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Castles are perhaps one of the most fascinating structures of all time. Featured in several historical, romcom, and even war films, these buildings pack a lot of history within their walls. In countries in Europe in particular, you can find hundreds of thousands of castles. From Spain’s La Alhambra Palace, Versailles, and the historic castles in England, every single one of them has a story to tell. German castles are no exception, as the country has some of the best and most beautiful castles in Europe.
So if you find yourself in Germany for a vacation, pay a visit to some of these historic yet gorgeous castles!
How Many Castles Are There in Germany?
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There are many German castles to date, although the exact number is unknown. In the country, there are two main classifications of a castle depending on its purpose: Schlösser and Burg.
A Schlöss, or Schlösser, is a castle built as a manor, palace, or other residential purposes. Unlike other castles, they don’t come with moats or intimidating walls, but instead with grand interiors and well-manicured gardens. You can compare these to the French château since both are considered homes for the nobility. Although, in France, not all châteaux are castles.
On the other hand, a Burg served as a military fortress with defensive structures. These types of German castles rose to prominence at the height of feudalism where most lords and noblemen built castles to assert their dominance over a territory. Not only were these a fortress, but they were also a representation of a person’s power.
Best Castles in Germany
1. Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)
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Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Entrance fee: 13 EUR (adults), 12 EUR (senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities), free for children under 18
Neuschwanstein Castle sits on a hill with views of the Alpine mountains. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in honor of Richard Wagner, it is the country’s most popular castle, attracting thousands of visitors per day. Its magical appearance served as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you are planning a trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help you choose the best time to visit the region.
Join a guided tour to explore its opulent interiors, including the Throne Hall and Dining room. Outside, admire the Bavarian Alps and the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes. During autumn, the colorful fall foliage paints a breathtaking scenery.
2. Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau)
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If you’re visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, stop by Hohenschwangau Castle! While Neuschwanstein served as King Ludwig’s private retreat, Hohenschwangau was his childhood home. The 19th-century castle initially was part of the fort owned by the Knights of Schwangau. Crown Prince Maximilian discovered its ruins and ordered its restoration, turning it into the family’s summer residence and hunting grounds.
Hohenschwangau Castle is one of the best German castles to visit to learn more about its history. Here, you’ll learn about King Ludwig, his childhood, and how his imagination led him to create several extravagant architectural projects. As you explore its halls, admire the paintings that tell the history of Schwangau and other medieval German romances.
3. Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss)
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Address: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Entrance fee: 9 EUR (adults), 4.50 EUR (reduced rate)
Heidelberg Castle is a prime example of German Renaissance architecture, once home to kings and nobility. War and lightning strikes left it in ruins, but authors like Mark Twain and Victor Hugo wrote about the site, and today millions visit the Gothic-Renaissance remains each year. Inside, explore the courtyard, pharmacy, museum, and the Heidelberg Tun—a wine barrel said to hold over 220,000 liters. The castle also hosts concerts, festivals, and a summer fireworks show. If you are planning a trip around seasonal events, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for similar timing.
4. Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern)
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Address: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany
Entrance fee: 19 EUR (adults), 10 EUR (students, persons with disabilities), 9.50 EUR (children 12 to 17 years old)
Nestled on top of a hill in the Baden-Württemberg countryside, Hohenzollern Castle offers gorgeous panoramic views of the forest. It is the ancestral seat and summer residence of the House of Hohenzollern. It used to be a single castle, but it was destroyed in 1423, and construction on a second castle began in 1454. However, subsequent wars damaged it. Frederick William IV of Prussia then built the current castle, taking design cues from the Loire Valley Châteaux and Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle.
Although Hohenzollern Castle is privately owned, the castle itself is open to the public, with plenty of guided tours available all-year-round. Find shining armors, weapons, and royal jewelry at the Treasure Chamber. For families with kids, have them dress up as a princess, knight, or prince to make the castle visit more fun. After a day of exploring, stop by the cafe for snacks and other regional specialties.
5. Dresden Castle (Dresdner Schloss)
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Address: Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Entrance fee: 14 EUR (adults), 10.50 EUR (students, persons with disabilities), free for children under 17
Dresden Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city and features timeless Baroque and Neo-renaissance architecture. It was the residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony for over 400 years. While the castle suffered significant damage during the Second World War, constant restoration efforts brought back its grandeur. Today, it serves as a museum complex perfect for museum-hopping. Visit the Historic Green Vault, the Dresden Armory, the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs, and more. The castle also houses an art library with over 260,000 volumes on art history.
6. Nuremberg Castle (Nürnberger Burg)
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Address: Burg 17, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
Entrance fee: 5.50 EUR (adults), 4.50 EUR (reduced rate), free for children under 18
Nuremberg Castle is another must-visit castle in Germany. Located two hours away from Munich, the castle was home to German kings and emperors for over 500 years. It is also one of the surviving medieval fortresses in Europe, dating back to the Middle Ages. The castle represented the power of the Holy Roman Empire, built with sandstone and perched on a hilltop overlooking the town center. World War II brought about several damages to it, and it took almost 30 years of restoration and rebuilding.
Explore the castle grounds and learn about its significance during the Middle Ages. Visit the Pentagonal Tower, one of the oldest parts of the castle dating back to the 11th century. The Deep Well, reaching more than 50 meters below, is also a highlight of every visit to Nuremberg Castle.
7. Schwerin Castle (Schweriner Schloss)
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Address: Lennéstraße 1, 19053 Schwerin, Germany
Entrance fee: 8.50 EUR (adults), 6.50 EUR (students)
Schwerin Castle sits on an island in a lake, unlike most German castles. It served as a residence for the dukes of Mecklenburg, a museum, and a college. Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II ordered an 18th-century reconstruction inspired by Château de Chambord, one of the castles in France. This makes it a prime example of romantic Historicism. With dreamy spires, towering cupolas, and gorgeous scenery, it earned the nickname Neuschwanstein of the North. Wander the picture-perfect garden, explore displays of fine china and silver, and see the weapon collection. For a spine-chilling time, ask about the resident poltergeist, Petermännchen.
8. Marburg Castle (Marburger Schloss)
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Address: 35037 Marburg, Germany
Entrance fee: 3 EUR (adults), 2 EUR (students, persons with disabilities), free for children under 18
A trip to Germany’s Fairy Tale Route isn’t complete without a visit to Marburg, thanks to its history with the Brothers Grimm. This charming town is home to one of Germany’s oldest hillforts, Marburg Castle. The castle dates back to as early as 1000 AD. It served as a residence of the Landgraves of Hesse, hence its other name Landgrafenschloss. Additionally, it was the location of the Marburg Colloquy, a meeting about the dispute between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli.
Today, Marburg Castle is an event site and museum. Get a glimpse into the history of Hesse at the Museum of Art and Cultural History and find a wide collection of artifacts. At the west wing’s basement, find fortifications from the 9th and 10th centuries. Walking tours are available all-year-round, making Marburg Castle a convenient visit no matter the season. For travelers planning their itinerary, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy might help coordinate a broader European trip.
9. Lichtenstein Castle (Schloss Lichtenstein)
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Address: Schloss Lichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein, Germany
Entrance fee: 3 EUR (adults), 1.50 EUR (children)
Less than an hour from Stuttgart is one of the most picturesque German castles, Lichtenstein Castle. It sits on an outcrop near the Swabian Alps, overlooking forests and villages. Inspired by medieval history and architecture, the Duke of Urach commissioned the building in 1840. Completed in 1842, it served as the primary residence of the dukes of Urach.
Also known as the fairytale castle of Württemberg, Lichtenstein Castle is a Gothic Revival castle. It boasts elaborate rooms with lavish decorations and elegant furniture. Marvel at the halls and rooms painted with intricate details from ceiling to walls. The ivy-covered walls make for a good photo spot and the courtyards transport you into an old film.
10. Drachenburg Castle (Schloss Drachenburg)
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Address: Drachenfelsstraße 118, 53639 Königswinter, Germany
Entrance fee: 7 EUR (adults), 5 EUR (children, students, and persons with disabilities)
Drachenburg Castle is a charming hilltop castle between Bonn and Cologne. It lacks the turbulent history of other German castles, but its location is reason enough to visit. Drachenfels hill is where Siegfried, hero of the epic Nibelungenlied, supposedly killed the dragon Fafnir and bathed in its blood to become invincible. A baron began construction in 1882, finished in two years, but died before he could live in it. Despite this, Drachenburg became a popular tourist destination.
Explore the grounds and admire the views of mountains, rivers, and villages. Tour the rooms, descend the grand staircase, and photograph the exterior. As a private castle, it had various owners, each adding their own touch. One fascinating object is a fake pipe organ: the previous owner used it to impress visitors, but the music actually came from a hidden tape recorder.
11. Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz)
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Address: 56294 Wierschem, Germany
Entrance fee: 11 EUR (adults), 7 EUR (students, and persons with disabilities)
Although Eltz Castle falls under the “Burg” classification, it still looks like a charming fairytale castle. It sits on a 70-meter tall rock, offering views of Eltz Forest and the Elzbach River. It is one of the few German castles never destroyed by war or natural causes. Privately owned, the same family that built it centuries ago still lives there. Admire its well-preserved Medieval design and original furnishings. Visit the armory and treasury to see artworks, jewelry, weapons, and works by German goldsmiths and silversmiths. Outside the castle grounds, enjoy the view of mountains and thick forests.
12. Wartburg Castle (Schloss Wartburg)
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Address: Auf der Wartburg 1, 99817 Eisenach, Germany
Entrance fee: 12 EUR (adults and senior citizens), 8 EUR (students and persons with disabilities), 5 EUR (children), free for children under 6
Situated more than 1,000 meters over the town of Eisenach, Wartburg Castle is a medieval castle steeped in history. St. Elisabeth of Hungary lived here from 1211 to 1228. Its biggest claim to fame is when Martin Luther stayed here following his excommunication, translating the New Testament from Greek to German. Most original structures remain, but interiors date from the 19th century, featuring golden mosaics, colorful tapestries, musical instruments, and silverware. Visit the room where Luther worked and learn about his life during exile. Reach the castle by shuttle bus or a steep hike.
13. Wernigerode Castle (Schloss Wernigerode)
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Address: Am Schloß 1, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
Entrance fee: 7 EUR (adults), 6 EUR (students), 3.50 EUR (children 6 to 14 years old), free for children under 6
Wernigerode Castle is an elegant Schloss in the Harz mountains in Saxony-Anhalt. Originally a hunting lodge for nobles, it became a fortress during the Middle Ages. The Thirty Years’ War damaged most structures, but Count Ernest of Stolberg-Wernigerode reconstructed it in baroque style. Open to the public, guided tours include the Renaissance-style staircase, arched windows, and lavishly-decorated rooms. Visitors can photograph the terraced gardens and parks. Children can wear period clothing while exploring. Rooms are available for rent for weddings and events.
14. Marksburg Castle (Schloss Marksburg)
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Address: 56338 Braubach, Germany
Entrance fee: 7 EUR (adults), 6 EUR (students), free for children under 6
Marksburg Castle is a Romanesque castle located thousands of feet above the Rhine River. Its triangular layout and overall structure remained untouched since Medieval times. It is also one of the few German castles that never fell into disrepair or were damaged from wars. The castle was used for protection despite its classification as a Schloss, but eventually fell into the hands of Napoleon during the 19th century. Now, under the ownership of the German Castles Association, it is open to the public.
Explore the well-preserved castle grounds at Schloss Marksburg. See the noble family’s bed chambers, the great hall, and the castle kitchen. Visit the armory and see a dozen life-sized figures that depict the development of weapons and armors from ancient to modern times. At the chapel, pay your respects then marvel at the intricacies of the wall and ceiling art.
15. Weesenstein Castle (Schloss Weesenstein)
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Address: Am Schloßberg 1, 01809 Müglitztal, Germany
Entrance fee: 7.50 EUR (adults), 6 EUR (students and persons with disabilities), 1 EUR (children 6 to 16 years old), free for children under 6
Sitting on a rocky crag overlooking the Müglitz River, Weesenstein Castle originated as a fortress until the 16th century, when the Bünau family turned it into a residential palace. As a Schloss, it housed three Kings of Saxony: John, Anthony, and George. Its design incorporates Gothic, Classical, Baroque, and Renaissance elements across different sections. Join a tour to visit the rooms, halls, and exhibitions. Roam the formal gardens with blooming flowers around a grand fountain. At the Lower Castle, see former residential quarters decorated with antique furniture and tapestries. The Baroque-style chapel, built by King John in 1850, is a highlight. After exploring, stop by the cafe for coffee or tea with pastries.
Final Thoughts
Not only is Germany famous for its Oktoberfest and delicious food, but it is also famous for its castles. Since German castles fall into stately homes or defensive fortresses, you can either find opulent dining halls, intimidating armories, or both in one place. Visiting castles is also a great way of learning about the life behind those who built or lived in them, as seen in Neuschwanstein Castle and the different styles in Weesenstein Castle.
Nonetheless, these castles tell you stories of war and glory better than any textbook and are worth every visit.
