--- title: "Sonnenstein Castle (Pirna)" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/poi/sonnenstein-castle-pirna" description: "Sonnenstein Castle has a long history. First mentioned in 1269, it has been used over the centuries as a castle, a military garrison, a sanatorium, and a state-owned enterprise. After a long period of neglect, the complex underwent extensive renovation and has served as the headquarters of the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains District Office since 2011.The 18th-century bastions and fortifications are now open to the public during events such as the Sculpture Summer. A stroll through the 19th-century terraced gardens is particularly worthwhile. They are open year-round and offer sweeping views of Pirna, the Elbe Valley, and—on a clear day—as far as Dresden.A quiet, striking spot on the castle grounds is the Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial. It provides information about the building’s use as an extermination center during the Nazi era. A permanent exhibition commemorates the victims and brings the historical significance of the site to life.The entrance to the bastions is located on the castle terrace behind the  snack bar." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/1354711/5722eef6607085c8609723d894dde89a917ef2e718917562fc55b8cf2b173ad3/bastions-of-sonnenstein-castle.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Special > Destination.Data Details > Poi" --- Share Sonnenstein Castle (Pirna) ========================== - Palace - Viewpoint/viewing tower - District administration Bastions of Sonnenstein Castle Blick auf eine Stadt mit roten Dächern, einer Kirche mit grünem Turm und bewaldeten Hügeln. Steinerne Treppe zwischen jungen Bäumen, führt zum Schloss Sonnenstein im Hintergrund unter blauem Himmel. Dunkler Gang mit steinernen Wänden und Bögen, schwaches Licht fällt auf den Boden. Bastions of Sonnenstein Castle Historische Stadtansicht mit Gebäuden, einer Festung und einer Landschaft im Hintergrund. Landschaft mit Fluss, Segelbooten, Hügeln und einer Burg im Hintergrund; Menschen stehen am Ufer. A Pirna landmark with a fortress-like character, a memorial site, and a lookout point; today it serves as the seat of the district administration office and is open to the public for guided tours. Sonnenstein Castle has a long history. First mentioned in 1269, it has been used over the centuries as a castle, a military garrison, a sanatorium, and a state-owned enterprise. After a long period of neglect, the complex underwent extensive renovation and has served as the headquarters of the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains District Office since 2011. The 18th-century bastions and fortifications are now open to the public during events such as the Sculpture Summer. A stroll through the 19th-century terraced gardens is particularly worthwhile. They are open year-round and offer sweeping views of Pirna, the Elbe Valley, and—on a clear day—as far as Dresden. A quiet, striking spot on the castle grounds is the Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial. It provides information about the building’s use as an extermination center during the Nazi era. A permanent exhibition commemorates the victims and brings the historical significance of the site to life. The entrance to the bastions is located on the castle terrace behind the snack bar. Read more Good to know ------------ Openings Castle Tours: Every first Friday of the month at 4:00 p.m. (year-round) Private tours available every Wednesday and Friday. Registration required through the Pirna Tourist Service. Terraced gardens and viewpoint: Always open Bastions: Open from May through October as part of the Sculpture Summer Read more Price info Guided tours can be booked through TouristService Pirna. Information on reduced prices: Students and severely disabled persons with proof Read more General information - Parking Available - Bus stop available Eligibility - Suitable for any weather - for Groups - for Class - for individual guests - Suitable for the Elderly Directions & Parking facilities Easily accessible by public transportation. Bus routes: many different ones Bus stop: Landratsamt, Pirna Walking distance: about 2 min Read more Contact person TouristService Pirna **TouristService Pirna** Author Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz e.V.**Sabine Meisel** Organization Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz e.V. License (master data) Sabine Meisel Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz e.V. This content has been partially or completely optimised or created by AI.* Our recommendations ------------------- View on map - Museum/art collection Nearby ------ View on map Contact Schloßhof 2-4 01796 Pirna