Castles and Germany go hand in hand. Enjoyable truth, Germany has over 20,000 castles – starting from renaissance fortress model to dramatic castles that appear to be they could possibly be straight out of a fairy story. The nation has a few of the most castles on this planet. In the course of the Center Ages, Germany was cut up into countless little states, and castles grew to become constructed as strongholds and defensive bases for every territory. Now, you possibly can go to castles in Germany in and round most cities, and seeing any fort is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys when visiting Germany.
High Castles in Germany
With so many castles in Germany, which must you select to go to? This information will cowl the perfect castles in Germany. From the famed Neuschwanstein fort to the smaller Marburg Fort, these are probably the most unbelievable castles in your journey to Germany.
1. Neuschwanstein Fort
Neuschwanstein Fort is without doubt one of the most visited castles in Germany. The dramatic turreted fort dates again to the Nineteenth century and is famed for its stunning look and setting. Whereas it’s positioned in Bavaria, simply outdoors the city of Fussen, it has a rural backdrop. Neuschwanstein Fort backs onto Ammergebirge nature reserve. The fort seems like it’s floating above the encircling forest. It’s beautiful in autumn when the leaves flip orange and brown.
To go to Neuschwanstein Fort you enter on a fort tour the place you’re directed by an audio tour. The tour whisks you across the fort advanced, offering perception into the historical past of every room. Neuschwanstein Fort has some of the partaking guided excursions of all of the castles in Germany. As a result of it’s such a well-known fort, loads has been invested in its tourism infrastructure.
The historical past of Neuschwanstein Fort 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 Fort 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 Fort is the rationale we’ve included it in our information. Moreover, as some of the well-known castles in Germany, it’s the excellent addition to your itinerary. Bear in mind to take a look at a few of the finest issues to do in Bavaria whenever you go to, and if you’re staying in Munich, check out this Neuschwanstein day journey.
- Opening Occasions: 9 am – 6 pm
- Entry Charges: $19
2. Wartburg Fort
Wartburg Fort is a shocking medieval fort with intensive reveals, 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 Fort sits simply outdoors the city of Eisenach and is positioned in central Germany – excellent 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 reveals. You possibly can go for one of many guided excursions at 1 pm or discover your self at your individual tempo, relying on how a lot further info you’d like. Wartburg Fort stands out for its reveals’ high quality and is right for these wanting an actual historic immersion into one of many best-preserved medieval castles in Germany.
This Fort has a captivating historical past, to say the least. The unique fort was constructed throughout the medieval interval, however a lot of what you see at the moment dates from Nineteenth-century restorations. When it comes to spiritual historical past, Martin Luther translated his first copy of the Bible in Wartburg Fort. Due to this, Wartburg Fort stays an emblem of pilgrimage at the moment,
It’s extensively informed that Wartburg Fort was the primary German fort to be awarded a UNESCO world heritage web site. Regardless, it is without doubt 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 reveals have earned it a spot in our information.
- Opening Occasions: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Entry Charges: $13
3. Heidelberg Fort
Heidelberg Fort is without doubt one of the most putting castles in Germany. Whereas as soon as an image of grandeur, the crimson sandstone fort now partially lays in ruins. It’s an atmospheric web site to wander. Heidelberg Fort 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 Fort 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 novel expertise. This fort may be toured independently or as one of many guided excursions. You possibly can stroll as much as the fort or take a scenic cable automobile. The cable automobile ticket contains your entry to Heidelberg Fort. Or you possibly can e book a tour of each the city and the fort.
Mentions of Heidelberg Fort may be traced again to the thirteenth century – making it certainly one of Germany’s oldest castles and medieval fortresses. In accordance with historic information, 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’ Battle, the place French king Louis XIV destroyed the fort as soon as once more.
Heidelberg Fort is a shocking instance of a Gothic Renaissance fortress. The mixture 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 well some of the intriguing castles in Germany.
- Opening Occasions: 10 am – 5 pm
- Entry Charges: $10 (+ $6.50 for a guided tour)
4. Hohenzollern Fort
Hohenzollern Fort is a scenic Nineteenth-century fort famed for being residence to the Prussian royal crown and an expansive artwork assortment. It’s some of the traditional castles in Germany, that includes turrets and a mountaintop location overlooking the countryside under. The fort is in southwest Germany inside the Black Forest area, between the Bisingen and Hechingen.
Hohenzollern Fort is a chief instance of a Gothic revival-style fort. The fort sits on the stays of an earlier medieval fort and has a gorgeous fort chapel. You possibly can simply spend a couple of 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 gorgeous festive attraction should you go to Germany in December.
It is very important word 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 Fort is closed. Hohenzollern Fort solely opens totally between April and December. Moreover, Hohenzollern Fort is round a three-hour drive from Munich – a really perfect place to start out a street journey. Try our information on issues to do in Munich right here.
- Opening Occasions: 10 am – 6:30 pm
- Entry Charges: $24 (when booked on-line)
5. Hohenschwangau Fort
Hohenschwangau Fort is without doubt one of the most ornate German castles in our information. The baroque-style fort is located in Bavaria, simply outdoors the village of Schwangau. It’s proper subsequent to a gorgeous lake well-known for summer time swimming. The fort’s surrounding hills are blanketed with dense forest and it has that traditional rural setting.
Hohenschwangau Fort can solely be visited as a part of a guided tour. That is no sacrifice, although, because the guided excursions have glorious evaluations and take you across the elegantly adorned 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 incredible, and Hohenschwangau Fort is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany to get a style of the normal inside and chateau life.
Hohenschwangau Fort can also be some of the 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 absolutely renovated within the Nineteenth century beneath the rule of King Maximilian II.
The standard of the surviving inside determined Hohenschwangau Fort’s place on this information. Nevertheless, the lake and delightful gardens are additionally sturdy promoting factors for visiting Hohenschwangau Fort. In case you are visiting Hohenschwangau Fort in 2023, word that a few of the rooms are presently closed for restoration. We will’t complain because the homeowners do a fantastic job maintaining the fort in prime situation however verify the web site for particulars earlier than visiting.
- Opening Occasions: 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 crimson sandstone construction is a gorgeous 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 possibly can discover the grassy grounds of the fort at your individual leisure. Burg Hohenecken is a spot that’s meant to be self-explored. It’s standard for guests to convey a picnic in summer time, and plenty of households benefit from the stunning surroundings and open house. It’s a brief hike up from Hohenecken and its prepare station automobile park.
Its precise date of development is unknown, however historians estimate that Burg Hohenecken dates again to the start of the thirteenth century. It has at all times 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 stunning) addition to our favourite German castles, it’s definitely a hidden treasure amongst the most effective castles in Germany.
- Opening Occasions: 24/7
- Entry Charges: Free
7. Lichtenstein Fort
Lichtenstein Fort is without doubt one of the most dramatic-looking castles in Germany. The neo-gothic model construction sits on a cliff face, with one-half of the fort instantly constructed onto the cliff edge. The dramatic setting provides Lichtenstein Fort a fairy story enchantment, and guests flock to witness the fort’s splendor in individual. The fort is a twenty-minute drive outdoors the town of Reutlingen. It overlooks the village of Lichtenstein and the Greuthau nature reserve.
Some of the thrilling components of visiting Lichtenstein Fort is crossing the picket bridge to enter. Strolling throughout the old-worldly entrance affords views of the cliffs under and really emphasizes the fort’s putting setting. Contained in the fort, the personal homeowners adorned the inside with conventional medieval decor. You possibly can go to on one of many common guided excursions. Take into account that Lichtenstein Fort closes to the general public in January and February.
Not like the remainder of our castles in Germany, Lichtenstein Fort was purpose-built to duplicate medieval instances. The fort was designed within the mid-Nineteenth century by Carl Alexander Heidloff, impressed by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. Lichtenstein Fort’s literary affect and dramatic setting rapidly received it a spot on our checklist.
- Opening Occasions: 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 Fort
Schwerin Fort is without doubt one of the most stand-out German castles you possibly can go to. Neglect your normal moated fort; Schwerin Fort is by itself island. The fort is located in Lake Schwerin in northern Germany, proper on the outskirts of Schwerin. Schwerin Fort is without doubt one of the most stunning castles in Germany and superb for anybody desirous to discover a extra uncommon German fort.
The neo-renaissance structure is beautiful to admire from the fort grounds. Entrance to the fort grounds can also be free, a particular bonus for these on a funds. You cross over on Schlossbrucke bridge and have acres of grounds to wander. Inside, you possibly can pay to tour ornate rooms, together with the dramatic throne room. Schwerin Fort was residence to the grand dukes of Mecklenburg for hundreds of years, and the fort has an illustrious historical past. Other than the historic rooms and ornate furnishings, there’s additionally a European artwork assortment to admire.
Schwerin Fort is without doubt one of the finest 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 Fort had essential former residents and likewise served because the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament constructing. For historical past, politics, and structure rolled into one, Schwerin is a incredible German fort to go to. You possibly can e book a guided tour of Schwerin right here.
- Opening Occasions: 10 am – 5 pm
- Entry Charges: $9
9. Altena Fort
Altena is without doubt 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 Fort is the positioning of the world’s first youth hostel – nonetheless open if you wish to keep in a single day for a ‘fort resort’ expertise. The small stone fort has loads to show you.
Contained in the fort, there are quite a few reveals and academic shows. It’s family-friendly and focused to have interaction all ages, making it standard for college journeys and household holidays. For the reason that fort has such a assorted 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 Battle I, Richard Schirrmann opened the Altena youth hostel. He then based the German nationwide group of hostels a couple of years later, in 1919. Guests study 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, it is usually among the best German castles for households. The partaking shows are nice for maintaining younger guests , and it is a superb place for folks to take kids on an academic time out.
- Opening Occasions: 9:30 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 11 am – 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Entry Charges: $5.50
10. Wernigerode Fort
Wernigerode Fort is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany if you wish to expertise an outdated medieval fortress. The fort sits in central Germany, simply outdoors 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 climbing.
Wernigerode Fort itself is constructed upon the medieval fortress ruins, and nearly all of the construction that you just see at the moment dates to the Nineteenth century. Guests can e book guided excursions of the fort inside, being led by way of ornate chambers and historic artifacts. The mix of structure is fascinating, and every century clearly left a mark on the fort. You possibly can admire Gothic arched home windows within the interior courtyard and a Renaissance tower which you could climb for views over the countryside. Wernigerode Fort is without doubt one of the most stunning castles in Germany, but additionally probably the most architecturally stimulating.
The mix of structure is primarily what impressed us about Wernigerode Fort. Its entry and proximity to the encircling nature reserves are to not be ignored, although, and it’s well-suited to these wanting to go to a fort after which spend a couple of days climbing.
- Opening Occasions: Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, and 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Entry Charges: $7.60
11. Cochem Fort
Cochem Fort is often known as Reichsburg Cochem or Reichsburg Fort. Reichsburg merely means ‘imperial’, and the fort bought this standing when captured by King Konrad III. This gorgeous little hilltop constructing dates again to the eleventh century, and it is without doubt one of the most city German castles. Cochem Fort is positioned alongside the River Moselle proper within the middle of the city of Cochem. Located within the Rhine Valley, it is without doubt one of the finest 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 evaluations for its tour information service, and previous guests praised the passionate guides with a number of partaking info. For further perception into its historical past, a guided tour is worth it. In fact, for a barely uncommon expertise, you might even have a eating expertise at Reichsburg Fort. 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 Fort. Nevertheless, the fort’s development may be dated again to 1100, and it was initially used to cost passing ships for tolls. After passing quite a few fingers 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 Occasions: 10 am – 3 pm
- Entry Charges: $9
12. Drachenburg Fort
Drachenburg Fort is one other gem within the Rhine Valley. The fort was modeled within the model of a medieval fort, very like Lichtenstein Fort. It has a incredible location and sits on the banks of the Rhine River, simply outdoors the principal metropolis of Bonn. For views over the Rhine River, this medieval-style fort is without doubt one of the finest castles in Germany.
Drachenburg Fort has quite a few totally different excursions that cowl different components of the fort. You possibly can select the choice that most closely fits you, your pursuits, and your funds. Some embrace areas just like the ‘personal ground,’ and others add specific areas just like the terrace, which has beautiful views over the River Rhine.
Drachenburg Fort was constructed within the late Nineteenth century and acted as a personal villa earlier than its homeowners turned it into a number of totally different ventures. Jacob Biesenbach went so far as to rework Drachenburg Fort right into a neighborhood middle. Egbert Von Simon (virtually) remodeled it into an amusement park. Throughout World Battle II, a Nazi elite college took over the fort. Drachenburg Fort’s story went downhill, ultimately ending in smash between 1960 and 1970. Happily, in 1986, it was introduced as a listed monument. It was renovated into its full glory that you just see at the moment.
Finally, Drachenburg Fort’s scenic locale is what received us over. It has unmatched views of the River Rhine, and we love how accessible it’s from Bonn. Its historical past can also be numerous and colourful, excellent for people who desire a extra fashionable perception into Germany.
- Opening Occasions: 12 pm – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday
- Entry Charges: $9 for traditional entry
13. Mespelbrunn Fort
Mespelbrunn is without doubt one of the prettiest castles in Germany. Mespelbrunn Fort is surrounded by a peaceable moat and cuts an idyllic image towards a small forest backdrop. The fort is round an hour’s drive from Frankfurt however is in the midst of nowhere. It’s the excellent 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 Fort has that fairy story attract that’s so frequent amongst the most effective castles in Germany. You’ll must pay the doorway payment if you wish to stand up shut. However its delicate magnificence makes the price worthwhile. The moat is residence to trout and swans. And inside, you possibly can take a guided tour of chic and conventional rooms.
The fort is privately owned however open to the general public on particular days and situations (comparable to solely being accessible through 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’ Battle, saved by its distant location and thick surrounding forest. The fort continues to be inhabited at the moment by the household of the Counts of Ingelheim.
We’ll be sincere: Mespelbrunn Fort’s beauty sealed this deal. The attractive surroundings and peaceable moat make Mespelbrunn among the best castles in Germany. It’s a incredible alternative in order for you a small, photogenic fort. And much more so if you’re searching for issues to do on a day journey from Frankfurt. Mespelbrunn can also be only a two-hour drive from Nuremberg should you fancy basing your self in a smaller metropolis. You possibly can take a look at probably the most wonderful issues to do in Nuremberg right here.
- Opening Occasions: 9:30 am – 5 pm
- Entry Charges: $6.50
14. Landgrafen Palace, aka Marburg Fort
Landgrafen Palace is an outdated medieval fort that dates again to the eleventh century. It’s typically known as Marburg Fort, given its scenic location within the middle of the city of Marburg. Marburg has a gorgeous outdated city that includes half-timbered homes and conventional streets. Simply an hour north of Frankfurt, Landgrafen Palace makes a superb day journey.
The fort has an enormous gothic corridor, historic paintings, furnishings, and artifacts. It’s fairly priced to enter, with stunning views over Marburg and its surrounding countryside. In order for you extra info, there’s additionally a Museum of Cultural Historical past.
Beginning as a medieval fortress, Landgrafen Palace progressed to the personal 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 loads 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 placement in Marburg. The fort’s distance from Frankfurt can also be superb, as it’s excellent for these wanting day journeys from a metropolis break.
- Opening Occasions: 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 remodeled right into a stately resort, the place visitors can keep in a single day in conventional rooms or dine on the restaurant with views of the Rhine. The four-star fort resort is perched on a clifftop overlooking the city of Oberwesel on the Rhine River. It’s superb for many who need greater than a typical fort expertise. You possibly can take a look at costs right here if you’re thinking about staying on the resort.
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 possibly can admire the views of the river and surrounding vineyards.
Schönburg Fort 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 Fort has some fascinating tales behind it. The fort is value visiting, and don’t neglect to go wine tasting whenever you do.
- Opening Occasions: 24/7
- Entry Charges: Price of room/meal
16. Eltz Fort
Eltz Fort 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 Fort, and it’s positioned close to the Luxembourg border. Eltz Fort is ideal should you plan to journey to extra distant areas of Germany.
Eltz Fort is visited by guided tour solely, lasting round thirty minutes. You possibly can catch the shuttle bus as much as the fort, which is incredible if you wish to save your legs, because the hill is a killer. You cross over a standard 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 a whole lot of invaluable artifacts.
Amazingly, Eltz Fort 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 Occasions: 9:30 am – 5 pm (April to November solely)
- Entry Charges: $13
17. Dresden Fort
Dresden Fort is extra of a museum than a stereotypical fort, however it’s fascinating and well-known nonetheless. Situated proper within the middle of Dresden, it is without doubt 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 middle 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 may simply spend a day wandering its corridors and rooms, admiring the hundreds of artifacts. You possibly can admire work, statues, and extra historic shows like weaponry, jewellery, and historic clothes. Put together your self for a various vary of reveals.
The unique fort in Dresden was constructed within the thirteenth century however was tormented by a number of disasters. The constructing has been rebuilt many instances. The 18th century was probably the most damaging, involving a disastrous fireplace that meant Augustus II needed to fee a complete rebuild – primarily in Baroque model relatively than the unique Romanesque and Renaissance influences. Throughout World Battle II, Dresden Fort was broken once more in 1945. It was solely in 2013 that the fort was restored to full glory.
Dresden is without doubt one of the most iconic castles in Germany and comprises a few of the nation’s finest treasures. The museum’s huge scale and reveals made us resolve so as to add Dresden Fort to our information. Its thrilling historical past was simply the cherry on prime. Try common admission tickets right here.
- Opening Occasions: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Entry Charges: $15
To Conclude
Germany has so many stunning castles; you’re positively spoiled for alternative. The vary of chateau sorts means you might go to a handful of the most effective castles in your journey and nonetheless have a special expertise at each. Exploring historic fort life in Germany can also be an immersive option to uncover extra about European cultural historical past.
Are you debating visiting a couple of castles on the identical journey? You possibly can at all times 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.
