Moritzburg's Main Sights and Attractions

The origins of Moritzburg Castle can be traced back to a 16th-century hunting lodge, which was later expanded into a country palace by Augustus the Strong in the 18th century. The Baroque palace stands on an artificial island, surrounded by the waters of the castle lake. It is accessed via a small bridge, which connects the castle complex with a vast, stylishly landscaped park to the north.

Some 2 kilometres to the east, but still within sight of Moritzburg Castle, we come across the much smaller, but no less attractive Pheasant Lodge. Commissioned by the House of Wettin, it was built in the Rococo style with Baroque elements at the end of the 17th century and took its name from the surrounding pheasantry. In the immediate vicinity of the lodge, which can be visited with a guided tour, a landscape dominated by lakes and forests – and even a lighthouse – invites visitors to stay and wander.

Saxony’s sole lighthouse was built in the late 18th century as part of the backdrop for the re-enactment of naval battles and is the only lighthouse in Germany which was built purely for such purposes. It stands at the end of a 50-metre long jetty, next to an artificial harbour, just 200 metres from the Pheasant Lodge.