Augustusburg: Castle, Local History and Routes

The following differences can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Getting there and finding your way

The Augustusburg funicular connects Augustusburg and Erdmannsdorf. The ride takes about eight minutes; over a distance of 1,239.8 metres, it climbs 168.06 metres in elevation. Bicycles can be taken on board. Erdmannsdorf and Hennersdorf each have a railway connection on the Zschopau Valley Railway. Timetables, services and rules for taking bicycles may change. Check the latest connections and bicycle transport conditions before you travel.

Castle and collections

Augustusburg Castle was built between 1568 and 1572/73 as a hunting and pleasure palace. The exhibitions in the castle museum cover hunting wildlife, ornithology, the history of hunting and the history of the castle. The Venus Hall features 16th-century murals described as unique in the German-speaking world. The castle church contains a religious painting by Lucas Cranach the Younger, described as being of exceptional historical value for Saxony and beyond. In this way, the exhibition’s history of hunting connects with the castle’s original purpose.

Access conditions are also relevant when planning a visit: the castle courtyard, ticket area, Motorcycle Museum, Hunting Wildlife and Ornithology Museum, Carriage Museum and special exhibition are accessible without barriers. As access arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit. This helps you tailor your visit to the castle to your interests and access requirements.

Townscape and history

St. Petri Town Church and the castle together form a distinctive silhouette. The church dates back to its consecration in 1444 and is also a venue for musical events. Around the market square and Pfarrgasse, plaques on selected houses explain the history of buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The dates provide different points of reference: the consecration points to the church’s history, while the plaques relate to the selected houses and their construction history.

Circular walk and Zschopau Valley Trail

There are different walking options in the area. One circular walk passes the historic old town, the Electress Anna Garden, Augustusburg Castle, St. Petri Town Church, Lotterhof and the funicular. It brings several sights together in one walk. The Zschopau Valley Trail approaches Augustusburg via a serpentine climb past the castle towards the Augustusburg Fountain.

From Augustusburg, the Zschopau Valley Trail continues towards Erdmannsdorf, either by funicular or on foot along the railway line. The two route ideas therefore differ in form: the circular walk passes several named stops, while the Zschopau Valley Trail combines a climb with a continuation towards Erdmannsdorf. Routes and service information may change; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Erdmannsdorf, Mulda/Sachsen, Kriebstein, Wechselburg, Reinsberg, Erlau, Freiberg, Roßwein

Back to the main travel overview: Central Saxony.