Berg- und Lusthaus Hoflößnitz

The Berg- und Lusthaus Hoflößnitz stands on a terrace below the steep Elbe slope in Radebeul-Oberlößnitz. Built between 1648 and 1650 as the first major work after the Thirty Years’ War, it served as a summer retreat for the Wettin electors. The plain exterior hides elaborate interior decoration, including eighty ceiling paintings of tropical birds such as peacocks and macaws.

Inside, the building houses the Saxon Viticulture Museum. The ground floor presents the history of Saxon winegrowing, while the upper floor contains the festival hall and the elector’s bedchamber and dressing room. Experts regard these rooms as outstanding examples of 17th-century decoration, with vivid murals covering every surface.

Visitors walk through the cobbled courtyard past the restored wine press and along tree-lined terraces. The surrounding vineyards and gardens form part of a protected landscape known as the Historic Vineyard Landscape of Radebeul. Paths lead uphill to the Golden Wagon vineyard and down to the Knohllweg gate, offering views over the valley.