Overlooking the small town of Köenigstein is one of Saxony’s most popular tourist attractions, the mighty Köenigstein Fortress. In its 750 years of existence this historical monument successfully repelled all its enemies, even time.

Koenigstein Fortress

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700,000 tourists from all around the world, travel to Saxon Switzerland, Germany, to visit what the Germans call “Festung Köenigstein”, Köenigstein Fortress. It is undoubtedly Europe’s biggest mountain fortress, with 2,200 meters-long walls, and covering an area of 9.5 ha. Köenigstein was strategically built on a 40 meters-high rock plateau that played a great part in keeping it unconquered.

Koenigstein wall and rocks

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The first document to mention Köenigstein dates back to 1241 and it refers to it as a castle. Originally a property of the Bohemian Kingdom, it came under the influence of the Wettin noble family (rulers of Saxony) around the year 1406. Later is was converted into a monastery for the Praise of Mary’s Miracles, but even during this time it remained heavily guarded. Since 1589 Köenigstein was turned into a fortress and became a safe haven for the Saxon royal family, in times of turmoil.

View of Elbe River from Koenigstein Fortress

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Famous historical figures such as Tsar Peter the Great, Frederick William I of Prussia, and his son, Frederick II visited the mountain fortress. Even the mighty conqueror Napoleon inspected Köenigstein to learn its secret of invincibility, but history proves he failed. Ever since it was first built and until the 19^th century, the fortress’ fortifications and weaponry were always updated to withstand any possible threats, and that’s probably the main reason why it remained unconquerable, even during the Second World War.

Georgenburg (George Castle)

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There is a lot to see inside Köenigstein Fortress and you’ll definitely need at least a whole day to experience everything it has to offer, but it is more than worth it. Apart from the sheer beauty of the late Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 19^th century architectural styles, tourists will discover more unusual wonders, like the deepest well in Saxony (152,5m) dug in 1563, or the “Great Köenigstein Cask”, the largest wine barrel in the world, with a capacity of 238,000 liters.

Koenigstein Entrance

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An invaluable piece of history, Köenigstein Fortress is a unique attraction that is certainly worth at least one visit.

Muzzle-loader cannon

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