Museum Burg Posterstein

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The castle was built in the 12th century as one of the small fortifications with which the Hohenstaufen dynasty secured the Pleissenland region; it is first mentioned in a document in 1191. It owes its name to the Puster family, who acquired it in the 15th century. From 1528 the lords of Pflugk converted the medieval complex into a Renaissance residence. Between 1684 and 1701 it was given a half-timbered upper story and a Baroque staircase, and in 1689 the neighboring church received its richly carved interior.

After the land reform, the north wing was demolished in 1951. A year later the district set up a museum of cultural history in the castle, which had to close in 1977 due to structural damage. Following extensive renovation from 1984 to 1991, the museum has reopened; the north wing is currently being rebuilt.

The exhibitions tell the cultural history of the Altenburger Land through personalities and events – from Barbarossa's knights and the Pflugk family to minister Hans Wilhelm von Thümmel, Hans Fallada and the origins of the card game Skat. A focal point is the salon of Duchess Anna Dorothea of Courland in nearby Löbichau, renowned throughout Europe around 1800, whose presentation was redesigned in 2021. The tour includes the dungeon, the courtroom and the 25-meter-high keep; the family exhibition "Die Kinderburg" (The Children's Castle) guides young visitors through the building.

Highlights

• 25-meter-high keep with views over the Altenburger Land
• Castle dungeon and courtroom with a hidden staircase
• Exhibition on the salon of the Duchess of Courland in Löbichau
• Family exhibition "Die Kinderburg"
• Medieval spectacle at Pentecost

Permanent exhibitions

• 800 Jahre Burg- und Regionalgeschichte – Cultural history of the Altenburger Land told through personalities and events, with dungeon, courtroom and keep.
• Europäische Salongeschichte – Exhibition redesigned in 2021 about the salon of the Duchess of Courland in Löbichau and its guests around 1800.
• Die Kinderburg – Family exhibition integrated into the tour, with audio, film and hands-on stations from the dungeon all the way up the tower.

Founded

1952

Operated by

Museumsverein Burg Posterstein e. V.

Director

Klaus Hofmann

Admission & discounts

Group tours: flat rate of €25 plus admission. Events such as the medieval spectacle have their own prices.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Website information in Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) and videos in sign language; texts on the history of the salon also available in Easy Language. The museum does not publish information on wheelchair accessibility of the medieval castle (dungeon, keep).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The family exhibition “Die Kinderburg” runs parallel to the adult exhibition throughout the entire castle; children receive a treasure map and can, for example, try on a knight's helmet and chain mail. Vacation programs during all Thuringian and Saxon school holidays; two children's birthday tours (treasure hunt, detective tour).

Getting there & parking

Take the A 4, exit Ronneburg, and follow the signs on the B 7. Coaches take the Nöbdenitz junction (B 7 toward Altenburg) because of a low railway bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

No museum café; in the village, among others, Café “Zur eisernen Bank” in the manor house (Burgberg 5) and Hotel “Zur Burg.”

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 20 guests.

Civil wedding ceremonies in the historic courtroom for up to 20 people (through the Schmölln registry office).

Plan your visit