Königstein Fortress

Königstein Fortress also known as the Saxon Bastille, is a hilltop fortress near Dresden, in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, above the town of Königstein on the left bank of the River Elbe. It is one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe and the oldest written record of it is from the year 1233. The fortress was used as a refuge in times or war, a hunting lodge, a house of pleasure and during Franco-Prussian War and the two world wars the fortress was also used as a prisoner of war camp.

Adriana Yampey traveled to Saxony, Germany courtesy of Saxony Tourism and Avanti Destinations as part of AFAR’s partnership with The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For additional information on Adriana’s journey, visit www.ustoa.com/traveltogether and follow the USTOA blog.