Germany is the largest country in Europe being encompassed by some of the fantastic landscapes. From the sandy rolling plains in the north to the sheer Mountains in the south, the agricultural plains in the east, and forested hills on the west. These are some of the things that make the country great. Let’s not forget the castles which are a must-see when in the country. Some of the castles are perched on the top of mountains, hidden behind the forest and others floating on water.

These structures have conquered the hands of time and remain standing after the fall of the Roman Empire. This made it hard to come up with a list of the beautiful castles but after intensive research and evaluation. I came up with some of the stunning palaces you should visit.

Beautiful Fairy Tale Castles in Germany

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

It is situated near Fussen in southwestern Bavaria, constructed in the 19th century. The building belonged to King Ludwig II.

He construed it in 1869. Though he intended to call it his home, he did not live to enjoy. This is because he drowned in Lake Sternberg. Later it was opened to the citizens to come and explore the famous building. 

The architectural design is spectacular to look at. It seems like it is from a fairy-tale storybook. Well if you are a fan of the famous movie sleeping beauty. Then you won’t miss out on tour of the castle.

I suggest that you wear comfortable shoes and a bottle of water because of the long stairs. Cameras are not allowed in the building, so you will have to go in person and find out the story behind it. The property is opened April to mid-October from 9am-6pm and mid-October to March from 10 am to 4 pm. 

2. Hohenzollern Castle

The castle is found in the southwest of the country in Baden Wurttemberg. It sits 2,805 feet above sea level on top of Mount Hohenzollern. Descendants of the Germany royal line still own the building.    

The architectural designs make up the four primary parts of the building. They include the gardens, military architecture, stately building, and chapels. These are the places that you must visit when on the premises.

Fun fact about the place is that it has been rebuilt several times. But the chapel is the one that remained standing after the destruction.

Hohenzollern Castle is home to various artifacts that you can explore. There is an incredible view from the hilltop that stretches for 100 kilometers. It is a breathtaking scenery that you have to see more so during the sunset. The castle is open to the public mid-March to October from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and November to mid-March from 10 am to 4:30 pm.  

3. Heidelberg Castle

The castle is located at the hillside of Konigstuhl, and it was built in 1214. Then later expanded in 1294, but in 1537 it was hit by a lightning bolt, destroying the upper castle. The building was renovated and after a while destroyed by war, fire, and lightning in 1764.

Heidelberg Castle remains standing though partially ruined; it still offers you a great deal of experience. To begin your tour, you can start by walking through the hall, admiring the unique designs on the walls. There is also the palace’s courtyard where you can head to and enjoy looking at the splendid statues.

For the wine lover, this is the place to be. The castle is home to one of the famous cellars in the globe. It has a capacity of holding up to 220,000 liters of wine. Therefore you can have a taste of the fine wine that the land has to offer.

Within the grounds, you will find the German Apothecary Museum. Here you and the kids can learn the history behind the castle. For those who want to stroll and unwind there is a beautiful garden just for this.

There are also restaurants within the premises; hence, you wouldn’t worry about eating. This makes it an ideal place to bring the kids for the holidays or weekends. The castle is open from April to November from 10 am to 6 pm, and November to March from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

4. Wartburg Castle

The magnificent castle is located 400 meters over Eisenach town in central Germany. It was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries. The iconic building is known for various historical changes. These include the translation of the Greek New Testament into German. This was done in ten weeks by the monk Martin Luther. It marked the beginning of Christianity in the land.

Secondly, it inspired Ludwig II to build his palace as well. Lastly, it was the first castle to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. For art enthusiasts, it is the ideal place to spend the weekends or holidays. This is because it houses various art collections in the museum that will blow your mind away. There are guided tours being offered, and the facility is open daily from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.

5. Wacshenburg

The castle was built from 1907 to 1928 as meeting place for the Weinheim Senioren Covenant. It was initially developed for military purpose but later became a meeting point for the corps students.  It has restaurants with an outside sitting area.

This makes it a perfect place to hold your wedding. The castle also gives you an outstanding view of the Weinheim city. I would recommend that you engage your taste buds in the delicious dishes before living. It closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but opened the rest of the days.

6. Eltz Castle

The castle was built on a 70-meter rock in 1157, and later it was split among the three lines of Eltz families. It has overcome various conflicts that were witnessed during the time and escaped without damage.

The same families still own the iconic building. The magnificent palace is surrounded by the Moselle River and a thick forest. This gives it a stunning view, which is suitable for taking photographs. If you are looking for a place to take pictures and frame it, then I suggest you take them here during the evening or in the morning.

The facility houses a museum that showcases some of the artworks and old furniture. There is also the Knights hall where you and your family can head to and have a look at the armor.

For hikers, I would recommend that you have your gear ready and explore the forest. You can hike to the Burg Pyrmont, which is hours away from the castle. This gives you a perfect environment to unwind. The castle is open to the public daily from 9:30 to 5:30 pm.    

7. Schloss Drachenburg

The castle was built in the 19th century and took two years to complete it from 1882 to 1884. It is found on Drachenfels hills in Konigswinter. The government owns the facility to date. There are various walking trails where you and the family can unwind while strolling. The architectural design is breathtaking, making it a beautiful place to take pictures. The interior décor is also something that you must see.

There are also walking trails where you can stroll while admiring the castles architectural work and the scenery. The building opens in March – June, and September –October from 11 am to 6 pm. July to September from 11 am to 7 pm, and lastly, November to February from 12 am to 5 pm. 

8. Würzburg Residence

It was built in the 18th century and located in southern Germany. The palace was constructed between the years 1720 to 1744, and the marvelous gardens were made from 1765 to 1780. The castle was destroyed during World War II and had been undergoing renovation since 1945.

The artistic work is unique that you will be amazed. The palace also speaks a lot about European culture as architects built it came from various part of Europe. This includes France, Italy, Australia, and Germany.

The interior design is breathtaking from the 400 rooms and has four floors, to the main stairs that span into a vault and covers an area of 32 meters without pillars. The ceiling of the building showcases various paintings from the four continents. That is Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. The famous Giovanni Battista Tiepolo did the pictures.

There is also a magnificent garden where you can stroll and enjoy art and nature during the evening. I suggest that you clear your schedule and take a whole day in the palace. It is fascinating that you won’t be able to keep track of time. I am sure the kids will love it too.

9. Schloss Johannisburg

It was built between the years 1604 to 1614 out of red stone which gives it an outstanding look. The palace is found at the city of Aschaffenburg. The castle was destroyed during World War II and has undergone renovation.

The palace houses an art museum where you can head to feast your eyes. Schloss Johannisburg displays artwork from six centuries ago. The paintings, sculptures, and handcrafts will make your visit worthwhile. If you are an art lover, then this is the palace for you. There is also a chapel museum that awaits you to explore as well. Something that I found so surprising is the classically furnished room. It is cozy and welcoming.

There is also a garden where you can head to and enjoy the scenery of the Main River. It is refreshing as you hear the sound of water flowing. This is the ideal place for you and your family to spend the holidays or weekends. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.

10. Löwenburg

The palace was built between the years of 1793 to 1801. It is located in Kassel town in Wilhelmshohe Mountain Park, making it a perfect holiday destination. The building was home to William IX and Caroline. Though he died in 1821 and was buried in the chapel.

In 1945 it was destroyed during World War II which damaged the plants at the park as well. Therefore, a team of experts had begun renovating the castle to restore to its formal glory.

There is an armory collection being displayed in the palace. The collection is made up of 16th and 17th-century artillery that awaits you to discover the story behind them.

When you are tired of the palace, you can head to the park and enjoy the cascading water feature. This is a spectacular view that you must see. The park also has a lot for you to see and do, making it one of the best castles in Germany. It is opened to the public on Tuesday to Sunday starting from 9 am to 9 pm.

11. Glucksburg Castle

The palace was built by the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg between the years 1582 to 1587. It is built on a pond that covers an area of 2.5 meters. This was to protect the inhabitants from enemies and act as a breeding ground for the fish. The water castle is the ideal place for you to relax and unwind while looking at the sunset.

The gardens were remodeled into English landscape parks where you can enjoy strolling. The Glucksburger Rosarium grows more than five thousand different roses. This makes the air refreshing. The palace is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Verdict

Germany is one place in the world where you will find some of the most amazing castles. They have withstood the test of time. Though some were affected by the war and they have been renovated. Therefore take time out of your busy schedule to escape the hustles and bustles of the city. Travel to some of the fantastic castles and experience the royal lifestyle. I am sure that you and your family will enjoy every bit of the vacation.

See Also: 10 Beautiful Castles in France

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