Hohnstein
State-recognized health resort and the home of puppetry
The picturesque town of Hohnstein is located on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park and, with Hohnstein Castle and over 70 kilometers of marked hiking trails, offers an ideal starting point for relaxation.
The castle town of Hohnstein with its districts Cunnersdorf, Ehrenberg, GoĂźdorf, Hohburkersdorf, KohlmĂĽhle, Lohsdorf, Rathewalde, Ulbersdorf, Waitzdorf and Zeschnig is situated on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, embedded in the unique beauty of the forest, rock and river landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Hohnstein and its districts are state-recognized recreational resorts. The hiking trails are well-developed, signposted and provided with distance and time information. A special hiking trail is the educational trail around Hohnstein.
Hohnstein Castle is the landmark of the town and a magnet for many visitors. Half-timbered houses from the 18th and 19th centuries characterize the townscape. The oldest half-timbered building in the town is the town hall. The Hohnstein town church is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Saxony. In 1724, the church fell victim to the devastating town fire and was rebuilt according to plans by the famous master carpenter George Bähr.
As a hand puppeteer, Max Jacob made Hohnstein puppetry world-famous in 1928 at the castle and later in the specially built puppet theater. In memory of the art of hand puppetry, a puppet theater festival takes place annually.
