Castles in Germany – 25 Most Beautiful Castles to visit in Germany

Castles in Germany – 25 Wonderful Castles to visit in Germany! Germany has many old and beautiful castles that you should make a point of learning about. Whether you already live here or plan on visiting, these castles make for some incredible attractions that you will not soon forget.

Germany, one of the most visited countries in the world, is considered a country of castles, parks and gardens. Let’s take a look if it’s the truth. 🙂

Germany is home to a wealth of majestic castles, each steeped in history and architectural grandeur. The fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, known as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, is a must-visit for its stunning hilltop location and romantic allure.

The medieval Burg Eltz, nestled in the lush forests of the Moselle Valley, captivates with its well-preserved interiors and picturesque surroundings. The impressive Hohenzollern Castle perched on Mount Hohenzollern offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into German royalty.

Visitors can explore these castles’ fascinating histories, intricate designs, and enchanting settings, offering a captivating glimpse into Germany’s rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor.

Castles in Germany

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle sits proudly in southwest Bavaria. It was built in the 19th century by Ludwig II. While this place served as his own personal getaway, it was made available for the public to tour shortly after he died in 1886. It is quite a spectacular sight to see for anyone who is visiting in this area.

Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous and most visited castle, although it is still not fully finished. You can find it near Hohenschwangau Castle.

2. Albrechtsburg Castle

Albrechtsburg Castle is a gothic-style castle that overlooks the Elbe River valley for a truly breathtaking view. It was constructed back in the 15th century and was the catalyst for a number of architectural trends. When you come to this castle you can learn about the royalty who once resided here.

3. Altena Castle

Altena Castle was constructed in the 12th century and sits atop Mount Wulfseck. Over the years it had been occupied by a number of Counts of Marck. It was the first castle to be converted into a hostel for youth in the early 1900s. Over the last few decades, a couple of new museums have opened here.

4. Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle has been around for more than 800 years, located deep within the Eltz Forest. It looks like something out of a fairy tale, and it’s the perfect attraction for those who are planning to visit Germany. One of the reasons that this castle is still in such good condition is because of the fact that it’s never been affected by any wars.

5. Rheinstein Castle

Rheinstein Castle was built in the early 14th century and has played a crucial role in defending Germany from opposing forces over the years. This castle is also in very good condition, and it attracts many visitors from all over. There are drawbridges, a courtyard and even an altarpiece hand carved from wood.

6. Burghausen Castle

Burghausen Castle is a huge castle complex and currently holds the record for the biggest one on the planet. A decent portion of the castle is set aside for the museum, which houses many beautiful Gothic paintings. This is the perfect attraction for those who have a lot of both art and history. The castle itself has some fairly stunning architecture.

7. Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace was built in 1695 and sustained quite a bit of damage due to World War II at the time. It has been rebuilt since then, and it looks quite amazing today. Here you will find a nice theatre as well as a garden and pavilion. The crown jewels and other objects are on display.

8. Dresden Castle

Dresden Castle is definitely one of the more famous historic attractions in all of Germany. It is sometimes called the Royal Palace, and it is where many different kings have resided over the years. Today it contains lots of important items that are tied to Germany’s past. This is a great place to go if you want to learn more about the country.

9. Ehrenburg Palace

Ehrenburg Palace’s gothic revival architecture makes it worth seeing on its own, but the inside is quite spectacular as well. You will be able to walk around inside this palace to see how luxurious it really is while learning about the history behind it. This is one historic attraction you don’t want to miss while in Germany.

10. Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle is a massive structure that was built during the Renaissance period, and it has been around since the early 1300s. This is one of the oldest castles in all of Germany, and parts of it have been rebuilt twice due to a fire caused by a lightning strike. Come inside to learn all about this historic building.

11. Herrenchiemsee New Palace

Herrenchiemsee New Palace was designed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and it is now a popular tourist attraction. Those who come here can walk through the luxurious staterooms and see the magnificent gardens that adorn the property. It is situated on the Chiemsee Lake, which is the largest in the entire region.

12. Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle was where King Ludwig II was raised, and it was built in the early 19th century. Numerous royal figures have occupied this place in the last few centuries, and you can take a guided tour to learn all about its fascinating history. It has a beautiful fountain out front and many bedrooms within.

13. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle has a breathtaking aesthetic that you really have to see to truly believe. It contains many fascinating artefacts that each tells a story about this place. Located near the Swabian Alps, it is the perfect place to visit if you wish to learn more about Germany as a whole.

14. Lichtenstein Castle

Built in 1840, Lichtenstein Castle is a gothic revival castle that offers regular tours for those who want to explore the expansive interior of this old structure. It has many interesting historical items, and much of the exterior has been well-preserved throughout the years. The Dukes of Urach own this castle, but it is open to the public year round.

15. Linderhof Palace

While Linderhof Palace may not be the largest palace that was built by King Ludwig the II, it is nevertheless very impressive all around. You can come here to go through all of the different rooms, each of which has a very unique theme. The Hall of Mirrors is one of the most famous parts of this castle, and it is not to be missed.

16. Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn Castle is located in the Elsava Valley, tucked away inside the Spessart Forest. It is another common place for tourists to come, as there are guided tours throughout the year. You will see the reception rooms, chapel and all other areas of this strikingly beautiful castle that has largely remained unchanged over the years.

17. Moyland Castle

Moyland Castle has a neo-gothic architecture that is very impressive, and the interior is just as amazing. It has a huge collection of works from many different artists. There is also a café that you can visit to get food and drink. The library has thousands of old books, some of which are hundreds of years old.

18. Cochem Castle

Cochem Castle is another very old castle in Germany, built in the year 1000. It has quite an amazing history, which you can learn about it by coming here for a guided tour. There are numerous artefacts and various historic objects that are thousands of years old. The neo-gothic style of this structure alone makes it worth seeing.

19. Schloss Johannisburg

Schloss Johannisburg can be found in Aschaffenburg, and it is a crucial structure from the Renaissance period. It still has much of its old furniture from hundreds of years ago, as well as artefacts that tell interesting stories about the region. The grounds have some very beautiful gardens and fountains.

20. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle can be found in the Schweriner See, and it has been occupied by many dukes throughout the years. It takes back to AD 973, so you can imagine how much fascinating history it has. You can learn about the history of this place by going on a tour. Legend has it that the castle is haunted.

21. Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle has been around since 1077, and it is open to the public for those who want to visit. There was a fire that destroyed some of the structure in the late 1800s, but it has been completely restored since then. It has many old paintings and objects that date back hundreds and even thousands of years.

22. Stolzenfels Castle

Stolzenfels Castle used to serve as a medieval fortress, and it was constructed in 1259. It has officially been classified as world heritage site since 2002. There is a pergola garden as well as an impressive tower that overlooks the structure. It is one of the best historic sites in Germany.

23. Wartburg Castle

Wartburg Castle was constructed back in medieval times, and its origins go back to the 12th century. It has been a part of many important events throughout history, which you can learn about when you come here. There is a big museum library that contains many old texts. This place is certainly worth taking a tour of.

24. Wernigerode Castle

Located on the top of the Harz Mountains, Wernigerode Castle was built in the 1800s. It has since been reconstructed, but it retains much of its original neo-Romantic architecture. There is a lot of history behind this place, and it is located in a very beautiful region of Germany.

25. Zwinger Palace

Zwinger Palace was built in 1709 and has a variety of sections that visitors can go through to learn more about the history of this place and Germany as a whole. The Old Masters Picture

Gallery has a unique collection of art pieces from talented painters. There are also many beautiful sculptures on display.

So these were some of the most beautiful castles in Germany, but the country has also very nice cities and towns that you should also visit. Read this article about Cities in Germany – 30 best cities to visit and their top tourist attractions to learn more!

Have a great German trip!

In Germany, there are numerous exciting activities and experiences to enjoy. Explore the historic landmarks and vibrant city life of Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island.

Discover the fairytale-like castles of Bavaria, such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenzollern Castle. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of cities like Munich, Cologne, and Hamburg.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley, and the Bavarian Alps. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor delicious German cuisine, including sausages, pretzels, and beer.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or cuisine, Germany offers a wealth of diverse experiences that cater to all interests and promise an unforgettable journey.