Don't Miss These 8 Stunning Castles in Germany

Last updated on November 21st, 2022 at 03:15 pm

There are hundreds and hundreds and thousands of castles all over Germany. Everywhere you go, you can find castles of every shape, size, and state of repair. Some castles (or castle ruins) have restaurants, have been converted into hotels/hostels, and others are free and seem more like public playground areas for kids and adults alike!

To put things into an even greater perspective, there are over 20,000 castles throughout Germany to choose from!! Let’s be honest, that is quite an overwhelming number. And, that is exactly why I wrote this post just for you. My goal is to help you narrow down your search and explore the most beautiful and unique castles Germany has to offer.

****Disclaimer: Be sure to check the entry regulations and restrictions for Germany as well as any activity you would like to participate in before booking any part of your journey.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany

Neuschwanstein might just be the most famous of all the castles in all of Germany. Not only is it incredibly beautiful to look at, it is also located along the picturesque edge of the Bavarian Alps. As one of the most iconic sites of Germany it is also one of the most visited. Each day, its beauty graces nearly 6,000 visitors.

Three Fun Facts about Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for the Disney logo as well as Disney’s Cinderella castle.

The castle is dedicated to the composer Richard Wagner and many of the interior designs are inspired by Wagner’s operas. Even the name Neuschwanstein (“New Swan Stone”) comes from one of the characters in Wagner’s Operas, the Swan Knight.

The castle was not completed before King Ludwig II died. Sadly, he only lived in Neuschwanstein Castle for a short time before his death.

Ticketing and Parking Information

For more information about ticketing, opening hours, and more check out the official Neuschwanstein Castle website here.

If you are also planning to visit nearby Hohenschwangau (which I highly suggest that you do), it is possible to buy the combination ticket known as the Königsticket (King’s Ticket). For more information on Hohenschwangau, please see Section 4 of this post.

If you will be traveling by car, I suggest using this parking lot because it is FREE. But, if it is full, there are plenty of alternative options close by.
***Please note: you will have to walk uphill to reach the castle. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus or a carriage. For more information about the options, please click here.

2. Burg Eltz Castle in Wierschem, Germany

In my (humble) opinion, Burg Eltz is one of the most dramatic and formidable looking castles in Germany. I mean, just look at the photos above. The brickwork, the colors, the structure; everything reflects the noble past of knights and maidens. Plus, the fact that it is entirely surrounded by woods, makes a this place even more striking. I would say that of all the castles in Germany, this one is my own personal favorite

Three Fun Facts about Burg Eltz Castle

Construction began before 1157, but the castle was not completed for about 500 years.

In the 1330s the castle was besieged during the “Eltz Feud”. The knights of the castle surrendered in 1336 and the castle has not seen any war action since that time.

For many centuries, Burg Eltz was inhabited and maintained by three factions of the Eltz family: Kempenich, Rübenach, and Rodendorf.

Ticketing and Parking Information

For more information about how to get to Burg Eltz, ticket options, opening hours, parking, nearby hiking trails, and more, check out my blog post: A Must See Fairytale Castle in Germany: Burg Eltz

3. Lichtenstein Castle in Lichtenstein, Germany

Entrance to Lichtenstein Castle in Germany

In the southern German state of Baden-Württemberg, you will discover one of the most unique castles in Germany. The first thing that you will notice is how Lichtenstein is perched precariously on the edge of an 800 meters-high cliff. From this vantage point, you have a fantastic view overlooking the Echaz Valley and Hanau. Although this little castle was built in the 1800’s, the ruins of a medieval castle stand not too far away. Thus, there is a great history here that spans the centuries and waiting for you to explore it.

Three Fun Facts about Lichtenstein Castle

Wilhelm Hauff’s novel Lichtenstein was published in 1826. The character of the castle inspired the reconstruction of Lichtenstein Castle.

The name Lichtenstein means “shining stone” or “bright stone”.

A wealthy businessman named Reynier Fritz like Lichtenstein Castle so much, he had it replicated along Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ticketing and Parking Information

For more information about ticketing, opening hours, and more check out the official Lichtenstein website here.

For parking, I recommend this parking lot at Aufberg 3 because it is the closest. Please note that it is just over a 10 minute (uphill) walk from the castle. If that one is full, there are more options available in the area.

4. Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau, Germany

Swan Fountain at Hohenschwangau Castle in Germany

Hohenschwangau is a castle in Germany which exudes light and joy, both inside and out. The bright yellow external walls shine brightly in the sun. While the interior walls depict bright images depicting fairy tales and legends of old. Spending his childhood summers here must have made a strong impression on young King Ludwig II. After a visit, it becomes clearer how he became so obsessed with fairytales that he was granted the nickname “der Märchenkönig” (‘the Fairy Tale King‘).

Three Fun Facts about Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau was first mentioned in the 12th century and was owned by the knights of Schwangau for 4 centuries.

Over 90 gorgeous wall paintings throughout the castle depict scenes from German folklore and medieval legends.

The symbol of the swan was a heraldic animal of the Schwangau Knights. During reconstruction, King Maximilian II had it incorporated into most ornamental elements of the castle.

Ticketing and Parking Information

It is important to know that you can buy the combination ticket for both Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle. This is 100% worth it if you have the time. The combination ticket known as the Königsticket (King’s Ticket).
***Please see Section 1 of this post for more information about Neuschwanstein Castle.

To learn about ticket prices, opening hours, and more please check out the official Hohenschwangau website here.

If you have a car and are looking for parking near the castle, I suggest this parking lot because it is FREE. But, if it is full, there are plenty of alternative options close by.
***Please note: you will have to walk uphill to reach the castle. Alternatively, you can take a carriage. For more information about the options, please click here.

5. Reischburg Cochem Castle in Cochem, Germany

Reichsburg Cochem is one of the most striking castles in Germany. One of the first things that always struck me about this castle was how picturesque the area around it is (including the village of Cochem). The castle itself towers above a graceful curve in the Mosel River. It is surrounded by bright vineyards that run up and down a 330 ft hill located. All the while, the glittering mosaic of St Christopher carrying the Christ on his shoulders shines out from the castle’s tallest tower.

Three fun facts about Reischburg Cochem

Cochem Castle was used for many years to collect tolls from ships making their way along the Mosel River.

In 1868, Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené purchased Reischbug Cochem for a meager 300 Goldmarks. His goal was to rebuild the castle (incorporating the remains of the late Gothic buildings into the main castle structure) for use as a summer home. Sadly, he passed away before completion of the project.

During the Nazi years, Ravené’s son was forced to sell the family castle to the Prussian Ministry of Justice. It was then turned it into a law school run by the Nazi government.

Ticketing and Parking Information

For more information about ticketing, opening hours, and more check out the official Reichsburg Cochem website.

Reischburg Cochem also offers combination tickets that include an authentic Medieval feast experience after your castle tour. This option is typically available on the weekends during the “high season”. For more information, please click here. (Please note that changes in Covid-19 restrictions may impact this availability of this program.)

For parking options at Reischburg Cochem, please note that there is a free parking area located right at the base of the castle’s hill. But, if you can’t find a spot, I recommend this parking garage. I personally parked here each time I visited. The 15 minute walk through Cochem’s adorable old town was always very pleasant.

6. Burg Hohenzollern Castle in Bisingen, Germany

A visit to Hohenzollern Castle is a true “castle in the clouds” experience. High up on the Hohenzollern Mountain, it emanates a sense of power and authority over the areas surrounding it. There are many fantastic hiking trails offering views of the castle. And, in winter, they have a wonderful market set up, adding even more magic to the fairytale-like qualities of this place.

Three fun facts about Hohenzollern Castle

Prussian Crown Prince William stayed at the castle towards the end of WWII. Both he and Crown Princess Cecile are both buried there.

The current castle is the third reconstruction of the castle on this site. It was never meant to serve as a residence and was rebuilt for nostalgic reasons.

In 1970 and in 1978 earthquakes caused immense damage to the Castle.

Ticketing and Parking Information

***IMPORTANT: If you will be staying multiple nights in the Swabian Alb or the Black Forest region, you might receive either the AlbCard or Schwarzwald Plus Card. Both of these cards entitle you to visit many historical sights/activities including Hohenzollern FOR FREE! Be sure to check with your hotel/host/hostess to find out if you are entitled to receive these benefits!

For further information about ticketing, opening hours, and more check out the official Hohenzollern website here.

As far as parking at Hohenzollern Castle goes, I recommend this parking lot. Yes, you do have to pay for it, but it’s worth it because there is a shuttle bus that will take you the last leg of the journey up the mountain.
Please note: The cost for the shuttle bus is included with your castle ticket.

7. Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany

Rod Iron Artwork at Wartburg Castle in Germany

Wartburg Castle is a World Heritage sight located in Eisenach, Germany. In fact, it was the first castle in Germany to be awarded this distinction. Amazingly, Wartburg Castle stands as a testament to 1,000 years of German history. While externally, it might not seem nearly as eye-catching, the interior is rich in paintings, mosaics, and art work that reflect its larger than life legends, history, and the people who lived here.

Three fun facts about Wartburg Castle

Legend has it that the castle’s name originated from a German play on words: “Warte, Berg — du sollst mir eine Burg tragen!” Translated, this means: “Wait mountain, you shall bear a castle for me!”

Martin Luther fled to Wartburg Castle. This is where hid out here for a year as he worked on his Biblical translation of the New Testament into German.

The Singer’s Hall at Wartburg Castle became a major inspiration for King Ludwig II when he was designing Neuschwanstein Castle. Wagner also immortalized the castle’s legendary contest of minstrels in his opera: Tannhäuser.

Ticketing and Parking Information

For more information about ticketing, opening hours, and more check out the official Wartburg Castle website.

There are many events throughout the year in Wartburg Castle’s stunning Festsaal. To learn more about upcoming programs, please click here.

Parking at the castle is easy and there is a great option on the hill and requires only a short uphill climb to get to the castle.

8. Heidelberg Castle in Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Castle in Germany View From the Philosopher's Path

Heidelberg Castle is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Germany. It was once a proud castle, full of life, and excitement. In the 17th century its gardens were even celebrated as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Sadly, both war and nature took its toll and the castle stood in a ruined state for many years. But, at the turn of the 19th century, new life was brought to this area. The castle’s unique structure and history became a symbol of the Romantic Movement in Germany. It became the subject of many paintings, poems, and more.

Three Fun Facts about the Heidelberg Castle

Located just beneath the dance floor at Heidelberg Castle is the largest wine barrel in the world. It was built in 1751 and stands seven meters high, is eight and a half meters wide, holds 220,000 liters (58,124 gallons) of wine.

The German Pharmacy Museum is located on the castle grounds. Here you can learn all kinds of fascinating history about the development of herbal remedies in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Age.

Although attacked, struck by lightning, and destroyed many times over the centuries, Heidelberg Castle was thankfully left untouched and unharmed during WWII.

Ticketing and Parking Information

For more information about ticketing, opening hours, and more check out the official Heidelberg Castle website. If you have the opportunity to take the guided tour through the castle, I highly recommend it.

Special Event: While I have visited this castle many times, I have sadly never had the opportunity to attend one of the Schlossbeleuchtungs (castle lightings with fireworks) which take place multiple times during the summer each year. These lightings commemorate the castle’s destruction at the hands of King Louis XIV. I have heard from friends that it is an incredible site to behold.

If you will be driving to Heidelberg by car, I would suggest that you park here. I won’t lie, it is pretty tight and it can be a little cramped if you have a larger vehicle. But, there is no better location around. The funicular train to the castle is located just under the Parkhaus and the Altstadt (Old Town) is within only a few minute’s walk.

***Please note: you will have to walk uphill to reach the castle. Alternatively, you can take the funicular train from this location in the Altstadt (Old Town). When you buy your funicular train ticket, be sure to buy the Castle Ticket which also includes the fee to enter the castle.

Bonus – Castle Overnight Stays

If you are looking to make your German visit extra special by special by staying overnight in a castle, I recommend checking out this list.

In Conclusion

I hope that this post has inspired your travels to the castles of Germany. In addition to these incredible buildings, there is such a rich history to discover here, and I hope you enjoy your trip.

Happy Travels,
Christine