Kuckuckstein Castle in Liebstadt is the kind of place that looks straight out of a fairy tale — perched on a rocky outcrop above the Seidewitz river valley, its turrets and drawbridge instantly capture the imagination. It's a rare gem of early Neo-Gothic and early Romantic architecture, and once you see it, you'll understand why it's inspired legends and even a fairy-tale film adaptation.

The view from the castle over the rooftops of Liebstadt and the rolling hills of the Eastern Ore Mountains is quite something, especially in autumn when the surrounding forests turn gold, or in spring when the old English-style landscape park comes alive with greenery. In winter, mist often wraps around the castle walls, giving it an almost mystical atmosphere — no wonder it was chosen as the filming location for the fairy tale 'Snow White and Rose Red'. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for combining a bit of history with a scenic walk.

• Liebstadt market square — castle stairs or the access road up the castle slope, a few minutes, easy route
• Alternatively: drive directly up the access road to the castle

• The castle houses a local heritage museum (since 1954) with guided tours of the interior
• The restored Knights' Hall is used as a civil wedding venue and can be rented for events
• The castle sits on the historic trade route from the Elbe valley through the Eastern Ore Mountains to Bohemia (Kulmer Steig)

Fun fact: the name 'Kuckuckstein' (Cuckoo Stone) only appears in records from 1791, and in 1813 Napoleon Bonaparte himself spent a night here during his Saxon campaign.