Not to be confused with a Thai beer of the same name, Mittweida is a 1000 year old town in the German state of Saxony.
Sure, through the centuries of the Middle Ages and even into the 20th century the town also had a dark sinister side as it was once home to a subcamp of the Flossenberg Concentration Camp. Today, though, it is a charming academic town with a 19th century historical university with over 5000 students.
Mittweida and the surrounding municipalities that make up the area are home to a few historical castles.
One being the Burg Kriebstein, built in 1384 on the Zschopau River. There are plenty of period rooms with the original furniture. Most notable are the wall paintings in the castle’s chapel, as well as the castle’s Hunting Room, Knights’ Hall, and has its very own treasure vault! This 600 year old castle was recently renovated and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Saxony.
The Schloss Rochsburg, which somehow translates to the “smelling castle,” dates to the late 12th century (1170). The Schloss Rochsburg is an impressive Romanesque building with a medieval chapel and monastery church.
The Schloss Rochlitz on the River Mulde is an ornate castle with two massive imposing towers, called jupem. Built a thousand years ago the Schloss Rochlitz, while foreboding, is an art lovers delight from the Romanesque to Renaissance periods.
Here you’ll be able to see what cooking was like in medieval times in the 14th century kitchen, or imagine life in a Middle Ages dungeon. You might feel like you can see forever when you climb the castle’s towers some 34 meters high!
Another way to have an aerial view of the town is to take one of the many hot air balloon rides available.
Also, now with the renewal of the Berlin – Mittweida Rail Line, the Vogtland Express, getting here is even easier. Once you’re here, a boat ride on the Kriebstein dam (a.k.a. Talsperre Kriebstein) or one of the little mining trains will only just enhance your trip to this scenic village.
