The largest almost completely preserved castle in the Saxon Vogtland, with a cultural history museum, natural history collection and historic council chamber.
September 27, 2026 – March 28, 2027
For decades, 274 plaster mushroom models made by the Arnoldi company lay in the attic; after researching them, the museum now shows the second largest collection of its kind in Germany. Included in museum admission.
The origins of Burg Mylau go back to the Middle Ages; the 27-meter-high keep and two square towers date from this period. The written record begins in 1212 with the first mention of Mylau. As a fortification, the castle was an administrative center during the settlement of the region; in 1367 Emperor Charles IV visited the castle and granted the town its charter.
From the 15th century, the castle was home to noble families such as the von Metzsch family – including Joseph Lewin von Metzsch, a supporter of the Reformation and friend of Luther – and later the von Schönberg, von Bose and von Planitz families, followed by middle-class owners. Around 1800 it ceased to be used as a residence; a cotton-spinning mill followed and, from 1868 to 1894, a calico and wool printing works. In 1892 the town took over the complex, a castle building association had it restored in the historicist style by 1908, and from 1896 it served as the town hall.
The museum goes back to the Mylau natural history society, founded in 1876, which moved into the castle with its collections in 1893. Its natural history, mineralogical and ethnological holdings grew into a wide-ranging local history museum, which was merged with the Museum Reichenbach in 1956 to form the district museum. After 1990 it passed to the town of Mylau, and since 2010 the association futurum vogtland e. V. has run it.
Under the association, the upper castle was restored for the museum and the permanent exhibition was renewed in 2014; a community center followed in 2021. The collection comprises around 120,000 objects, including a collection of 274 plaster mushroom models made by the Arnoldi company, exhibited for the first time in 2026 and the second largest of its kind in Germany.
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €9Eligible visitors with proof (eligible groups not specified on the website; details in the museum's usage and fee regulations) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Children and teens up to and including age 16 free. |
| Seniors | –No separate senior discount listed. |
| Families | –No family ticket listed; children up to age 16 are admitted free. |
Guided tours €5 per person plus a tour fee per group (€40 during, €80 outside opening hours). School classes from €1 per student depending on the program. Special exhibitions are included in museum admission.
Because of its many stairs, the museum in the medieval castle is not fully accessible; part of it can be reached with a stair climber (please register in advance). Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are on the castle grounds, not in the museum. Two accessible parking spaces to the left in front of the castle gate. For visitors with visual or hearing impairments, the museum arranges assistance on request.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
|---|
Children's and family projects such as the drawing expedition "Das Bestiarium der Burg Mylau", "Tierisch was los!" or "Monster auf der Burg?".
Train to Reichenbach (Vogtl) Oberer Bahnhof, then by bus (stops directly in front of the station building) to Mylau
Parking available
No parking directly at the castle; parking at the foot of the castle hill (Markt, by the church, Burgstraße, Friedenshain). Two accessible parking spaces to the left in front of the castle gate.
By car via the B173 or from the A72 (exit Reichenbach) via the B94 toward Greiz/Auerbach/Rodewisch.
Get directionsThe museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Up to 99 guests.
Council chamber (up to 99 people) for weddings, banquets, company parties, conferences and concerts; castle chapel (bridal couple plus 12 guests) for civil weddings; community center with gallery for smaller meetings during museum opening hours.
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours individually by arrangement; school classes can book overview tours or curriculum-based programs (e.g., the Middle Ages, animals in art, calculating the weight of the tower). The castle lies on the Kulturweg der Vögte and on the Via Imperii route of the Way of St. James. |
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