Schloss Grillenburg: A Saxon Hunting Lodge

Discover Schloss Grillenburg, a historic Saxon hunting lodge nestled in the Tharandt Forest, offering picturesque scenery and a tranquil escape into nature and Saxon history.

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Schloss Grillenburg

Nestled in the heart of the Tharandt Forest, Schloss Grillenburg is a captivating former hunting lodge with origins tracing back to the 12th century. Once a medieval hunting lodge, it evolved into a Biedermeier-style palace in the 19th century. Surrounded by serene ponds and lush greenery, the Schloss offers a tranquil escape. While the interior is currently closed for visits, the exterior architecture and picturesque setting, complete with a charming sandstone bridge, make it a worthwhile destination. Explore the surrounding forest trails, enjoy the idyllic scenery, and imagine the Saxon electors who once sought respite within these historic walls. The nearby Walderlebnis Grillenburg (Forest Experience) offers interactive trails, making it a great destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Schloss Grillenburg

Hauptstraße 7, Tharandt, Grillenburg, 01737, DE
+49352025880
Visit website

Local tips

Explore the Walderlebnis Grillenburg (Forest Experience) trails for an interactive and educational experience about the Tharandt Forest.
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the ponds surrounding the Schloss, taking in the serene atmosphere and picturesque views.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the bathing lake near the Schloss, especially during the warmer months.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Tharandt train station, take bus line 363 towards Klingenberg/Naundorf. Get off at the 'Grillenburg Hauptstraße' stop. From there, it's a short walk to Schloss Grillenburg. A single bus fare costs approximately €2-€4.
Driving

From Tharandt, follow the Hauptstraße (main road) towards Grillenburg. Continue on this road until you see the Schloss on your left, just at the edge of the village. Free parking is available in the village near the Schloss.

Discover more about Schloss Grillenburg

Schloss Grillenburg, a former hunting lodge, sits serenely within the sprawling Tharandt Forest, a landscape that has witnessed centuries of Saxon history and royal pursuits. Located near the spa town of Hartha, this charming Schloss offers visitors a glimpse into the past, even though its interior is currently closed to the public. The history of Grillenburg is deeply intertwined with the Saxon electors, who used the area as a hunting retreat and administrative center. Originally, in the 12th century, the site served as a margravial hunting lodge, a place where rulers could escape the pressures of court and indulge in the pleasures of the hunt. Kaiser Friedrich Barbarossa is said to have used the lodge. The area's strategic location along the Silberstrasse (Silver Road), a vital trade route, added to its importance. However, this early structure was destroyed around 1429/30 during the Hussite Wars, leaving Grillenburg in ruins and largely forgotten. The revival of Grillenburg began in the mid-16th century under Elector Augustus, who recognized the area's potential for both hunting and administration. In 1554, he commissioned the construction of a new hunting lodge, intended to provide a peaceful retreat where he could "banish his cares." This new complex consisted of a "Fürstenhaus" (Prince's House), a "Schösserei" (administrative building), and stables. The location was chosen strategically, as it offered better oversight of the forest and its paths compared to the more remote Tharandt. Over the centuries, Schloss Grillenburg underwent several transformations. In 1730, the sandstone arch bridge was built, providing direct access to the main road. In the years 1855 to 1860, the "Schösserei" was converted into a royal Saxon hunting lodge, receiving the Biedermeier facade that can still be admired today. The surrounding area was further developed, with the construction of a Neo-Renaissance guesthouse, a bowling alley (built in 1937), a gardener's house, and a dog kennel. In 1936, it was reconstructed and named the “Saxon Hunting Lodge.” Then, in 1966, the Technical University of Dresden claimed it, turning it into a place of study for forestry and hunting sciences. Today, the Saxon Foundation for Nature and Environment stands as its guardian, preserving its noble legacy. Many great figures of history have rested within its halls: the delegation of the Warsaw Pact States, including L. Brezhnev, during that fateful meeting of 1968, and none other than Fidel Castro himself in 1972. Today, Schloss Grillenburg is surrounded by a chain of interconnected ponds, remnants of the original moats and fish ponds. The picturesque sandstone bridge, built in 1730, provides access to the Schloss grounds. While the buildings themselves cannot currently be visited internally, the exterior and surrounding landscape offer a tranquil and scenic experience. The Tharandt Forest itself is a major draw, offering numerous hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Walderlebnis Grillenburg (Forest Experience) is particularly popular, with interactive trails that educate visitors about the forest's ecosystem. The nearby bathing lake and gondola rentals provide additional recreational options. Although the interior of Schloss Grillenburg is currently closed, the site remains a worthwhile destination for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature and a glimpse into Saxon history. The combination of the historic Schloss, the serene ponds, and the surrounding forest creates a unique and memorable experience. The village of Grillenburg is also a state-recognized resort, offering green meadows, forest idyll and a long history dating back to before the year 840. Visitors can explore the Walderlebnis Grillenburg, which informs forest visitors about the diverse functions of the forest and offers the opportunity to experience the forest in a different way. On the "Holzweg", young and old hikers can learn a lot about the forest, its trees and the use of wood. On the Bodenlehrpfad, visitors can explore typical soil types with a wide range of ecological site properties. The tour leads through the Tharandt Forest, along the cycle path of the former Wilsdruff narrow-gauge railway network, along a section of the Geo-Wanderpfades

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Schloss Grillenburg: A Saxon Hunting Lodge

A brief summary to Schloss Grillenburg

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Driving

Unlock the Best of Schloss Grillenburg

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Schloss Grillenburg

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Eastern Ore Mountains

Denkmal „Anna Churfürstin von Sachsen“

Statue of Tomyris

Grab von Johann Georg von Sachsen (Chevalier de Saxe)

Postplatz

Künstliche Ruine, Denkmal

Altmarkt 1

Rubble Woman Monument Dresden

Statue of King Johann

Dinglinger-Haus

Statue des Hl. Dominikus

Theaterplatz

Stallhof

Denkmal "Friedrich August dem Gerechten"

Friedrich August II Koenig Von Sachsen

Unmissable attractions to see

geographical center of Saxony

Forstbotanischer Garten Tharandt

Silver mine Freiberg Reiche Zeche

Altes Schienendenkmal

Obermarkt (Upper Market)

Brunnendenkmal: Otto der Reiche

Schloss Freudenstein

Terra mineralia

Mineralogical Collection Germany

Bieberstein Castle

Freibergsdorf Hammer Mill

Dickster Efeu von Sachsen

Salvador-Allende-Denkmal

The Bismarcksäule

Schloss Nossen

Essential places to dine

Gastwirtschaft Stammtisch

Schwerelos – Das Achterbahn-Restaurant

Restaurant brennNessel Dresden

Restaurant finesse

Hickory Dresden – Tapas BBQ & Smokehouse

Aposto Dresden

Wilma Wunder Dresden

Felix Restaurant

HANS IM GLÜCK - DRESDEN Altmarkt

Sophienkeller im Taschenbergpalais

Alte Meister Café & Restaurant

Kastenmeiers

Paulaner´s im Taschenbergpalais

Gänsedieb

Restaurant Platzhirsch am Schlosseck

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Kugelhaus am Wiener Platz

Centrum Galerie Dresden

Primark

LUSH Cosmetics Dresden

Elbenwald

KULT Stores

Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden

Blue Tomato Shop Dresden

EGOIST Frauensache(n)

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

BS Designer Outlet

ONLY

Hollister Co.

10c dresden

BOSS Store Dresden

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

SonderBar

Volt Bar

Shamrock Irish Bar & Restaurant

Bar 1705 - Dresden