Castles and Germany go hand in hand. Fun reality, Germany has over 20,000 castles – starting from renaissance fortress fashion to dramatic castles that appear to be they might be straight out of a fairy story. The nation has a few of the most castles on the planet. During the Middle Ages, Germany was cut up into countless little states, and castles grew to become constructed as strongholds and defensive bases for every territory. Now, you possibly can go to castles in Germany in and round most cities, and seeing any citadel is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys when visiting Germany.
Top Castles in Germany
With so many castles in Germany, which do you have to select to go to? This information will cowl the perfect castles in Germany. From the famed Neuschwanstein citadel to the smaller Marburg Castle, these are probably the most unimaginable castles in your journey to Germany.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is without doubt one of the most visited castles in Germany. The dramatic turreted citadel dates again to the Nineteenth century and is famed for its lovely look and setting. While it’s situated in Bavaria, simply outdoors the city of Fussen, it has a rural backdrop. Neuschwanstein Castle backs onto Ammergebirge nature reserve. The citadel appears like it’s floating above the encompassing forest. It is beautiful in autumn when the leaves flip orange and brown.
To go to Neuschwanstein Castle you enter on a citadel tour the place you might be directed by an audio tour. The tour whisks you across the citadel complicated, offering perception into the historical past of every room. Neuschwanstein Castle has one of the partaking guided excursions of all of the castles in Germany. Because it’s such a well-known citadel, lots has been invested in its tourism infrastructure.
The historical past of Neuschwanstein Castle is equally fascinating. The citadel was constructed by the ‘fairy tale king’ Ludwig II of Bavaria as a spot to retreat from the fashionable world. Sadly for Ludwig II, he died earlier than Neuschwanstein Castle was accomplished. But the citadel nonetheless symbolizes an escape right into a fantasy world – therefore its nickname, the fairy story citadel.
The fairy story look and story behind Neuschwanstein Castle is the rationale we’ve included it in our information. Besides, as one of the well-known castles in Germany, it’s the excellent addition to your itinerary. Remember to take a look at a few of the finest issues to do in Bavaria once you go to, and in case you are staying in Munich, check out this Neuschwanstein day journey.
- Opening Times: 9 am – 6 pm
- Entry Fees: $19
2. Wartburg Castle
Wartburg Castle is a shocking medieval citadel with in depth displays, together with artifacts from German historical past and artwork from the Middle Ages. The citadel stands on a rocky summit, overlooking the parkland and low-lying countryside. Wartburg Castle sits simply outdoors the city of Eisenach and is situated in central Germany – excellent if you wish to get out of Germany’s main cities.
Visitors can tour the citadel and chateau museum. It is tastefully restored inside, and there are English translations for all of the displays. You can go for one of many guided excursions at 1 pm or discover your self at your personal tempo, relying on how a lot further info you’d like. Wartburg Castle stands out for its displays’ high quality and is good for these wanting an actual historic immersion into one of many best-preserved medieval castles in Germany.
This Castle has an enchanting historical past, to say the least. The authentic citadel was constructed throughout the medieval interval, however a lot of what you see right this moment dates from Nineteenth-century restorations. In phrases of spiritual historical past, Martin Luther translated his first copy of the Bible in Wartburg Castle. Because of this, Wartburg Castle stays a logo of pilgrimage right this moment,
It is broadly advised that Wartburg Castle was the primary German citadel to be awarded a UNESCO world heritage web site. Regardless, it is without doubt one of the most historic castles in Germany. The depth of its historical past (it has virtually 1,000 years of tales) and the standard of its displays have earned it a spot in our information.
- Opening Times: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Entry Fees: $13
3. Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is without doubt one of the most putting castles in Germany. While as soon as an image of grandeur, the purple sandstone citadel now partially lays in ruins. It is an atmospheric web site to wander. Heidelberg Castle is surrounded by a thick forest on a hillside slope. However, its rural setting is deceiving, as you might be only a ten-minute drive from the city of Heidelberg.
The Heidelberg Castle grounds are fascinating and embrace a German apothecary museum and the biggest wine barrel on the planet. Stopping for a wine-tasting expertise whereas touring a medieval citadel is a singular expertise. This citadel might be toured independently or as one of many guided excursions. You can stroll as much as the citadel or take a scenic cable automotive. The cable automotive ticket consists of your entry to Heidelberg Castle. Or you possibly can e book a tour of each the city and the citadel.
Mentions of Heidelberg Castle might be traced again to the thirteenth century – making it one in all Germany’s oldest castles and medieval fortresses. According to historic information, the citadel was broken initially of the 14th century. When Rupert III rose to the German throne, it started being renovated. The citadel was then concerned in lots of wars for the next centuries, together with the Nine Years’ War, the place French king Louis XIV destroyed the citadel as soon as once more.
Heidelberg Castle is a shocking instance of a Gothic Renaissance fortress. The mixture of historical past, structure, and title-holding sights just like the wine barrel caught our consideration. The citadel additionally holds UNESCO World Heritage Site standing. Heidelberg is definitely one of the intriguing castles in Germany.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fees: $10 (+ $6.50 for a guided tour)
4. Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is a scenic Nineteenth-century citadel famed for being residence to the Prussian royal crown and an expansive artwork assortment. It’s one of the traditional castles in Germany, that includes turrets and a mountaintop location overlooking the countryside under. The citadel is in southwest Germany throughout the Black Forest area, between the Bisingen and Hechingen.
Hohenzollern Castle is a first-rate instance of a Gothic revival-style citadel. The citadel sits on the stays of an earlier medieval citadel and has a gorgeous citadel chapel. You can simply spend a number of hours exploring the community of passages, backyard walkways, and staircases. The citadel additionally has a royal treasury with weaponry shows.
Hohenzollern caught our eye for its Gothic revival structure and historic artifact shows. However, we additionally love the annual Christmas Market within the citadel’s courtyard. Hohenzollern is a gorgeous festive attraction in the event you go to Germany in December.
It is essential to notice that Hohenzollern opens on a seasonal foundation. For nearly all of January, the citadel is totally closed. And for February and March, the citadel grounds are open, however Hohenzollern Castle is closed. Hohenzollern Castle solely opens solely between April and December. Furthermore, Hohenzollern Castle is round a three-hour drive from Munich – an excellent place to begin a street journey. Check out our information on issues to do in Munich right here.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 6:30 pm
- Entry Fees: $24 (when booked on-line)
5. Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is without doubt one of the most ornate German castles in our information. The baroque-style citadel is located in Bavaria, simply outdoors the village of Schwangau. It is true subsequent to a gorgeous lake well-known for summer season swimming. The citadel’s surrounding hills are blanketed with dense forest and it has that traditional rural setting.
Hohenschwangau Castle can solely be visited as a part of a guided tour. This is not any sacrifice, although, because the guided excursions have wonderful critiques and take you across the elegantly embellished rooms contained in the citadel. You will go to the royal bed room, dressing room, throne room, and grotto. The commonplace of restoration and upkeep is unbelievable, and Hohenschwangau Castle is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany to get a style of the standard inside and chateau life.
Hohenschwangau Castle can also be one of the well-known castles in Germany and served because the royal summer season residence of King Ludwig II. The citadel was first talked about within the twelfth century. However, it was totally renovated within the Nineteenth century beneath the rule of King Maximilian II.
The high quality of the surviving inside determined Hohenschwangau Castle’s place on this information. However, the lake and exquisite gardens are additionally robust promoting factors for visiting Hohenschwangau Castle. If you might be visiting Hohenschwangau Castle in 2023, be aware that a few of the rooms are at present closed for restoration. We can’t complain because the homeowners do an important job maintaining the citadel in prime situation however examine the web site for particulars earlier than visiting.
- Opening Times: 9 am – 4 pm
- Entry Fees: $16
6. Burg Hohenecken
Burg Hohenecken is a lesser-visited addition to our information. The citadel stood overlooking the tiny village of Hohenecken in western Germany. Now, the purple sandstone construction is a gorgeous disarray of chateau ruins. Atmospheric and fewer touristy than plenty of the opposite castles in Germany, Burg Hohenecken is superb for extra adventurous vacationers.
You can discover the grassy grounds of the citadel at your personal leisure. Burg Hohenecken is a spot that’s meant to be self-explored. It is fashionable for guests to deliver a picnic in summer season, and plenty of households benefit from the lovely surroundings and open house. It is a brief hike up from Hohenecken and its prepare station automotive park.
Its precise date of development is unknown, however historians estimate that Burg Hohenecken dates again to the start of the thirteenth century. It has all the time been on the sting of German historical past, even succumbing to a peasant revolt in 1525. We love its quiet however historic character. Despite seeming an unassuming (and remarkably lovely) addition to our favourite German castles, it’s actually a hidden treasure amongst the very best castles in Germany.
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Entry Fees: Free
7. Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is without doubt one of the most dramatic-looking castles in Germany. The neo-gothic fashion construction sits on a cliff face, with one-half of the citadel straight constructed onto the cliff edge. The dramatic setting offers Lichtenstein Castle a fairy story enchantment, and guests flock to witness the citadel’s splendor in particular person. The citadel is a twenty-minute drive outdoors the town of Reutlingen. It overlooks the village of Lichtenstein and the Greuthau nature reserve.
One of probably the most thrilling elements of visiting Lichtenstein Castle is crossing the picket bridge to enter. Walking throughout the old-worldly entrance provides views of the cliffs under and really emphasizes the citadel’s putting setting. Inside the citadel, the personal homeowners embellished the inside with conventional medieval decor. You can go to on one of many common guided excursions. Keep in thoughts that Lichtenstein Castle closes to the general public in January and February.
Unlike the remainder of our castles in Germany, Lichtenstein Castle was purpose-built to duplicate medieval instances. The citadel was designed within the mid-Nineteenth century by Carl Alexander Heidloff, impressed by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. Lichtenstein Castle’s literary affect and dramatic setting shortly gained it a spot on our record.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 4 pm for March, November, and December. 9 am – 5: 30 pm from April to October.
- Entry Fees: $13 (inc tour)
8. Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is without doubt one of the most stand-out German castles you possibly can go to. Forget your commonplace moated citadel; Schwerin Castle is by itself island. The citadel is located in Lake Schwerin in northern Germany, proper on the outskirts of Schwerin. Schwerin Castle is without doubt one of the most lovely castles in Germany and ideally suited for anybody eager to discover a extra uncommon German citadel.
The neo-renaissance structure is gorgeous to admire from the citadel grounds. Entrance to the citadel grounds can also be free, a particular bonus for these on a finances. You cross over on Schlossbrucke bridge and have acres of grounds to wander. Inside, you possibly can pay to tour ornate rooms, together with the dramatic throne room. Schwerin Castle was residence to the grand dukes of Mecklenburg for hundreds of years, and the citadel has an illustrious historical past. Apart from the historic rooms and ornate furnishings, there’s additionally a European artwork assortment to admire.
Schwerin Castle is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany, and a few even nickname it ‘Neuschwanstein of the North’. Its island location attracted us first, however its historical past confirmed its place in our information. Schwerin Castle had essential former residents and likewise served because the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament constructing. For historical past, politics, and structure rolled into one, Schwerin is a unbelievable German citadel to go to. You can e book a guided tour of Schwerin right here.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fees: $9
9. Altena Castle
Altena is without doubt one of the most informative castles in Germany. Located on a hill above the city of Altena, the citadel is residence to a medieval historical past assortment and the World Youth Hostels Museum. Bizarrely sufficient, Altena Castle is the location of the world’s first youth hostel – nonetheless open if you wish to keep in a single day for a ‘castle hotel’ expertise. The small stone citadel has lots to show you.
Inside the citadel, there are quite a few displays and academic shows. It is family-friendly and focused to have interaction all ages, making it fashionable for varsity journeys and household holidays. Since the citadel has such a diverse historical past, there may be plenty of historical past and totally different tales to uncover in your go to. The citadel has been a hospital, a navy garrison, and even a jail. After World War I, Richard Schirrmann opened the Altena youth hostel. He then based the German nationwide group of hostels a number of years later, in 1919. Visitors study in regards to the citadel’s historical past within the museum – from geology to the hostel motion and the way historical past formed its area.
The citadel’s distinctive connection to the hostel motion is what impressed us. However, additionally it is top-of-the-line German castles for households. The partaking shows are nice for maintaining younger guests , and it is a wonderful place for folks to take youngsters on an academic day trip.
- Opening Times: 9:30 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 11 am – 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Entry Fees: $5.50
10. Wernigerode Castle
Wernigerode Castle is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany if you wish to expertise an outdated medieval fortress. The citadel sits in central Germany, simply outdoors the small city of Wernigerode – which is a photographer’s heaven and incorporates a medieval outdated city. Both the citadel and its environment are the epitome of old-worldly. The citadel additionally backs onto nature reserves and towering hills with statement decks. It is good for anybody eager to get out into the sticks and revel in mountain climbing.
Wernigerode Castle itself is constructed upon the medieval fortress ruins, and nearly all of the construction that you just see right this moment dates to the Nineteenth century. Visitors can e book guided excursions of the citadel inside, being led by ornate chambers and historic artifacts. The mix of structure is fascinating, and every century clearly left a mark on the citadel. You can admire Gothic arched home windows within the internal courtyard and a Renaissance tower that you would be able to climb for views over the countryside. Wernigerode Castle is without doubt one of the most lovely castles in Germany, but additionally probably the most architecturally stimulating.
The mix of structure is primarily what impressed us about Wernigerode Castle. Its entry and proximity to the encompassing nature reserves are to not be neglected, although, and it’s well-suited to these wanting to go to a citadel after which spend a number of days mountain climbing.
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, and 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Entry Fees: $7.60
11. Cochem Castle
Cochem Castle is often known as Reichsburg Cochem or Reichsburg Castle. Reichsburg merely means ‘imperial’, and the citadel acquired this standing when captured by King Konrad III. This fairly little hilltop constructing dates again to the eleventh century, and it is without doubt one of the most city German castles. Cochem Castle is situated alongside the River Moselle proper within the heart of the city of Cochem. Situated within the Rhine Valley, it is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany in order for you a small-town environment alongside your citadel expertise.
Visitors can tour contained in the citadel on a forty-minute guided tour. The citadel itself is comparatively small, so exploring isn’t bodily difficult. The citadel receives extremely rated critiques for its tour information service, and previous guests praised the passionate guides with plenty of partaking info. For further perception into its historical past, a guided tour is worth it. Of course, for a barely uncommon expertise, you can even have a eating expertise at Reichsburg Castle. The citadel’s restaurant has panoramic views over the city and the river under.
As we talked about, the citadel was captured by King Konrad III in 1151 and renamed Reichsburg Castle. However, the citadel’s development might be dated again to 1100, and it was initially used to cost passing ships for tolls. After passing quite a few arms over the next centuries, the citadel was destroyed by the French in 1689 and resurrected solely in 1868.
The citadel’s panoramic restaurant views and scenic place in Cochem city drew us to it. We love the small-town environment and gothic really feel. Look no additional in order for you a neo-gothic citadel tour within the Rhine Valley.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 3 pm
- Entry Fees: $9
12. Drachenburg Castle
Drachenburg Castle is one other gem within the Rhine Valley. The citadel was modeled within the fashion of a medieval citadel, very like Lichtenstein Castle. It has a unbelievable location and sits on the banks of the Rhine River, simply outdoors the principal metropolis of Bonn. For views over the Rhine River, this medieval-style citadel is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany.
Drachenburg Castle has quite a few totally different excursions that cowl different elements of the citadel. You can select the choice that most accurately fits you, your pursuits, and your finances. Some embrace areas just like the ‘private floor,’ and others add explicit areas just like the terrace, which has gorgeous views over the River Rhine.
Drachenburg Castle was constructed within the late Nineteenth century and acted as a non-public villa earlier than its homeowners turned it into a number of totally different ventures. Jacob Biesenbach went so far as to remodel Drachenburg Castle right into a group heart. Egbert Von Simon (virtually) reworked it into an amusement park. During World War II, a Nazi elite faculty took over the citadel. Drachenburg Castle’s story went downhill, finally ending in destroy between 1960 and 1970. Fortunately, in 1986, it was introduced as a listed monument. It was renovated into its full glory that you just see right this moment.
Ultimately, Drachenburg Castle’s scenic locale is what gained us over. It has unmatched views of the River Rhine, and we love how accessible it’s from Bonn. Its historical past can also be numerous and colourful, excellent for those who desire a extra trendy perception into Germany.
- Opening Times: 12 pm – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday
- Entry Fees: $9 for traditional entry
13. Mespelbrunn Castle
Mespelbrunn is without doubt one of the prettiest castles in Germany. Mespelbrunn Castle is surrounded by a peaceable moat and cuts an idyllic image in opposition to a small forest backdrop. The citadel is round an hour’s drive from Frankfurt however is in the midst of nowhere. It is the right candidate for a day journey away from the craziness of Frankfurt. Its nearest settlement is the tiny village of Mespelbrunn – the citadel’s namesake.
Mespelbrunn Castle has that fairy story attract that’s so frequent amongst the very best castles in Germany. You’ll should pay the doorway charge if you wish to rise up shut. But its delicate magnificence makes the price worthwhile. The moat is residence to trout and swans. And inside, you possibly can take a guided tour of stylish and conventional rooms.
The citadel is privately owned however open to the general public on particular days and circumstances (comparable to solely being accessible by way of guided tour). It is believed up to now again to the fifteenth century, between the medieval and Renaissance interval. The citadel was lucky to have escaped destruction by the French within the Thirty Years’ War, saved by its distant location and thick surrounding forest. The citadel continues to be inhabited right this moment by the household of the Counts of Ingelheim.
We’ll be sincere: Mespelbrunn Castle’s attractiveness sealed this deal. The lovely surroundings and peaceable moat make Mespelbrunn top-of-the-line castles in Germany. It is a unbelievable alternative in order for you a small, photogenic citadel. And much more so in case you are searching for issues to do on a day journey from Frankfurt. Mespelbrunn can also be only a two-hour drive from Nuremberg in the event you fancy basing your self in a smaller metropolis. You can take a look at probably the most superb issues to do in Nuremberg right here.
- Opening Times: 9:30 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fees: $6.50
14. Landgrafen Palace, aka Marburg Castle
Landgrafen Palace is an outdated medieval fort that dates again to the eleventh century. It is typically known as Marburg Castle, given its scenic location within the heart of the city of Marburg. Marburg has a gorgeous outdated city that includes half-timbered homes and conventional streets. Just an hour north of Frankfurt, Landgrafen Palace makes a wonderful day journey.
The citadel has an enormous gothic corridor, historic art work, furnishings, and artifacts. It within reason priced to enter, with lovely views over Marburg and its surrounding countryside. If you need extra info, there’s additionally a Museum of Cultural History.
Starting as a medieval fortress, Landgrafen Palace progressed to the personal residence of the Landgraviate of Hesse. In 1529, it held a dispute assembly between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli. Finally, post-1981, Landgrafen Palace grew to become a museum. Landgrafen has seen lots in its years – from the battle of the Middle Ages to the beginning of recent Christianity.
What stood out most to us was its lengthy historical past and placement in Marburg. The citadel’s distance from Frankfurt can also be ideally suited, as it’s excellent for these wanting day journeys from a metropolis break.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Entry Fees: $6
15. Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel
Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel is barely totally different from our different castles in Germany. This medieval citadel has been reworked right into a stately resort, the place visitors can keep in a single day in conventional rooms or dine on the restaurant with views of the Rhine. The four-star citadel resort is perched on a clifftop overlooking the city of Oberwesel on the Rhine River. It is good for individuals who need greater than a normal citadel expertise. You can take a look at costs right here in case you are inquisitive about staying on the resort.
Guests can nonetheless take within the citadel’s historical past by visiting its museum or tower. Those who determine to remain in a single day, not only for a meal, can e book distinctive rooms. Some room choices are set within the citadel turrets and include balconies the place you possibly can admire the views of the river and surrounding vineyards.
Schönburg Castle was constructed within the twelfth century and renovated within the twentieth century to stabilize the unique construction. It has seen many wars and dramatic occasions, making it an iconic a part of Germany’s historical past and structure. While it caught our consideration with its distinctive Twenty first-century hospitality, Schönburg Castle has some fascinating tales behind it. The citadel is value visiting, and don’t neglect to go wine tasting once you do.
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Entry Fees: Rate of room/meal
16. Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is a romantic little citadel tucked away in a forest close to the village of Wierschem. Not removed from Cochem, it’s well-combined with a street journey to Cochem Imperial Castle, and it’s situated close to the Luxembourg border. Eltz Castle is ideal in the event you plan to journey to extra distant areas of Germany.
Eltz Castle is visited by guided tour solely, lasting round thirty minutes. You can catch the shuttle bus as much as the citadel, which is unbelievable if you wish to save your legs, because the hill is a killer. You cross over a conventional stone bridge and peek inside all of the totally different rooms, admiring the decor and listening to some unimaginable tales. The citadel is famed for its knights corridor but additionally has a dungeon and personal chambers. At the top of the expertise, you get entry to the treasury and a whole bunch of precious artifacts.
Amazingly, Eltz Castle continues to be owned by the Eltz household, who’ve resided there for the reason that twelfth century. 33 generations of the Eltz household have lived within the citadel – a reasonably spectacular feat. We love its distant location and off-the-beaten-track sense of journey. It’s additionally fascinating the way it has been in a single household for such an extended interval.
- Opening Times: 9:30 am – 5 pm (April to November solely)
- Entry Fees: $13
17. Dresden Castle
Dresden Castle is extra of a museum than a stereotypical citadel, however it’s fascinating and well-known nonetheless. Located proper within the heart of Dresden, it is without doubt one of the metropolis’s oldest buildings and Germany’s earliest palace buildings. The citadel was a residence for kings for practically 400 years and is now ‘retired’ and thought of the cultural heart of Dresden.
The citadel is good to inside, not just for its historical past but additionally for its expansive artwork assortment. Dresden is residence to a palace state artwork assortment. You might simply spend a day wandering its corridors and rooms, admiring the 1000’s of artifacts. You can admire work, statues, and extra historic shows like weaponry, jewellery, and historical clothes. Prepare your self for a various vary of displays.
The authentic citadel in Dresden was constructed within the thirteenth century however was tormented by a number of disasters. The constructing has been rebuilt many instances. The 18th century was probably the most damaging, involving a disastrous hearth that meant Augustus II needed to fee a complete rebuild – primarily in Baroque fashion fairly than the unique Romanesque and Renaissance influences. During World War II, Dresden Castle was broken once more in 1945. It was solely in 2013 that the citadel was restored to full glory.
Dresden is without doubt one of the most iconic castles in Germany and incorporates a few of the nation’s finest treasures. The museum’s large scale and displays made us determine so as to add Dresden Castle to our information. Its thrilling historical past was simply the cherry on prime. Check out normal admission tickets right here.
- Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Entry Fees: $15
To Conclude
Germany has so many lovely castles; you might be undoubtedly spoiled for alternative. The vary of chateau varieties means you can go to a handful of the very best castles in your journey and nonetheless have a distinct expertise at each. Exploring historical citadel life in Germany can also be an immersive strategy to uncover extra about European cultural historical past.
Are you debating visiting a number of castles on the identical journey? You can all the time plan a romantic street journey between them. How many castles might you see on a week-long street journey? Have a magical time visiting the very best castles in Germany. You are in for a deal with.