Night of the Castles Lichtenstein

Night of the Castles — Where Lichtenstein Tells History

Lichtenstein Castle, located on the edge of the Ore Mountains in the Zwickau district, is one of Saxony's lesser-known but most densely packed castle complexes. The grounds include the castle, castle gardens, the striking Daetz Centre (international wood sculpture collection), and the underground passages — a labyrinth of vaults that testifies to the mining tradition running beneath the castle. Once a year, the "Night of the Castles" combines all these elements into a cohesive experience.

The concept comes from the local historical society and is deliberately accessible: instead of a high-priced production with professional actors, the festival relies on associations, regional reenactment groups, and the voluntary commitment of Lichtenstein's residents. Knights in armor joust in the late afternoon, musicians roam the grounds, and a children's knight school offers interactive stations for the little ones. The guided tours through the underground passages are a recurring highlight — advance booking recommended.

Daetz Centre as Part of the Festival

Special exhibitions are accessible at the Daetz Centre, which belongs directly to the castle ensemble, during the festival. The collection — one of the world's most extensive on international wood sculpture — provides a counterpoint to the historical reenactment at the "Night of the Castles": modern art here, reenactment there, both united on one site.

Lichtenstein and the Zwickau District

Lichtenstein/Saxony is situated at the transition between the Ore Mountain foothills and the Western Ore Mountains, east of Zwickau. The town is small, but the castle grounds are known far beyond the region. Visitors to the "Night of the Castles" can combine their stay with a day at the Daetz Centre or a hike in the nearby Stein-Sachsen-Park.