Germany is a country steeped in history and culture, and its castles are some of its most iconic landmarks. From the fairytale Neuschwanstein to the imposing Hohenzollern, there is a castle to suit every taste.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best castles in Germany, based on their popularity, historical significance, and architectural beauty.
See The List Below For The Top 10 Best Castles in Germany;
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is arguably the most famous castle in the world, and for good reason. This stunning 19th-century castle is perched on a hilltop in the Bavarian Alps, and its fairytale appearance has inspired countless artists and writers over the years.
The castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was a passionate admirer of medieval architecture and culture. Neuschwanstein was intended to be a private retreat for the king, but it was never fully completed. After Ludwig’s death in 1886, the castle was opened to the public, and it has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
Visitors to Neuschwanstein can marvel at the castle’s fairytale exterior, which features turrets, towers, and balconies. The interior of the castle is just as impressive, with its richly decorated rooms and halls.
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2. Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is another iconic German castle, located on a hilltop in the Swabian Alps. The castle has been the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern for centuries, and it has played an important role in German history.
Hohenzollern Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current castle was built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style.
The castle is open to the public, and visitors can tour the castle grounds and buildings. The castle museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Hohenzollern family, including royal crowns and jewelry.
3. Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. The castle is located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Heidelberg, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Heidelberg Castle was built in the 13th century, and it has been expanded and modified over the centuries. The castle is a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
The castle was partially destroyed by fire in 1689, but it has since been restored. Visitors to Heidelberg Castle can tour the castle grounds and buildings, including the castle ruins, the Friedrichsbau Palace, and the Apothecary Museum.
4. Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is a beautiful castle located on an island in Lake Schwerin in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The castle was built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style, and it is one of the most important landmarks in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Schwerin Castle is open to the public, and visitors can tour the castle grounds and buildings. The castle museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
5. Wartburg Castle
Wartburg Castle is a historic castle located in Eisenach, Thuringia. The castle was built in the 11th century, and it has played an important role in German history.
Wartburg Castle is known for being the place where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German in the 16th century. The castle is also associated with other famous figures, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller.
Wartburg Castle is open to the public, and visitors can tour the castle grounds and buildings. The castle museum houses a collection of artifacts from the castle’s history.
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6. Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is a beautiful medieval castle located on a hilltop in the Eifel Mountains in Rhineland-Palatinate. The castle is still privately owned, but it is open to the public for tours.
Eltz Castle was built in the 12th century, and it has been expanded and modified over the centuries. The castle is a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
Visitors to Eltz Castle can tour the castle grounds and buildings, including the castle museum, the treasury, and the armory.
7. Cochem Castle
Cochem Castle is a hilltop castle located in the town of Cochem in Rhineland-Palatinate. The castle was built in the 12th century, and it has been expanded and modified over the centuries. The castle is a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
Cochem Castle was partially destroyed by a French attack in 1688, but it was rebuilt in the 19th century. The castle is now a popular tourist destination, and visitors can tour the castle grounds and buildings.
8. Hohenwerfen Castle
Hohenwerfen Castle is a medieval castle located on a hilltop in the town of Werfen in Salzburg, Austria. The castle was built in the 11th century, and it has played an important role in Austrian history.
Hohenwerfen Castle was used as a prison for many centuries, and it is now a museum. Visitors to the castle can learn about the castle’s history and see the exhibits on its former prisoners.
9. Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is a beautiful fairytale castle located on a hilltop in the town of Lichtenstein in Baden-Württemberg. The castle was built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style.
Lichtenstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Baden-Württemberg. Visitors to the castle can tour the castle grounds and buildings, including the castle museum, the armory, and the chapel.
10. Mespelbrunn Castle
Mespelbrunn Castle is a moated castle located in the town of Mespelbrunn in Bavaria. The castle was built in the 15th century in the Renaissance style.
Mespelbrunn Castle is still privately owned, but it is open to the public for tours. Visitors to the castle can tour the castle grounds and buildings, including the castle museum, the treasury, and the armory.
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Conclusion
Germany is home to some of the most beautiful and historic castles in the world. Whether you are interested in medieval history, fairytale architecture, or simply stunning views, there is a castle in Germany that is perfect for you.
If you are planning a trip to Germany, be sure to add some of the castles on this list to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Additional Information
In addition to the castles listed above, there are many other beautiful and historic castles in Germany. Here are a few more that are worth mentioning:
- Burg Altena (Altena, North Rhine-Westphalia): A medieval castle with a museum on the history of ironworking.
- Burg Hohenzollern-Hechingen (Hechingen, Baden-Württemberg): A Renaissance castle with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Burg Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (Sigmaringen, Baden-Württemberg): A Neo-Gothic castle that was once the seat of the Hohenzollern princes.
- Burg Hohenneuschwanstein (Füssen, Bavaria): A ruined medieval castle that is said to have inspired Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Burg Rheinstein (Trechtingshausen, Rhineland-Palatinate): A 19th-century castle with a museum on the history of the Rhine Valley.
- Linderhof Palace (Ettal, Bavaria): A Rococo palace that was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
- Nymphenburg Palace (Munich, Bavaria): A Baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family.
Tips for Visiting German Castles
- Many German castles are located in rural areas, so it is important to plan your transportation ahead of time.
- Most German castles have a fee for admission, but there are often discounts for students, seniors, and families.
- Many German castles offer guided tours, which can be a great way to learn about the castle’s history and architecture.
- When visiting a German castle, be sure to dress respectfully. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other revealing clothing.
- Many German castles have restaurants and cafes, so you can grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after your tour.
Here are some of the most asked FAQs about castles in Germany:
Q: What is the most famous castle in Germany?
A: The most famous castle in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle. It is a fairytale castle located in the Bavarian Alps, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.
Q: What is the oldest castle in Germany?
A: The oldest castle in Germany is Burg Altena. It was built in the 11th century, and it is located in the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Q: Which castle is the best to visit in Germany?
A: The best castle to visit in Germany depends on your interests. If you are interested in medieval history, then you should visit Wartburg Castle or Burg Eltz. If you are interested in fairytale architecture, then you should visit Neuschwanstein Castle or Lichtenstein Castle. If you are interested in stunning views, then you should visit Hohenzollern Castle or Cochem Castle.
Q: Are German castles open to the public?
A: Yes, most German castles are open to the public for tours. However, there are a few private castles that are not open to the public.
Q: What is the best way to get to German castles?
A: The best way to get to German castles depends on the location of the castle. Some castles are located in or near major cities, so you can easily get to them by train or bus. Other castles are located in rural areas, so you may need to rent a car or take a taxi.
Q: How much does it cost to visit a German castle?
A: The cost of visiting a German castle varies depending on the castle. However, most castles have a fee for admission, which is typically around €10 for adults.
Q: Are there any discounts available for visiting German castles?
A: Yes, many German castles offer discounts for students, seniors, and families. You should check the castle’s website or call ahead to see if any discounts are available.
Q: Do German castles offer guided tours?
A: Yes, many German castles offer guided tours. Guided tours can be a great way to learn about the castle’s history and architecture. However, some castles charge an additional fee for guided tours.
Q: What should I wear when visiting a German castle?
A: You should dress respectfully when visiting a German castle. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other revealing clothing. You should also wear comfortable shoes, as you may have to do a lot of walking.
Q: Are there any restaurants or cafes at German castles?
A: Yes, many German castles have restaurants and cafes. This means you can grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after your tour. However, the prices at castle restaurants and cafes are often higher than at restaurants and cafes outside of the castle.
I hope this answers some of your questions about castles in Germany.
