Kuckuckstein Castle

Kuckuckstein Castle in Liebstadt in Saxony is located on a rocky outcrop above the Seidewitz river valley at a very favorable location for controlling the trade route from the Elbe valley via the Eastern Ore Mountains to Bohemia.

The castle was first mentioned in 1410 but it was probably built in the second half of the 13th century. It was destroyed during the Dohna feud (dispute between the burgraves of Dohna and the Meißen Margrave William I between 1385–1402). Reconstruction only began in 1453. The castle was built on the foundation walls of the old castle.

During the Thirty Years' War , like many German towns, Liebstadt was often raided by mercenaries. In 1643 the castle was stormed and looted by the Kaiserlich Hatzfeld mercenaries. During the possession of the von Birkholz (verifiable until 1741) the castle was extensively renovated in the Rococo style. In the following years the owners of the castle changed several times.

On September 9, 1813, Napoleon I stayed in the castle after watching the enemy retreat from the heights north of Liebstadt near Borna. His armed forces still had over 400,000 French who camped in and around the city.

Today the castle is in private ownership. Regular public access is therefore not possible. However, guided tours are possible by appointment, and it is also possible to enter the castle during the cultural events that occasionally take place here.

Address
Am Schlossberg 1, Liebstadt, Germany

Established
13th century