A place travelers can visit Königstein Fortress

Reviews: Königstein Fortress

General description: Königstein Fortress

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Description
On the stone of the King" was the signature used by the Bohemian King Wenzel I when he signed the Oberlausitz boundary charter in 1241. After a period as a monastery, the expansion of the medieval castle into a country fortress belonging to the Wettin dynasty began in 1563. During unruly times, Königstein, which was never captured, provided safe refuge for the rulers of Saxony and the state treasures. The complex also served as a prisoner-of-war camp and state prison. Famous inmates included Johann Friedrich Böttger, Michail Bakunin and August Bebel. Guests who stayed at the fortress were Tsar Peter I, Friedrich Wilhelm I and Napoleon. Since 1955, Königstein has been an open-air museum of military history. Set aside at least two hours to explore the 9.5 ha site (guided tours not included). You are very much urged to take a tour along the 2.2 km long ramparts where you can see Friedrichsburg Castle, the Hunger Tower and fantastic views. Also worth seeing are the garrison church and old armoury, George and Magdalene castle as well as the oldest preserved German barracks building, the Old Barracks dating from 1589/90.
Saxon military history and a tremendous panoramic view of the Saxon Switzerland mountain range.
Tour along the 2.2 km parapet, cakes from the fortress bakery and the Christmas market during the weekends of Advent.

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