Karl May (1842-1912), the creator of immortal novel heroes such as Winnetou, the brave and noble Apache chief, and his blood brother Old Shatterhand, is one of the most famous and best-selling German writers of all time with about 200 million copies worldwide.
He is best known for his adventure novels set in the American Old West and in the Orient and Middle East. His works have been translated into more than 45 languages.
Our Karl May Museum was established in Karl May’s former home where our visitors can explore his eventful life and literary work, and immerse themselves in the adventurous world of the author from Saxony. May himself had “Villa Shatterhand” fitted to the façade in golden lettering, as if to visibly announce to all visitors: this is where the famous author and world traveller Dr Karl May lives.
The over 90-year-old Villa Bärenfett log cabin houses a collection on the cultural and historical living environments of the indigenous population of North America that is unique in Europe. Karl May’s widow Klara had it built as an illustration of May’s work.
We look forward to your visit!