Originally established in 1282, Schwarzenberg is a historic mining town in the Ore Mountains of Saxony. Its name translates as “black mountain” after the dark-coloured rock on which it is built. Schwarzenberg became part of East Germany in 1949 and garnered a reputation as the leading producer of washing machines in Eastern Europe.
Things to do in Schwarzenberg
Dominating the townscape is Schloss Schwarzenberg, a whitewashed castle originally founded in the 12th century as a fort. In the 16th century, it was transformed into a hunting lodge for the Electorate of Saxony, with its keep added in the 1850s. Today, the castle complex includes an immersive museum filled with carvings, ironwork and lace, as well as the elegant St. George’s Church.
Forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed mining region of the Ore Mountains is Erlahammer Manor, which is a testament to the importance of iron production in the region. It houses interactive and hands-on exhibits about “Saxony’s largest ironstone treasure”. In addition to the manor house, the complex includes a U-shaped half-timbered building and a leafy courtyard.
Want to learn more? Jump aboard the mine train that leads into the Tin Chambers Pöhla, which was first opened in 1967 more than 3,000 metres inside the mountain. It offers a fascinating insight into the mining of uranium ore in times gone by, complete with a hearty miners' meal at the end. Live music concerts are occasionally held within the mine’s huge chambers.
Getting around Schwarzenberg
Schwarzenberg is around 40 minutes’ drive from Zwickau and 1.5 hours from Dresden Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to the Schwarzenberg railway station and buses travel throughout the town, connecting most of its attractions. The centre of Schwarzenberg can easily be explored on foot.