Castle Museum & Karl Stülpner— 800 Years of Castle History You Can Touch
The Castle Museum takes you into the legendary world of Karl Stülpner, the folk hero of the Ore Mountains, who—as a poacher, smuggler, and master of survival—was always one step ahead of the nobility. That’s why he’s also known as the Robin Hood of the Ore Mountains. Follow in his footsteps and discover nearly 800 years of castle history. There are also exciting interactive exhibits that you won’t want to miss.
Mining Labyrinth
Deep down in the Mining Labyrinth, you’ll search for clues at the workplace of the brave miners. Crawl, slide, and squeeze your way through—using all your senses, you’ll experience the rigors of this tough trade and discover tools, clothing, and miner’s lamps. Do you dare climb into a mine car yourself to collect gems in a digital competition with your friends? At the Christmas and Toy Museum, you’ll experience the touching history and traditions of the Ore Mountains’ miners and their families after the end of mining. How did they become the “Männelmacher”? As you spin your way up a real pyramid, you’ll find yourself immersed in the sparkling collection of Erzgebirge folk art and charming toy designs.
Christmas & Toy Museum
The Christmas and Toy Museum at Scharfenstein Family Castle offers fascinating insights into the lives of the Ore Mountain miners and their families. The exhibition traces the origins of a unique tradition and shows how, over time, the miners became the famous “Männelmacher,” whose artful wooden figures are now known far beyond the region.
Visitors will discover a diverse collection of Erzgebirge folk art and historic toys. Lovingly crafted dollhouses, intricately detailed toy villages, and handmade wooden animals bring bygone eras to life. A special focus is on the unique tire animals, a traditional craft that is still practiced today, primarily in the Ore Mountains. The exhibition vividly combines history, customs, and craftsmanship, bringing the region’s cultural diversity to life.
Starting in summer 2026
Exhibition “In the Land of the Egyptians” starting June 6, 2026
With the special exhibition “Ancient Egypt,” Scharfenstein Family Castle invites visitors starting June 6 to a fascinating journey of discovery into one of the most significant advanced civilizations in human history. Visitors will gain exciting insights into life along the Nile, encounter mysterious pharaohs, and learn fascinating facts about the culture, daily life, and impressive achievements of Ancient Egypt.
This interactive family exhibition combines learning and hands-on experience in a variety of ways. Educational hands-on stations, impressive displays, and exciting puzzles allow guests of all ages to get involved and immerse themselves in the world of Ancient Egypt. The result is an entertaining exhibition experience that brings history to life and invites the whole family to explore.
Authentic Outdoor Adventures
The Medieval Village is the outdoor area of the Family Castle: in the summer, the Middle Ages come back to life here. The aroma of delicious rolls wafts from the wood-fired oven, and on the knight’s obstacle course, the daring can try their hand at archery, jousting, and the balance beam. Hands-on activities like making herbal salt, toys, or lip balm are also high on the list during the adventure days.
Opening times
| Tuesday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00–18:00 |
is
1 hour before closing. We recommend allowing at least 2 hours for your visit.From Easter through October, the castle is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
It is also open on Mondays during the Saxon summer break and on public holidays.
Price:
For pricing information, visit https://www.burg-scharfenstein.de/Public transport
Take the Erzgebirgsbahn from Chemnitz toward Cranzahl. Get off at the Scharfenstein stop. From the train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the castle.Bus routes to Scharfenstein: 217 (Zschopau – Scharfenstein – Wolkenstein), 230 (Drebach – Scharfenstein – Großrückerswalde), or 238 (Zschopau – Scharfenstein – Thum – Ehrenfriedersdorf)
Directions
From Chemnitz, take the B 174 toward Marienberg and Prague. In Zschopau, take the second exit (in the valley) and then turn left and head upstream. After just 5 km, you’ll reach the parking lot by the Zschopau River. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk through the romantic “Gänsewinkel” to the castle.
Parking
You’ll find well-marked parking spaces in the immediate vicinity, at the foot of the castle.Accessible parking spaces are located directly on the castle driveway, halfway up the hill. Alternatively, you can call 03725 70720 to arrange for drop-off and pick-up in the castle courtyard.
Coordinates
Recommendations nearby
On the romantic wild Zschopau Valley hiking route, it goes via Wolkenstein Castle and Scharfenstein Castle to Zschopau, at Wildeck Castle.
We follow the Zschopau River from its source on the Fichtelberg (1200 m) to its confluence with the Freiberger Mulde. Along the way, we encounter ...
Along the Zschopau and Wilisch rivers, you can discover wide views over the river courses and diverse excursion destinations such as Scharfenstein ...
In the footsteps of the Ore Mountain folk hero Karl StülpnerPicturesquely, Scharfenstein Castle rises high above the town of the same name.
The circular tour starts at the foot of Scharfenstein Castle and leads through forests, meadows and villages to the planetarium in Drebach and back ...
Experience Ore Mountain folk art in large and small - the pyramids on the marketplaces of towns and communities and the Christmas exhibitions ...
The motorcycle town of Zschopau cordially invites all bikers to experience the region and the birthplace of Saxon motorcycle construction.
Localization
Scharfenstein Castle
09430 Drebach OT Scharfenstein
Sachsen
+49 37291 3800 https://www.burg-scharfenstein.de E-mail: service@asl-schloesser.de
Varied circular hike following the footsteps of Karl Stülpner, the Robin Hood of the Erzgebirge, from Scharfenstein in the Zschopau valley via ...
The circular tour for sporty families leads mostly through wooded areas and partly along the Zschopautalweg. You should definitely plan time for a ...
The circular tour starts at the foot of Scharfenstein Castle and leads through forests, meadows and villages to the planetarium in Drebach and back ...
The colorful and unique Easter fountains of the Greifenstein region can be admired on the tour in your own car.
Experience Ore Mountain folk art in large and small - the pyramids on the marketplaces of towns and communities and the Christmas exhibitions ...
The route takes you along the romantic Zschopau Valley to the Kellerlochfelsen. It then continues to the Drebach Heights with great views, past ...
From Wildeck Castle to Scharfenstein Castle leads an approximately 7-kilometer-long route along the Zschopau, on which about 147 meters of ...
We follow the Zschopau River from its source on the Fichtelberg (1200 m) to its confluence with the Freiberger Mulde. Along the way, we encounter ...

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