Hohnstein, at the edge of the "Saxon Switzerland", is embedded in the unique beauty of the forest, rock and river landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
The picturesque town of Hohnstein is situated on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, and is renowned for its castle and Punch the puppet. The castle town of Hohnstein is situated on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, set amidst the unique beauty of the woodland, rocky and river landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Hohnstein and the district of Rathewalde have been officially recognised as health resorts featuring a range of tourist attractions for over 30 years.
Hohnstein castle is the symbol of the town and is the main attraction for many visitors. Timber houses dating back to the 18th and 19th century shape the townscape at the foot of the castle. The town hall is the oldest timber building in the town. Hohnstein parish church is also worth a visit. After it fell victim to a devastating fire in 1724 and was rebuilt in line with the plans of the builder of the Dresden Frauenkirche, George Bähr, it became one of the most stunning baroque churches in Saxony, and remains so to this day.
The picturesque town is also renowned for its puppet shows. The puppet master Max Jacob invented the Punch puppet, as we know it to this day. He was also the man who made modern puppetry from Hohnstein castle, and later in a specially built puppet theatre, famous around the world. Evidence of this art can still be found in various venues in Hohnstein: A traditional club presents puppet shows in the puppet theatre; hand puppets from various decades can be viewed at the tourist information office; and the Puppet Festival also takes place in the town each year.