17 Greatest Castles in Germany To Go to in 2023

Castles and Germany go hand in hand. Enjoyable truth, Germany has over 20,000 castles – starting from renaissance fortress type to dramatic castles that seem like they might be straight out of a fairy story. The nation has a number of the most castles on this planet. In the course of the Center Ages, Germany was cut up into limitless little states, and castles grew to become constructed as strongholds and defensive bases for every territory. Now, you may go to castles in Germany in and round most cities, and seeing any fort is likely one of the hottest day journeys when visiting Germany.

High Castles in Germany

With so many castles in Germany, which do you have to select to go to? This information will cowl the easiest castles in Germany. From the famed Neuschwanstein fort to the smaller Marburg Fortress, these are probably the most unbelievable castles on your journey to Germany.

1. Neuschwanstein Fortress

Neuschwanstein Fortress is likely one of the most visited castles in Germany. The dramatic turreted fort dates again to the Nineteenth century and is famed for its lovely look and setting. Whereas it’s situated in Bavaria, simply exterior the city of Fussen, it has a rural backdrop. Neuschwanstein Fortress backs onto Ammergebirge nature reserve. The fort seems to be like it’s floating above the encompassing forest. It’s beautiful in autumn when the leaves flip orange and brown.

To go to Neuschwanstein Fortress you enter on a fort tour the place you’re directed by an audio tour. The tour whisks you across the fort complicated, offering perception into the historical past of every room. Neuschwanstein Fortress has one of the vital participating guided excursions of all of the castles in Germany. As a result of it’s such a well-known fort, lots has been invested in its tourism infrastructure.

The historical past of Neuschwanstein Fortress is equally fascinating. The fort was constructed by the ‘fairy story king’ Ludwig II of Bavaria as a spot to retreat from the fashionable world. Sadly for Ludwig II, he died earlier than Neuschwanstein Fortress was accomplished. However the fort nonetheless symbolizes an escape right into a fantasy world – therefore its nickname, the fairy story fort.

The fairy story look and story behind Neuschwanstein Fortress is the explanation we’ve included it in our information. Apart from, as one of the vital well-known castles in Germany, it’s the good addition to your itinerary. Bear in mind to take a look at a number of the greatest issues to do in Bavaria whenever you go to, and in case you are staying in Munich, check out this Neuschwanstein day journey.

• Opening Instances: 9 am – 6 pm
• Entry Charges: $19

2. Wartburg Fortress

Wartburg Fortress is a shocking medieval fort with intensive displays, together with artifacts from German historical past and artwork from the Center Ages. The fort stands on a rocky summit, overlooking the parkland and low-lying countryside. Wartburg Fortress sits simply exterior the city of Eisenach and is situated in central Germany – good if you wish to get out of Germany’s main cities.

Guests can tour the fort and chateau museum. It’s tastefully restored inside, and there are English translations for all of the displays. You may go for one of many guided excursions at 1 pm or discover your self at your personal tempo, relying on how a lot further data you’d like. Wartburg Fortress 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 Fortress has an enchanting historical past, to say the least. The unique fort was constructed throughout the medieval interval, however a lot of what you see immediately dates from Nineteenth-century restorations. When it comes to non secular historical past, Martin Luther translated his first copy of the Bible in Wartburg Fortress. Due to this, Wartburg Fortress stays a logo of pilgrimage immediately,

It’s extensively advised that Wartburg Fortress was the primary German fort to be awarded a UNESCO world heritage website. Regardless, it is likely 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 Instances: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Entry Charges: $13

3. Heidelberg Fortress

Heidelberg Fortress is likely one of the most placing castles in Germany. Whereas as soon as an image of grandeur, the purple sandstone fort now partially lays in ruins. It’s an atmospheric website to wander. Heidelberg Fortress is surrounded by a thick forest on a hillside slope. Nevertheless, its rural setting is deceiving, as you’re only a ten-minute drive from the city of Heidelberg.

The Heidelberg Fortress grounds are fascinating and embrace a German apothecary museum and the most important wine barrel on this planet. Stopping for a wine-tasting expertise whereas touring a medieval fort is a singular expertise. This fort will be toured independently or as one of many guided excursions. You may stroll as much as the fort or take a scenic cable automobile. The cable automobile ticket contains your entry to Heidelberg Fortress. Or you may e-book a tour of each the city and the fort.

Mentions of Heidelberg Fortress will be traced again to the thirteenth century – making it one in all Germany’s oldest castles and medieval fortresses. In keeping with historic data, the fort was broken in the beginning of the 14th century. When Rupert III rose to the German throne, it started being renovated. The fort was then concerned in lots of wars for the next centuries, together with the 9 Years’ Warfare, the place French king Louis XIV destroyed the fort as soon as once more.

Heidelberg Fortress is a shocking instance of a Gothic Renaissance fortress. The mix of historical past, structure, and title-holding points of interest just like the wine barrel caught our consideration. The fort additionally holds UNESCO World Heritage Website standing. Heidelberg is definitely one of the vital intriguing castles in Germany.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 5 pm
• Entry Charges: $10 (+ $6.50 for a guided tour)

4. Hohenzollern Fortress

Hohenzollern Fortress is a scenic Nineteenth-century fort famed for being residence to the Prussian royal crown and an expansive artwork assortment. It’s one of the vital basic castles in Germany, that includes turrets and a mountaintop location overlooking the countryside under. The fort is in southwest Germany throughout the Black Forest area, between the Bisingen and Hechingen.

Hohenzollern Fortress is a first-rate instance of a Gothic revival-style fort. The fort sits on the stays of an earlier medieval fort and has a ravishing fort chapel. You may simply spend just a few hours exploring the community of passages, backyard walkways, and staircases. The fort additionally has a royal treasury with weaponry shows.

Hohenzollern caught our eye for its Gothic revival structure and historic artifact shows. Nevertheless, we additionally love the annual Christmas Market within the fort’s courtyard. Hohenzollern is a ravishing festive attraction if you happen to go to Germany in December.

It is very important observe that Hohenzollern opens on a seasonal foundation. For almost all of January, the fort is totally closed. And for February and March, the fort grounds are open, however Hohenzollern Fortress is closed. Hohenzollern Fortress solely opens totally between April and December. Moreover, Hohenzollern Fortress is round a three-hour drive from Munich – a super place to start out a street journey. Try our information on issues to do in Munich right here.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 6:30 pm
• Entry Charges: $24 (when booked on-line)

5. Hohenschwangau Fortress

Hohenschwangau Fortress is likely one of the most ornate German castles in our information. The baroque-style fort is located in Bavaria, simply exterior the village of Schwangau. It’s proper subsequent to a ravishing lake well-known for summer time swimming. The fort’s surrounding hills are blanketed with dense forest and it has that basic rural setting.

Hohenschwangau Fortress can solely be visited as a part of a guided tour. That is no sacrifice, although, because the guided excursions have wonderful opinions and take you across the elegantly embellished rooms contained in the fort. You’ll go to the royal bed room, dressing room, throne room, and grotto. The usual of restoration and upkeep is implausible, and Hohenschwangau Fortress is likely one of the greatest castles in Germany to get a style of the normal inside and chateau life.

Hohenschwangau Fortress can be one of the vital well-known castles in Germany and served because the royal summer time residence of King Ludwig II. The fort was first talked about within the twelfth century. Nevertheless, it was totally renovated within the Nineteenth century below the rule of King Maximilian II.

The standard of the surviving inside determined Hohenschwangau Fortress’s place on this information. Nevertheless, the lake and delightful gardens are additionally sturdy promoting factors for visiting Hohenschwangau Fortress. If you’re visiting Hohenschwangau Fortress in 2023, observe that a number of the rooms are at present closed for restoration. We are able to’t complain because the house owners do an amazing job retaining the fort in prime situation however examine the web site for particulars earlier than visiting.

• Opening Instances: 9 am – 4 pm
• Entry Charges: $16

6. Burg Hohenecken

Burg Hohenecken is a lesser-visited addition to our information. The fort stood overlooking the tiny village of Hohenecken in western Germany. Now, the purple sandstone construction is a ravishing disarray of chateau ruins. Atmospheric and fewer touristy than a number of the opposite castles in Germany, Burg Hohenecken is great for extra adventurous vacationers.

You may discover the grassy grounds of the fort at your personal leisure. Burg Hohenecken is a spot that’s meant to be self-explored. It’s in style for guests to deliver a picnic in summer time, and lots of households benefit from the lovely surroundings and open area. It’s a quick hike up from Hohenecken and its practice station automobile park.

Its actual date of building 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. Regardless of seeming an unassuming (and remarkably lovely) addition to our favourite German castles, it’s definitely a hidden treasure amongst the most effective castles in Germany.

• Opening Instances: 24/7
• Entry Charges: Free

7. Lichtenstein Fortress

Lichtenstein Fortress is likely one of the most dramatic-looking castles in Germany. The neo-gothic type construction sits on a cliff face, with one-half of the fort instantly constructed onto the cliff edge. The dramatic setting offers Lichtenstein Fortress a fairy story attraction, and guests flock to witness the fort’s splendor in particular person. The fort is a twenty-minute drive exterior town of Reutlingen. It overlooks the village of Lichtenstein and the Greuthau nature reserve.

Some of the thrilling components of visiting Lichtenstein Fortress is crossing the picket bridge to enter. Strolling throughout the old-worldly entrance gives views of the cliffs under and actually emphasizes the fort’s placing setting. Contained in the fort, the non-public house owners embellished the inside with conventional medieval decor. You may go to on one of many common guided excursions. Take into account that Lichtenstein Fortress closes to the general public in January and February.

In contrast to the remainder of our castles in Germany, Lichtenstein Fortress was purpose-built to copy medieval instances. The fort was designed within the mid-Nineteenth century by Carl Alexander Heidloff, impressed by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. Lichtenstein Fortress’s literary affect and dramatic setting shortly gained it a spot on our record.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 4 pm for March, November, and December. 9 am – 5: 30 pm from April to October.
• Entry Charges: $13 (inc tour)

8. Schwerin Fortress

Schwerin Fortress is likely one of the most stand-out German castles you may go to. Neglect your normal moated fort; Schwerin Fortress is by itself island. The fort is located in Lake Schwerin in northern Germany, proper on the outskirts of Schwerin. Schwerin Fortress is likely one of the most lovely castles in Germany and superb for anybody desirous to discover a extra uncommon German fort.

The neo-renaissance structure is gorgeous to admire from the fort grounds. Entrance to the fort grounds can 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 may pay to tour ornate rooms, together with the dramatic throne room. Schwerin Fortress was residence to the grand dukes of Mecklenburg for hundreds of years, and the fort has an illustrious historical past. Aside from the historic rooms and ornate furnishings, there’s additionally a European artwork assortment to admire.

Schwerin Fortress is likely one of the greatest 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 Fortress had necessary former residents and likewise served because the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament constructing. For historical past, politics, and structure rolled into one, Schwerin is a implausible German fort to go to. You may e-book a guided tour of Schwerin right here.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 5 pm
• Entry Charges: $9

9. Altena Fortress

Altena is likely one of the most informative castles in Germany. Situated on a hill above the city of Altena, the fort is residence to a medieval historical past assortment and the World Youth Hostels Museum. Bizarrely sufficient, Altena Fortress is the positioning of the world’s first youth hostel – nonetheless open if you wish to keep in a single day for a ‘fort lodge’ expertise. The small stone fort has lots to show you.

Contained in the fort, there are quite a few displays and academic shows. It’s family-friendly and focused to have interaction all ages, making it in style for college journeys and household holidays. Because the fort has such a various historical past, there’s a number of historical past and totally different tales to uncover in your go to. The fort has been a hospital, a navy garrison, and even a jail. After World Warfare I, Richard Schirrmann opened the Altena youth hostel. He then based the German nationwide group of hostels just a few years later, in 1919. Guests be taught concerning the fort’s historical past within the museum – from geology to the hostel motion and the way historical past formed its area.

The fort’s distinctive connection to the hostel motion is what impressed us. Nevertheless, additionally it is among the finest German castles for households. The participating shows are nice for retaining younger guests , and it is a wonderful place for folks to take kids on an academic time out.

• Opening Instances: 9:30 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 11 am – 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Entry Charges: $5.50

10. Wernigerode Fortress

Wernigerode Fortress is likely one of the greatest castles in Germany if you wish to expertise an outdated medieval fortress. The fort sits in central Germany, simply exterior the small city of Wernigerode – which is a photographer’s heaven and comprises a medieval outdated city. Each the fort and its environment are the epitome of old-worldly. The fort additionally backs onto nature reserves and towering hills with remark decks. It’s superb for anybody desirous to get out into the sticks and luxuriate in mountain climbing.

Wernigerode Fortress itself is constructed upon the medieval fortress ruins, and the vast majority of the construction that you simply see immediately dates to the Nineteenth century. Guests can e-book guided excursions of the fort inside, being led by means of ornate chambers and historic artifacts. The mix of structure is fascinating, and every century clearly left a mark on the fort. You may admire Gothic arched home windows within the inside courtyard and a Renaissance tower that you would be able to climb for views over the countryside. Wernigerode Fortress is likely 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 Fortress. Its entry and proximity to the encompassing nature reserves are to not be ignored, although, and it’s well-suited to these wanting to go to a fort after which spend just a few days mountain climbing.

• Opening Instances: Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, and 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• Entry Charges: $7.60

11. Cochem Fortress

Cochem Fortress is also referred to as Reichsburg Cochem or Reichsburg Fortress. Reichsburg merely means ‘imperial’, and the fort obtained this standing when captured by King Konrad III. This gorgeous little hilltop constructing dates again to the eleventh century, and it is likely one of the most city German castles. Cochem Fortress is situated alongside the River Moselle proper within the heart of the city of Cochem. Located within the Rhine Valley, it is likely one of the greatest castles in Germany in order for you a small-town environment alongside your fort expertise.

Guests can tour contained in the fort on a forty-minute guided tour. The fort itself is comparatively small, so exploring isn’t bodily difficult. The fort receives extremely rated opinions for its tour information service, and previous guests praised the passionate guides with a number of participating data. For further perception into its historical past, a guided tour is worth it. After all, for a barely uncommon expertise, you can even have a eating expertise at Reichsburg Fortress. The fort’s restaurant has panoramic views over the city and the river under.

As we talked about, the fort was captured by King Konrad III in 1151 and renamed Reichsburg Fortress. Nevertheless, the fort’s building will 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 fort was destroyed by the French in 1689 and resurrected solely in 1868.

The fort’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 fort tour within the Rhine Valley.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 3 pm
• Entry Charges: $9

12. Drachenburg Fortress

Drachenburg Fortress is one other gem within the Rhine Valley. The fort was modeled within the type of a medieval fort, very similar to Lichtenstein Fortress. It has a implausible location and sits on the banks of the Rhine River, simply exterior the principal metropolis of Bonn. For views over the Rhine River, this medieval-style fort is likely one of the greatest castles in Germany.

Drachenburg Fortress has quite a few totally different excursions that cowl different components of the fort. You may select the choice that most closely fits you, your pursuits, and your finances. Some embrace areas just like the ‘non-public flooring,’ and others add specific areas just like the terrace, which has gorgeous views over the River Rhine.

Drachenburg Fortress was constructed within the late Nineteenth century and acted as a non-public villa earlier than its house owners turned it into a number of totally different ventures. Jacob Biesenbach went so far as to remodel Drachenburg Fortress right into a group heart. Egbert Von Simon (virtually) reworked it into an amusement park. Throughout World Warfare II, a Nazi elite faculty took over the fort. Drachenburg Fortress’s story went downhill, ultimately ending in destroy between 1960 and 1970. Fortuitously, in 1986, it was introduced as a listed monument. It was renovated into its full glory that you simply see immediately.

Finally, Drachenburg Fortress’s scenic locale is what gained us over. It has unequalled views of the River Rhine, and we love how accessible it’s from Bonn. Its historical past can be various and colourful, good for people who desire a extra fashionable perception into Germany.

• Opening Instances: 12 pm – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Entry Charges: $9 for traditional entry

13. Mespelbrunn Fortress

Mespelbrunn is likely one of the prettiest castles in Germany. Mespelbrunn Fortress is surrounded by a peaceable moat and cuts an idyllic image in opposition to a small forest backdrop. The fort is round an hour’s drive from Frankfurt however is in the midst of nowhere. It’s the good candidate for a day journey away from the craziness of Frankfurt. Its nearest settlement is the tiny village of Mespelbrunn – the fort’s namesake.

Mespelbrunn Fortress has that fairy story attract that’s so frequent amongst the most effective castles in Germany. You’ll should pay the doorway price if you wish to rise up shut. However its delicate magnificence makes the price worthwhile. The moat is residence to trout and swans. And inside, you may take a guided tour of stylish and conventional rooms.

The fort is privately owned however open to the general public on particular days and circumstances (equivalent to solely being accessible by way of guided tour). It’s believed so far again to the fifteenth century, between the medieval and Renaissance interval. The fort was lucky to have escaped destruction by the French within the Thirty Years’ Warfare, saved by its distant location and thick surrounding forest. The fort continues to be inhabited immediately by the household of the Counts of Ingelheim.

We’ll be sincere: Mespelbrunn Fortress’s attractiveness sealed this deal. The attractive surroundings and peaceable moat make Mespelbrunn among the finest castles in Germany. It’s a implausible selection in order for you a small, photogenic fort. And much more so in case you are in search of issues to do on a day journey from Frankfurt. Mespelbrunn can be only a two-hour drive from Nuremberg if you happen to fancy basing your self in a smaller metropolis. You may take a look at probably the most superb issues to do in Nuremberg right here.

• Opening Instances: 9:30 am – 5 pm
• Entry Charges: $6.50

14. Landgrafen Palace, aka Marburg Fortress

Landgrafen Palace is an outdated medieval fort that dates again to the eleventh century. It’s generally known as Marburg Fortress, given its scenic location within the heart of the city of Marburg. Marburg has a ravishing outdated city that includes half-timbered homes and conventional streets. Simply an hour north of Frankfurt, Landgrafen Palace makes a wonderful day journey.

The fort has an enormous gothic corridor, historic paintings, furnishings, and artifacts. It’s fairly priced to enter, with lovely views over Marburg and its surrounding countryside. If you would like extra data, there’s additionally a Museum of Cultural Historical past.

Beginning as a medieval fortress, Landgrafen Palace progressed to the non-public residence of the Landgraviate of Hesse. In 1529, it held a dispute assembly between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli. Lastly, post-1981, Landgrafen Palace grew to become a museum. Landgrafen has seen lots in its years – from the battle of the Center Ages to the start of contemporary Christianity.

What stood out most to us was its lengthy historical past and site in Marburg. The fort’s distance from Frankfurt can be superb, as it’s good for these wanting day journeys from a metropolis break.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Entry Charges: $6

15. Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel

Burghotel Auf Schönburg Oberwesel is barely totally different from our different castles in Germany. This medieval fort has been reworked right into a stately lodge, the place friends can keep in a single day in conventional rooms or dine on the restaurant with views of the Rhine. The four-star fort lodge is perched on a clifftop overlooking the city of Oberwesel on the Rhine River. It’s superb for many who need greater than a regular fort expertise. You may take a look at costs right here in case you are keen on staying on the lodge.

Visitors can nonetheless take within the fort’s historical past by visiting its museum or tower. Those that resolve to remain in a single day, not only for a meal, can e-book distinctive rooms. Some room choices are set within the fort turrets and include balconies the place you may admire the views of the river and surrounding vineyards.

Schönburg Fortress 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. Whereas it caught our consideration with its distinctive Twenty first-century hospitality, Schönburg Fortress has some fascinating tales behind it. The fort is price visiting, and don’t overlook to go wine tasting whenever you do.

• Opening Instances: 24/7
• Entry Charges: Charge of room/meal

16. Eltz Fortress

Eltz Fortress is a romantic little fort 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 Fortress, and it’s situated close to the Luxembourg border. Eltz Fortress is ideal if you happen to plan to journey to extra distant areas of Germany.

Eltz Fortress is visited by guided tour solely, lasting round thirty minutes. You may catch the shuttle bus as much as the fort, which is implausible 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 unbelievable tales. The fort is famed for its knights corridor but additionally has a dungeon and personal chambers. On the finish of the expertise, you get entry to the treasury and lots of of priceless artifacts.

Amazingly, Eltz Fortress continues to be owned by the Eltz household, who’ve resided there because the twelfth century. 33 generations of the Eltz household have lived within the fort – a fairly 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 a protracted interval.

• Opening Instances: 9:30 am – 5 pm (April to November solely)
• Entry Charges: $13

17. Dresden Fortress

Dresden Fortress is extra of a museum than a stereotypical fort, however it’s fascinating and well-known nonetheless. Situated proper within the heart of Dresden, it is likely one of the metropolis’s oldest buildings and Germany’s earliest palace buildings. The fort was a residence for kings for practically 400 years and is now ‘retired’ and thought of the cultural heart of Dresden.

The fort is sensible 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 may admire work, statues, and extra historic shows like weaponry, jewellery, and historical clothes. Put together your self for a various vary of displays.

The unique fort in Dresden was constructed within the thirteenth century however was suffering from 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 whole rebuild – primarily in Baroque type relatively than the unique Romanesque and Renaissance influences. Throughout World Warfare II, Dresden Fortress was broken once more in 1945. It was solely in 2013 that the fort was restored to full glory.

Dresden is likely one of the most iconic castles in Germany and comprises a number of the nation’s greatest treasures. The museum’s huge scale and displays made us resolve so as to add Dresden Fortress to our information. Its thrilling historical past was simply the cherry on prime. Try normal admission tickets right here.

• Opening Instances: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Entry Charges: $15

To Conclude

Germany has so many lovely castles; you’re undoubtedly spoiled for selection. The vary of chateau varieties means you can go to a handful of the most effective castles in your journey and nonetheless have a special expertise at each. Exploring historical fort life in Germany can be an immersive technique to uncover extra about European cultural historical past.

Are you debating visiting just a few castles on the identical journey? You may all the time plan a romantic street journey between them. What number of castles may you see on a week-long street journey? Have a magical time visiting the most effective castles in Germany. You might be in for a deal with.