Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Germany

Burghausen Castle

This is the largest castle in Europe and among the largest castle complexes in the world. It is located in Burghausen, Upper Bavaria.  Burghausen Castle is a Bavarian castle with six courtyards. It was known to be one of the strongest fortresses in Germany. The castle is home to a collection of late Gothic panel paintings and is open to public events.

Cochem Castle

Cochem Castle is a late-Gothic castle set on the Moselle River overlooking Cochem. This 12 century fortress was destroyed by French King Louis XIV in 1689. In 1868, a wealthy Berlin businessman purchased the ruins and transformed them into a grand summer residence, restoring its original architecture and interiors. The castle includes an inner courtyard, a keep, halls with period furnishings, and a chapel. Inside, the Knight’s Hall stands out with carved wooden furniture, and the Hall of Commanders displays armor and historic tapestries.

Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle sits perched on a rocky crag in the heart of the Eltz Forest, a protected nature reserve by the Moselle between Koblenz and Tier, Germany. It is still owned by a branch of House of Eltz who have lived there since the 12th century.  The Rübenach and Rodendorf family wings in the castle are open to the public. Public visits are seasonal: from April to November. Exhibits include the treasury, which contains gold, silver and porcelain artifacts, and the armory which hosts historic weapons and suits of armor.

Frankenstein Castle

At last the castle named after the monster who lost more screws than I did. Sorry that couldn’t be helped, since I am his bride. Frankenstein Castle has been around since the 13th century. It is located on a hill overlooking Darmstadt in southern Germany. In 1818 when author Mary Shelley wrote the Gothic novel “Frankenstein” the castle was recognized and legends found. There is a legend that an early resident of the castle died while battling a dragon. Any way you look at it his castle is haunted.

Today this castle hosts one of the biggest Halloween Festivals in Europe.

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle is a sandstone castle. It is located in the deep green forests of Neckar Valley overlooking the Old Town of Heidelberg. Throughout history it has been one of the grandest castles of the Renaissance. It served as a residence for the Electors Palatine and played a significant role in the region's history. It is accessible by a funicular railway or a steep hike from the city center. The castle hosts various cultural events, including concerts and festivals, particularly during the summer months.

Hohenschwangau Castle

This Bavarian castle has walls painted with scenes that depict German history created by Italian art designer Domenik Quaglio. It is thought to be one of the most beautiful King Ludwig II’s castles. It  is a 19th-century palace in southern Germany. It was built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria, and was the childhood residence of his son, King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  The castle has amazing gardens surrounded by dense forest. The castle can be visited from April through September. Guided tours are available in different languages.

Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is located south of Stuttgarts on a high bluff in the foothills of the Swabian Alps. In 1867 the castle was finished in the Gothic Revival style. There are 140 rooms decorated with gilded surfaces, marquetry flooring, and portraits of the Prussian royals. It’s still owned by the Prussian branch of the royal family. In addition, it even has its own brewery, and a custom brew named Pruessens.

Lichtenstein Castle

This is a privately-owned Gothic castle carved into the side of an exposed cliff on the edge of the Swabian Alps. A 30-minute guided tour takes visitors throughout the castle’s first and second floors, including the armory, a chapel with glass paintings from the 15th and 16th century, and the spectacular wood-paneled Knight’s Hall (look up to admire its exquisite painted ceiling).

Marksburg Castle

Marksburg is an 11th century fortress and one of the only castles in the Middle Rhine that was never attacked or destroyed. This is due to its position nearly 300 feet above the river. The castle showcases a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, featuring towers, battlements, and a fortified structure. It is part is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The castle has a museum that offers a look into medieval life and history with exhibits of weaponry, armor, and domestic life. Guided tours are available.

Mespelbrunn Castle

This castle started out as a simple house built on the water by an early 15th century knight. It is located in the Spessart Forest between Frankfurt and Wurzburg, Germany. This northern Bavarian castle is privately owned but visitors are invited to take tours. The castle is open to the public, with guided tours available that highlight its history and architecture. You can also stroll on the paths on the castle grounds.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle translates to New Swan Stone Castle. It was built as a private residence for King Ludwig II in 1886. It was built in the style of old German knights’ castles, with interiors done up in golds, silks, and 13-foot chandeliers. This castle was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Visitors enjoy seeing the two-story Thone Room with its painted cupola, gleaming floor mosaics, and jewel-like gold chandelier.