What to do · Saxon Switzerland
Königstein Fortress, on a sandstone plateau
Information
- From
- €15 per adult, in winter
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- All year; April to October 9:00 to 18:00, November to March 9:00 to 17:00
- Who it's for
- All ages; under-7s free
- With a dog
- On a lead outdoors; not allowed in buildings or exhibitions
What it is
Königstein Fortress occupies the plateau of a sandstone mountain above the Elbe, between Rathen and Bad Schandau. From below it looks like a rock table with a rim of walls; at the top there are buildings from various periods and exhibitions on its history. The walk along the wall goes right round the plateau, with views of the Bastei, the Lilienstein and the Elbe valley. It is the most complete paid visit in Saxon Switzerland and works well with children and in bad weather, because there is plenty under cover.
Opening times and prices
Open every day: from April to October from 9:00 to 18:00 and from November to March from 9:00 to 17:00; last entry is an hour before closing. In winter (2 November 2026 to 19 March 2027) entry costs €15 for adults, €11 concession and €36 for a family (two adults and up to four children aged 7 to 16). On Advent weekends and from 20 March 2027 the prices go up to €17, €13 and €42. Under-7s go free; older children pay the adult rate. The ticket includes the lift and all the exhibitions. Audio guides can be hired, but the website does not say in which languages.
Getting there
By S1 S-Bahn from Dresden to Königstein station. From the village you walk up in about 30 to 45 minutes, or take the Festungsexpress, a little train that leaves Reißiger Platz every half hour from 9:00 to 16:30 from April to October (€8 return, families €17); in winter it only runs the stretch from the car park, weather permitting. By car there is parking all year at the foot of the fortress: €2 for the first hour, €8 up to four hours and €13 for the day. From April to October there is also a panoramic lift.
Tips
- Walk the whole wall These are the best views of the valley and cost nothing extra.
- Come by train Parking is expensive and the climb from the station is a good walk.
- Go up in the last sun In summer it opens until 18:00; late in the day there are fewer people.
Frequently asked questions
How much does entry to Königstein Fortress cost?
In winter, €15 for adults; in Advent and from March 2027, €17. Under-7s free.
How much time do you need?
About three hours for the walls and exhibitions at a relaxed pace.
Can you go with a dog?
Yes, on a lead and only outdoors: it may not enter buildings or exhibitions.
How do you get up from the station?
On foot, in 30 to 45 minutes, or on the Festungsexpress from April to October.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
