Augustusburg, located within the district of Mittelsachsen, is a small town within the free state of Sachsen or Saxony is further situated 12 kilometres in the east of Chemnitz. The town is divided in five small town quarters:
- Augustusburg
- Erdmannsdorf
- Grünberg
- Hennersdorf
Furthermore, the district of Mittelsachsen is situated within the Free State of Saxony in the Ore Mountains or Erzgebirge which is approximately located 5 kilometres in the east of Flöha, from Freiberg the town is further 20 kilometres in the south-west direction and about 9 kilometres in the north from Zschopau. The town of Augustusburg is further situated on the ridge which is a result of the confluence between: Zschopau and the Flöha rivers. Almost throughout the circumference of the town you can find forested regions. At the height of 516 metres from the sea level, which is also the highest point of the town, you can find the Schellenberg – upon which you will find the grand Schloss Augustusburg or the Augustusburg Castle. The town is quite small with a modest spread of 23.4 square kilometres.
History
Records have shown that the first settlements in the region came about in the year 1206. At that time it was the Schellenberg Castle or as it is today known: Augustusburg Castle, under whose patronage the incoming population survived. Schellenberg Castle is also regarded as the forerunner of what is today known as the Hunting lodge Augustusburg. Its predecessor had undergone several transformations, primarily between 1528 and 1547 due to the many fires that had consumed the initial structures. At that time Margrave August I Hieronymus Lotter was appointed for the construction of the new buildings. The new building was reconstructed in a manner so that it would resemble a pleasure palace wherein the nobility could reside for hunting purposes. Within the castle grounds the castle Linde, a variety of a tree was planted. Furthermore, this tree belongs to the specie of the common lime and was planted in the year 1421. Also, this tree is one of the oldest trees that can be found in the region which is meant to demonstrate significant practical terms. This tree boasts of a circumference which spans over 8 metres and is regarded as a natural monument. The German Tree Archive recognises the tree to be of national importance. Its basis of categorisation is based on the primary basis of its girth at a height of one metre from the ground. As far as the present form of the tree is concerned it has achieved its shape and countenance due to centuries of weathering and human intervention. When the tree achieved its full form by the year 1549 its branches were twisted and turned to resemble the shape of a lime. One can find enough documentation concerning the tree within the historical records. The Linde is located on the site of the Hunting Lodge Augustusburg on the north eastern corner of this particular site. Surrounding the tree is a wooden railing which is meant for its protection.
Over the years the trunk of the tree had burst several times and today it can be observed in three different parts. Also, the entire length of the tree is a little over 4 metres and its crown measures a spread of 17 metres. Furthermore, because of this massive spread some of the branches had to be supported using stones and/or wooden pillars. To reduce the pressure on the branches the tree undergoes frequent trimmings. Today, the tree stands tall at the age of 595 years along with an intriguing legend. The Linde is said to have been uprooted and planted upside down by a certain individual who was accused of murder. In desperation he went on to claim his innocence and decreed that if the roots of the Linde sprout roots then his innocence would be proved. This is what in-fact happened on the day of his execution. As it happened the town was amazed and the defendant was granted life and liberty.
There are many such legends which surround the existence of the castle. Moreover, as fa as the nomenclature of the castle itself is concerned, it was changed from Schellenberg to Augustusburg in the year 1590. Since then, the name Augustusburg caught on and the town also became a major tourist attraction. Certain landmarks also underwent reconstruction after the Nazi era had passed.
The Augustusburg castle has a motorcycle museum, a carriage museum and another very unique museum for Jagdtier and ornithology. Other than these there is an intricate Fountain House and a Town Gallery. Tourists can undertake a tour of the entire castle on their own or hire tour guides who are usually German speaking but for other languages one will have to submit special requests. Right next to the Castle compound is the Protestant church: St. Petri.
Some of the major personalities from history who have called Augustusburg as home are listed below:
- Hans Heinrich Graf von Könneritz (1790-1863): He was a prominent diplomat and landowner.
- Richard Earl of Könneritz (1828-1910): A famous politician, diplomat and landowner along with being the President of the First Chamber of the Saxon parliament.
- Julius Gensel (1835-1916): A lawyer and politician.
- Gustav Wilhelm Theodor Spindler (1859-1928): He was the representative of near-natural forest management in the Saxon Erzgebirge.
- Hans Heinrich Freiherr von Könneritz (1864-1924): The famous politician and MP.
- Walter Barthel (1931-2003): One of the most important journalist of his time and the founder of numerous political movements.
- Hellmuth Krumbiegel, Schlosswirt (1891-1980): He holds a significant position within the towns history because in the year 1945 he risked his life and avoided the demolition of two towers of Augustusburg.
The surrounding region of Augustusburg (Sachsen) is primarily covered by forests and dominated by the famous holiday mountains. It is also otherwise known as the region of the Ore Mountains which were named so because of the silver ore mining which has been going on here centuries. Today, tourists can come and visit the many mines and copper works along with the numerous museums and historic installations. Another matter of intrigue could be the Silver Trail holiday route. This route exists between Dresden and Zwickau. It is particularly going to be fascinating for those who are history buffs. Furthermore, the Ore Mountains are also famous for the world renowned Ore Mountain woodcarving tradition. It is estimated that for over 300 years traditional nutcrackers, incense burners in the shape of little men, flying buttresses and pyramids have been handcrafted here. Tourists frequently visit the larger workshops which also allow general people to try their hands at woodcarving. Another site of must visit is the Scharfenstein Castle. It is a medieval castle wherein you will find magnificent exhibitions related to Erz Mountain crafts.