Sonnenstein Castle has a long history. First mentioned in 1269, it has been used over the centuries as a castle, a military garrison, a sanatorium, and a state-owned enterprise. After a long period of neglect, the complex underwent extensive renovation and has served as the headquarters of the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains District Office since 2011.
The 18th-century bastions and fortifications are now open to the public during events such as the Sculpture Summer. A stroll through the 19th-century terraced gardens is particularly worthwhile. They are open year-round and offer sweeping views of Pirna, the Elbe Valley, and—on a clear day—as far as Dresden.
A quiet, striking spot on the castle grounds is the Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial. It provides information about the building’s use as an extermination center during the Nazi era. A permanent exhibition commemorates the victims and brings the historical significance of the site to life.
The entrance to the bastions is located on the castle terrace behind the snack bar.
Openings
- Castle Tours:
Every first Friday of the month at 4:00 p.m. (year-round)
Private tours available every Wednesday and Friday.
Registration required through the Pirna Tourist Service.
Terraced gardens and viewpoint:
Always open
Bastions:
Open from May through October as part of the Sculpture Summer Price info
- Guided tours can be booked through TouristService Pirna.Information on reduced prices: Students and severely disabled persons with proof
General information
Parking Available
Bus stop available
Eligibility
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
Directions & Parking facilities
- Easily accessible by public transportation.
Bus routes: many different ones
Bus stop: Landratsamt, Pirna
Walking distance: about 2 min Contact person
