Museum Burg Stein

About the museum

Stein Castle lies southeast of Zwickau in the Hartenstein district of Stein, on a rocky bank of the Zwickau Mulde. Its upper castle originally stood on its own and was protected by a water-filled moat. The striking structural changes, including gabled roofs and the caps on the keep, date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The floors of the plain defensive building are still connected by a spiral staircase with fir-wood block steps.

From 1406 the Schönburgs were the feudal lords of the castle, and from 1632 until its expropriation in the land reform of 1945 also its owners. After 1700 a separate Standesherrschaft (mediatized lordship) of Stein formed. In 1996 Prince Alfred of Schönburg-Hartenstein bought back the property that had belonged to his grandfather from the town of Hartenstein; he and his wife had the castle lavishly restored in the following years.

The museum presents the history of the castle and the county of Hartenstein. On display are exhibits on the Saxon Princes' Abduction, an extensive weapons collection, knights' armor, legal antiquities, hunting trophies, and objects illustrating life and everyday culture in the region. Visits are only possible with a guided tour. The castle's knights' hall also hosts weddings and concerts.

Highlights

• Exhibits on the Saxon Princes' Abduction
• Extensive weapons collection
• Knights' armor and legal antiquities
• Hunting trophies and everyday regional history
• Guided tours on the hour

Permanent exhibition

• Museum Burg Stein – Burg und Grafschaft Hartenstein – The exhibition tells the history of Hartenstein Castle and county, with exhibits on the Princes' Abduction, weapons, armor, legal antiquities and hunting trophies.

Director

Susann Gramm

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for one tour guide and the bus driver per tour group, for journalists with a press pass, and for members of the Saxon and German Museums Associations, ICOM and the German Castle Association (Deutsche Burgenvereinigung), each with ID.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is not accessible.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Address: Stein 1, 08118 Hartenstein; tour meeting point at the castle gate.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Knights' hall (approx. 121 m²) with a Bechstein grand piano for weddings from March to October and for concerts; arrangements through the forestry administration or the Hartenstein registry office.

Plan your visit