Although the COVID-19 pandemic still has the world firmly in its grip, there are many countries that have reopened their borders to tourists. Whether in Austria, Malta or oneHoliday on Kefalonia– each of us could use a little break from everyday life! But to have a good time, we don't have to get on the plane straight away, because there are so many beautiful corners in Germany that are just waiting to be discovered. There has always been something truly fascinating about castles and palaces and all of us have dreamed of being a princess or prince at some point in our lives. You can only experience the Federal Republic in all its splendor if you have visited some of the most beautiful castles in Germany. And because home is always the most beautiful place, we have put together some of the most magical places in this article. And believe us – out of the 20,000 castles in this country, this was no easy task. So read on and plan your next adventure!
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany
Who doesn't know it - the famous Disney castle? Nestled in the Bavarian Alps and with an excellent view of the Hohenschwangau Valley you will find the idyllic Neuschwanstein Castle. The brilliant white building sits enthroned on a mountain and the towers rise impressively into the air. Neuschwanstein Castle is the most photographed building in Germany and, with around 6,000 visitors a day, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. It was built in the late 19th century as an imaginative retreat for the Bavarian King Ludwig II. The king himself only lived there for a few months. Beautiful paintings and dazzling chandeliers adorn every room, but the absolute highlight is the grotto between the study and living room - an artificially created stalactite cave.
Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria
Just a 30-minute walk from Neuschwanstein Castle is another pearl that is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. Hohenschwangau Castle is often underestimated, but completely wrongly. The imposing building was created in the 19th century for the still young King Ludwig II and his father Maximilian II of Bavaria. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Bavarian Alps and surrounded by mountainous forests, Hohenschwangau Castle looks like something straight out of a storybook. Take the guided tour and be enchanted by the folklore scenes that decorate the walls and ceiling of the castle. An experience you will certainly never forget! And how about combining the visit with a short hike through the Schwanseepark? It is located directly below Hohenschwangau Castle and, with more than 60 kilometers of hiking trails, is a real dream for all adventurers!
Eltz Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate
The beautiful Eltz Castle is located between Koblenz and Trier and is therefore an absolute must for everyone who wants toHoliday on the Moselleplan. The dramatic building is located in the middle of densely forested hills and rises on a steep rocky hill, surrounded by the Elzbach, which surrounds the structure on three sides like a moat. The castle was a gift from Emperor Friedrich I Barbarossa to the noble Eltz family and still belongs to a real count today. The unique architecture with the many towers up to 35 meters high is a real feast for the eyes. But what makes the castle so unique is the fact that it was never damaged by war. The armory with all the silver and gold artifacts as well as jewelry and porcelain is actually one of the best in Europe. The knight's hall with the remarkable jester's heads and armor symbolizing freedom of speech tell visitors the exciting history of the castle and its residents. And if you want to explore the natural landscape around the castle, you should definitely take a hiking tour on the dream path “Eltz Castle Panorama”.
Reichsburg Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate
Would you like to be transported to the Middle Ages? Then you shouldn't miss the impressive Reichsburg in Cochem during your Moselle holiday. The imposing building rises more than 100 meters above the river and is visible from afar. The castle was first built around 1100 and served as a customs castle at that time. But after it was completely destroyed in the 12th century, it remained as a remnant until the 19th century. In the 19th century, Louis Ravene, a successful businessman from Berlin, bought the ruins and rebuilt the castle. When you see Reichsburg Cochem for the first time, all the little details will simply enchant you. Take a short tour and admire the interiors and the Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance parts of the castle. And for a unique experience, you can treat yourself to a real knight's meal in the restaurant!
Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg
When you talk about the most beautiful castles in Germany, you shouldn't forget the majestic Hohenzollern Castle. It is located near Hechingen on the edge of the Swabian Alb and sits impressively and lonely on an 855 meter high peak. The magnificent building was built in 1061 on the ruins of two previous castles and was once the seat of the Prussian royal family and the Princes of Hohenzollern. When you look at it, you might think you are seeing the Hogwarts magic school from the “Harry Potter” films. Over the years, Hohenzollern Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with only the St. Michel Chapel miraculously surviving. The absolute highlights include the magnificent halls, such as the Margrave's Room, the Count's Hall and the Blue Salon. Or marvel at the armory and treasury with its shiny knight's equipment and the Prussian royal crown. To make your visit to the castle even more fun, let your children stroll through the interior in a royal red coat and fancy felt slippers while you treat yourself to regional delicacies in the castle café.
Castles in Germany: Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
With its picturesque location, Schwerin Castle has also earned a place among the most beautiful castles in Germany. Unlike most castles, which are perched on steep hills or rocky crags, this gem is almost entirely surrounded by water. It is located on an island in Schwerin's inner lake and the picturesque landscape offers a true escape from reality. With its pointed towers, tower and domes, Schwerin Castle is one of the most important creations of romantic historicism in Europe. Its history dates back to the 10th century and it was the home of the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg for centuries. Politics is still being done there today, as Schwerin Castle has been used as the seat of the state parliament of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since 1990. However, a large part of the lovingly decorated interior is a museum and is open to visitors almost every day. There you can look at the magnificent throne room as well as numerous valuable sculptures, paintings and handicrafts from the 19th century. To get some fresh air, take a short walk through the castle gardens and enjoy the romantic atmosphere while feasting on traditional delicacies in the Orangery Café.
Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Württemberg
Built directly on a steep rock on the edge of the abyss and surrounded by wooded nature - we can hardly imagine a more dramatic and beautiful location for a castle. Lichtenstein Castle is a real gem and could have come straight from a fairy tale book. A small wooden bridge leads to the spectacular complex and the view is simply indescribable. There was already a castle at this location in the 12th century, but it lost its status as a ducal seat and was demolished to its foundations. And now comes the surprise. A few years later, Wilhelm Graf von Württemberg was inspired by the novel “Lichtenstein” and then built the beautiful Lichtenstein Castle as we know it today according to his ideas between 1840 and 1842. Yes, you read it correctly - the book was not inspired by the castle, but rather the castle was copied from the book.
Heidelberg Castle, Baden-Württemberg
Although it is partially destroyed, Heidelberg Castle is a majestic structure and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. The walls rise steeply above Heidelberg's old town and offer a breathtaking, picturesque backdrop. Heidelberg Castle is made of sandstone and the warm color contrasts magically with the green forest that surrounds it. Especially at sunset it seems almost mystical. The castle ruins are one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps and have a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. The castle was almost completely destroyed by the French in the 17th century and a few years later it was struck by lightning. Its stones were used to build houses in Heidelberg back then, which makes the atmosphere even more unique.
Drachenburg Castle, North Rhine-Westphalia
In the middle of the idyllic and densely forested “Siebengebirge” nature park, the next jewel awaits you, which is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany: Drachenburg Castle. It lies below the ruins of the same name and the legendary Drachenfels and was built in record time from 1882 to 1884 as a residence for the financial entrepreneur Stephan von Sarter. With its dreamy towers, false battlements and square clock tower, Drachenburg Castle looks like a unique, eccentric mix of medieval castle, Gothic cathedral and Big Ben. According to a legend, the dragon slayer Siegfried killed a dangerous dragon there that once spread terror and fear in the region. Today the castle has been preserved in almost its original condition and houses the Wilhelminian Style Museum and the Museum of the History of Nature Conservation. You can reach the magnificent building either on foot via the beautiful Eselsweg or via the nearby middle station of the Drachenfelsbahn. By the way, the Drachenbahn is the oldest cog railway still in operation in the Federal Republic.
Wartburg, Thuringia
Wartburg near Eisenach is not a typical fairytale castle, but it is still a place full of significance for Germany. History was literally written there, because Martin Luther actually translated the New Testament of the Bible into German at the Wartburg. The imposing structure lies on a 410 meter high precipice and was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Wartburg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is not only one of the most beautiful but also one of the oldest palaces and castles in Germany. From the various structures you can see that Wartburg has been expanded and renovated several times, but with over 1000 years of history you can't expect anything else. Inside the castle you will find a unique art collection and museum that will take your breath away.
