Burg Lilienstein, Castle ruin on the Lilienstein in Saxon Switzerland, Germany

Burg Lilienstein is a ruined hilltop castle on the 415-metre Lilienstein above Bad Schandau. Excavations in 1894 exposed a walled enclosure 38.5 metres long and up to 26 metres wide, with walls up to 1.6 metres thick. Today, few wall remains of former rooms survive near the southern ascent, and beam recesses are visible at the northern ascent.

The castle received its first written mention in 1379 and was controlled by Bohemian rulers before passing to the Margraves of Meissen several decades later. This transfer of authority shaped the site's role during the late medieval period.

The site reveals traces of medieval craftsmanship and daily life through objects found during excavations over the years. Visitors can sense how people once lived and worked at this elevated location.

The ruins lie on the 415-metre Lilienstein summit; the climb starts from the village of Waltersdorf near Bad Schandau. Wall remnants stand near the south ascent, and beam sockets are visible at the north ascent. The paths are steep and unsecured in places, so sturdy footwear is needed.

The 1894 dig was carried out by the mountain innkeeper of the Lilienstein, not by trained archaeologists. It exposed a walled area 38.5 m long and up to 26 m wide, with walls up to 1.6 m thick. Iron pieces, lance and arrowheads, pottery shards and bone remains were kept for a time in the summit restaurant.