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 it was a seat of nobility, an office, a state prison and a hunting lodge - and in the 1920s it was the largest and most beautiful youth hostel in Germany.
Due to its location alone, Hohnstein Castle offers a picturesque sight. The immediate surroundings of the cliffs and deeply carved valleys attracted painters in the 18th and 19th centuries. So did Caspar David Friedrich! 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 8 July 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 arbour of the Gasthaus zum Hirsch on Hohnstein's market square, putting one last drawing on paper. The plan for the next day had perhaps already been made: one more descent 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 from the exciting and eventful history of the castle and its town can be learnt 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 with a motorbike corner, garages and motorbike shop. (Non-smoking accommodation)
Ten event rooms and an over 1,000 square metre castle garden with 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 every day!
The medieval castle complex was first mentioned in a document in 1353 it was a seat of nobility, an office, a state prison and a hunting lodge - and in the 1920s it was the largest and most beautiful youth hostel in Germany.
Due to its location alone, Hohnstein Castle offers a picturesque sight. The immediate surroundings of the cliffs and deeply carved valleys attracted painters in the 18th and 19th centuries. So did Caspar David Friedrich! 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 8 July 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 arbour of the Gasthaus zum Hirsch on Hohnstein's market square, putting one last drawing on paper. The plan for the next day had perhaps already been made: one more descent 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 from the exciting and eventful history of the castle and its town can be learnt 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 with a motorbike corner, garages and motorbike shop. (Non-smoking accommodation)
Ten event rooms and an over 1,000 square metre castle garden with 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 every day!
