Stepping into a German castle is like entering a fairytale world, where majestic castles perch at the top of lofty mountain peaks with their towers and turrets soaring towards the heavens. Germany is renowned for its impressive castles, of which it has 20,000, and their fascinating histories are interwoven with stories of knights, dukes, and the ravages of war. These castles, which are steeped in a rich past, have been meticulously restored to their former grandeur and are, in some instances, still inhabited by the descendants of their original owners. Within their walls lie a treasure trove of priceless artefacts, paintings, furniture, and weaponry.
Our curated list contains castles that embody the quintessence of castle architecture; those whose turrets, towers, and drawbridges transport you back to centuries ago. Here's our list of the top 10 castles to visit in Germany.
No. 10 - Reichsburg Castle
The Reichsburg Castle in Cochem was originally constructed in approximately 1000 AD by a palatinate count. Throughout its history, ownership of the castle changed hands, including when an emperor pawned it to fund his coronation. During the 12th century, the castle acted as a toll station for cargo-carrying ships on the Mosel between Trier, a former Roman town, and the Rhine River. Despite its commanding location 330 metres above the river, a removable chain across the river would stop ships.
The castle was expanded several times due to the toll revenue, enriching the bishops and electors of Trier, who controlled it from the 14th to the 16th century. In 1689, King Louis XIV of France invaded the region, destroying the castle and leaving Cochem in ruins. For many years, the castle remained in this state until a Berlin businessman purchased it and began reconstruction in 1868.
While the central tower and remains of the Gothic castle were incorporated, the reconstructed castle was neo-Gothic in style. Like Neuschwanstein, which was constructed concurrently, this is an excellent illustration of how the 19th-century Romantic era's enthusiasm created a neo-Gothic marvel from the crumbling ruins of a medieval castle.
No. 9 - Wernigerode Castle
Initially constructed during the Middle Ages as a secure resting place for emperors and their entourage on hunting expeditions to the Hartz Mountains, Wernigerode Castle underwent significant expansion during the late Gothic period. However, it was later converted into a Renaissance fortress in the 16th century.
During the Thirty Years War, the castle was severely damaged, but it was rebuilt in the Baroque style to serve as a residence for a local count. The count's descendants made further modifications to the castle during the 19th century, transforming it into the North German Historic Romantic style that visitors can appreciate today.
As you explore the castle, you will observe remnants of most of these styles, including a Renaissance staircase tower and Gothic arched windows in the courtyard. In nearly 50 rooms, which are richly decorated with inlaid floors, panelled walls, and marble fireplaces, there are exhibitions on castle life during its different eras. Surrounding the castle is a park and terraced gardens, and visitors can reach its elevated position by foot, tourist train, or horse-drawn wagon.
No. 8 - Marksburg Castle
Marksburg, an iconic landmark of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the sole castle among the 40 hill castles lining the river that has withstood the test of time without any destruction or decay.
The castle was initially mentioned in 1231 and was built in the Romanesque style, situated high above the river. Its triangular layout, which remains intact, was created by one of the most influential families of the era, who later sold it to another influential family that constructed the Gothic portions of the castle, which contribute significantly to its present-day appearance. When the Landgraves of Hesse took possession of Marksburg in 1479, they transformed it into a fortified structure, enhancing it with ramparts and batteries.
Upon entering the castle through a drawbridge gate, visitors encounter two more medieval gateways before arriving at the Rider's Stairway, a meandering flight of steps carved from the bedrock that was shallow enough to be scaled on horseback. The batteries, medieval cellars, herb garden, kitchen, Great Hall, bedroom, and a 14th-century chapel with painted walls and ceilings are all available for exploration from this point. The tower offers an incredible panoramic view of the Rhine.
No. 7 - Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is a neo-Gothic castle built on the ruins of earlier castles on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the Swabian Alps, accessible only by a narrow wooden bridge. Its steep walls, tall round tower, and the bridge over the ravine add to its fairy-tale charm. Although it was built in the 1800s, it is designed to look like a medieval castle.
The castle's lavish interiors are decorated in the Romantic style with intricate painted ceilings and carved wooden details. Visitors can admire colourful wall paintings, 15th- and 16th-century glass paintings in the chapel, and the Knights' Hall. Lichtenstein Castle is also known for its collection of historic weapons and armour.
No. 6 - Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau castle, originally built in the 12th century, was already in ruins before being rebuilt in the mid-1500s. It suffered partial destruction once again at the hands of Austrian troops in 1743. Almost a century later, King Maximilian II, the Bavarian Crown Prince and father of King Ludwig II, purchased the castle and set about restoring it to its original design.
The exterior of Hohenschwangau is neo-gothic, with crenellated towers that give the castle a majestic appearance. The halls and chambers inside the castle are covered in almost 100 murals and paintings depicting local historic events and German heroic legends such as Parsival, Lohengren, and other romantic sagas. Queen Marie created an alpine garden surrounded by a castellated wall, which was also adorned with symbols of romantic stories, including a fountain shaped like a water-spouting swan.
Hohenschwangau served as the royal summer residence, and young Ludwig grew up surrounded by the romantic legends of chivalry and knighthood that infused the surroundings. After his father's death, and upon his coronation as King, Ludwig resided here until his own magical Neuschwanstein castle was completed.
Touring the castle is like stepping into the Romantic Era. The grand halls and chambers are filled with original 19th-century Biedermeier furnishings surrounded by scenes from legends. It's easy to see where Ludwig got his own fascination for the romantic tales that shaped his vision for Neuschwanstein Castle.
No. 5 - Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle, like Hohenzollern Castle in Southwest Germany, will fulfil your kids' dream of seeing a real fairy tale castle. Its towers and access over a narrow bridge give the impression of a typical medieval castle, and the surroundings are ideal, perched atop a 70-metre-high rock outcrop surrounded by dense forest. The castle's imposing stone walls and towers, pointed turrets, steeply pitched roofs, and red half-timbering make it a remarkable sight, particularly against the forested hillside.
Eltz Castle has been owned by the Kempenich family since its origins in the 12th century, and it has been meticulously preserved and restored, with impressive interiors and much of its original furnishings. It is one of the finest examples of a medieval castle in Germany. Expanded over time, by the mid-1600s, the castle had grown to its current size, with eight tall residential buildings comprising 100 rooms surrounding the central courtyard. In the 19th century, careful restoration was carried out without altering the structures or their decorations.
During a tour of the castle, the Knights Hall, with its numerous suits of armour, and an original 15th-century kitchen are just some of the highlights. Other interesting features are the armoury and treasury. These are home to one of Germany's most valuable private collections of historic artworks; over 500 objects including gold and silver, jewellery, ivory, weapons, and other curiosities.
No. 4 - Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is a unique castle that stands almost entirely surrounded by water, unlike other castles that sit atop steep hills or rocky crags. To reach the castle, visitors must cross a bridge that connects it to Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in northern Germany. The castle is an excellent example of Romantic Historicism, with onion-domed cupolas, a tea caddy tower, and pointed spires, making it one of Germany's prime examples of the style.
The castle's history dates back to 973 when a castle was built on the islands, which served as the seat of the Dukes of Mecklenberg. In the late Gothic period, the dukes converted the fortress into a more ornamental palace that reflected their increasing wealth and power. In the mid-1500s, bastions were added to the castle that still stand today.
In the mid-1800s, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II ordered for the castle to be completely reconstructed, retaining only some parts of the 16th- and 17th-century building. The current, somewhat fanciful castle/palace is the result of this reconstruction. Following Germany's reunification, the castle underwent massive preservation, restoring its opulent interior, with the magnificent Throne Room being the highlight.
No. 3 - Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle, situated in Baden-Württemberg, is the third castle built on this mountain and is the ancestral home of the House of Hohenzollern, the imperial family of Germany. Although the family's monarchy ended with Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication after World War I, the castle still displays many of their royal artefacts, including the Prussian royal crown and possessions belonging to Frederick the Great.
The original castle was constructed in the early 1200s but was destroyed in 1423. A larger, reinforced replacement was built in 1454, which was left to fall into disrepair by the early 19th century. The current neo-Gothic fortified version of the castle was built in 1850 by King Frederick William IV, and is considered to be a masterpiece of 19th-century military architecture. The luxurious palace is located inside a walled fortress and can be accessed through an impressive gate.
The castle is still owned and inhabited by the Hohenzollerns and is open to visitors year-round. Guided tours through the exhibition rooms and state rooms provide insights into the family's history, as well as displaying royal treasures, gold and silver works, paintings, and royal robes. Additionally, one of Germany's top Christmas markets takes place here on two weekends in early December.
No. 2 - Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle, made of imposing red sandstone, is a magnificent example of German Renaissance architecture that has survived the test of time. Perched on a hillside above the Old Town in Heidelberg, almost 200 metres below, it dominates the landscape and provides a stunning backdrop visible from virtually any point in town or along the Neckar River.
Dating back to the 1300s, the castle became the royal residence in the 1400s under Prince Elector Ruprecht III. However, it was destroyed twice by the French in 1689 and 1693, then severely damaged by lightning in 1764, which made it uninhabitable but turned it into the largest and most picturesque castle ruin in Germany.
Visitors can take regular tours to explore the castle courtyard, a pharmacy museum, and the cellar, which houses a colossal seven-metre-high barrel. The courtyard also hosts concerts, performances, and festivals, including three major fireworks displays each summer. You can reach Heidelberg Castle on the Bergbahn, a funicular railway that runs from the Kornmarkt, or enjoy a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. A round-trip ride on the Bergbahn is included in the price of the castle tour ticket.
No. 1 - Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle, the brainchild of King Ludwig of Bavaria, was designed as a fairy tale-like retreat from reality, inspired by myth, Romantic literature, opera, and Teutonic chivalry. The architecture and decor reflect a combination of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles, resulting in a whimsical structure with spires, turrets, battlements, and pitched roofs that sits on a rocky crag amidst a forest. The Alpine foothills provide a stunning backdrop for the castle, which has only 15 of the 200 planned rooms completed. The grand halls of Neuschwanstein, including the Throne Room, Singers' Hall, and Ludwig's bedroom, are all decorated with murals, mosaics, and carved oak.
Due to its immense popularity, a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle needs to be reserved several days in advance. The 10.5-hour Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich also allows visitors to tour King Ludwig's equally fanciful hunting lodge.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best castles in Germany. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite castles to visit in Germany.
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