Wildeck Castle is a former hunting lodge perched dramatically on a rocky spur above the town of Zschopau in Saxony, overlooking the river of the same name. With its stout tower nicknamed 'Fat Henry' and the slender stair tower known as 'Slim Margaret', the castle's silhouette is instantly memorable and visible from far away.

Wandering through the courtyard framed by the castle's narrow wings, it's easy to picture centuries of history — from a medieval fortress guarding an old Bohemian trade route to a Renaissance hunting seat, complete with a bear garden that once housed live bears for ducal amusement. The viewing platform atop the tower offers sweeping views over the river valley and old town rooftops, especially beautiful in autumn colours or under a blanket of winter snow.

• Zschopau town centre — short walk, easy trail, well signposted towards the castle hill
• Riverside path along the Zschopau — gentle approach from the valley, easy to moderate walking

• The castle now houses a motorcycle museum, a public library, and a wedding hall
• A Baroque garden was laid out around the castle in 2009
• The tower's viewing platform, added during renovations, opened in 1992

Fun fact: Wildeck Castle was the only building in the old town to survive the great fire of 1748, and colourful wall paintings and coffered ceilings discovered in 1980 during renovation work still decorate the so-called Blue-White Room today.