Castles of Germany: Historic and Beautiful German Castles
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Germany is said to be home to over 200,000 castles. It’s almost impossible to plan a visit to Germany without making time to visit at least one castle.
German Castles To Visit: (Jump To)
We have barely scratched the surface but these are five favorites from our last trip.
Old Castle Stuttgart
For most tourists, the central German city of Stuttgart flies under the radar. Car enthusiasts know the city because of its connection with automobile manufacturers Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The city is also home to a wonderful zoo.
The best castle to visit is Stuttgart’s Old Castle. Built in 950, the castle saw numerous renovations and additions until the New Castle was built next door in the early 19th century. Restored after a fire in 1931 and again after damage during World War II, the castle is now home to the Württemberg State Museum.
The castle is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the region. Also, make time to visit the Castle Church across the courtyard.
Heidelberg Castle
Sometimes referred to as Heidelberg Palace this hillside castle complex towers over the beautiful riverside village of Heidelberg.
Much of the castle lay in ruin with some structures having been rebuilt. The largest structure, the Ottheinrich Building, houses artifacts and boasts an impressive collection of statues on its exterior courtyard facade.
Also on the site is the German Apothecary Museum, a giant old wine barrel, and a terrace with the best view of the Heidelberg river valley.
For more on the city, check out our one-day Heidelberg itinerary.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Overshadowed by its more famous son, Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle has a rich history. Built on top of a rock with a view of a lake, the castle was built around the 14th century. A sorted history of occupations, sales, and eventual abandonment fill the castle's rich history.
The castle interior is a thing of beauty, themed to represent the “Swan District” (Schwangau), wall paintings, statues, and even a courtyard fountain are adored with swans.
Harburg Castle
Harburg Castle is a medieval era castle on Germany’s Romantic Road and is one of the best-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages. The building checks all the castle boxes, with its high castle walls, interior courtyard, and even a torture chamber.
Check out our full castle tour here.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is the castle you’ve been imagining. If there is one castle in Germany you must visit it is Neuschwanstein.
Located up the hill from the aforementioned Hohenschwangau castle, the unfinished architectural masterpieces was the project of King Ludwig II who died during construction. Despite the castle’s historic appearance, the building is only around 150 years old with much of the interior unfinished.
Make sure to get a view of the castle from Mary’s Bridge. The metal bridge over a waterfall is not for those with a fear of heights.
Read about our visit (including tips on how to get there) in a previous post.
