Well-preserved medieval fortification near Zwickau with a museum, a climbable keep and a castle chapel.
October 21, 2026 – April 11, 2027
The exhibition shows excerpts from a village chronicle of 31 volumes (1983 to 2012) by the former headteacher Erika Kötzsch and sheds light on GDR historical politics and on the change in rural areas around 1989/90.
Schönfels was built around 1200 during the high medieval colonization under Emperor Frederick I, and was the administrative center of a clearing lordship in the border area between Pleissenland and Vogtland. In the 13th century the castle and lordship came under the rule of the Vögte (advocates). In 1349 the castle appears in the fief register of the Margrave of Meissen, and in 1398 it finally fell to the Wettins. They incorporated Schönfels into the later Zwickau district office and appointed changing noble families as local lords.
The von Weißenbach family, who occupied the castle from 1459 to 1586, largely shaped its present appearance with their alterations around 1500. The complex consists of a surrounding rampart and moat, the outer ward, the lower castle and the main castle with its keep. Because it has remained so intact, it is considered one of the most impressive castles in Saxony.
Since the museum opened in 1975, the historic rooms can be visited and the keep climbed. The castle chapel is accessible only on guided tours. The museum is run by the municipality of Lichtentanne; concerts, markets and museum education programs also take place at the castle.
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children and young people aged 7 to 18, schoolchildren, students, people with at least a 50% severe disability, holders of the Zwickau district social pass, the Saxon Honorary Volunteer Card or the German Museums Association Museum Pass (each with proof) |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 6 · Children and young people aged 7 to 18 pay the reduced rate. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3companion free · Reduction for people with at least a 50% severe disability, with proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €3 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €4 per personGroups of 15 or more paying visitors: €2.50 per person at the reduced rate. |
| Families | €142 adults and 2 children/young people aged 7 to 18. |
| Museum tour (groups of 5 or more, by registration) | €8Reduced €6, family ticket €26; groups of 15 or more paying visitors €7 or €4 per person, respectively. |
| Photo permit (private, no flash) | €2 |
Free admission for school classes from the municipality of Lichtentanne. Commercial photography only with special permission.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €14 · 2 adults and 2 children/young people aged 7 to 18. |
Chain mail to try on, dungeon and creaking staircase in the keep; for kindergartens, schools and youth groups there are castle rallies, medieval cooking and further projects.
Parking available
Visitor parking on Burgstraße.
Address: Burgstraße 34, 08115 Lichtentanne.
Get directionsRestaurant right at the castle.
Knights' hall (125 m²) for conferences, seminars and events; civil weddings in the castle chapel.
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Private use without flash with a photo permit (€2); commercial use only with permission. |
| Good to know | Group tours of 5 to 25 people by prior registration only, at least three weeks in advance; larger groups are split. Audio guide through the free Hearonymus app (location "Burg Schönfels"). |
