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Germany
Saxony

Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains

Saxon Switzerland

Main Gate of Königstein Fortress

Discover
Places to see

Castles

Germany
Saxony

Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains

Saxon Switzerland

Main Gate of Königstein Fortress

Highlight • Castle

Main Gate of Königstein Fortress

Recommended by 259 hikers out of 267

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Sächsische Schweiz

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    Location: Saxon Switzerland, Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany

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    Best Hikes to Main Gate of Königstein Fortress

    4.8

    (492)

    1,841

    hikers

    1. Eye of a needle – Pfaffenstein loop from Oberrathen

    24.3km

    07:21

    710m

    710m

    Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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    Expert

    4.8

    (129)

    485

    hikers

    2. View of Lilienstein – View of Königstein Fortress loop from Königstein

    12.2km

    04:15

    590m

    590m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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    Intermediate

    4.7

    (116)

    383

    hikers

    3. Ascent to Kleiner Bären – Kleiner Bärenstein loop from Stadt Wehlen (Sachs)

    15.3km

    04:40

    510m

    510m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Tips

    November 2, 2024

    The only access to the Königstein Fortress is secured by four gates:
    Rothe Brücke, Torravelin, Medusentor and the gatehouse.

    The Rothe Brücke building from 1792.
    Named after the brickwork; first defensive structure on the way to the fortress; built in 1792 as a simple wooden bridge (was demolished in the event of war); from 1886 a seesaw bridge that can still be folded up in seconds today

    The Torravelin building from 1729-36
    Built in 1729-36; casemated gatework to defend the entrance; location of the gate guard

    The Grabenschere building from 1733 with the Medusentor.
    The building served as a third barrier to protect the entrance. The name "Grabenschere" refers to the scissor-like shape. The mighty gate is impressive. It is called "Medusentor" after the Medusa's head depicted in the keystone. The Medusa on the gate was used to deter enemies. A coat of arms of the Elector of Saxony and the Royal Polish crowns the gate. It dates from the time when the Saxon Electors were also Kings of Poland (1697 – 1706 and 1709 – 1763).

    The gatehouse building from 1589

    Built above the Dark Appareille (French for ramp; entrance to the plateau); cellar with loopholes for defense; upper floors used for residential purposes; defense systems in the Dark Appareille: wooden gate, stone thrower, machicolation, beam folds, drop palisade, iron gate and caponnière passage (defensive passage).

    It was built at the end of the 16th century above a natural crevice in the rock. The only way to the fortress plateau leads under the gatehouse and is called the "Dark Appareille". The relief of Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) was created by the Königstein-born sculptor Otto Panzner in 1910.

    Translated by Google •

      January 13, 2025

      A gigantic fortress, with very large dimensions. Imposing outer walls surround the 9.5 hectare rock plateau. I was amazed by this appearance and the view of the surrounding Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Otherwise, Stephan has already described everything.

      Translated by Google •

        February 12, 2025

        A beautiful, very well preserved fortress. The view of it sitting on the rock above the Elbe is simply magnificent.

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 350 m

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          Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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          Location: Saxon Switzerland, Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany

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