A country celebrated for its culture-packed cities, spectacular natural landscapes and lively festivals, Germany also happens to be the capital of the castle. In fact, the country is thought to have 25,000 fortresses across its 16 states. From pretty fairy-tale towers perched on precarious hillsides to imposing Baroque palaces and secret schlösses, these are Germany's most captivating castles.
Positioned in the town of Ahrensburg, close to Hamburg in northern Germany, this picture-perfect property appears plucked from the pages of a storybook. An icon of the local area for over 430 years, Ahrensburg Castle is now open as a museum, welcoming visitors keen to witness its Rococo and early Classicism interiors. The Renaissance castle also usually hosts celebrated annual events, including outdoor cinema sessions and candlelit concerts, but check the website for up-to-date information.
Dominating the skyline of Sigmaringen, a picturesque town in southern Germany, Sigmaringen Castle appears to have grown from the rocky plinth on which it finds itself. Also known as Hohenzollern Palace, the beautiful building dates back as far as 1077, but much of it was rebuilt between the 17th and 19th centuries. The fabulous fortress is the ancestral home of the royal Hohenzollern family and has been open to the public for over 100 years. Today, visitors can join guided tours and explore one of the largest private armoury collections in the world.
Watching guard over the town of Heidelberg, on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, this beautiful red sandstone castle is considered to be one of the country's most important cultural monuments. Constructed in the 13th century, it was damaged during the Thirty Years' War and the replacement castle quickly fell into disrepair after being hit by lightning twice. Today, visitors can head to the top of Königstuhl to take in Heidelberg's romantic ruins and unforgettable scenery.
Decorating the town of Pattensen with its neo-Gothic architecture, Marienburg Castle is a property of fairy tale-esque proportions. The hilltop schloss was constructed in 1867 as a birthday present for Mary, the wife of King George V of Hanover. Yet sadly, Mary would never live in her castle. Before the property was finished, the Prussians forced the king into exile and Mary followed a year later. There is a happy ending, however. The castle remains in the same family and operates as a museum in honour of George and Mary.
Despite its scale and dominance, there's no denying the beauty of Anholt Castle. Dating back to the 12th century, the moated fortress is located in Isselburg, western Germany, and was partly destroyed during the Second World War. As part of the reconstruction efforts, the castle was turned into a 16,145-square-foot (1,500sqm) museum. Home to Baroque gardens, Old Master paintings and important Renaissance furnishings, this captivating castle also has a Marble Room and an eerie dungeon.
Situated an easy day trip from Hamburg, northern Germany, Schwerin Castle is undeniably one of the country's most attractive pieces of architecture. Nestled on an island in Lake Schwerin, the history of this palatial property stretches back 1,000 years. Inside, you'll find no fewer than 653 rooms, decorated with intricate carvings and imposing stucco ceilings. Highlights include the Throne Room, with its Carrara marble columns and gilded cast-iron doors, and the rotund Tower Room, which offers unobstructed views across the water.
Truly in a league of its own, Muskau Castle is unlike any you might have seen before. Daringly dramatic, the vermilion red property is the centrepiece of Muskau Park, which is considered to be the largest English-style garden in Central Europe. Many visitors are drawn to the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its grounds, but the castle is a must-visit, too. Destroyed during the Second World War, the fortress sat in ruins for decades before being rebuilt in 2013. Visit during autumn to witness a kaleidoscope of colour.
Originally a medieval fortress that offered shelter to German emperors during their hunting trips, Wernigerode Castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century in the Harz mountains of Saxony-Anhalt. Over the years, the fortress has changed dramatically and after the Thirty Years' War, reconstruction works began. Today, the castle boasts three gardens, 50 mesmerising rooms and an impressive collection of art from the 19th century.
Situated less than an hour away from central Berlin in Potsdam, Babelsberg Castle was constructed in 1833 as a summer residence for Emperor William I. The spectacular palace was built in neo-Gothic style, with English Tudor touches, and much of the original interior has been preserved. Today, visitors can take in the towering hand-painted ceiling of the Dance Hall and soak up stunning scenery across Park Babelsberg from the Golden Terrace.
This romantic moated castle can be found in the heart of Bavaria, not too far from the city of Frankfurt. The late-medieval, early-Renaissance building wasn't always so charming and was actually reconstructed in 1427, to include classic castle fixtures. Then, in 1551, it was transformed again and this is the schloss keen visitors can now explore. Usually open as a museum, the castle boasts an authentic late-medieval interior, quaint courtyards and a dreamy surrounding landscape.
Teetering on the edge of a dramatic cliff in Trechtingshausen, Rheinstein Castle is undoubtedly one of Germany's most enchanting fortresses. Dating back to the 14th century, it was rebuilt in 1823 after falling into a state of disrepair. Now privately owned, the castle operates as a museum, where age-old stained glass windows and a neo-Gothic chapel can be found. Energetic adventurers can climb to the top of the castle's tallest tower, taking in sublime vistas across the Rhine River below.
Another of Germany's majestic moated castles, Burg Satzvey is certainly one of the most beautiful attractions in the Rhineland. With a history stretching back to 1396, the property has been the main residence and ancestral seat of the Count Beissel von Gymnich family for more than 300 years. Now a museum, hotel and high-end restaurant, Burg Satzvey usually hosts regular medieval banquets, where foodies can savour flavours from the past by candlelight.
Not to be confused with Hohenzollern Palace, Hohenzollern Castle can be found atop Mount Hohenzollern, on the edge of the Swabian Jura. In fact, the fortress is positioned so high up that at times it becomes engulfed by clouds. Over the years, three castles have occupied this stunning hilltop plot. In 1850, Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia decided to rebuild the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern family here. Still owned by the family dynasty, visitors can step inside to witness its neo-Gothic design and valuable work of arts.
Part palace, part castle, this stately structure is grand and spectacular in equal parts too. Located close to Frankfurt, Johannisburg Palace is a Bavarian schloss with a rich history. It was constructed between 1605 and 1614 and is considered to be one of the most important examples of palace architecture from the German Renaissance era. The building replaced a medieval castle whose keep became Johannisburg's fifth tower. The palace is open to the public and boasts a splendid Neoclassical interior and a significant art collection.
Also known as Schloss Weesenstein, the history of Weesenstein Castle began over 800 years ago. Once a medieval fortification, the property later became the permanent residence of the von Bünau family, who ruled over Weesenstein from 1406 to 1772. In 1917, the castle was sold to an industrial magnate and slowly fell into disrepair. Today, the castle is a national museum and welcomes visitors looking to soak up some history and explore its picturesque surrounding parklands.
Situated in northern Germany, on the very cusp of Denmark, Glücksburg Castle was built on the site of an old monastery and was once home to important nobility. Now, the handsome castle is a popular museum, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the lives of Germany's former dukes and duchesses. Highlights include its collection of significant Dutch tapestries and Flemish leather wall coverings, along with a stroll through the lakeside rose gardens.
Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century, as the ultimate private retreat. The castle's stunning façade and unrivalled hilltop position make it one of Germany's most iconic pieces of architecture. In fact, its dreamy towers and pretty turrets served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. As spectacular inside as it is on the outside, this one-of-a-kind wonder is a bucket-list essential.
Located in the centre of Germany, on the outskirts of the city of Kassel, Löwenburg Castle is surrounded by acres of picture-perfect mountain park. Built between 1793 and 1801, it was one of the first pseudo-medieval castle ruins in Europe. Commissioned by Landgrave Wilhelm IX as a pleasure palace, it boasts princely apartments, an armoury and a neo-Gothic chapel. Today, visitors can explore the castle's impressive gardens, as well as the neighbouring vineyard and zoo.
Described as a "touch of France in the middle of the Münsterland" on its website, Schloss Nordkirchen was commissioned by Gerhard von Morrien back in 1516 and survived for more than 150 years. Then, Prince-Bishop Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg bought the estate and set about building himself a Baroque palace. Now open to the public for an array of guided tours, the picture-perfect palace is well worth visiting for its spectacular parkland alone.
Over in Saxony, eastern Germany, you'll find a spectacular Baroque palace standing proud on its very own island. Moritzburg Castle can be reached via a tree-lined avenue and was named after Duke Moritz of Saxony, who created the property as a hunting lodge in the mid-16th century. Today, visitors can explore the castle and its enchanting symmetrical grounds, taking in the leather wallpapers and feather wall hangings of the castle's otherworldly interior.
Standing proud above the old town of Marburg, to the north of Frankfurt, Landgrave Castle dates back to the 13th century. Now the Museum of Cultural History, and part of the Philipps University of Marburg, the fortress invites lucky visitors to step back in time. The Fürstensaal is considered to be one of the most beautiful Gothic halls in Germany, while the castle's chapel, built in 1288, boasts medieval frescoes that are hard to beat.
Originally built in the Middle Ages, in around 1067, Wartburg Castle is thought to be one of Germany's most important pieces of architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 1,000 years of history, most famously being where Martin Luther took refuge in 1521 and began translating the New Testament into German. Situated 1,345 feet (410m) above the town of Eisenach, it has an impressive art collection and a remarkable ballroom, which is usually the unique setting for the castle's celebrated summer music concerts.
Tucked away on the edge of Ammergau Alps Nature Park, Hohenschwangau Castle was first mentioned in the 12th century. Until the 16th century it was owned by the knights of Schwangau and was party destroyed during conflict. In 1832, King Ludwig II purchased the ruin and began creating himself a neo-Gothic-inspired summer residence, with ornately furnished state rooms. Highlights include 'The Hall of Heroes', with its dramatic painted walls, and the 'Oriental Room', inspired by Turkish and Greek design.
Spanning 3,448 feet (1,051m), Burghausen Castle was named the longest fortress in the world by Guinness World Records. Yet its length is far from this castle's only asset. Located in Bavaria, on the German-Austrian border, the ancient fort dates back to AD 600, but the structure we see today was likely built in 1025. It was put to use during the Thirty Years’ War and even housed prisoners. Today, it operates as a museum with an intriguing 'Torture Tower', six courtyards and spectacular regular jousting tournaments.
From the outside, Schloss Drachenburg might appear to be an ancient fortification, but it was actually constructed in the 20th century. It was commissioned by a wealthy bachelor, but when he passed away in 1902, his nephew Jakob Biesenbach decided to demolish the castle and instead build a Swiss-style hotel. Schloss Drachenburg later became a school and even the HQ for the Adolf-Hitler-Schule in 1942. Now a listed monument, the castle is generally open for self-guided and private tours.
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Perched on a hillside on the left bank of the Rhine, half way between Düsseldorf and Frankfurt in western Germany, Stolzenfels Castle is considered to be one of the most important achievements of Prussian Rhine Romanticism. Built during the 19th century, from the ruins of a 13th-century fort, the prominent property can be found inside a beautiful park and is open to keen explorers. Offering stunning courtyard gardens, decorative interiors and incredible scenery, Stolzenfels Castle should not be overlooked.
Home to pristine grounds, a vineyard and several high-end restaurants, visiting Monrepos Palace has become something of an experience. The lakeside schloss can be found on the outskirts of the city of Ludwigsburg, a stone's throw from Stuttgart. Located close to famous Favorite Palace, the Baroque mansion has charm and beauty in abundance. It was built between 1758 and 1764 and now usually plays host to romantic summer concerts, grand firework displays and open-air festivals.
Rising 300 feet (91m) above the Mosel River in the town of Cochem, western Germany, this spectacular castle is charming and imposing in equal measure. The original medieval fortress, built in the 12th century, was heavily damaged in the Second World War and restored in the neo-Gothic style in 1868. Now open to the public, visitors can delight in the splendour of the Knight’s Hall, the Dining Hall and the Trophy Room, before taking in stunning vistas across the Moselle Valley.
Although the original Lichtenstein Fortress was destroyed in 1377, the castle that stands in its place is every bit as impressive. In 1837, Count Wilhelm of Württemberg bought the estate, and inspired by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff, he set about recreating the medieval knight’s castle. Completed between 1840 and 1842, the fairy-tale fortress boasts striking neo-Gothic architecture, romantic courtyards, medieval-inspired interiors and mesmerising views across the Swabian Alps.
A fairy-tale castle brought to life, Burg Eltz dates back to the 12th century and has remained in the Eltz family for an impressive 33 generations. Dazzling and romantic in equal measure, this postcard-pretty castle sits above the Elzbach River and is a true icon in Germany. In fact, the beguiling building even featured on the 500 Deutsche Mark note between 1965 and 1992. After visiting the castle, visitors can explore the surrounding Eltz Forest and soak up the architecture of one of Germany's most remarkable buildings.