Germany is the birth place of fairy tales–the source of Snow White, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, and the brothers Grimm who gathered all those tales together. It makes total sense that a place that could inspire tales full of wonder (even if the original versions were sometimes kind of horrifying, but hey–they mellowed with age) is in general just plain inspiring. German landscapes are filled with mysterious forests, quaint towns, breathtaking Bavarian Alps and–most inspiring of all–a number of amazing castles.
From Medieval keeps to luxurious retreats for nineteenth-century kings, the best castles in Germany really shouldn’t be left off of any itinerary. Visit one or rent a car and visit many, as especially in southern Germany you’ll find castles within driving distance of each other.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is not just the most amazing castle in Germany, but one of the most amazing in all of Europe. Yes, it’s that amazing. Even if you don’t know its name, you’ve seen photos of this fairytale castle perched on a hill, with white towers reaching into the sky, set against a postcard-worthy Bavarian backdrop. The castle was built in the late 1800s by King Ludwig II, who really just wanted to get away from it all so he intended to live here mostly by himself. But as soon as he passed away, the castle was opened to the public. Today, more than a million people visit each and every year.
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is considered a ruin, but that doesn’t stop it from being spectacularly pretty to look at. Located on a hill overlooking a river valley, Heidelberg Castle is a red-sandstone fortress that was built in the 1200s. Visitors can wander the exterior on their own, but can only get inside with a guided tour. One thing not to miss–the biggest barrel in the world is located here. At 55,345 gallons, this wine barrel is not messing around.
Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle, like many other German castles, is built on a viewpoint–Mount Hohenzollern at 2,805 feet! On rare days, clouds descend into the surrounding valley, leaving the castle rising above them. The scene is a jaw dropper. If that sight doesn’t greet you on your visit, no worries. You’ll still find expansive and lavishly decked out interiors with arching ceilings, the Crown of Wilhelm II on display, and views of southwestern Germany. The castle itself, much like Neuschwanstein, might just remind you of Disney.
Lichtenstein Castle
Set atop a rocky cliff and surrounded by leafy trees, Lichtenstein Castle was first built in the early 1200s, but unfortunately got destroyed not once but twice. After a major battle in 1381, the castle was left in ruins all the way until the 1840s. The original castle’s walls still make up the castle exterior today and extend up to the third floor. The castle houses an impressive collection of weapons and armor from the days of yore, and it’s also a great place to take photos in the autumn. You can thank all those leafy trees for that.
Eltz Castle
Perhaps the most impressive factoid about Eltz Castle is that it’s still owned by the same family that has lived at and owned the castle since the 12th century. That’s 33 generations! As a result, not only is the castle in fantastic condition, but so are the interior furnishings, which include a collection of gold, silver, porcelain, coins and even a few oddities. It’s also one of the very, very few castles on the Rhine River that has not been destroyed (well, they are castles built to defend, after all).
Schwerin Castle
Like Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwerin was built in the 1800s during a burst of romanticism in Germany. But where Neuschwanstein is high on a hill and designed to be a refuge, Schwerin is right in the middle of a lake and stands on a site of former palaces and forts. While the castle itself is certainly lovely, there are two points that solidify its general amazingness. One, it’s built on an island in a lake. Reflections in the water and the bridge leading to the castle kick up the amazing a few notches. Two, the castle grounds are home to beautiful gardens and an orangery that visitors can spend a good chunk of a day wandering.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II–the very same king who built Neuschwanstein Castle later in his life. In fact, you can walk between the two castles and make a day of touring them and the surrounding area. Pretend you’re King Ludwig for a day. Wander Hohenschwangau on a guided tour (because they won’t let you in otherwise) and admire the banquet hall, music rooms and even the private bedrooms of the king and queen. King Ludwig II’s bedroom includes a sky filled with stars and a moon that actually lit up. Yeah, it’s good to be the king.
Mespelbrunn Castle
Not all castles used height as their main mechanism of defense. Some, like Mespelbrunn Castle, built a moat instead. The result? Moated castles got to enjoy the protection of a band of water around their perimeter, and we modern folks get to enjoy the attractive results. Mespelbrunn Castle also has a distinctly different look than the high towers of many German castles. Located between Frankfurt and Wurtzburg, Mespelbrunn is quainter with its most notable feature being the round tower on the front, which has been there since the 1400s.
*****
Photo credits:
Neuschwanstein Castle:Â Rob Faulkner via Flickr
Heidelberg Castle: Steve Jurvetson via Flickr
Hohenzollern Castle: R∂lf Κλενγελ via Flickr
Lichtenstein Castle: John Perry via Flickr
Eltz Castle: Harald Hoyer via Flickr
Schwerin Castle: Harald Hoyer via Flickr
Hohenschwangau Castle: Jürgen Rosemann via Flickr
Mespelbrunn Castle: Francois Philipp via Flickr