10 magical castles in Germany you won't want to miss

Today we're sharing 10 magical castles in Germany that feel like they're straight out of a fairy tale. We've seen two of them ourselves, and the other eight are on our bucket list.

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10 magical castles and palaces in Germany

Germany is indeed full of magical castles and palaces. The castles are equipped with battlements and towers, and are often situated high up with breathtaking views of mountains and forests. Each one has its own history, and each one is more exciting than the next. Here are 10 castles in Germany that you won't want to miss. We have visited number 5 and number 10. Have you seen any of them?

1st Borgen Wartburg

Borrowing Wartburg in central Germany was built in 1067 and became a refuge for many historical figures, including Martin Luther who sat behind these walls while translating the New Testament. In 1999, the castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. While you're here, you can also visit the town of Eisenach, which has a beautiful and well-preserved old town centre, where you can stroll around the cosy shops and restaurants.

Slott i Tyskland - Wartburg — Eisenach: Wartburg Castle *GNTB e.V. / Christof Herdt*

2. Heidelberg Castle Ruin

Heidelberg is perhaps one of the most famous castle ruins in the world, and is a proud landmark in the beautiful and well-preserved old university town of Heidelberg, which is also well worth a visit. Construction of the castle began in the 13th century under Count Ludwig I, and was then expanded by several electoral princes in the 15th to 17th centuries into a true Renaissance castle. The castle was destroyed by the French at the end of the 17th century, partially restored, but again destroyed by fire. Today, the magnificent ruins are a reminder of times gone by.

Slott i Tyskland - Heidelberg castle — *Heidelberg Castle © GNTB e.V. /* Francesco Carovillano

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3. Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace was built in the late 17th century as a gift from Friedrich III to his wife Sophie Charlotte. The castle has been added to over the years, and is now a stunning example of baroque architecture that can be seen in the centre of Berlin. It also houses a large art collection and a magnificent baroque garden.

*Palace Charlottenburg © GNTB e.V. / Florian Trykowski*

4. borrowing Burghausen

Borgen Burghausen, originally built as a Gothic fortress, recalls an exciting time in Bavarian history. The fortress was built as a defence against a threatening Turkish siege and then had to resist the Swedes in 1632. The castle was built in the 9th or 10th century, but its current appearance dates back to the 13th and 16th centuries. Here you can experience towers, moats and walls up to 5 metres thick. The castle is over a kilometre long, making it the longest in the world.

Slott i Tyskland: Burghausen castle — *Burghausen © Burghausen Touristik GmbH / Burghauser Touristik*

5th Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle sits majestically on a high hill in southern Germany. The castle was destroyed in 1423 and rebuilt in 1454-1461 as a fortress. You get to the top of the castle by walking around, in a circle, through one gate after another. In between, you have to cross some fallen bridges over moats and through some dark tunnels. Because Burg Hohenzollern is situated as it is, you can see 100 kilometres from the top in good weather. It was, by the way, a branch of the Hohenzollern dynasty that belonged to the kings of Prussia from the 18th century and, after 1871, to the Emperor of Germany.

Burg Hohenzollern — Hohenzollern Castle, photo: Pixabay

6th Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle was built on a small island in Lake Schwerin on the site of an old Slavic castle more than a thousand years ago. The castle was the residence of the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Schwerin until 1918, and is now the seat of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state parliament. The castle is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful castles in northern Europe.

7: Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is dramatically situated on a steep cliff in the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg. Although the castle is not very large, it is impressive in its appearance and location. This modern castle was built in 1840-1842 and was inspired by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. The castle was designed by Carl Alexander Heideloff and has been described as 'Württemberg's fairytale castle'.

Slott i Tyskland: Lichtenstein castle — *Lichtenstein Castle © GNTB e.V. / Ralph Lueger*

8. The castle Reichsburg Cochem

Reichburg Castle Cochem is powerfully positioned on a hill above the beautiful town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley. The castle was destroyed after King Louis XIV and his French troops attacked it in 1689, but has since been reconstructed. Today, you can see the chapel, the dining room and the hunting room. While you're here, don't miss the town of Cochem, with its idyllic and well-preserved old town centre.

Slott i Tyskland - Rechsburg Cochem — The castle Reichsburg Cochem, photo: Pixabay

9. Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle is one of the few castles in Europe still owned by the same family that built it - in this case almost 900 years ago. Here you can immerse yourself in an enchanted environment with historic furnishings and a cosy atmosphere, not to mention the magical natural surroundings.

Slott i Tyskland — *Wierschem: Eltz Castle © GNTB e.V. / Florian Trykowski*

10. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is known worldwide as a symbol of idealised romantic architecture and the tragic story of its owner. The castle is also arguably one of the most photographed sights in Germany. Louis II was a Bavarian king, and after his mysterious death he was succeeded by his brother and then his uncle, both of whom became kings of Bavaria. For Ludwig II, the castle was mainly a retreat where he spent time on art, myths and fairy tales. There are several extravagant rooms, filled with decorations and magical stories.

Slott i Tyskland - Neuschwanstein — Neuschwanstein Castle, photo: Pixabay

Have you visited a castle in Germany?

Have you visited any of these ten magical castles in Germany, or perhaps something else? Let us know! More castles, palaces and castle gardens in Germany can be found at German Tourist Board website.

Vackra vägar i Tyskland — *Neuschwanstein Palace and Hohenschwangau Castle © DZT e.V. / Nana Watanabe*

Want more magical and fabulous inspiration about Germany?

Here you will find more posts with inspiration and tips for magical, fairytale-like and exciting experiences in Germany:

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Husbilsresa i Tyskland - ställplats i Bremen

Helena

03 August 2019 6:00

Germany

history, Motorhome holiday Germany, attraction, castle-ruin-europe

Helena

Administrator

22 Comments

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Snows says:

We have not visited any of these but we have visited the castle in Cochem. A nice destination and a guided tour that is also suitable for children.

03 August 2019 - 9:57

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  That sounds nice! There are lots of castles in Germany to visit! 🙂
  
  03 August 2019 - 16:55
  
  Reply
Ama de casa says:

I have been very little in Germany, but they seem to have a lot of magnificent castles. I have not visited any of them. Not yet anyway 🙂

03 August 2019 - 10:15

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  They certainly have! We have only seen a few, but many more in pictures 🙂 .
  
  03 August 2019 - 16:55
  
  Reply
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Unfortunately I haven't visited any of them yet. Neuschwanstein is very high on my wish list, much because it is considered the model for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and as a "Disney nerd" I must of course visit it eventually. 🙂

03 August 2019 - 10:36

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  It is a very fabulous and fantastic castle! One tip is to try to visit it during the low season if possible, it is very crowded 😉.
  
  03 August 2019 - 16:56
  
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Lena in Wales says:

I have visited the castles of Heidelberg, Charlottenburg, Schwerin, Reichsburg in Cochem many times, Eltz and Neuschweinstein. Have seen Lichtenstein Castle, but not visited it.
There is so much to see in Germany, much more than many people realise.
Wishing you a nice weekend!

03 August 2019 - 12:54

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Wow, that wasn't bad!!! Now I'm a little impressed! We have to "tighten up" a bit, haha 🙂 Otherwise, I completely agree with you, we have started to discover that there is a lot to see in Germany. Wish a continued nice weekend!
  
  03 August 2019 - 16:57
  
  Reply
  - Anette says:
    
    I have castle number 10 on my "want to see" list. Good to get more tips.
    On our way through France, we stayed in three smaller châteaux, all beautiful in different ways.
    It is good that the castles are used and looked after.
    
    04 August 2019 - 7:43
    
    Reply
    - Comment by post author
      
      Helena says:
      
      How cosy to live in a castle! ??
      
      04 August 2019 - 10:01
      
      Reply
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:

We have visited the last three and we thought Burg Eltz was really cool when we came walking. It's just to realise that we still have a lot to discover in Germany (too).

03 August 2019 - 15:36

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  That was not bad! 🙂 I can imagine that Burg Eltz looks cool when you arrive. Looks fascinating in the picture!
  
  03 August 2019 - 16:58
  
  Reply
  - request says:
    
    Hi, nice to have stop tips!
    Germany is a great holiday destination.
    Visited two of ten: on your list (start and stop at Romantische strasse) and add a tip.
    
    Visited 10th SLOTTET NEUSCHWANSTEIN.
    Magnificent fairytale castle and lovely views. Visited several times, definitely a must stop sometime (start or stop at Romantische strasse).
    
    Visited 4:an BORGEN BURGHAUSEN
    in Bavaria, located on the river Salzach (tributary of the Inn), the river forms the border between Germany and Austria.
    We walked the whole castle back and forth looking at the view and discovered that the castle is next to a bathing lake (Wöhrsee) which we went down to for an hour or so before moving on. Beautiful view from the bathing area, vines along the hill up to the castle. Recommended both castle visit and swimming in the lake if the weather permits.
    
    To be added
    11) Fortress Marienberg in Würzburg built originally as a castle, white with lots of towers is beautifully situated high on a hill, with vines below. Würzburg is a pleasant city well worth a stop, to start or end the Romantische strasse.
    
    With kind regards,
    request
    
    20 December 2020 - 10:03
    
    Reply
BP says:

Haven't you blogged about German castles before? At least I remember Neuschwanstein, which you showed on the blog. I have actually visited that castle, or rather seen it. Have not been inside it.

03 August 2019 - 23:00

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Great memory! 🙂 Well, we haven't blogged about German castles in general, but we wrote about Neuschwanstein when we visited it in 2015. And that's what's on the top picture 😉.
  
  04 August 2019 - 9:58
  
  Reply
  - Anonymous says:
    
    Oh dear! I have only been inside five of them. May well take another turn.
    
    04 August 2019 - 14:34
    
    Reply
BP says:

Strange. This is the second time my first comment disappears with you. Then it comes up when I comment again. I wonder if anyone else has experienced the same thing...?

04 August 2019 - 0:10

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  How strange! Don't know if anyone else has experienced this? No comments should be visible until I approve them ... Is it possible that it only appears to you when you write again! But you don't have to write the same comment twice! They don't disappear, I just have to approve them!
  
  04 August 2019 - 10:00
  
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Reiselinda says:

Many beautiful castles in Germany! Some of these are on our bucket list, but we have visited 3; Charlottenburg, Burg Eltz and Neuschwanstein. Reichsburg in Cochem we have seen and photographed from a distance, so it is really 3.5... Of other castles we visited, I think the castles in Potsdam should be on your list!

04 August 2019 - 11:05

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Glad you have seen several of these castles! 🙂 Yes, the castles in Potsdam are fantastic! It was difficult to choose, but in the end I chose more castle-like castles and less palace-like castles for this post.... if you understand what I mean;). There are many such fantastic ones in Germany as well!
  
  04 August 2019 - 11:14
  
  Reply
  - Tia says:
    
    Burg Eltz was our first, Cochem, Schwerin and Neuschwanstein are some of the many we visited. You can never get enough of all these castles and fortresses in Germany. The last one we were going to visit was Snow White's castle in Lohr am Main but it was under renovation...
    
    04 August 2019 - 22:24
    
    Reply
    - Comment by post author
      
      Helena says:
      
      You have visited a whole bunch! And that thing about renovation, you get that from time to time ... 😉 ...
      
      06 January 2020 - 20:54
      
      Reply

10 magical castles in Germany you won't want to miss

10 magical castles and palaces in Germany

1st Borgen Wartburg

2. Heidelberg Castle Ruin

3. Charlottenburg Palace

4. borrowing Burghausen

5th Hohenzollern Castle

6th Schwerin Castle

7: Lichtenstein Castle

8. The castle Reichsburg Cochem

9. Eltz Castle

10. Neuschwanstein Castle

Have you visited a castle in Germany?

Want more magical and fabulous inspiration about Germany?

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22 Comments

Snows says:

Helena says:

Ama de casa says:

Helena says:

Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Helena says:

Lena in Wales says:

Helena says:

Anette says:

Helena says:

Britt-Marie Lundgren says:

Helena says:

request says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Anonymous says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Reiselinda says:

Helena says:

Tia says:

Helena says:

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