"Stolpen - a medieval castle with a town" Stolpen by german_eagle

Stolpen Travel Guide: 32 reviews and 128 photos

Stolpen is a small town, located about 20 km east of Dresden. The old town was built on a hillside, the hill (a former volcano) topped by a castle.

The actual town was founded in the first half of the 15th century. The castle, a former property of the Bishop of Meissen, was first mentioned in 1211.

The old town kept its charme of past centuries. As a result of some fires you will not find too many medieval townhouses anymore, most are from the 18th and 19th century. The facades of the townhouses are not overly ornate as in other towns in Saxony or Germany, but if you have a closer look you may discover some nice details: Portals, coats of arms, artsy business signs, and so on.

castle

The castle is the landmark of the region. Sitting on the hilltop it dominates the scenery with its towers.

The castle is well-known as the prison of Countess Cosel, the famous mistress of elector duke August the Strong of Saxony. In 1716 she was arrested and taken to Stolpen castle where she spent 49 years until she died. You can learn more about her life in the museum in the castle.

Much of the castle is in ruins, but it is still impressive. Napoleon Bonaparte was the bad guy who gave the order for demolition in 1813, shortly before the Battle of Nations in Leipzig.

My Must See Tips on the castle are built as a guide, listing all the places worth a look.

The views from the castle are stunning. The towers offer 360° panoramic views.

Here is a picture with view of the old town. In other directions you can see the Erzgebirge mountains and the TV tower in Dresden - weather co-operating. You can also see the villages in the surroundings, some of them worth a short visit (churches!) and described in the Off the beaten Path section.

Intro Updated May 3, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (31)

Car Transportation (3)

If you're committed to your car, then you can of course drive to Stolpen. For the countryside around the town including... more travel advice

Railway Transportation (3)

Another option to get to Stolpen by public transportation is the train. Stolpen is one the train route Pirna - Neustadt... more travel advice

Bus Transportation (3)

The most convenient travel mode to Stolpen is IMO the bus. Stolpen is in the public transportation network VVO, just... more travel advice

Goat ranch (Ziegenhof) Lauterbach - Stolpen

Goat cheese Shopping (1)

There is a goat ranch with about 100 animals in Lauterbach, about 2 km northeast of Stolpen. All their products are... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Parish church Stürza
Things to Do (18)
See All Cellars

Restaurants (4)
See All Bakery/Cafe Am Tor
Tourist Traps (1)
Fast Food

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (14)

HORSCHECK May 17, 2012 at 11:04 AM Report Abuse

Ingo, on the 7th of April in 2004 I was the first visitor of your Stolpen page. Since then you have added many new fabulous tips and great photos. Only a proper transportation tip is still missing. How the hell can I get to Stolpen from Dresden to get me some goat cheese?
yumyum May 12, 2012 at 2:50 AM Report Abuse

I like the look of that castle very much!
gosiaPL Jul 2, 2006 at 1:40 PM Report Abuse

Another great page, a wonderful tour! And these little towns are so charming...
Nemorino Mar 26, 2006 at 5:57 AM Report Abuse

A fine tour of the castle. Next best thing to being there. After working up a good appetite at the castle, a plate of venison with red cabbage and dumplings at that local restaurant would be just the right meal to have.
tpangelinan May 1, 2005 at 1:06 PM Report Abuse

This looks like a historical education as well as fun trip. Life in the castle...cool.
mtncorg Dec 30, 2004 at 2:30 PM Report Abuse

Fascinating old Saxon castled town. The countess did something to upset the Prussians or the Saxon king she was administering too?
CALSF Dec 13, 2004 at 9:16 PM Report Abuse

Ingo, I really enjoyed the tour of Stolpen. Oh, too bad about that awful fast food place. Loved the resto. tips-good thing you remembered about the ice cream! :) ~~~Cheryl~~~
Trekki Oct 16, 2004 at 2:15 AM Report Abuse

Also a lovely jewel town !! I love the little fountains and landmarks (Postmeilensäule) :-) Great pictures and tips, too ! Thanks :-)
dvideira May 19, 2004 at 5:30 AM Report Abuse

What a beautiful city ! Nice virtual tour. Thanks.
bugulma May 13, 2004 at 12:54 AM Report Abuse

Wow!! wonderful travelogues!! I have no words that to tell my emotions of view of organ with painting ceiling in the church. The view from the castle is nice too.