Sights in Schwarzenberg: Castle, Old Town & More
Castle, the Baroque St.-Georgen-Kirche, a picturesque old town and UNESCO World Heritage: the most beautiful sights in Schwarzenberg in the Erzgebirge.
Schwarzenberg bears its epithet for good reason: as the „Pearl of the Erzgebirge“, the town welcomes its guests with a listed old town, a castle enthroned above the rooftops and a history reaching back more than 850 years. Anyone exploring the Erzgebirge will find a destination here that combines culture, mining heritage and leisurely strolling within a compact area. We at the Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn take you along to the most beautiful sights – and reveal why a visit is so rewarding.
Schloss Schwarzenberg – the landmark above the town
High above the Schwarzwasser river, the story of the castle began as early as around the year 1150: two watchtowers were erected on a rocky spur to protect the trade routes to Bohemia. From these origins, today’s castle complex developed over the centuries. The lower part of the keep still dates from the 12th century – a stone witness of the past that makes the town’s long history tangible.
The complex took a decisive turn in the middle of the 16th century: Elector August of Saxony had the fortress converted into a hunting lodge between 1555 and 1558. Those who climb the tower today are rewarded with a sweeping view over Schwarzenberg – a worthwhile moment for everyone who wishes to experience the Erzgebirge from above.
Museum Perla Castrum – history you can touch
Inside the castle, the Museum Perla Castrum invites you on a journey through regional history. Spread across roughly 700 square metres of exhibition space over several floors and all the way up into the tower, it tells of the development of town and region. The themes range from the processing of iron and tin to mining, and on to the artful craft of carving and the delicate bobbin lace – craft traditions that shape the Erzgebirge to this day.
In this way, ancient walls and living cultural history come together in a single place. For families, those interested in culture and anyone who truly wishes to understand the Erzgebirge, Perla Castrum is an ideal starting point.
St.-Georgen-Kirche – Baroque architecture of supra-regional standing
Together with the castle, the St.-Georgen-Kirche forms the landmark of Schwarzenberg. The Evangelical-Lutheran Baroque church was built to plans by Johann Georg Roth from Lößnitz: the foundation stone was laid on 6 May 1690, and the consecration followed on 22 October 1699.
Particularly remarkable is the free-spanning wooden ceiling of the hall church. With a clear interior measurement of 34 × 18 metres, its artful construction earned it supra-regional renown – a sight that impresses every visitor. Another gem is the Baroque altar railing from 1721, created by Zacharias Georgi of Schwarzenberg. Experiencing castle and church so close to one another is what gives the historic town centre its special charm.
The Old Town – strolling through picturesque lanes
Schwarzenberg looks back on a history of more than 850 years, and you sense it especially in the listed old town. Picturesque lanes, lovingly maintained houses and inviting shops make the historic core a place where you happily linger. Whether for a relaxed stroll through town, a little stop for refreshment or simply to enjoy the special atmosphere – the old town invites you to explore. From here, castle and church are easily reached on foot, so that all the landmarks combine into one harmonious tour.
UNESCO World Heritage Montanregion Erzgebirge
Schwarzenberg is deeply rooted in the mining history of the region – and this enjoys worldwide recognition today. On 6 July 2019, UNESCO named the Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří a World Heritage Site. It comprises 22 components, 17 of them on the Saxon side and 5 on the Czech side.
Schwarzenberg, too, is part of this heritage: the Rother Berg mining landscape, which stands for iron ore mining and the red iron ore extracted since the middle of the 13th century, is an official component of the World Heritage. Schloss Schwarzenberg is among the associated objects. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the fascinating mining past of the region will find further inspiration in our Erzgebirge guide.
A piece of remarkable contemporary history
Schwarzenberg also has a unique chapter of recent history to tell: the so-called „Free Republic of Schwarzenberg“ refers to an area in the Saxon Erzgebirge that remained unoccupied for 42 days after the surrender of the Wehrmacht on 8 May 1945. To this day, this extraordinary episode is among the stories that make Schwarzenberg so unmistakable.
Your starting point for discoveries
Whether historic landmarks, cultural heritage or a leisurely stroll through town – Schwarzenberg has something to offer for every taste. From the Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn, set in a quiet hillside location at around 670 metres above sea level in the Bermsgrün district, you are only a few kilometres from the town centre. Hiking and cycling trails begin right at the house, and after a day full of impressions, our indoor pool, the Finnish sauna and the wellness area await those who love to indulge.
In this way, an excursion into the „Pearl of the Erzgebirge“ can be wonderfully combined with restful hours. We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel – and to offering you the perfect starting point for your discoveries around Schwarzenberg.