Schönfels Castle rises majestically in the middle of the picturesque landscape between Zwickau and Reichenbach, an impressive fortress from times long past.

Its fortifications, towers and walls are silent witnesses to war and peace and invite visitors on a journey back to the medieval era of Saxony.

Origins and history of the castle

The origins of Schönfels Castle date back to the 13th century, when it was built in the course of the high colonisation under Emperor Frederick I. As an administrative centre, it played an important role in the development of new settlement areas. Over the centuries, the castle came under the influence of various noble families, from the bailiffs of Plauen to the powerful Wettin dynasty. Each of these eras shaped the castle in their own way and left their mark on its architecture and history.

A treasure trove of medieval architecture

Schönfels Castle impresses visitors with its well-preserved historical buildings. Its imposing curtain wall, fortifications, living quarters and chapel bear witness to its preserved unity and originality. The keep not only offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, but also conveys a sense of the castle’s former defence function. Visitors are immersed in a bygone era when knights and noblewomen dominated life within the stone walls.

A living cultural heritage

Since the museum opened in 1975, Schönfels Castle has become an integral part of the regional cultural landscape. In addition to the permanent exhibition on the history of the castle, there are regular special exhibitions on art and cultural history. Concerts, markets and educational programmes bring the castle’s history to life and make it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Discover Schönfels Castle via smartphone

The castle can now also be explored using a mobile phone: Together with the Hearonymus app and the ‘Schönfels Castle’ audio guide, the smartphone becomes an interactive guide and accompanies visitors through 13 chapters with a wealth of background information.

The app and audio guide can be downloaded to the smartphone in just a few clicks. Once downloaded, the guide can be listened to indefinitely and without an internet connection. Whether at home or directly on site. The audio guide can be listened to anywhere, as often as you like. Both the Hearonymus app and the audio guide are available free of charge.