12 famous castles of Germany

Germany is well known for its castles in the whole Europe and has more than 12000 castles to visit. It offers various different castles such as fairytale castles, medieval castles, manor house castle, royal castle, iconic Walt Disney’s castle. They have magnificent architecture with major historical significance. You can tour the most beautiful castles in Germany.

1. Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein castle is situated in the beautiful city of München. It is considered as the jewel of Europe and is one of the best castles in Germany. Walt Disney was inspired by this magnificent castle and idealised it for the castle of sleeping beauty. It is tucked away overlooking a beautiful lake in an alpine setting. This castle has been a fortress of the Knights of Schwangau. You can visit the Throne Room, the Singers’ Hall, Ludwig’s bedroom, and other grandiose rooms. These rooms are decorated with murals, mosaics, arcades and carved oak. It reflects the architectural style of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic. You can enjoy paddle boarding in the nearby Swan Lake and the breathtaking views from the window.

2. Nuremberg Castle

Nuremberg Castle is situated in the Old Town of Nuremberg. This castle was the home of German kings and emperors for more than 500 years. It was reconstructed after World War II. You can visit the Pentagonal Tower, Sinwell Tower and the Kaiserburg. The main attraction of the tour is the dramatic demonstration of the well’s depth. The Imperial Castle Museum exhibits the history of the castle, medieval weapons and armor.

3. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle is also known as Schweriner Schloss. This beautiful castle is surrounded by water. There is a bridge which is situated in Mecklenburg- Vorpommern and this bridge connects to the Schwerin Castle. It has been restored after the reunification of Germany. The main attraction of this castle is the splendid Throne Room. This castle has onion-domed cupolas and a tea caddy tower also with a beautiful interior.

4. Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle reflects Renaissance architecture and is built with red sandstone. It is situated in Old Town in Heidelberg with a backdrop along the Neckar River. It is the most spectacular castle in Germany. You can tour the whole with it’s ruins and it is an unreal experience. You can also visit the courtyard, a pharmacy museum, and the cellar. The main attractions of this castle are concerts, performances, and festivals, which are held in the courtyard. Another highlight is the huge fireworks.

5. Marburg Castle

Marburg Castle is also popular as Landgrafenschloss and is situated in the charming town of Marburg. It was the main residence of the Landgraves of Hesse. Many tourists visit this place because it was part of German fairytales by the Jacob Brothers. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were inspired by Marburg castle for their fairy tales. You can visit the Museum of Art and Cultural History. You can enjoy the walking tours in this charming castle.

6. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is situated on the top of the mountain in Baden-Württemberg in the countryside. It was the house of the Prussian Royal family. It displays the royal artifacts of the dynasty, the Prussian royal crown and collection of items, which belongs to Frederick the Great. It is influenced by neo-Gothic architecture. It exhibits the royal treasures and gold and silver work, paintings, and royal robes. Christmas markets are also held here annually in the month of December.

7. Wartburg Castle (Schloss Wartburg)

Wartburg Castle is also part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered as “an outstanding monument of the feudal period in central Europe”. Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German in this castle. You can see the room where Luther worked and stayed. It was built in the 12th century. There is a courtyard which is surrounded by half-timbered buildings and battlemented parapets. It reflects Renaissance architecture and period furnishings, collection of over 9,000 historic items, and the art collections.. Tourists love the medieval banquet hall and amazing frescoes at the castle.

8. Schönburg Castle

Schönburg castle is nestled above the Rhine River. It was burned in 1689 by a German-American family. Later on in the 20th century it was sold back to the city and they started a family-run hotel after the restoration in this castle. You can stay overnight in a castle and experience a magical and majestic stay.

9. Marksburg Castle

Marksburg Castle is the most prominent landmark of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and is also considered as a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle has never been destroyed in history. This beautiful hill castle was built above the river. You can enter through a drawbridge gate and can also visit a second medieval gateway. You can visit the batteries, the medieval cellars, an herb garden, the kitchen, Great Hall, and a bedroom. There is a charming chapel which exhibits painted walls and ceilings and enjoys the magnificent views across the Rhine.

9. Wernigerode Castle

Wernigerode Castle has the Gothic style and Renaissance architecture. It was damaged during the war and later on rebuilt in Baroque style and further modified in Romantic style, which is also popular as North German Historic. You can explore a Renaissance staircase tower and Gothic arched windows in the courtyard. It is surrounded by gardens with lush greenery.

11. Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle is also popular as Burg Eltz and is situated in Southwest Germany. It seems like a real fairytale castle. It is set across high rock and is surrounded by dense forest with a hillside view. It has stone walls, towers, central courtyard, 8 residential buildings, pointed turrets and sharply pitched roofs. It is owned by the Kempenich family. It exhibits a beautiful interior and furnishings. The Knights Hall highlights the armory and treasury and it also exhibits collections of historic art works, including gold and silver, jewelry, glass, porcelain, ivory, weapons, and curiosities.

12. Weesenstein Castle

Weesenstein Castle consists of 3 castles in just one. They are built in different architectural styles during different times. It is built in an order from the highest defensive position to the residence of the prince at the bottom. It showcases the original furniture, decor, and historical tapestries. There is a lovely park, rose garden, beautiful fountain, tea house and the river. You can explore all these places.