Karl-Stülpner-Museum und Ausstellung zur Burggeschichte

About the museum

Scharfenstein Castle above the Zschopau valley was built around 1250 as part of the settlement of the Ore Mountains and was intended above all to secure the routes of silver transports. In 1492 it passed to the Counts of Einsiedel, who held it in family ownership for over 400 years until 1931 and expanded it into a representative seat; the Renaissance portal dates from this period, among other things. After a fire in 1921, the complex was rebuilt according to its historic model.

In the GDR the castle was at times used as a home for young people. After a complete renovation in the 1990s it was opened to visitors and is today operated as a family castle by ASL Schlossbetriebe gGmbH.

The castle museum shows the history of the complex and at the same time tells of the poacher Karl Stülpner, who was born at the foot of the castle in 1762. As a poacher, smuggler and deserter he became a folk hero, known as the Robin Hood of the Ore Mountains. On display are, among other things, ceiling paintings from the 16th century, historic weapons and clothing, and a Stülpner cinema. Since October 5, 2026, the castle museum has been closed for renovation work.

Highlights

• Around 800 years of castle history
• Karl Stülpner, the Robin Hood of the Ore Mountains
• 16th-century ceiling paintings
• Historic weapons and clothing
• Stülpner cinema that visitors can take part in

Permanent exhibition

• Burgmuseum mit Karl Stülpner – Castle history over around 800 years and the life of the Ore Mountains folk hero Karl Stülpner; closed for renovation work since October 5, 2026.

Operated by

ASL Schlossbetriebe gGmbH

Admission & discounts

The day ticket is valid for the castle museums, including the tower and the special exhibition. With the Landesfamilienpass, €1 additional payment for adults; children free. The schlösserlandKARTE is no longer accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibitions are not fully accessible because of the historic building fabric; there are programs that are largely barrier-free. Parking is at the foot of the castle in the village. By arrangement with the visitor service, the castle courtyard may be driven into for dropping off and picking up. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are welcome; dogs are generally to be kept on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Certified family-friendly leisure facility with holiday programs, a changing station, toilet seat adapters, a parent-child lost-and-found office and step stools. Child-friendly explanations and a fairy-tale dice game in the Bücherstübl. Children's birthday parties with a medieval program for children aged 6 to 12. Playground with sandpit and slide about 200 m below the castle, picnic areas in the castle garden.

Getting there & parking

From Chemnitz take the B 174 toward Marienberg, in Zschopau take the second exit (in the valley) and drive left upstream; after about 5 km you reach the car park. From Scharfenstein station it is about 10 minutes on foot up the castle hill.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Bistro Stülpner Schenke with castle shop (summer Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00, from November Saturday and Sunday 10:00–16:00). Lockers at the entrance to the castle museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Function hall on the third floor (reached via the historic staircase), castle courtyard and castle garden; bookable year-round, offers on request.

Plan your visit