The gigantic rock platform of the Königstein, on which stands a fortress used for military purposes and home to a notorious prison for important people, cannot be missed. The alchemist and porcelain co-inventor Johann Friedrich Böttger resided here, initially as a free man to defend himself against the persecution of other princes and later as a prisoner in the castle dungeons.
Among the famous personalities who suffered the same fate are the anarchist Michael Bakunin, the leader of the Social Democratic Party August Bebel and the scandalous " writer Frank Wedekind.
And if it is an unattainable feat to take over the fortress of Königstein, it is even more so to attempt an escape from its prisons. This also led the entire Saxon court to move here (with treasure) when the political situation became alarming.
A complete tour of the Georgenburg, Neues and Altes Zeughaus (new and old arsenal), the cellar of the Magdalenenburg and, of course, the Brunnenhaus (the covered fountain) takes a lot of time… and a lot of appetite. During the visit tourists have the opportunity to take a sort of gastronomic journey into the past.
Since 2006, the castle has also been equipped with a panoramic lift which not only offers a spectacular view of the Elbsandsteingebirge rock formations, but also allows you to comfortably reach the top of the imposing fortified platform.
