The famous fortress Königsstain rises on a table mountain in Saxon Switzerland.
In over 750 it has developed into a true mosaic of different buildings from the late Gothic, the Renaissance and the Baroque.
The castle on the originated in the middle ages and was first mentioned in a document in 1241. From 1516 up until 1524 12 Coelestin monks lived in the „convent to praise Mary´s wonders“ on the Königsstein.
At the end of the 16th century the castle was expanded and became a state fortress by order of the electoral prince August. From 1591 to 1922 the fortress was used as prison, amongst its inmates such famous people as August Bebel and it became one of the most feared state prisons in Saxony.
If you are planning to visit the fortress you should allow plenty of time for it: More than 30 buildings and a fantastic view of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the east Erzgebirge are worth a lengthy visit.
Especially interesting are the themed tours of the fortress. Whether you want to take a stroll through the history of the fortress, discover the every day life on the fortress, recover hidden secrets, or get a little bit scared listening to horror stories during the night tour –there is a way here for everyone to get close to the castle and its history.