Castles and also Germany go together. Fun reality, Germany has more than 20,000 castles – varying from renaissance citadel design to significant castles that appear like they can be right out of a fairytale. The nation has a few of one of the most castles worldwide. During the Middle Ages, Germany was divided right into unlimited little states, and also castles came to be developed as garrisons and also protective bases for every region. Now, you can check out castles in Germany around many cities, and also seeing any kind of castle is just one of one of the most preferred field trip when checking out Germany.
Top Castles in Germany
With numerous castles in Germany, which should you pick to check out? This overview will certainly cover the absolute best castles in Germany. From the renowned Neuschwanstein castle to the smaller sized Marburg Castle, these are one of the most unbelievable castles for your journey to Germany.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is just one of one of the most gone to castles in Germany. The significant turreted castle go back to the 19th century and also is renowned for its lovely look and also setup. While it lies in Bavaria, simply outside the community of Fussen, it has a country background. Neuschwanstein Castle backs onto Ammergebirge nature book. The castle appears like it is drifting over the bordering woodland. It is stunning in fall when the fallen leaves transform orange and also brownish.
To browse through Neuschwanstein Castle you enter upon a castle excursion where you are routed by an audio excursion. The excursion blends you around the castle facility, giving understanding right into the background of each area. Neuschwanstein Castle has among one of the most interesting led trips of all the castles in Germany. Because it is such a renowned castle, a whole lot has actually been bought its tourist framework.
The background of Neuschwanstein Castle is similarly remarkable. The castle was developed by the ‘fairy tale king’ Ludwig II of Bavaria as an area to pull away from the modern-day globe. Sadly for Ludwig II, he passed away prior to Neuschwanstein Castle was finished. But the castle still represents a retreat right into a dream globe – for this reason its label, the fairytale castle.
The fairytale look and also tale behind Neuschwanstein Castle is the factor we’ve included it in our overview. Besides, as one of one of the most popular castles in Germany, it is the excellent enhancement to your travel plan. Remember to look into a few of the finest points to do in Bavaria when you check out, and also if you are remaining in Munich, have a look at this Neuschwanstein outing.
Opening Times: 9 am – 6 pm Entry Fees: $19
2. Wartburg Castle
Wartburg Castle is a magnificent middle ages castle with comprehensive displays, consisting of artefacts from German background and also art from the Middle Ages. The castle depends on a rough top, neglecting the park and also low-lying countryside. Wartburg Castle rests simply outside the community of Eisenach and also lies in main Germany – excellent if you intend to leave Germany’s significant cities.
Visitors can explore the castle and also castle gallery. It is tastefully recovered within, and also there are English translations for all the displays. You can select among the led trips at 1 pm or discover on your own at your very own rate, depending upon just how much additional details you’d such as. Wartburg Castle attracts attention for its displays’ top quality and also is optimal for those desiring a genuine historic immersion right into among the best-preserved middle ages castles in Germany.
This Castle has a remarkable background, to claim the least. The initial castle was created throughout the middle ages duration, however a lot of what you see today days from 19th-century repairs. In regards to spiritual background, Martin Luther converted his initial duplicate of the Bible in Wartburg Castle. Because of this, Wartburg Castle continues to be an icon of expedition today,
It is commonly informed that Wartburg Castle was the initial German castle to be granted a UNESCO globe heritage website. Regardless, it is just one of one of the most historical castles in Germany. The deepness of its background (it has practically 1,000 years of tales) and also the top quality of its displays have actually made it a place in our overview.
Opening Times: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Entry Fees: $13
3. Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is just one of one of the most striking castles in Germany. While when a photo of splendour, the red sandstone castle currently partly stocks damages. It is a climatic website to roam. Heidelberg Castle is bordered by a thick woodland on a hill incline. However, its country setup is tricking, as you are simply a ten-minute drive from the community of Heidelberg.
The Heidelberg Castle premises are remarkable and also consist of a German apothecary gallery and also the biggest white wine barrel worldwide. Stopping for a wine-tasting experience while visiting a middle ages castle is a unique experience. This castle can be visited separately or as one of the led trips. You can stalk the castle or take a picturesque cord vehicle. The cord vehicle ticket includes your access to Heidelberg Castle. Or you can reserve a scenic tour of both the community and also the castle.
Mentions of Heidelberg Castle can be mapped back to the 13th century – making it among Germany’s earliest castles and also middle ages citadels. According to historic documents, the castle was harmed at the start of the 14th century. When Rupert III climbed to the German throne, it started being restored. The castle was after that associated with numerous battles for the complying with centuries, consisting of the Nine Years’ War, where French king Louis XIV damaged the castle once more.
Heidelberg Castle is a magnificent instance of a Gothic Renaissance citadel. The mix of background, design, and also title-holding tourist attractions like the white wine barrel captured our interest. The castle likewise holds UNESCO World Heritage Site condition. Heidelberg is quickly among one of the most fascinating castles in Germany.
Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm Entry Fees: $10 (+ $6.50 for a led excursion)
4. Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is a picturesque 19th-century castle renowned for being residence to the Prussian imperial crown and also an extensive art collection. It’s among one of the most traditional castles in Germany, including turrets and also a mountaintop place neglecting the countryside listed below. The castle remains in southwest Germany within the Black Forest area, in between the Bisingen and also Hechingen.
Hohenzollern Castle is an archetype of a Gothic revival-style castle. The castle rests on the remains of an earlier middle ages castle and also has a lovely castle church. You can quickly invest a couple of hrs checking out the network of flows, yard pathways, and also stairs. The castle likewise has an imperial treasury with weapons display screens.
Hohenzollern captured our eye for its Gothic rebirth design and also historic artefact display screens. However, we likewise like the yearly Christmas Market in the castle’s yard. Hohenzollern is a lovely joyful tourist attraction if you check out Germany in December.
It is very important to keep in mind that Hohenzollern opens up on a seasonal basis. For most of January, the castle is totally shut. And for February and also March, the castle premises are open, however Hohenzollern Castle is shut. Hohenzollern Castle just opens up completely in between April and also December. Furthermore, Hohenzollern Castle is around a three-hour drive from Munich – a dreamland to begin a trip. Check out our overview on points to do in Munich below.
Opening Times: 10 am – 6:30 pm Entry Fees: $24 (when reserved online)
5. Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is just one of one of the most luxuriant German castles in our overview. The baroque-style castle is located in Bavaria, simply outside the town of Schwangau. It is ideal alongside a lovely lake popular for summertime swimming. The castle’s bordering hillsides are buried with thick woodland and also it has that traditional country setup.
Hohenschwangau Castle can just be gone to as component of a led excursion. This is no sacrifice, however, as the led trips have exceptional evaluations and also take you around the elegantly embellished areas inside the castle. You will certainly check out the imperial bed room, clothing area, throne area, and also underground chamber. The requirement of repair and also upkeep is great, and also Hohenschwangau Castle is just one of the very best castles in Germany to obtain a preference of the standard inside and also castle life.
Hohenschwangau Castle is likewise among one of the most popular castles in Germany and also acted as the imperial summertime house of King Ludwig II. The castle was initial discussed in the 12th century. However, it was totally restored in the 19th century under the regulation of King Maximilian II.
The top quality of the making it through inside made a decision Hohenschwangau Castle’s location in this overview. However, the lake and also lovely yards are likewise solid marketing factors for checking out Hohenschwangau Castle. If you are checking out Hohenschwangau Castle in 2023, note that a few of the areas are presently shut for repair. We can’t grumble as the proprietors do a terrific task maintaining the castle in leading problem however inspect the site for information prior to checking out.
Opening Times: 9 am – 4 pm Entry Fees: $16
6. Burg Hohenecken
Burg Hohenecken is a lesser-visited enhancement to our overview. The castle stood neglecting the small town of Hohenecken in western Germany. Now, the red sandstone framework is a lovely chaos of castle damages. Atmospheric and also much less touristy than great deals of the various other castles in Germany, Burg Hohenecken is exceptional for even more daring visitors.
You can check out the verdant premises of the castle at your very own recreation. Burg Hohenecken is an area that is suggested to be self-explored. It is preferred for site visitors to bring an outing in summertime, and also numerous households delight in the lovely landscapes and also open area. It is a brief raise from Hohenecken and also its train terminal parking lot.
Its precise day of building is unidentified, however chroniclers approximate that Burg Hohenecken go back to the start of the 13th century. It has actually constantly gotten on the side of German background, also catching a peasant rebellion in 1525. We like its peaceful however historic personality. Despite appearing a humble (and also extremely lovely) enhancement to our preferred German castles, it is absolutely a covert prize among the very best castles in Germany.
Opening Times: 24/7 Entry Fees: Free
7. Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is just one of one of the most dramatic-looking castles in Germany. The neo-gothic design framework rests on a high cliff face, with half of the castle straight developed onto the high cliff side. The significant setup provides Lichtenstein Castle a fairytale charm, and also site visitors group to witness the castle’s grandeur personally. The castle is a twenty-minute drive outside the city of Reutlingen. It neglects the town of Lichtenstein and also the Greuthau nature book.
One of one of the most interesting components of checking out Lichtenstein Castle is going across the wood bridge to get in. Walking throughout the old-worldly entryway supplies sights of the high cliffs listed below and also genuinely stresses the castle’s striking setup. Inside the castle, the personal proprietors embellished the inside with standard middle ages decoration. You can check out on among the routine led trips. Keep in mind that Lichtenstein Castle near the general public in January and also February.
Unlike the remainder of our castles in Germany, Lichtenstein Castle was purpose-built to reproduce middle ages times. The castle was created in the mid-19th century by Carl Alexander Heidloff, motivated by the unique Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. Lichtenstein Castle’s literary impact and also significant setup rapidly won it a put on our checklist.
Opening Times: 10 am – 4 pm for March, November, and also December. 9 am – 5: 30 pm from April to October. Entry Fees: $13 (inc excursion)
8. Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is just one of one of the most noteworthy German castles you can check out. Forget your common moated castle; Schwerin Castle gets on its very own island. The castle is located in Lake Schwerin in north Germany, precisely the borders of Schwerin. Schwerin Castle is just one of one of the most lovely castles in Germany and also suitable for any individual wishing to check out an extra uncommon German castle.
The neo-renaissance design is magnificent to appreciate from the castle premises. Entrance to the castle premises is likewise totally free, a precise incentive for those on a spending plan. You changeover on Schlossbrucke bridge and also have acres of premises to roam. Inside, you can pay to explore luxuriant areas, consisting of the significant throne area. Schwerin Castle was residence to the grand battles each other of Mecklenburg for centuries, and also the castle has a remarkable background. Apart from the historic areas and also luxuriant home furnishings, there’s likewise a European art collection to appreciate.
Schwerin Castle is just one of the very best castles in Germany, and also some also label it ‘Neuschwanstein of the North’. Its island place attracted us initially, however its background verified its setting in our overview. Schwerin Castle had crucial previous citizens as well as likewise acted as the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament structure. For background, national politics, and also design rolled right into one, Schwerin is a superb German castle to check out. You can reserve a led excursion of Schwerin below.
Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm Entry Fees: $9
9. Altena Castle
Altena is just one of one of the most interesting castles in Germany. Located on a hillside over the community of Altena, the castle is residence to a middle ages background collection and also the World Youth Hostels Museum. Bizarrely sufficient, Altena Castle is the website of the globe’s initial hostel – still open if you intend to remain over night for a ‘castle hotel’ experience. The little rock castle has a whole lot to educate you.
Inside the castle, there are many displays and also academic display screens. It is family-friendly and also targeted to involve every ages, making it preferred for college journeys and also household vacations. Since the castle has such a different background, there is great deals of background and also various tales to reveal on your browse through. The castle has actually been a medical facility, an armed forces fort, and also also a jail. After World War I, Richard Schirrmann opened up the Altena hostel. He after that started the German nationwide company of hostels a couple of years later on, in 1919. Visitors learn more about the castle’s background in the gallery – from geology to the hostel activity and also just how background formed its area.
The castle’s one-of-a-kind link to the hostel activity is what thrilled us. However, it is likewise among the very best German castles for households. The interesting display screens are fantastic for maintaining young site visitors interested, and also it is an exceptional location for moms and dads to take youngsters on an academic day out.
Opening Times: 9:30 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Friday, and also 11 am – 6 pm Saturday and also Sunday. Entry Fees: $5.50
10. Wernigerode Castle
Wernigerode Castle is just one of the very best castles in Germany if you intend to experience an old middle ages citadel. The castle beings in main Germany, simply outside the town of Wernigerode – which is a professional photographer’s paradise and also has a middle ages old community. Both the castle and also its environments are the embodiment of old-worldly. The castle likewise backs onto nature gets and also looming hillsides with monitoring decks. It is optimal for any individual wishing to venture out right into the sticks and also delight in treking.
Wernigerode Castle itself is built on the middle ages citadel damages, and also most of the framework that you see today days to the 19th century. Visitors can reserve led trips of the castle inside, being led via luxuriant chambers and also historic artefacts. The mix of design is remarkable, and also each century plainly left a mark on the castle. You can appreciate Gothic curved home windows in the internal yard and also a Renaissance tower that you can climb up for sights over the countryside. Wernigerode Castle is just one of one of the most lovely castles in Germany, however likewise one of the most architecturally promoting.
The mix of design is mostly what thrilled us regarding Wernigerode Castle. Its accessibility and also closeness to the surrounding nature gets are not to be forgotten, however, and also it is appropriate to those wishing to check out a castle and after that invest a couple of days treking.
Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, and also 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday and also Sunday. Entry Fees: $7.60
11. Cochem Castle
Cochem Castle is likewise called Reichsburg Cochem or Reichsburg Castle. Reichsburg merely implies ‘imperial’, and also the castle obtained this condition when caught by King Konrad III. This rather bit hilltop structure go back to the 11th century, and also it is just one of one of the most city German castles. Cochem Castle lies along the River Moselle right in the facility of the community of Cochem. Situated in the Rhine Valley, it is just one of the very best castles in Germany if you desire a sectarian ambience together with your castle experience.
Visitors can explore inside the castle on a forty-minute led excursion. The castle itself is reasonably little, so checking out isn’t literally tough. The castle obtains very ranked evaluations for its tourist guide solution, and also previous site visitors applauded the enthusiastic overviews with great deals of involving details. For additional understanding right into its background, a led excursion is beneficial. Of program, for a somewhat uncommon experience, you can likewise have an eating experience at Reichsburg Castle. The castle’s dining establishment has breathtaking sights over the community and also the river listed below.
As we discussed, the castle was caught by King Konrad III in 1151 and also relabelled Reichsburg Castle. However, the castle’s building can be gone back to 1100, and also it was at first utilized to bill passing ships for tolls. After passing many turn over the complying with centuries, the castle was damaged by the French in 1689 and also reanimated just in 1868.
The castle’s breathtaking dining establishment sights and also picturesque setting in Cochem community attracted us to it. We like the sectarian ambience and also gothic feeling. Look no more if you desire a neo-gothic castle excursion in the Rhine Valley.
Opening Times: 10 am – 3 pm Entry Fees: $9
12. Drachenburg Castle
Drachenburg Castle is an additional treasure in the Rhine Valley. The castle was designed in the design of a middle ages castle, similar to Lichtenstein Castle. It has a superb place and also rests on the financial institutions of the Rhine River, simply outside the major city of Bonn. For sights over the Rhine River, this medieval-style castle is just one of the very best castles in Germany.
Drachenburg Castle has many various trips that cover various other components of the castle. You can pick the choice that finest matches you, your rate of interests, and also your budget plan. Some consist of locations like the ‘private floor,’ and also others include specific locations like the balcony, which has magnificent sights over the River Rhine.
Drachenburg Castle was integrated in the late 19th century and also functioned as a personal suite prior to its proprietors transformed it right into numerous various endeavors. Jacob Biesenbach reached to change Drachenburg Castle right into a recreation center. Egbert Von Simon (practically) changed it right into a theme park. During World War II, a Nazi exclusive college took control of the castle. Drachenburg Castle’s tale declined, at some point finishing in mess up in between 1960 and also 1970. Fortunately, in 1986, it was introduced as a provided monolith. It was restored right into its complete splendor that you see today.
Ultimately, Drachenburg Castle’s picturesque area is what won us over. It has unparalleled sights of the River Rhine, and also we like just how easily accessible it is from Bonn. Its background is likewise varied and also vibrant, excellent for those that desire an even more modern-day understanding right into Germany.
Opening Times: 12 pm – 5 pm on Saturday and also Sunday Entry Fees: $9 for common access
13. Mespelbrunn Castle
Mespelbrunn is just one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. Mespelbrunn Castle is bordered by a serene moat and also reduces an ideal photo versus a little woodland background. The castle is around a hr’s drive from Frankfurt however remains in the center of no place. It is the excellent prospect for an outing far from the insaneness of Frankfurt. Its closest negotiation is the small town of Mespelbrunn – the castle’s name.
Mespelbrunn Castle has that fairytale attraction that is so typical among the very best castles in Germany. You’ll need to pay the entryway cost if you intend to rise close. But its fragile appeal makes the price beneficial. The moat is residence to trout and also swans. And within, you can take a led excursion of sophisticated and also standard areas.
The castle is independently possessed however available to the general public on weddings and also problems (such as just coming through led excursion). It is thought to go back to the 15th century, in between the middle ages and also Renaissance duration. The castle was privileged to have actually left damage by the French in the Thirty Years’ War, conserved by its remote place and also thick surrounding woodland. The castle is still populated today by the household of the Counts of Ingelheim.
We’ll be straightforward: Mespelbrunn Castle’s great appearances secured this offer. The lovely landscapes and also relaxed moat make Mespelbrunn among the very best castles in Germany. It is a superb option if you desire a little, photogenic castle. And a lot more so if you are seeking points to do on a day journey from Frankfurt. Mespelbrunn is likewise simply a two-hour drive from Nuremberg if you expensive basing on your own in a smaller sized city. You can look into one of the most incredible points to do in Nuremberg below.
Opening Times: 9:30 am – 5 pm Entry Fees: $6.50
14. Landgrafen Palace, also known as Marburg Castle
Landgrafen Palace is an old middle ages ft that goes back to the 11th century. It is in some cases described as Marburg Castle, provided its picturesque place in the facility of the community of Marburg. Marburg has a lovely old community including half-timbered residences and also standard roads. Just a hr north of Frankfurt, Landgrafen Palace makes an exceptional outing.
The castle has a big gothic hall, historic art work, home furnishings, and also artefacts. It is moderately valued to get in, with lovely sights over Marburg and also its surrounding countryside. If you desire even more details, there’s likewise a Museum of Cultural History.
Starting as a middle ages citadel, Landgrafen Palace advanced to the personal house of the Landgraviate of Hesse. In 1529, it held a disagreement conference in between Martin Luther and also Ulrich Zwingli. Finally, post-1981, Landgrafen Palace came to be a gallery. Landgrafen has actually seen a whole lot in its years – from the problem of the Middle Ages to the birth of modern-day Christianity.
What attracted attention most to us was its lengthy background and also place in Marburg. The castle’s range from Frankfurt is likewise optimal, as it is excellent for those desiring field trip from a city break.
Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Entry Fees: $6
15. Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel
Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel is somewhat various from our various other castles in Germany. This middle ages castle has actually been changed right into a majestic resort, where visitors can remain over night in standard areas or eat at the dining establishment with sights of the Rhine. The four-star castle resort is set down on a clifftop neglecting the community of Oberwesel on the Rhine River. It is optimal for those that desire greater than a common castle experience. You can look into costs below if you want remaining at the resort.
Guests can still absorb the castle’s background by seeing its gallery or tower. Those that choose to remain overnight, not simply for a dish, can reserve one-of-a-kind areas. Some area alternatives are embeded in the castle turrets and also include porches where you can appreciate the sights of the river and also bordering wineries.
Schönburg Castle was integrated in the 12th century and also restored in the 20th century to maintain the initial framework. It has actually seen numerous battles and also significant occasions, making it a renowned component of Germany’s background and also design. While it captured our interest with its one-of-a-kind 21st-century friendliness, Schönburg Castle has some remarkable tales behind it. The castle deserves checking out, and also don’t fail to remember to go white wine sampling when you do.
Opening Times: 24/7 Entry Fees: Rate of room/meal
16. Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is a charming little castle hid in a woodland near the town of Wierschem. Not much from Cochem, it is well-combined with a trip to Cochem Imperial Castle, and also it lies near the Luxembourg boundary. Eltz Castle is excellent if you prepare to take a trip to farther areas of Germany.
Eltz Castle is gone to by led excursion just, lasting around half an hour. You can capture the shuttle as much as the castle, which is great if you intend to conserve your legs, as capital is an awesome. You changeover a standard rock bridge and also peek inside all the various areas, appreciating the decoration and also listening to some fish stories. The castle is renowned for its knights hall however likewise has a dungeon and also personal chambers. At completion of the experience, you obtain accessibility to the treasury and also thousands of important artefacts.
Amazingly, Eltz Castle is still possessed by the Eltz household, that have actually stayed there because the 12th century. 33 generations of the Eltz household have actually stayed in the castle – a rather excellent task. We like its remote place and also off-the-beaten-track feeling of experience. It’s likewise remarkable just how it has actually remained in a solitary household for such an extended period.
Opening Times: 9:30 am – 5 pm (April to November just) Entry Fees: $13
17. Dresden Castle
Dresden Castle is even more of a gallery than a stereotyped castle, however it is remarkable and also popular however. Located right in the facility of Dresden, it is just one of the city’s earliest structures and also Germany’s earliest royal residence structures. The castle was a house for kings for almost 400 years and also is currently ‘retired’ and also thought about the social facility of Dresden.
The castle is dazzling to within, not just for its background however likewise for its large art collection. Dresden is residence to a royal residence state art collection. You can quickly invest a day roaming its hallways and also areas, appreciating the hundreds of artefacts. You can appreciate paints, statuaries, and also extra historic display screens like weapons, precious jewelry, and also old apparel. Prepare on your own for a varied series of displays.
The initial castle in Dresden was integrated in the 13th century however was tormented by numerous catastrophes. The structure has actually been reconstructed lot of times. The 18th century was one of the most destructive, including a tragic fire that suggested Augustus II needed to appoint a whole restore – mostly in Baroque design as opposed to the initial Romanesque and also Renaissance affects. During World War II, Dresden Castle was harmed once again in 1945. It was just in 2013 that the castle was recovered to complete splendor.
Dresden is just one of one of the most legendary castles in Germany and also has a few of the nation’s finest prizes. The gallery’s large range and also shows made us choose to include Dresden Castle to our overview. Its interesting background was simply the cherry on the top. Check out basic admission tickets below.
Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Entry Fees: $15
To Conclude
Germany has numerous lovely castles; you are absolutely ruined for option. The series of castle kinds implies you can check out a handful of the very best castles on your journey and also still have a various experience at every one. Exploring old castle life in Germany is likewise an immersive means to uncover even more regarding European social background.
Are you discussing checking out a couple of castles on the exact same journey? You can constantly prepare a enchanting journey in between them. How numerous castles could you see on a week-long journey? Have an enchanting time checking out the very best castles in Germany. You remain in for a reward.
