Family Destinations in the Saxon Switzerland

What child does not dream of being a princess or a knight in a medieval castle? In Saxon Switzerland the kids can let their imagination run wild in reconstructed castles and palaces or between the remains of former robber knight forts while the grown-ups join an instructive discovery travel into history.

Königstein Fortress is perhaps the most beautiful and exciting mountain fortress in Europe. To this day, the high walls, arrow slits and cannons are witnesses of the turbulent past of this once impregnable stronghold. A truly crazy palace is Weesenstein in the Müglitz Valley, as its construction started at the top and then progressed downwards around a rock. These two and some other exciting palaces and castles wait to be discovered in Saxon Switzerland.

Palaces and Castles Overview Map

The robber nests and rock forts testify to the adventurous medieval knight period in Saxon Switzerland, although only ruins are left of the old strongholds. At the Neurathen Rock Fort, relics of a medieval hilltop castle are accessible via many iron bridges and ladders. On Winterstein Mountain there is an old fort called “Hinteres Raubschloss” (Outer Robbery Castle) which was a knights’ refuge in around 1400 and is considered to be the largest fortification in the area. Another local fort is called “Goßdorfer Raubschloss” (Goßdorf Robbery Castle) or Schwarzberg Castle and was used to protect a trade route.

Castle ruins and robber knight forts

A load of action awaits the whole family in the local theme parks. Wander through the adventure maze or rush down on Germany’s highest free fall slide – this is possible in Königstein Elbe-Freizeitland (Elbe Leisure Park), while in Sebnitz Urzeitpark (Prehistory Park) children get acquainted with about 400 prehistoric creatures.

Little Saxon Switzerland Miniature Park in Wehlen Village gives a wonderful overview of the whole area and its sights are reproduced in small-scale models made of local sandstone.

Overview of Theme Parks

An exciting variety of exhibitions and museums awaits the visitor in Saxon Switzerland. In Bad Schandau National Park Centre children find out with exciting hands-on exhibitions how the Elbe Sandstone Mountains were formed. In Graupa, the Richard Wagner memorial sites invite the visitor to learn more about this great composer and his work.

In Berggießhübel, a museum mine called Marie-Louise-Stolln allows for an up close experience of mining history and even a treasure hunt is possible. And if you want to know how a classroom looked like in the former GDR you should go the Pirna DDR (GDR) Museum.

Museums and More

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are an Eldorado for railway enthusiasts young and old. Not only children’s eyes light up at detailed model railway layouts displayed not only in Kurort Rathen (Eisenbahnwelten) but also in the town of Sebnitz, where another miniature railway show is located.  Or how about visiting the Herrenleite Field Train Museum or riding on the historic Kirnitschtalbahn Tram?

Every year on the last April weekend is the Railway Experience Days (Bahnerlebnistage) where all Saxon Switzerland railway attractions join and invite young and old to explore –good fun for the whole family.

More information for railway enthusiasts