Goulash soup bubbling in giant copper cauldrons over an open wood fire. Fine festival punch steaming with heat when poured out into rustic clay mugs. A forge hammer clinking. The historic romantic Christmas market on Königstein fortress focuses entirely on everything that is traditional, authentic and handcrafted. It is the winter highlight in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains; tens of thousands of visitors enjoy this impressive journey through time every year. The fortress, however, situated on a 9.5 ha mountain plateau, is worth a visit in all seasons. Visitors are not only fascinated by the fantastic view from up there but also by numerous exhibitions. The big interactive exhibition "In lapide regis – on the king’s stone” is particularly recommendable. The location of the market on the top of a table mountain high above the Elbe Valley and surrounded by superb cultural heritage is incomparable. It is one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

But there is more to Königstein than the fortress. The town of Königstein, just a few miles off, celebrates the winter season, too. There is an ice skating rink with a panoramic view. And regular guided winter hikes lead through romantic wild valleys and on the tops of mighty table mountains. Even hikes by night and robber cave tours are on the programme. Königstein is simply winter-wonderful!