europe,  travel style

Castle hunting trip around Germany

SEARCHING FOR A FAIRYTALE GETAWAY IN 2020? Germany will not disappoint. Germany is a dream destination when it comes to hunting down castles and palaces. This enchanting country is a treasure trove of dozens of castles, each with its own unique charm and secrets waiting to be unveiled. While iconic landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle and the breathtaking Eltz Castle have earned their fame, I’m here to introduce you to some lesser-known gems, hidden off the beaten path.

My castle-hunting journey will take us to lofty hilltop fortresses, islands steeped in history and woods concealing ancient secrets. These castles offer a diverse range of experiences. Some graciously welcome the public, inviting you to step into their storied halls, while others remain shrouded in the mystique of private ownership. You will find tales of haunting legends intertwined with the rich history of these castles and some even offer the unique opportunity to spend a night within their ancient walls.

For history enthusiasts, guided tours will lead you through labyrinthine corridors, unraveling the mysteries of the past. Be sure to explore the exquisite castle gardens and captivating courtyards, where every corner hides a new wonder. And when you need a break, consider savoring a quiet moment at a nearby café or indulging in a Sunday brunch fit for royalty.

While I may not have personally visited all these castles, this list represents my future German castle-hunting goals. I hope you will discover your own hidden gem among these treasures and, just like me, feel inspired to embark on your own adventure. For more details, don’t forget to visit the official websites of these castles by clicking on their respective headlines.

NOTE! The castles are closed for now in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Beautiful Castles in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Basedow Castle

Dorfstraße 102, 17139 Basedow

Basedow Castle is a historic castle situated in the beautiful Mecklenburg Lake District (Mecklenburgische Seenplatte) and is known for its picturesque setting near the shores of Lake Malchin. Basedow Castle is a classic example of a romantic castle with its towers, turrets, and a stunning waterside location. The castle complex includes a park and gardens, making it a scenic destination for visitors interested in history and architecture.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Free entry

Güstrow Castle

Güstrow

Güstrow Castle is an architectural masterpiece with elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles. It houses the Rostock Art Gallery, showcasing impressive collections of art. The castle’s surroundings include a picturesque palace garden, making it a charming destination.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Rostock Castle

Rostock

Rostock Castle is a historic fortress with sections dating back to the 13th century. While it is primarily used by the University of Rostock, some parts are open to the public during exhibitions. The castle’s architecture and location along the Warnow River add to its charm.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Schwerin Castle

Lennéstraße 1, 19053 Schwerin

Schwerin Castle is often referred to as the “Neuschwanstein of the North” due to its fairytale-like appearance. It is located on an island in Lake Schwerin and is surrounded by lush gardens and parks. The castle is an exquisite example of Romantic Historicism and is now home to the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Parliament.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm (Mondays closed)

PRICE

8,50€ (6,50€ for students and groups from 10 persons)

Beautiful Castles in Lower Saxony

Evenburg Castle

Am Schlosspark 25, 26789 Leer (Ostfriesland)

Evenburg Castle is a historic castle known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Bückeburg Palace

Bückeburg

Bückeburg Palace is a magnificent Baroque palace known for its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. It has been the residence of the Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe for centuries. Guided tours offer insights into the palace’s history, art collections, and royal lifestyle.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Hämelschenburg Castle

Emmerthal

Hämelschenburg Castle is a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a picturesque setting. Visitors can explore its well-preserved rooms, gardens, and courtyards. The castle offers guided tours that provide insights into its architecture and the history of the Weser Renaissance.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Marienburg Castle

Marienberg 1, 30982 Pattensen

Marienburg Castle, also known as Marienburg Palace, is a striking Gothic Revival castle located near Hannover. It was built as a birthday gift for Queen Marie of Hanover and is often considered one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. The castle’s architecture, interiors, and surrounding gardens make it a must-visit destination.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm (Mondays closed)

PRICE

5,00€ to climb the tower. For guided tours: 12,50€ (8,50€ for children and 11,00€ groups from 15 persons) to see the castle.

Beautiful Castles in North Rhine-Westphalia

Altena Castle

Fritz-Thomee-Straße 80, 58762 Altena

Altena Castle (Burg Altena) is a historic medieval castle and is perched on a hill overlooking the Lenne River. The castle itself is a well-preserved medieval fortress with a tower, drawbridge, and defensive walls. It offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the region and the concept of youth hosteling.

NOTE! Altena Castle is renowned for being one of the first youth hostels in the world.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11am-6pm (Mondays closed)

Drachenburg Castle

Drachenfelsstraße 118, 53639 Königswinter

Schloss Drachenburg is a fairytale-like castle situated high above the Rhine River. It combines elements of historicism and Neo-Gothic architecture, creating a visually striking structure. Visitors can explore the castle’s lavish interiors, terraced gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 11am-6pm

PRICE

7,00€ for adults and 5,00€ for children

Satzvey Castle

Satzvey Castle, 53894 Mechernich

Satzvey Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle with a rich history dating back over 600 years. It is known for its stunning moat, drawbridge, and distinctive half-timbered architecture. The castle’s interior features beautifully furnished rooms, including a Knights’ Hall, a chapel, and a museum area.

OPENING HOURS

Friday to Sunday it is free to stroll around the courtyard while the guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-5pm.

PRICE

Free to stroll around the courtyard and guided tours around the castle cost 5,00€ (2,00€ for children).

Beautiful Castles in Hessen

Braunfels Castle

Schloss 1, 35619 Braunfels

Schloss Braunfels is a stunning hilltop castle that dates back to the 13th century. It features a blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic elements. The castle offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore its historic rooms, halls, and courtyards.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 8pm-5pm.

PRICE

Guided tours around the castle cost 9,00€ (3,00€ for children, 4,00€ for students and 8,00€ for groups of 20 persons).

Löwenburg Castle

Schloßpark 9, 34131 Kassel

Löwenburg Castle is a unique and picturesque structure built in the early 19th century. It was constructed as a romantic and decorative castle, designed to resemble a medieval fortress. Löwenburg Castle is an ideal destination for those interested in history, architecture, and the romanticism of the 19th century.

NOTE! It is part of the larger Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning gardens and historical structures.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm (Mondays closed)

PRICE

From 6€ (only guided tours)

Beautiful Castles in Rhineland-Palatinate

Stolzenfels Castle ?

Schlossweg 11, 56075 Koblenz

Stolzenfels Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to the public.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-6pm (Mondays closed)

PRICE

5,00€ for adults and 3,00€ for children

Marksburg Castle ?

56338 Braubach

Marksburg Castle is located in Braubach and stands on top of a hill. 

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 10am-5pm

PRICE

8,00€ (free for children, 7,00€ for students and 7,50€ for groups from 20 persons)

Eltz Castle

56294 Wierschem

Burg Eltz is a fairytale-like medieval castle nestled in the Moselle Valley. It’s known for its stunning architecture and pristine condition. The castle offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore its impressive rooms, treasury, and armory. The surrounding forest adds to its enchanting ambiance. 

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 9.30am-5.30pm from April to October.

PRICE

Guided tours around the castle cost 11,00€ and 7,00€ for students

Cochem Castle

Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem

Reichsburg Cochem, or Cochem Imperial Castle, overlooks the town of Cochem and the Moselle River. This historic castle has a dramatic hilltop location and offers guided tours that provide insights into its rich history. The views of the river valley from the castle are breathtaking.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 9am-5pm during summer season (from 10 or 11am-15pm during winter season)

PRICE

3,50€ and free for children for inner courtyards. It costs 7,00€ (3,50€ for children) for a guided castle tour (only in German)

Reichenstein Castle ?

Burgweg 24, 55413 Trechtingshausen

Reichenstein Castle or also known as Falkenburg is located in Trechtingshausen close to Frankfurt. It stands on top of a hill slope surrounded by a beautiful park.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm for the museum (Closed on Mondays)

TIPS! Another castle close by Rheinstein Castle

Bürresheim Castle

Schloss Bürresheim, 56727 St. Johann

Schloss Bürresheim is an exquisite Renaissance palace surrounded by lush greenery. It is known for its well-preserved rooms and impressive architecture. The palace offers guided tours that take visitors through its ornate chambers, making it a delightful stop for history enthusiasts.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Beautiful Castles in Baden-Wurttemberg

Heidelberg Castle

Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg

Schloss Heidelberg, or Heidelberg Castle, is one of Germany’s most iconic castles. Perched above the town of Heidelberg, it offers panoramic views of the Neckar River. The castle complex includes impressive structures such as the Friedrich Building and the Great Barrel. Guided tours provide insights into its history.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 8am-6pm

PRICE

8,00€ (5,40€ for groups from 20 persons)

TIPS! Another castle close by Schwetzingen Castle

Lichtenstein Castle ?

Schloß Lichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein

The Lichtenstein Castle is sooo dreamy and can be found in Lichtenstein which is a small town close to Stuttgart. The castle itself is privately owned and can only be visited by going on a guided tour

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 10am-4pm

PRICE

3,00€ (1,50€ for children) to see the courtyard and 8,00€ (3,50€ for children) for a guided castle tour.

Teck Castle

73277 Owen

Teck Castle is situated atop the Swabian Alps in the district of Esslingen, near the town of Owen.

Teck Castle is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 11th century. It is perched on a limestone ridge and offers commanding vistas of the Swabian Alps and the foothills below.

Hohenzollern Castle

72379 Burg Hohenzollern

Burg Hohenzollern, also known as Hohenzollern Castle, is another impressive hilltop fortress belonging to the Hohenzollern dynasty. It features grand towers, courtyards, and sweeping views of the Swabian Alps. Guided tours provide insights into its history and the noble family that once resided there.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 10am-5.30pm (during winter season they close at 4.30)

PRICE

7,00€ for adults and 5,00€ for children. There is also a 2,00€/day parking fee.

Sigmaringen Castle

Karl-Anton-Platz 8, 72488 Sigmaringen

Schloss Sigmaringen, located on the Danube River, is an imposing castle with a rich history. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance and Gothic elements. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the castle’s grand halls, armory, and historical artifacts.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 9am-6pm from March to December

PRICE

7,00€ or 9,00€ for the included tour.

Beautiful Castles in Bavaria

Hohenschwangau Castle ?

Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 7.30am-5pm (for ticket-sale)

PRICE

13,00€ (free for children under 18 and 12,00€ for groups of 15 persons). There is also a 7,00€/day parking fee (for both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle).

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau

Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps one of the most famous and iconic castles in the world. It’s a fairytale-like castle perched on a hill in the Bavarian Alps. The castle served as an inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors, including the King’s Bedroom and Throne Room.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 7.30am-5pm (for ticket-sale). The castle is open for tours from 9am-6pm.

PRICE

13,00€ for a guided castle tour (free for children under 18 and 12,00€ for groups from 15 persons).

Mespelbrunn Castle ?

Schlossallee 25, 63875 Mespelbrunn

This moated castle is located between Frankfurt and Würzburg, in the middle of nowhere. It looks like the Sleeping Beauty tower, as you can image – it is absolutely magic. The castle itself is privately owned and the owner is actually living here. They have opened up the main rooms of the castle to the public. 

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 9am-5pm from April to October.

PRICE

5,50€ and 2,50€ for students for a guided castle tour.

Burghausen Castle

Burg 48, 84489 Burghausen

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 9am-6pm

PRICE

4,50€ (free for children under 18).

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal

Linderhof Palace is a small but exquisite palace built by King Ludwig II. It’s known for its beautiful gardens and the Hall of Mirrors, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. The palace’s interiors are lavishly decorated, and guided tours provide insights into its history.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 9am-6pm

PRICE

From 5-10€ (free for children under 18).

Beautiful Castles in Thuringia

Wartburg Castle

Auf der Wartburg 1, 99817 Eisenach

Wartburg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and association with Martin Luther. It’s perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle’s interiors are well-preserved, and visitors can explore various rooms, including the Luther Room.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 8.30am-5pm

PRICE

Free to walk the grounds and guided tours around the castle cost 12,00€ (5,00€ for children, 8,00€ for students).

Ehrenburg Palace

Coburg

Ehrenburg Palace is an elegant Renaissance palace with a beautiful courtyard. It’s known for its extensive art collections and historical exhibits. Visitors can explore the palace’s rooms, including the Duke’s Hall, and learn about the history of the region.

OPENING HOURS

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PRICE

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Beautiful Castles in Saxony

Kriebstein Castle

Kriebsteiner Str. 7, 09648 Kriebstein

Kriebstein Castle is a medieval fortress situated on the banks of the Zschopau River. It’s one of the oldest castles in Saxony and offers guided tours that take visitors through its historic rooms, including the Knights’ Hall. The castle is also known for its beautiful location and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11am-6pm (closed on Mondays)

Moritzburg Castle

Schloßallee, 01468 Moritzburg

Moritzburg Castle is an enchanting Baroque palace situated on an island in a serene lake. The castle is famous for its romantic appearance and has been featured in several films, including “Three Wishes for Cinderella.” Visitors can tour the castle’s elegant rooms and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

OPENING HOURS

Everyday from 10am-6pm

PRICE

8,00€

Dresden Castle

Dresden

Dresden Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, is a historic palace complex in the heart of Dresden. It’s known for its stunning Baroque architecture and houses several museums, including the Green Vault, which features a rich collection of treasures, and the Turkish Chamber. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent rooms and art collections.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Albrechtsburg Castle

Meissen

Albrechtsburg Castle is a Gothic-style castle located in Meissen, known for its association with the production of Meissen porcelain. Visitors can learn about the history of porcelain production and explore the castle’s architecture, including its beautiful courtyard.

OPENING HOURS

PRICE

Muskau Castle

Muskau Castle also known as Branitz Palace, is a historic castle located in the town of Bad Muskau. Muskau Castle is a neo-Renaissance-style palace that was constructed in the 19th century. It was designed by the renowned architect Gottfried Semper for Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. The castle is known for its architectural elegance, with a striking façade and beautifully landscaped gardens.

One of the unique features of Muskau Castle is its extensive landscaped park, known as Muskauer Park. This park is considered one of the most significant English-style landscape gardens in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park was also designed by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau and is known for its scenic beauty, including lakes, bridges, and lush vegetation.

The combination of the elegant palace and the picturesque park makes Muskau Castle a popular destination for both architecture and nature enthusiasts.

PRICE

Free entry

Which one is your favourite?

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