Schönfels Castle is a classic hilltop castle perched at 393 metres above sea level, overlooking the Schönfelser Bach stream in the Zwickau district of Saxony. Built in the 12th century on a diabase rock spur, it served for centuries as a feudal seat and today houses a museum open since 1975.

The setting is quintessential gently rolling Saxon countryside - wooded hills, a small winding stream at the foot of the rock, and an unmistakable sense of medieval history at every turn. The castle looks especially atmospheric in autumn, when the surrounding forests turn golden, and in winter, when snow dusts the ancient walls and towers. It's a peaceful, uncrowded spot, perfect for travellers who enjoy combining a short walk with genuine history.

How to get there

• Village of Schönfels (municipality of Lichtentanne) - the castle stands right at the edge of the village, a short and easy approach
• Car access is possible to a parking area at the base of the castle, followed by a brief walk up to the gate

Practical information

• The castle houses a museum that has been open to visitors since 1975
• The 17th-century castle chapel contains a valuable winged altarpiece with paintings by Mathias Crodel the Younger
• The castle holds a cabinet wooden organ from around 1730, unique in Europe
• The castle grounds were registered as an archaeological monument in 1971

The castle owes its remarkable state of preservation to an unusual twist of history - between 1770 and 1945 it stood almost uninhabited, owned by the Römer-Rauenstein family trust, which kept it carefully maintained but never modernised.