Königstein Travel Guide

  View on Königstein with the fortress
by Henk.Irene
 
  • View on Königstein with the fortress
      View on Königstein with the fortress
    by Henk.Irene
  • View on castle Königstein from the plateau.
      View on castle Königstein from the...
    by Henk.Irene
  • Castle Pillnitz - Garden/Park
      Castle Pillnitz - Garden/Park
    by Henk.Irene
  • The Elbe near the border Germany/Czech
      The Elbe near the border Germany/Czech
    by Henk.Irene
  • Postelwitz with his half-timbered houses
      Postelwitz with his half-timbered houses
    by Henk.Irene
 

Explore Königstein

Things to Do  

Cycling between the Czech border and Dresden

Cycling between the Czech border and Dresden, Königstein

 Henk.Irene Says:  A nice bike ride from Königstein to the Czech village of Dolni Žleb. Between Königstein and Bad Schandau is for cyclists only the right bank to ride. In Königstein with the ferry crossing to the right bank. The town of Bad Schandau has a few nice terraces. The bicycle track... 

Fortress Königstein

Fortress Königstein, Königstein

 Henk.Irene Says:  If you like you can with the Festung-Express to the high fortress. This train runs every 10 minutes from the parkingplace to the foot of the fortress. From the parkingplace, it is a solid 20-minute walk.But how you go to the fort, it is most rewarding. It's nice take the... 

With the "OLDI" to the Bastei

With the "OLDI" to  the Bastei, Königstein

 Henk.Irene Says:  With an Oldtimmer double-decker from Königstein via Bad Schandau to the Bastei. A hour drive through a beautiful landscape to the parkingplace of the Bastei. From the parkingplace about 15 minutes walking or with a traditional horse and carriage to the beginning of the... 

With a paddle-steamer from Königstein to Dresden

With a paddle-steamer from Königstein to Dresden, Königstein

 Henk.Irene Says:  You like romance aboard a historical paddle-steamer? Start a tour with the world's oldest steamship fleet through the fair and beautiful landscape along the river Elbe.We followed this advice and with the historical paddle-steamer Pillnitz seals we from Königstein to... 

Festung Königstein

Festung Königstein, Königstein

 nessa_gnatoush Says:  Situated 240 m above the river Elbe, Königstein is unlike all other Saxon castles and places. It has always been considered invincible. With an area of 9.5 hectares it is one of the largest fortresses in Germany, and the Wettins used it as a hideway for themselves and the... 

Commander's apartments

Commander's apartments, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  You can also see the commander's living rooms and offices. They are originally preserved.In 2003 when I visited there was also an exhibition "Fortress Königstein - State Prison of Saxony". I don't know how long this will be shown, though. But it is very interesting -... 

Restaurants  

Historical Bakery: Yummy!

Historical Bakery: Yummy!, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  Don't miss the historical bakery! It is operated by a couple of very friendly young guys. They offer cake and bread and also coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Everything is delicious, especially the bread is baked after traditional recipes. The huge pieces of cake! And a hot... 

Historische Schänke: Historical Ambience

Historische Schänke: Historical Ambience, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  This historical inn is located in the centre of the plateau, in the big barrack. The interior is rustic, old style, very cosy. In summer you can eat outside, but self-service there. I was really surprised it is nice and not the usual sort of "touristy". They offer... 

Transportation  

Bus to the fortress

Bus to the fortress, Königstein

 nessa_gnatoush Says:  By this bus you can get to the fortress Königstein. It is a touristic bus, so it has only one direct route without any stops.Return ticket costs 7 euro. 

Festungsexpress

Festungsexpress, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  And upon arrival you ask "How do I get up that steep hill to the fortress?"Hm, two options: you can either hike (see sports tip) or take the oldtimer bus called Festungsexpress.The Festungsexpress leaves right in the centre of Königstein (town), only 200 m distance from the... 

Paddle Steamer

Paddle Steamer, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  A trip by paddle steamer is definitely the most enjoyable way to get to Königstein. The route on the Elbe river starts in Dresden - city centre - and continues via Pillnitz Palace, Pirna and Kurort Rathen to Königstein. Finally the steamers finish at Bad Schandau.It takes... 

S-Bahn (railway)

S-Bahn (railway), Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  Königstein (town) enjoys excellent connections with Dresden. It is located on the major S-Bahn line S1 Dresden - Schöna.The trains leave Dresden every 30 minutes (at half and full hour) and take about 35 minutes to Königstein.Currently the fare is 4.50 Euro one way per... 

Tourist Traps  

Bus and Entrance Fee - Festung Königstein (Castle)

Bus and Entrance Fee - Festung Königstein (Castle), Königstein

 DJChoragos Says:  The castle is a great place to visit. Just be aware that it is quite a walk from the town of Königstein. The tourist trap comes in if you decide not to walk but instead take the double decker bus that leaves from 'near' the train station. The bus (as of 10/2006) costs 3 Euro... 

Kasematten restaurants

Kasematten restaurants, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  The former casemates were reconstructed and house restaurants now. Each one is decorated in the style of a certain - past - century. In evenings there are shows organised with waiters in appropriate costumes. The main focus is on the show - so don't care for quality of food... 

What to Pack  

Climate in Königstein
Leipzig profile photo

1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Leipzig 2747 reviews

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: As you have to climb a lot you need good walking shoes.

Photo Equipment: You better purchase everything you may need in advance as prices are very high.

Miscellaneous: There is no special rainy season

Avg. Temp. in Spring: max.: 7 – 18°C ( 45 - 64°F ); min: 1 - 8°C ( 34 - 46°F )
Avg. Temp. in Summer: max.: 20 – 23°C ( 68 - 73°F ); min: 11 - 12°C ( 51 - 53°F )
Avg. Temp. in Autumn: max.: 5 – 18°C ( 41 - 64°F); min: 1 - 10°C ( 34 – 50°F )
Avg. Temp. in Winter: max.: 2 – 5°C ( 36 - 41°F); min: -2 - 0°C ( 28 - 32°F )

Updated Jul 28, 2007

Related to:
 Castles and Palaces

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Off The Beaten Path  

Langenhennersdorf - Protestant Church

Langenhennersdorf - Protestant Church, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  Another gem of architecture is the church in the small village Langenhennersdorf, a few miles southwest of Königstein.A Romanesque portal and parts of the walls are the only remains of the previous building, the church as you see it today was built in 1495 in Gothic style.... 

Struppen - Protestant church

Struppen - Protestant church, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  One of the most beautiful churches in the area is to find in the village Struppen, located between Königstein and Pirna.The church was built in the 2nd half of the 13th century. The porch was built ca. in 1600, the upper parts (spire) of the tower in 1695. A remodeling of... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Hike up to the Fortress!
german_eagle profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

german_eagle 1923 reviews
a nice view

IMO the best option to get to the Fortress is to hike. It is neither too exhausting nor long; only 45 minutes up and 30 minutes down. Elevation difference is about 240 m.

The path starts vis-a-vis the church in the old town. You go through beautiful forests and pass a nice pasture with beautiful views.

Equipment: No hiking boots required; comfortable shoes are okay.

Written Oct 31, 2003

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Hiking and Walking

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Favorites  

Views!

Views!, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  Due to the fortresses location on a plateau hill above the Elbe river you can enjoy gorgeous panoramic views.Mt. Lilienstein vis-a-vis is probably the most impressive of the plateau hills. Fine weather give you can also see the Erzgebirge mountains and the Lausitz... 

The Fortress!

The Fortress!, Königstein

 german_eagle Says:  The small town Königstein itself doesn't have much to offer except a nice little church and some narrow cobbled alleys. No architecture gems.The main attraction of Königstein is the fortress.It was first mentioned in 1241, at this time owned by the Bohemian King - and so... 

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Map of Königstein