Hohnstein Castle

Hohnstein Castle towers high above the Polenztal valley, on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The medieval complex was first mentioned in 1353 and over the centuries has been a seat of nobility, an office, a prison and a hunting lodge. In the 1920s, it was even considered the most beautiful and largest youth hostel in Germany.

Caspar David Friedrich in Hohnstein

The location of Hohnstein Castle on a rocky spur makes it a real eye-catcher to this day. It attracted artists as early as the 18th and 19th centuries - including Caspar David Friedrich.

On one of his hikes through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, he made a sketch on July 8, 1800 (now lost): Two impressions of the Polenztal valley and a quick study of the castle bear witness to an impressive day in nature.

You can imagine the young Friedrich sitting in the arbour of the "Zum Hirsch" inn on Hohnstein's market square that evening - tired but fulfilled - and putting one last drawing on paper. Perhaps he was already making plans there for the next day: a descent into the Schindergraben to draw the ruins at the Schinderloch.

The extensive grounds are open to the public
With its observation tower, it offers a beautiful view of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. An exhibition room provides information about the history of the castle. In addition,

the so-called women's bunker is open to the public, where a difficult chapter of the Nazi past is discussed.

There is a café and overnight accommodation.

Guided tours are available for groups of ten or more and include classic castle tours, themed tours with the castle bailiff or combined city and castle tours.

Hiking suggestions

• Polenztalweg
• Malerweg 2. Stage
  
• Gautschgrottenroute