We in Germany are lucky to have many magical and well-preserved castles. However, with more than 20,000 castles, it is quite difficult to choose the most beautiful ones. Because I haven’t seen all of them by a long shot. I have compiled a list for you of what I consider to be the most impressive fairytale castles in Germany and found out why they deserve to be on the list.
Read on to find your favorites!
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle on a mountain in Hohenschwangau near Fussen. King Ludwig II built his fairytale castle near his family home.
This castle is a true fairytale castle, but much too dark inside for me. The architecture is worth seeing, especially the elaboration of the details, which you can explore as part of a tour. Allegedly, Neuschwanstein Castle served as a model for the Disney logo with its Disneyland Castle.
You should not miss the secret grotto inside the castle!
Accommodation at Neuschwanstein Castle
There are many accommodations around Neuschwanstein Castle. Many also take a day trip from Munich.
Here you will find an overview of hotels around Neuschwanstein Castle. I can recommend Hotel Müller to you. It is close to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.
When visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, you should definitely plan your stay at the Hotel Müller. It is close to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. And they offer free breakfast and great rooms with warm staff.
Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is located in the state capital of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Schwerin. The beautiful masterpiece from 1857 is a magnificent castle with more than 650 rooms inside.
My tip: The best way to explore Schwerin Castle is as part of a special tour (including a visit to the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).
Accommodation at Schwerin Castle
If you want to stay near Schwerin Castle, we recommend the Hotel Weinhaus Uhle. The 4-star hotel is in the old town of Schwerin, just 7 minutes from the castle. With a motorhome, we can recommend the motorhome parking space at Hangar 19 directly on the lake.
Check out Hotel Weinhaus Uhle website for booking.
Check out all the tips for Schwerin and Schwerin Castle in the blog here
Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is located on the edge of the Swabian Jura. The spectacular location above a valley makes it a popular day trip destination from Stuttgart (a distance of about 1 hour).
Lichtenstein Castle as you can explore it today was built in the 19th century in the romantic neo-Gothic style. There was already a castle here in the Middle Ages.
By the way, did you know that the castle was copied? Klein Lichtenstein castle in Lietzow is on Rügen. It’s noticeable when you drive along the road because it glows white out of the forest. There is also a smaller copy in Cape Town (Hout Bay).
Take a look at the most beautiful places in Baden-Württemberg here
Accommodation Near Lichtenstein Castle
If you visit Lichtenstein Castle, we recommend staying in one of the “Lichtenstein Valley” apartments. It is one of the most modern accommodations in Lichtenstein. Alternatively, you can combine your visit with a stay in the idyllic student town of Tübingen.
Book your room at Lichtenstein Valley now!
Hohenzollern Castle
What could be nicer than a beautiful castle perched on a hill above the green forests? Hohenzollern Castle in Bisingen in the Zollernalb district is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany.
The castle has more than 350,000 visitors a year, coming from all over the world to admire the sight and explore the interior. Get ready for crowds, especially on weekends.
Visiting this castle is fun even for small children. There are great activities for children, including dressing up as a knight or princess!
Accommodation Near Hohenzollern Castle
Check out the website.
Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is located on the Moselle between the two cities of Trier and Koblenz and Eltz Castle is one of the most beautiful and well-known castles in Germany.
This architectural masterpiece is hidden among the trees in the forest. The castle has been maintained by the same family since it was built. You want to preserve the appearance and beauty of this structure.
This is one of the few castles that wasn’t damaged in the war. It is one of three castles on the left bank of the Moselle that were never destroyed.
Likewise, many of the original furnishings from the past centuries are still preserved. So if you want to take a tour through history, I recommend that you also visit the inside of the castle and not just take “Instagram-worthy” pictures in front of it.
Accommodation Near Eltz Castle
There are numerous accommodations in the area. The Landhotel Ringelsteiner Mühle is only 1.4 km away from the castle. There is free parking, excellent service, and delicious food.
Book a room at The Landhotel Ringelsteiner Mühle
Reichsburg Cochem
Cochem is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Germany. Once you are in the town, you can hardly miss the castle that towers over the town. Boat trips on the Moselle are also popular, from which you have a great view of Cochem and the Reichsburg.
Built-in the 12th century, the Reichsburg Cochem is simply amazing with its magnificent architecture and fairytale appearance. A highlight for many on the trip to Cochem.
A banker named Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené restored the entire castle in the 19th century, Because of this, the castle has a Neo-Renaissance style rather than a medieval style.
There are regular guided tours of this castle. This allows you to take a close look at various details such as archaic furniture, tapestries, paintings, etc.
Accommodation Near Reichsburg Cochem
If you are looking for cheap accommodation, you should book the Stumbergers Hotel. From here you have a wonderful panoramic view of the Reichsburg.
For booking, go to Stumbergers Hotel now.
Wernigerode Castle
Wernigerode Castle is located in the Harz Mountains in Wernigerode. The castle was badly damaged during wars but reconstructed to look exactly like the original castle. A beautiful building that towers over Wernigerode.
This castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. The scenery at the top of the mountain is definitely breathtaking.
If you’re lucky, there will be guided tours inside the castle and take you to the 40 furnished rooms. In it, you can see how the German nobility once lived here. Some of these rooms have even been preserved in their original form.
Accommodation Near Wernigerode
When visiting Wernigerode Castle, we recommend staying at the Hotel Erbprinz. All rooms have a classic look that takes you back in time. Also, they offer free breakfast and great service.
Hotel-Restaurant Erbprinz, which is just 220 meters from the castle
Mespelbrunn Palace
Mespelbrunn Palace is located in the town of Mespelbrunn between Würzburg and Frankfurt am Main. It is a rather lesser-known attraction in Franconian Bavaria.
When it comes to the most beautiful castles and palaces in Germany, the moated castle, which is surrounded by water from everywhere, is not yet on the radar of many. I like the castle when there is no wind because then you have a perfect reflection in the water.
Heidelberger Castle
Who does not know it? Germany’s most famous ruin and landmark of the city of Heidelberg? Walk from the old town over the Old Bridge, up the Schlangenweg to the Philosophenweg, and enjoy the best view of the castle. The best time to visit the castle is in the morning or late afternoon when day tourists are heading home.
- View all information about visiting Heidelberg here.
- Top sights in Heidelberg with information on sightseeing
- For me, Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany
Wart castle
The Wartburg is located in Eisenach in Thuringia and is over 1000 years old. You can see the magnificent castle from afar. In fact, this is the first castle to be declared a World Heritage Site in Germany by UNESCO. It holds a magnificent collection of treasures that are more than 8 centuries old.
You can also explore the impressive castle park for free. You only have to pay for entry for the interior of Wartburg.
Accommodation near Wartburg
If you plan to explore the castle, you should stay at the Romantik Hotel Auf der Wartburg. This first-class hotel is located just 90 meters from the castle. Also, the rooms have a perfect view.
Romantik Hotel Auf der Wartburg is the best hotel to stay at near Wart Castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau in southern Germany near Füssen. The castle was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II (the Mad King). This masterpiece is a perfect fairytale castle that you shouldn’t miss – just like Neuschwanstein Castle.
Accommodation near Hohenschwangau Castle
Both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are quite close to each other. When visiting Hohenschwangau Castle, you should definitely plan your stay at the Hotel Müller. It is close to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. And they offer free breakfast and great rooms with warm staff. So book your stay in the hotel near Neuschwanstein or check out my Neuschwanstein Castle Visit report for more hotel tips.
Rheinstein Castle
Located near Trechtingshausen in Rhineland-Palatinate, Rheinstein Castle is a must-see. Not only the breathtaking panoramic view but also a visit to the castle is a must. It was an important castle in German history.
Since Rheinstein Castle has a very strategic location, it was used for defensive purposes in the past. Therefore you will also find great drawbridges here.
The courtyard offers you a wonderful view of the Rhine. You will also find vines that are more than 500 years old, from whose grapes wine is still made. The castle chapel is also worth a look inside.
Gutenberg Castle
Guttenberg Castle is one of the oldest and most beautiful castles in Germany. And it happens to be in my hometown. The Stauffenberg is one of the last that was never destroyed and has always been inhabited by the Barons of Gemmingen since the 15th century. Surrounded by a sustainably managed forest and is home to the German Greifenwarte.
In the historic walls, you can experience flight demonstrations of birds of prey and owls (in summer daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., explore life in the knight’s castle in the castle museum and experience hearty knight’s meals in the castle tavern.
Guttenberg Castle is an incomparable place for everyone. Children in particular love the air shows when the huge birds, some with wingspans of more than two meters, hover just above their heads or even land directly in front of (or on) you.
The approximately 70 birds living at the castle (it is not uncommon for up to 15 injured griffins to be taken to the griffin observation room each week for care) include black, griffon, and bearded vultures. In addition to eagle owls, owls, falcons, and buzzards, there are also various species of sea eagles, golden and imperial eagles. Pretty impressive.
Ludwigslust Palace
Today we explore Ludwigslust, the late baroque planned city. “Versailles of the North” is the name of the magnificent complex of the palace, palace church, and palace gardens. Our tip is to explore both Ludwigslust Palace and the Palace Church on a guided tour. This is the only way to find out all the details about the magnificent castle and church.
The main attraction in Ludwigslust is the castle, which was built in the 18th century as the residence of the Mecklenburg dukes. During the tour, we explore the Golden Hall, which extends over two floors. The large crystal chandelier in the middle as well as the imposing columns and lots of gold-decorated stuccoes are impressive. But beware, don’t let yourself be fooled. Because in Ludwigslust the “Ludwigsluster Carton” – elaborately decorated paper mache is used. However, it looks deceptively real.
I also really like the way we were told how to find the remains of wallpaper in the castle and use them to carry out the restoration and reconstruction of the walls.
If you are already in Ludwigslust, you should also visit the castle church opposite. Another highlight that has it all. Promised.
Final Thoughts
We often forget how rich our home country and Europe are in history. The majestic palaces and castles bear witness to an eventful past that you won’t find in other countries and continents (Australia or the USA). I have tried to capture the most beautiful castles and palaces. However, I keep discovering lesser-known places, which I then add to.
Check whether you can visit several places as part of a road trip in Germany. There are many places worth seeing along Castle Road.
