along the

building with an international flair in a new and very

torical guardroom and the small library, can be used

Mulde River, hiking tours through the Colditz Forest,

hose who spend the night at Colditz Castle, will

different way. Thirty-four bright, friendly and fashion-

by families, school classes or seminar groups. Musical-

rubber dinghy tours or castle visits, creativity work-

rest at a historic site. One could not always take

ably furnished rooms can host up to 161 guests. Each

ly ambitioned guests will find superb rehearsal and

shops, 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

Family Room

Also see page 39

Youth Hostel Colditz Castle I Schlossgasse 1 I 04680 Colditz | Phone +49 34381 45010 I Fax +49 34381 45335 | colditz@jugendherberge.de I www.schloesserland-sachsen.de/de/ Youth Hostel • 3 4 rooms • 1 61 beds

schloesser-burgen-gaerten/jugendherberge-colditz I am – 10:00 pm (arrival as per arrangement) I closed at Christmas closed (group bookings subject to enquiry) 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

Vid

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

»Yout Hostel« h

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

D o w nload

Come and get your Schloesserland app

once Pay Entdecken and see Sie ch mu Ihras as Königreich you can!

schlösser

landKAR

Discover your kingdom 1 ticket – 50 properties VALID

1 YEGÜALTRIG401 JA € | H1R0 | D 10AYTA SGE

20 €

• Entitels to visit 50 properties as often as desired

Tip!

Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden

Movie schlösserlandKARTE

• Free admission for (one or) two children up to

age 15 when accompanied by the PASS holder. • Free admission to all permanent exhibitions • Reduced admission to special exhibitions • Except events

Please note restricted opening hours from November till March.

For order go to: www.schloesserland-sachsen.de /schloesserland.sachsen / Schloesserland

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:

By plane

1 h 15 min 2h 2h 4 h 30 min 4 h 50 min 4 h 30 min 5 h 30 min 5h 7 h 15 min 8h

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 OberlausitzNiederschlesien (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: 1h 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.sachsen /Schloesserland

Moritzburg Castle

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

Editorial details PUBLISHER Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen gemeinnützige GmbH Stauffenbergallee 2 a | 01099 Dresden Phone +49 351 56391 1001 Fax +49 351 56391 1009 E-mail service@schloesserland-sachsen.de www.schloesserland-sachsen.de /Schloesserland.Sachsen /Schloesserland TMGS Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH Bautzner Strasse 45-47 | 01099 Dresden Phone +49 351 491700 Fax +49 351 4969306 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

EDITORIAL DEADLINE

This project is being co-funded by tax money, based on the budget passed by the Deputies of the Saxon Parliament. For information on the availability of free access for people with disabilities, go to www.sachsen-barrierefrei.de. There you can order your free copy of the brochure »Sachsen barrierefrei« (Saxony barrier-free travel) which provides comprehensive information on accommodation and places of interest especially for people with disabilities.

www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

online: sen

December 2017

serland Sac h o es l h

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 Ausspanne«, 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

Herzberg

Saxony-Anhalt Torgau

Delitzsch Baroque Castle

Delitzsch

Halle (Saale)

Spremberg

Brandenburg

184

Hartenfels Castle

Senftenberg Prince Pueckler Park Bad Muskau

Elsterwerda

182 6

A 38

A 72

Naumburg (Saale)

Altenburg

Frohburg Castle Gnandstein Castle

Proschwitz Castle Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle

Mildenstein Castle

Döbeln

175

Kriebstein Castle

Rochlitz Castle

A4 169

Lichtenwalde 95 Castle & Park Wolkenburg Castle

Gera

Chemnitz

175

173

Zwickau

283

Radeberg

Radebeul

Rammenau Baroque Castle 6

Dresdenn

A 17

170

178

Frýdlant ý Zittau

Czech Republik

Lauenstein Castle

Nový Bor Ústí nad Labem

ˇ Ceská Lípa

Teplice

174

400 km

Most

101

Amsterdam

Motorway

Ostrov Paris

Scale 1

15 20 km

Castle, Palace, Fortress, Garden, Park, Monastery, Castle Hotel

Warsaw

100 k

Dresden

Frankfurt am Main

Prague

Stuttgart Munich

Karlovy Vary Federal road

Potsdam

Cologne Brussels

Bavaria

Hannover

Rostock 300 km Hamburg 2 0 Berlin 0 km m

London

Voigtsberg Castle

Royal Grounds Bad Elster

500 km

Copenhagen

Chomutov

Hof

Liberec

Deˇcˇín

169

Plauen

Görlitz

Bautzen

Stolpen Boarding House »Zur Koeniglichen Ausspanne« Castle Altzella Pillnitz Palace and Park, Monastery Park Dresden Royal Palace, Dresden Fortress, Dresden Pillnitz Palace Hotel Nossen Castle The Dresden Zwinger, Richard-Wagner-Staetten Graupa The Grand Garden of Dresden Grosssedlitz Freudenstein The Dresden Park Railway Hohnstein Baroque Garden Castle Castle Weesenstein Koenigstein 172 Freiberg Castle Fortress 173

Scharfenstein Castle

Wildenfels Castle

Mylau Castle

101

Wildeck Castle

Klaffenbach Castle 169

Meissen

Wackerbarth Castle

Klippenstein Castle

101

A 72

Schoenfels Castle

A 13

Moritzburg Castle, Moritzburg Little Pheasant Castle

Augustusburg Castle

Glauchau Castle

Zeulenroda-Triebes

101

Proschwitz Castle Winery in Zadel

Rochsburg Castle

Thuringia

Zabeltitz Baroque Garden

Riesa

A 14

Nimbschen Monastery Hotel Colditz Castle

Poland

Leipzig

115

156

Saxony

107

Zeitz

Żary

Finsterwalde

Vienna

Bratislava Budapest

Berne Ljubljana

Zagreb

artistic Director Jan Vogler

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photographer: oliver Killig

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