A Pirna landmark with a fortress-like character, a memorial site, and a lookout point; today it serves as the seat of the district administration office and is open to the public for guided tours.
Sonnenstein Castle has a long history. First mentioned in 1269, it has been used over the centuries as a castle, a military garrison, a sanatorium, and a state-owned enterprise. After a long period of neglect, the complex underwent extensive renovation and has served as the headquarters of the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains District Office since 2011.
The 18th-century bastions and fortifications are now open to the public during events such as the Sculpture Summer. A stroll through the 19th-century terraced gardens is particularly worthwhile. They are open year-round and offer sweeping views of Pirna, the Elbe Valley, and—on a clear day—as far as Dresden.
A quiet, striking spot on the castle grounds is the Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial. It provides information about the building’s use as an extermination center during the Nazi era. A permanent exhibition commemorates the victims and brings the historical significance of the site to life.
The entrance to the bastions is located on the castle terrace behind the snack bar.
