Castles and Fortresses Route between Scharfenstein and Frauenstein

From Olbernhau Saigerhütte (UNESCO World Heritage Site component) we travel through the splendid Natzschung Valley (border stream) via Rübenau to Kühnhaide. The B174 is crossed and the route continues via Steinbach, Niederschmiedeberg and Wiesenbad to Wolkenstein. At the confluence of the Zschopau and Preßnitz rivers, Wolkenstein Castle sits on a rocky spur. Through the Zschopau valley, one reaches the town of Zschopau with Wildeck Castle. There is a noteworthy exhibition there on the history of motorcycle manufacturing in the town. The next destination is Augustusburg. When the Saxon Elector August had Augustusburg Castle built from 1568 to 1572, the location was well chosen. The hunting and pleasure palace rose prominently on a 516 m high quartz porphyry cone above the Zschopau valley. Augustusburg houses an important motorcycle museum and a natural history museum. Via Eppendorf, Großhartmannsdorf and Lichtenstein, you reach the Frauenstein castle ruins. The journey continues via Rechenberg-Bienmühle and the Rauschenbach reservoir to Neuhausen to Purschenstein Castle. Purschenstein once burned down and today accommodates a first-class hotel. The von Schönberg family originally owned the castle. Via Sayda you reach Pfaffroda with its castle. The Schönbergs have taken it back, and a forestry school with hotel and catering is planned there. Lastly, Pfaffroda Castle served as a retirement home. Through the Bielatal valley, you return to Olbernhau, your starting point.