Overview
In a nation as expansive and rich in heritage as Germany, one can discover some of the world’s most extraordinary castles—from medieval fortifications to opulent palaces. Scattered throughout the country, many are steeped in historical significance, with some still under the ownership of their original families.
From the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle, which is globally recognized, to the Instagrammable Burg Eltz, each site is as captivating as the last.
Germany is home to the world’s longest castle complex, and numerous castles are situated high above scenic landscapes, overlooking the neighboring lands. While several have endured the ravages of time, others have been at the center of intense battles and wars, yet they have been restored to narrate their historical tales.
Here is a compilation of the 15 Best Castles in Germany.
1. Eltz Castle
As one of the most favored German castles that has gained popularity in recent years due to social media, Eltz Castle in Western Germany impresses with its idyllic surroundings and dense woodlands, attracting numerous photographers and nature enthusiasts.
This medieval castle, distinctive to the Rhineland-Palatinate region, has never been destroyed, even during tumultuous historical periods. To this day, it remains in the possession of the founding family. Its unique appearance, nestled in a valley yet standing high on a hill, captivates thousands of visitors each month. Approaching the castle through the cobbled entrance, one cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of wonder.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle
There are primarily two types of castles—those resembling fortifications, built for defense and often exuding a haunting charm, and those that appear to have emerged from a fairy tale—magical and surreal. Neuschwanstein Castle falls within the latter category.
This 19th-century Romanesque Revival-style castle ranks as Germany’s most visited castle and is renowned globally for its picturesque beauty. Commissioned and constructed by Ludwig II of Bavaria, this castle embodies a sense of fantasy and indicates the intentional nature of its design, evident in many of the interior features.
Perched on a hill amidst breathtaking landscapes, those who behold the castle unanimously find it awe-inspiring. This landmark served as the inspiration for the iconic Disney castle as well as the castle of Sleeping Beauty.
3. Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle, located in Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany, crowns Mount Hohenzollern and stands as the third structure, following the decline of its predecessors. Construction of the current castle commenced in 1850 with funding from the Brandenburg-Prussian and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen lines of the Hohenzollern family.
The castle showcases a variety of architectural styles, presenting elements of military design as seen in the notable Eagle Gate, which leads to a drawbridge and the castle’s entrance. The palace features three Gothic Revival buildings and offers stunning views extending up to 100 km from its elevated position.
Since the mid-20th century, the castle has housed an array of historical artifacts, and visitors are now able to enjoy guided explorations of this remarkable site, still within the Hohenzollern family’s ownership.
4. Marburger Schloss
Marburg Castle, or Marburger Schloss, not only dramatically overlooks the historic town of Marburg but also boasts a captivating past. This Landgrave castle occupies a strategically significant position and has evolved considerably over the centuries, transitioning from its original medieval fortification.
The chapel structure and great hall represent exceptional examples of Gothic halls within Central European castle architecture. The castle embodies Gothic and late-Gothic elements, merging with Renaissance extensions.
Today, the Museum for Cultural History is housed within Marburg Castle. Historically, the castle played a significant role in the discovery of the infamous Marburg Files, which contained pivotal documents from the Nazi government, reviewed on-site at Marburg Castle.
5. Reichsburg/Cochem Castle
Reichsburg, or Cochem Castle, overlooks the picturesque Moselle River and the verdant winemaking region of Rhineland-Palatinate in Western Germany. However, it is essential to note that this edifice is not the original structure from the 12th century, as the earlier castle was destroyed by Louis XIV and his military in the late 17th century. The ruins remained until the 19th century when Louis Ravené, a prosperous businessman from Berlin, acquired and reconstructed the castle.
The initial castle was of Romanesque design, yet the rebuilt structure primarily adopts a neo-Gothic style with Romanesque and Gothic elements reflected in parts such as the Octagonal Tower and the Witches Tower.
During World War II, the property was transferred to the Prussian Ministry of Justice, leading to its use by a Nazi government-affiliated law school. Following the war, ownership passed to the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and subsequently to the city of Cochem.
6. Mespelbrunn Castle
While previous castles we discussed exude grandeur—overlooking towns and perched atop hills—Mespelbrunn Castle is uniquely charming. It is neither set on a mountaintop nor distinguished by its size but captivates visitors with a distinct allure.
Mespelbrunn Castle was constructed during the late Medieval and early Renaissance periods. The small moated structure has undergone numerous alterations, with only the original 15th-century tower surviving. The reconstructions made in the late 16th century aligned the castle more with manor houses than with defensive fortifications.
Because of its secluded location in a valley surrounded by dense forests, the castle was one of the few that escaped destruction during the Thirty Years’ War. Today, members of the Counts of Ingelheim family continue to reside in the southern wing of the castle.
7. Wartburg Castle
At the core of Germany lies Wartburg Castle—a site abundant in historical significance. Since 1999, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notably, Martin Luther translated the New Testament of the Bible into German while at Wartburg Castle.
Perched significantly above the surrounding land and the town of Eisenach, Wartburg Castle is recognized as an inspiration for Ludwig II when designing Neuschwanstein Castle.
Construction of this castle commenced in the latter half of the 11th century, with significant repairs starting in the early 14th century following fire damage. Many medieval structures endure today; however, the current interiors were updated in the 19th century.
The largest section of the castle, the Palas, is designed in Romanesque style. The only access routes, the barbican and drawbridge, remain unchanged; both structures epitomize classic medieval castle design.
8. Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle, located in Bavaria, southern Germany, is a 19th-century palace where King Ludwig II of Bavaria spent his formative years. His father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria, initiated construction in 1833.
Domenico Quaglio oversaw the architectural design in neogothic style, including over 90 wall paintings representing the history of Schwangau and medieval German narratives.
During the construction of Neuschwanstein, Ludwig II’s mother, Queen Mary, was the sole resident of Hohenschwangau Castle until her passing.
In the early 20th century, the castle briefly opened to the public as a museum, but shortly after WWI, the royal family returned. Fortunately, the castle sustained minimal damage during both World Wars.
Presently, the castle welcomes numerous visitors each year.
9. Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle, splendidly located in northern Germany in the city of Schwerin, is notably stunning. Situated on Lake Schwerin, the palace and the bordering lake create a breathtaking fairy-tale-like scene.
Records indicate that the first fortress on the island may date back to the 10th century, with the oldest sections of the current castle emerging from the 16th century; its modern construction occurred in the 19th century.
The palace was commissioned by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, drawing inspiration from Castle Chambord in the Loire Valley as architect Georg Adolf Demmler sought to create a design fitting the Grand Duke’s tastes. The castle features Neo-Renaissance architecture.
Currently, the castle serves as the seat of the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
10. Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle, situated in Baden-Württemberg, is a 19th-century privately owned Gothic Revival castle in the Swabian Jura. Elevating to an impressive 2,680 feet above sea level and 820 feet above the Echaz River, it lies 1,600 feet from the ruins of the medieval Burg Alt-Lichtenstein.
This architectural endeavor was commissioned by Duke Wilhelm of Urach, who had a passion for medieval history, engaging architect and restorer Carl Alexander Heideloff. The castle features a curtain wall, courtyard, barbican, outer bailey, bastions, and turrets.
11. Wernigerode Castle
Wernigerode Castle, nestled in the Harz Mountains of Saxony-Anhalt, ranks among the most frequented tourist sites in the region. Originally, a medieval fort occupied this location, later transformed into a Renaissance fortress. However, after the destructive impacts of the Thirty Years’ War, the remnants were reconstructed in Baroque style by Count Ernest of Stolberg-Wernigerode.
The castle encompasses three gardens and parks, with a portion open to the public since 1930. It boasts over 50 rooms, and both the castle church and the smokers’ salon are available for wedding rentals.
12. Burg Rheinstein
The beautiful Rhineland-Palatinate region boasts numerous historic structures, with Rheinstein Castle being notable among them. Situated near Frankfurt and commanding a view of the Rhine River, the castle once held considerable strategic importance which has metamorphosed into romantic allure today.
Originally built in the 14th century, the castle underwent reconstruction in the 19th century, maintaining its medieval architectural features such as a functioning drawbridge and portcullis. The castle’s courtyard, dubbed Burgundy Garden, is named after the variety of grapes cultivated in the area. Additionally, the castle chapel showcases a Gothic altarpiece.
13. Burghausen Castle
In Upper Bavaria, you will find Burghausen Castle, the longest castle complex globally, extending over 1051 meters. This expansive Gothic stronghold consists of the main castle, an inner courtyard, and five outer courtyards. It served as both a royal residence and military fortification, illustrating the power of Bavarian dukes.
All courtyards were historically protected by moats, drawbridges, and portcullises. The first courtyard lies within the main castle complex, where access has been strictly regulated over time. Notably, the western sector of this courtyard originally hosted the bakery and brewery.
The second courtyard, while the smallest, played a crucial military role, housing the armory. The third courtyard contained accommodations for the chaplain, while in the 19th century, it served as a parade ground. The fourth courtyard features a late Gothic chapel, St. Maria’s Chapel, while the outermost courtyard is the largest and has undergone the most transformations throughout the centuries.
14. Dresden Castle
Dresden Castle, located in Dresden, served as the residence for electors and kings of Saxony for over 400 years. Not only is it one of the oldest structures in Dresden, but it also showcases a variety of architectural styles from Baroque to Neo-Renaissance.
The city experienced devastating losses during World War II, with Dresden Castle suffering substantial damage as well.
Today, the castle stands as an impressive museum complex, housing the renowned Green Vault, which contains Europe’s largest treasure collection.
15. Moyland Castle
Moyland Castle is located in northwestern Germany, not far from the Netherlands’ border. This moated castle, built in neo-Gothic style, holds considerable significance in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The castle complex features a dominating four-towered keep, with the main two-story structure reflecting historicist Tudor style, dating back to the 17th century.
During World War II, the castle endured destruction; while the exterior remained intact, its interiors fell victim to theft and vandalism by Canadian soldiers.
Currently, the castle hosts a museum showcasing a collection that includes works by Hans van der Grinten and Franz Joseph van der Grinten.
