Hohnstein Castle on a rocky spur above the romantic Polenz Valley and the small town of Hohnstein
Hohnstein Castle is located right next to the Saxon Switzerland National Park and not far from the Bastei on a rocky spur above the romantic Polenztal valley and the small town of Hohnstein.
The medieval castle complex was first mentioned in a document in 1353, was a seat of nobility, an office, a state prison and a hunting lodge - and in the 1920s was the largest and most beautiful youth hostel in Germany.
Hohnstein Castle's location alone makes it a picturesque sight. The immediate surroundings of the cliffs and deeply carved valleys attracted painters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Caspar David Friedrich was no exception! He was inspired time and again on his hikes through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Hohnstein Castle is one of these places of inspiration. Above two impressions from the Polenztal valley, below a quick study of Hohnstein Castle: the lost sketch sheet from July 8, 1800 tells of a fulfilling day of hiking. It is easy to imagine how the young Caspar David Friedrich, tired but happy on a warm summer evening after the many impressions of the day, is probably sitting in the arbor of the Gasthaus zum Hirsch on Hohnstein's market square, putting one last drawing on paper. The plan for the next day may have already been made: one more trip down into the Schindergraben to draw the ruins at the Schinderloch.
Hiking suggestions in the footsteps of Caspar-David-Friedrich:
The modern Punch and Judy show was also invented here. This and much more about the exciting and eventful history of the castle and its town can be found in the museum. The life of bats and salmon is explained in the natural history exhibition.
As accommodation , the castle is extremely popular with motorcyclists due to its proximity to the historic "Deutschland-Ring" race track and its biker-friendly facilities, including a garage and motorcycle store. (Non-smoking accommodation)
Ten function rooms and a castle garden of over 1,000 square meters with an open-air stage offer the best conditions for events and functions. A snack bar is open at weekends from April to October. Souvenirs are also sold.
The castle café is open daily!
The castle café offers delicious food for small and large appetites as well as refreshing or warming drinks.
The medieval castle complex was first mentioned in a document in 1353, was a seat of nobility, an office, a state prison and a hunting lodge - and in the 1920s was the largest and most beautiful youth hostel in Germany.
Hohnstein Castle's location alone makes it a picturesque sight. The immediate surroundings of the cliffs and deeply carved valleys attracted painters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Caspar David Friedrich was no exception! He was inspired time and again on his hikes through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Hohnstein Castle is one of these places of inspiration. Above two impressions from the Polenztal valley, below a quick study of Hohnstein Castle: the lost sketch sheet from July 8, 1800 tells of a fulfilling day of hiking. It is easy to imagine how the young Caspar David Friedrich, tired but happy on a warm summer evening after the many impressions of the day, is probably sitting in the arbor of the Gasthaus zum Hirsch on Hohnstein's market square, putting one last drawing on paper. The plan for the next day may have already been made: one more trip down into the Schindergraben to draw the ruins at the Schinderloch.
Hiking suggestions in the footsteps of Caspar-David-Friedrich:
The modern Punch and Judy show was also invented here. This and much more about the exciting and eventful history of the castle and its town can be found in the museum. The life of bats and salmon is explained in the natural history exhibition.
As accommodation , the castle is extremely popular with motorcyclists due to its proximity to the historic "Deutschland-Ring" race track and its biker-friendly facilities, including a garage and motorcycle store. (Non-smoking accommodation)
Ten function rooms and a castle garden of over 1,000 square meters with an open-air stage offer the best conditions for events and functions. A snack bar is open at weekends from April to October. Souvenirs are also sold.
The castle café is open daily!
The castle café offers delicious food for small and large appetites as well as refreshing or warming drinks.
