Wasserschloss Klaffenbach is a true hidden gem in Saxony — a Renaissance moated castle unlike anything else in the region. If you're after a place that blends history, architecture and a peaceful waterside setting, this is it.

The four-storey castle impresses at first glance, with its arched roof, square layout and the moat wrapping around it like something out of a fairy tale. The surrounding outbuildings enclose the main courtyard in a U-shape, where concerts and festivals fill the air in summer with a lively, welcoming buzz. In autumn and winter, the castle takes on a quieter, more picturesque charm — it's worth visiting any time of year, especially with a stroll along the nearby Würschnitz river.

How to get there

• Chemnitz city centre — by car or local transport to the Klaffenbach district, easy route, approx. 20-30 minutes
• Walk along the Würschnitz river — easy trail, family-friendly

Practical information

• The castle chapel dates from 1860 and features a crossed arch vault, popular for weddings
• Classicist conference and exhibition hall known as the 'green salon'
• The outbuildings house a handmade crafts shop, a silversmith, a hotel and a restaurant
• The Chemnitz Golf Club is based on site

Worth knowing: the chapel still holds an impressive coat-of-arms relief of the von Taube family from 1616 — a silent witness to the castle's turbulent history through wars, floods and changing owners.