Lohmen Steenbrecherfest 2026

Sandstone Breakers — Lohmen's Identity

Lohmen is located in the southern Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge, about 10 kilometers north of Pirna, nestled among the sandstone formations that give Saxon Switzerland its name. The Lohmen Sandstone — also called "Cottaer Sandstone" or "Posta Sandstone" — has been quarried here since the Middle Ages. Many famous buildings in Saxony — including parts of Dresden's Frauenkirche, the Semperoper, and the Brühl's Terrace — are made of Lohmen sandstone. The Steenbrecher (stone breakers) were the men who broke blocks of rock from the cliffs in the quarries — hard, dangerous, often underpaid work that shaped entire generations of Lohmen's residents.

Stonemason Demonstrations and Mosaic Workshops

On the weekend of September 11-13, 2026, the Steenbrecherfest commemorates this tradition. In the historic village center between the church and the castle, stonemasons set up their mobile workshops and demonstrate their craft techniques live — from traditional pointing and dressing to modern setting with hammer and chisel. Visitors can try their hand: small mosaics can be created at the mosaic stations and taken home.

Stages, Music, and Bowling

Over the three days, a diverse stage program unfolds with cover bands, Schlager artists, cabaret, and family entertainment. A specialty: the Lohmen Steenbrecher Bowling with historic wooden balls and pins — a nod to Saxony's tradition of bowling alleys. Vendors offer sandstone products, jewelry with embedded Lohmen stone, sandstone sculptures, regional food products, and handicrafts. Children will find bouncy castles, face painting, and craft activities.

Stonemason Parade on Sunday

The highlight is the Stonemason Parade on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Floats with historical stonemason scenes, costumed participants in 19th-century Lohmen craft attire, music groups, and associations march from Lohmen train station through the village to the parking deck at the castle. The parade showcases the history of Lohmen's stonemason tradition in living pictures.

Lohmen and Saxon Switzerland

Lohmen is a starting point for hikes into Saxon Switzerland — the Uttewalder Grund with its rock gate, the Wehlener Grund, and the famous Bastei ascent are nearby. Visitors to the Steenbrecherfest should plan an extra day for a hike.