The Scharfenstein family castle is one of the most impressive excursion destinations in the Ore Mountains and combines medieval history with varied experiences for the whole family. Built around 1250 during the settlement of the Erzgebirge, the castle rises picturesquely above the Zschopau valley and is a place where the legends, myths and traditions of the region come to life.
Castle museum & Karl-Stülpner -800 years of castle history at your fingertips
The castle museum takes you into the legendary world of Karl Stülpner, the Erzgebirge folk hero who was always one step ahead of the nobility as a gamekeeper, smuggler and survivalist. That is why he is also known as the Robin Hood of the Ore Mountains. Follow in his footsteps and discover almost 800 years of castle history. There are also exciting hands-on exhibitions that you shouldn't miss.
Mining labyrinth
Deep down in the mining labyrinth, you can search for traces of the brave miners' workplace. Crawl, slide, jam, use all your senses to trace the hard work and discover tools, clothing and miner's lamps. Do you dare to climb into a mine cart yourself to collect gems in a digital competition with your friends? In the Christmas and Toy Museum, you can experience the touching history and tradition of miners and their families in the Ore Mountains after the end of mining. How did they become the "Männelmacher"? On a real pyramid, you can take a spin through the sparkling collection of Erzgebirge folk art and lovely play ideas.
Christmas & Toy Museum
The Christmas and Toy Museum at the Scharfenstein Family Castle offers fascinating insights into the lives of Erzgebirge miners and their families. The exhibition tells of the origins of a unique tradition and shows how the miners became the famous "Männelmacher" over the course of time, whose artistic wooden figures are now known far beyond the region.
Visitors discover a diverse collection of Erzgebirge folk art and historical toys. Lovingly designed doll's houses, detailed toy villages and handmade wooden animals bring past times to life. A particular focus is on the unique hoop animals, a traditional craft that is still practiced today, especially in the Ore Mountains. The exhibition vividly combines history, customs and craftsmanship and brings the cultural diversity of the region to life.
From summer 2026
Exhibition "In the land of the Egyptians" from 06.06.2026
With the special exhibition "Ancient Egypt", the Scharfenstein Family Castle invites you on a fascinating journey of discovery into one of the most important advanced civilizations in human history from 6 June. Visitors will gain exciting insights into life on the Nile, meet mysterious pharaohs and learn interesting facts about the culture, everyday life and impressive achievements of Ancient Egypt.
The interactive family exhibition combines knowledge and experience in a varied way. Educational hands-on stations, impressive displays and exciting puzzles allow visitors of all ages to become active themselves 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.
Real outdoor adventures
The medieval village is the outdoor area of the family castle: in summer, the Middle Ages come back to life here. Delicious bread rolls smell from the wood-fired oven and daredevils can try their hand at archery, jousting and the balance beam on the knights' course. Hands-on activities such as making herbal salt, toys or lip balm are also at the top of the list on the adventure days.
