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Why is Germany famous for its castles?
- Germany is known for some of the most beautiful castles in the world.
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What makes German castles so unique?
- The medieval and late Gothic castles seem to be straight out of a fairy tale, sitting atop mountain peaks and overlooking flowing rivers.
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Who lived in these castles historically?
- Their historical residents range from kings and knights to dukes and damsels, all of which adds to the mystique of the castles.
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What can visitors see in German castles?
- Even better are the amazing artifacts, antiquities, and artworks that can be found on the castle grounds of places such as Burg Altena, Dresden Castle, and Schloss Johannisburg.
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1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Admire fairy-tale towers or explore romantic mountain views on a magical trip.
Found in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th century Romanesque Revival palace that was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria. The palace was his personal refuge but was soon opened to the public after his death in 1886. Visitors may recognize the palace as it was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and has also appeared in movies such as The Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. More than a million people visit the palace annually to explore its magnificence, comprising the gatehouse, the multi-level courtyard, the majestic interior, and the many antiquities and statues scattered throughout the complex.
Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
2. Albrechtsburg
Visit Germany’s oldest castle or discover unusual Gothic details during your historic weekend.
Albrechtsburg Meissen is a late Gothic castle rising picturesquely over the Elbe River valley. Often considered one of Germany’s oldest castles, Albrechtsburg was built in the 15th century and set many architectural trends during its construction. During a guided tour, visitors can explore the courtyard, the slopes, and even the basement vaults of the palace building. Visitors will be able to learn about the history of the palace and the surrounding buildings, the royal residents who lived there, and the craftsman and artists who contributed to the castle’s beauty. Visitors can even end their tour with a glass of delicious Meissner wine.
Domplatz 1, 01662 Meißen, Germany, Phone: +49-3-52-14-70-70
3. Altena
Walk along stone walls or see medieval sights in this affordable fortress.
Burg Altena was built in the 12th century on top of Mount Wulfseck by the Counts of Berg. Having been the home of the Counts of Marck, formerly the Counts of Altena, the castle had many residents and visitors over the years. In 1912 the castle was one of the first in the world to be transformed into a permanent youth hostel, which is still present today. Over the years two museums have been added to the castle, the World Youth Hostels Museum and the Museum of the County of Marck.
Fritz-Thomee-Straße 80, 58762 Altena, Germany, Phone: +49-2-35-29-66-70-34
4. Burg Eltz
Hike forest paths or admire exciting medieval architecture hidden in the hills.
Nestled for over 850 years within the mystical Eltz Forest is Burg Eltz, or Eltz Castle. Visitors can have a fairytale experience of a preserved beauty that has pretty much remained the same for the past eight centuries. The castle has been unscathed by war and holds many of the original furnishings and antiquities; it is also still owned by the same family who built it. Visitors can explore the many artifacts, the world-class artwork, the serene beauty of the surroundings, and the many species of flora and fauna that can be found here. A guided tour of the interior of the castle displays stunning authentic furnishings from the Middle and early Modern Ages.
Burg-Eltz-Straße 1, 56294 Wierschem, Germany, Phone: +49-26-72-95-05-00
5. Burg Rheinstein
Look at Rhine River views or explore romantic rooms in this cliffside retreat.
Built in 1316 and then rebuilt in various instances from 1825 to 1844, Burg Rheinstein is a castle that played an important role in Germany’s defenses over the years because of its strategic location. There are many beautiful aspects of the castle that visitors can explore. Some of the more popular are the drawbridges which played a part in their defense plan, the courtyard, which looks over the Rhine, and the castle chapel, which has a wood carved altar piece depicting Jesus at the Last Supper. One of the castle’s courtyards is known as the Burgundy Garden, named after the 500-year-old Burgundy grape vine, which still produces grapes.
Burg Rheinstein, 55413 Trechtingshausen, Germany, Phone: +49-67-21-63-48
6. Burg zu Burghausen
See Europe’s longest castle or enjoy fall views on a scenic trip.
The longest castle complex in the world, according to Guinness World Records, is stunning Burghausen Castle. The complex, which is 1,051 meters long, houses the main castle, an inner courtyard, and five outer courtyards. Parts of the castle are now dedicated to the castle museum, which has numerous Gothic paintings from the Bavarian State Picture Collection; there’s also a monumental picture cycle that illustrates Bavaria’s history. Visitors can explore the outer courtyard, complete with a brewery, stables, and a bakery. Visitors will also appreciate the panoramic views of their surroundings from the viewing platform on the roof of the castle.
Burg zu Burghausen, Burg 48, 84489 Burghausen, Germany, Phone: +49-89-17-90-80
7. Charlottenburg Palace
Tour Baroque halls or savor royal history on an easy city escape.
The Charlottenburg Palace was built in the late 17th century and is the largest palace in Berlin, Germany. Though it was damaged in World War II, it has since been reconstructed and now houses a mausoleum, a belvedere, a pavilion, a theatre, and a formal garden at the rear of the palace. Visitors can explore the palace grounds; some of the interior includes the Old Palace and the New Wing, with rooms such as the state apartments of Frederick the Great, the winter chambers of Friedrich Wilhelm II, and the Porcelain Cabinet with over a thousand porcelain objects on display. Visitors can also see the crown jewels and the royal silver and fine porcelain tableware exhibited in a special display. More places to discover near Berlin, Germany
Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin, Germany
8. Dresden Castle
Explore grand museums or admire Renaissance sights on a cultural family outing.
One of the oldest buildings in Dresden, Dresden Castle is also popularly known as the Royal Palace or Dresdner Schloss. For over 400 years the castle was the residence of the electors and kings of Saxony. Now the castle complex has been converted into a museum that houses many sections with items from Germany’s past, such as the Numismatic Cabinet, the Dresden Armory, and the New Green Vault. In the Kupferstichkabinett, or the Cabinet of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, visitors can see over 500,000 objects by nearly 20,000 artists spanning eight centuries, including the works of Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Pablo Picasso.
Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany, Phone: +49-3-51-49-14-20-00
9. Ehrenburg Palace
Visit lavish rooms or look at unique decor with unusual flair.
The Gothic Revival-style Ehrenburg Palace was built in the 1540s and served as the main residence for Coburg’s princes from the 1540s to 1918. The palace was built by Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and titled “Ehrenburg,” which means Palace of Honor, by Emperor Charles V because the palace was constructed without any forced labor. A number of reconstructions have been done over the years as nature took its toll, but the beauty and history the palace has housed is still visible to visitors today in its architecture and its antiquities. The palace is now a museum with exhibits dedicated to the castle’s past as well as art galleries dedicated to the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Schloßpl. 1, 96450 Coburg, Germany, Phone: +49-9-56-18-08-80-32
10. Heidelberg Castle
Walk castle ruins or enjoy panoramic views on a charming couples getaway.
The ruins of Heidelberg Castle are among the most significant Renaissance structures. The earliest form of the castle goes back to 1214, with renovations and additions made in 1294 and 1750. The castle had been damaged not once but twice by lightning, which caused a fire and destroyed parts of the castle. It has played a significant role in Germany’s history and with the country’s royalty, with residents such as the “Winter King” Frederick V, Elizabeth Charlotte the Princess Palatine, and Count Charles de Graimberg. Now, visitors can explore the ruins that was once inhabited by royalty and visited by the likes of Mark Twain and Theodor Verhas, both of whom have written about their travels to the site.
Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany, Phone: +49-62-21-65-88-80, Video
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