Festung Königstein - mäktig fästning i Tyskland

Festung Königstein in Germany is Europe's largest existing mountain fortress, rising mightily above the River Elbe. The impressive fortress, which has never been taken, now serves as a fascinating outdoor museum.

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Königstein Fortress

Festung Königstein rises mightily at the top of a mountain on the river Elbe. We could see it from a distance from the campsite where we were staying, and were naturally curious to visit.

Festung Königstein is located in Königstein in the federal state of Saxony. The fortress is located in eastern Germany, about 20 miles southeast of Dresden.

Visiting Festung Königstein

You can get to Festung Königstein by train, bus, car, boat or bike. We drove here with the motorhome, and parked where a sign indicated parking for motorhomes. Then we chose to take the "Little Train" up to the fortress, to avoid the uphill climb in the heat.

Soon after, we were standing in front of the gigantic wall. It is not difficult to understand why this fortress was considered impregnable! Fortunately, today you only have to pay an entrance fee to get in, which you do through a large lift that takes you to the top.

A medieval castle - which became an impregnable fortress

Festung Königstein started its history as a medieval castle, first mentioned in a document from 1233. But how would you get water for the people and animals up there on the hill? In the 16th century, a well was built with a staggering depth of 152.5 (!) metres.

At the end of the 16th century, Elector Christian I of Saxony ordered the castle to be converted into a fortress. The high cliffs already formed part of a 'natural fortress' and, together with the high walls that were erected, the fortress was so intimidating that no enemy dared try to take it.

The fortress was built and strengthened over the years and was not completed until well into the 18th century. Many different rulers have had an influence here, including August the Strong, Elector of Saxony from 1694 to 1733. The fortress has also served as a prison for many centuries. In 1955 it was opened to the public as a museum.

Tour of the fortress

When you get to the top, it's natural to start by looking at the view. From this high altitude you can see far in all directions.

Most fascinating of all is the view of the Elbe river below.

It's also great to look down on the walls, which in many places are largely made up of high, steep rock faces. How could anyone take this fortress? No, nobody did ...

Of course, there were also plenty of cannons and guns for security purposes ...

Of course, the people who spent time in the fortress also wanted to enjoy themselves, and built gazebos and other favourite places.

The fortress is huge, and walking around the area inside the walls is almost like walking in a city. There are some 50 old buildings that have served as castles, hospitals, prisons, homes and warehouses.

Exhibitions at Festung Königstein

Many of the buildings currently house different exhibitions. The entrance ticket gives free access to all exhibitions, so you can just go in and out as you please. We spent the most time at the permanent exhibition "In Lapide Regis - On the King's Stone". Very nice!

It was also interesting to look at the staggeringly deep well and descriptions of how various huge wheels worked to lift water and materials.

Lunch and ice cream at the fortress

After a while you get hungry of course! There are several different eating places in the fortress and we chose a small place along the fortress wall. Here we each had a simple potato soup - one with and one without sausage. Later there was an ice cream too!

Film from Festung Königstein

Where can you camp with a motorhome or caravan?

We stood with the motorhome at Camping Königstein, which is located on the Elbe, overlooking the fortress. A nice campsite where we enjoyed ourselves!

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

If you visit the Festung Königstein, you won't want to miss the Bastei, with the famous Bastei Bridge nearby. We also recommend a visit to the magnificent city of Dresden. In addition, on the Czech side there are many great nature experiences in the natural area known as 'Bohemian Switzerland'.

READ MORE: Bastei in Saxon Switzerland - dramatic nature in Germany
READ MORE: Saxon Switzerland - day trip from the Czech Republic to Germany
READ MORE: What to do in Dresden - 18 sights and experiences
READ MORE: Pravcicka Brana - the largest sandstone arch in Europe
READ MORE: Tisa in the Czech Republic - filming location for Narnia

Have you visited Festung Königstein?

Have you visited Festung Königstein? Do you like to visit fortresses and other historical sights while travelling?

Facts about Königstein Fortress

Federal Republic of Germany: Saxony
Country: Germany
Location: About 20 miles south-east of Dresden, on the west bank of the Elbe.
Behaviour: 1589-1731
Read more: You can find more information at The fortress website.

Services and practical information

Opening hours: From April to October, the fortress is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. From November to March, the fortress is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. The fortress is only closed on 24 December and has reduced opening hours on 31 December and 1 January (2022).
Prices: Adults pay €13/person. School children, students and people with disabilities pay €10/person. Children up to 6 years old are free (2022).
Audio guide: Audio guides can be hired for €3.50/person.
Guided tours: Guided tours in German are given every day for €4/person (2022). Guided tours in English are only available for groups, if booked at least 14 days in advance.
Food service: There are several restaurants and cafés in the fortress area.
Parking: Parking is available just below the fortress. There are special spaces for motorhomes. You can walk from the car park, or take a "mini-train".

4 Comments

Add yours →

Nils-Åke Hansson says:

What a view of the Elbe, one wonders how they could build these castles. When you think about today's technology, that equipment was not available,

17 July 2022 - 11:19

bmlarsreseblogg says:

We had planned to visit the fortress when we stayed at the campsite, but the weather during our weeks in Germany was not on our side - pouring rain one day, then a great day we spent on an excursion to Bastei to wake up the next day to a gigantic thunderstorm.
Fortunately, the fortress is still standing....

17 July 2022 - 13:27

BP says:

An incredible story about that fortress. And it's still there. I don't think any of the sandwich buildings being thrown out today will reach the age of the fortress. And I don't even want to talk about the well...

17 July 2022 - 20:42

Lena - gott för själen says:

What a place! Fascinating how they were able to build all the amazing places without the tools of the day!

Hug Lena

12 October 2022 - 5:55

Festung Königstein - mighty fortress in Germany

Königstein Fortress

Visiting Festung Königstein

A medieval castle - which became an impregnable fortress

Tour of the fortress

Exhibitions at Festung Königstein

Lunch and ice cream at the fortress

Film from Festung Königstein

Where can you camp with a motorhome or caravan?

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Have you visited Festung Königstein?

Facts about Königstein Fortress

Services and practical information

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4 Comments

Nils-Åke Hansson says:

bmlarsreseblogg says:

BP says:

Lena - gott för själen says:

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