Scharfenstein Castle

To make a day of it

Burg Scharfenstein stands in Drebach (Erzgebirgskreis), in Saxony, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 12th century. Adult admission costs 10 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on October 25, 2026.

Scharfenstein Castle stands on a narrow rocky spur overlooking the village of Scharfenstein, near Drebach in the Ore Mountains. Founded around 1250, it remained in the hands of the von Einsiedel family for over four centuries until a major fire in 1921, after which parts of the building were rebuilt in the 1920s under architect Bodo Ebhardt. Its keep now serves as a lookout point over the Zschopau valley, and the castle houses museum displays tracing its long history.

Written from Scharfenstein Castle (Ore Mountains)

What to know

• The castle sits on a rocky spur, so reaching it involves an uphill walk from the village.
• The keep serves as a viewpoint over the Zschopau valley and requires climbing stairs.
• The site is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Saxony.
• The visit centers on museum displays about the castle's history, rebuilt after the 1921 fire.

Practical information

Visit duration

60 min

Wheelchair access

Not accessible

Dogs

Allowed on a lead

Parking

Parking is located at the foot of the castle in the village; car park on the Zschopau, approx. 5 km from Chemnitz

Unfortunately, due to the historic building structure, the exhibitions of Familienburg Scharfenstein are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. There is no accessible toilet.

Where this château is

Drebach · Erzgebirgskreis · Sachsen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Schloßberg 1, 09430 Drebach-Scharfenstein

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+49 37291 3800

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

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Heritage status

Kulturdenkmal in Sachsen

Period of construction

12th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Scharfenstein Castle: how much is admission?

Adult admission is €10. Reduced: €8. Free for: children up to and including six years old accompanied by adults, as well as companions of severely disabled persons (marking B).

Who built Scharfenstein Castle?

The original structure dates from around 1250 and is thought to have been commissioned by the von Waldenburg family, though only the first occupant is confirmed with certainty.

Why was Scharfenstein Castle rebuilt?

A fire on the night of 1 to 2 June 1921 destroyed the residential wing and part of the domestic wing, leading to a partial reconstruction between 1921 and 1923 under architect Bodo Ebhardt.

How long did the von Einsiedel family own the castle?

The family held the castle from 1492 until 1931, close to four and a half centuries.

Can visitors climb the keep at Scharfenstein Castle?

The keep functions as an observation tower and remains open to visitors for views over the surrounding valley.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Land's heritage lists.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q1013852
• Official website

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