Cannon thunder over the Elbe valley, Königstein Fortress (Saxony)

Numerous uniformed gunners and historical figures will bring history to life when the guns speak at Königstein Fortress on 29 August 2026.

The gunners bring detailed replicas of historical guns from the 15th to 19th centuries into position on the ring wall and carry out artillery manoeuvres several times a day. They give an impressive demonstration of how firing with black powder worked until the end of the 19th century.

The shots (without cannonballs) shake the fortress plateau and the loud thunder of the cannon echoes far across the Elbe valley. Gunpowder vapour and billows of smoke envelop the actors - an impressive scenario, but also one of the major disadvantages of black powder, which was replaced by smokeless powder around 1880 - 1900. After the 20-minute firing demonstrations, the gunners are happy to explain how the cannons work at close quarters.

When the cannoneers return from manoeuvres to their camps on the parade ground, at the gun magazine and at the old armoury, they cook over an open fire and eat together. Soldiers carry out military drills and exercises to practise discipline, coordination and reacting quickly to orders. Weapons are cleaned and repaired. Numerous historical figures walk on the fortress plateau and give the impression of travelling through the eras of history.

Admission: The Cannon Thunder over the Elbe Valley event is included in the normal admission price for Königstein Fortress.

Further information: Website Königstein Fortress (Saxony)

Königstein Fortress is one of the most interesting mountain fortresses in Europe and is one of the most important sights in Saxony. Nestled in the bizarre rocky landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the once impregnable fortress towers 247 metres above the Elbe valley, visible from afar. With its unique ensemble of more than 50 imposing buildings from different eras and almost 800 years of history told in various exhibitions, the 9.5-hectare rocky plateau is a magnet for hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.