Most popular castles in Germany

Mespelbrunn Castle stands above the water like a mirage. The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century and the tower and fortifications were built in 1427. The castle is surrounded by water, so it is slightly different from the image we usually imagine, but has its own charm and beauty. Located in the Spesart Forest between Frankfurt and Wurzburg, this castle is a private property, so don't expect in-depth tours and buses full of tourists. In fact, if it is not so important for you to see the inside of the castle, a visit near the castle can be much calmer than other more active German castles. The castle's surroundings are truly beautiful and can be viewed all year round. If you want to see inside, the owners also welcome visitors throughout the year.

Inspired by Wilhelm Hauf's novel "Liechtenstein", Duke Friedrich Wilhelm von Urach built the Liechtenstein Castle in 1840-42. In Neo-Gothic style, the castle stands on a cliff in the Swabian Alps near Honau and is reached by a stone bridge. The castle comprises a chapel, a plentiful garden, a romantic courtyard, as well as several towers and fortifications. It was built to honor the medieval knights and currently houses a museum of historical weapons and armor.

There are several hiking trails around the castle, as well as a rope trail with tree tops for active visitors and the Old Forest Farm where you can enjoy delicious food.

Built in 19th century on a separate island in the middle of the lake, Schwerin Castle is surrounded by calm waters and dense forests, making it a place of rest and relaxation for the Grand Dukes. Since then, it has been used as a teacher’s college, museum and even hospital. Anyone resting in such a place would definitely feel better!

Today the castle houses the Museum and the Government House of the Parliament of Mecklenburg-Pomerania.

Take a stroll through its surroundings, home to one of the most impressive Baroque gardens in northern Germany. Go through the magnificent halls of the castle where you can admire paintings, hunting weapons, porcelain and silverware. If happiness smiles, you might even see a local ghost!

Due to the exceptionally turbulent history of the castle, it has a rich variety of architectural styles. The castle is one of the most important Renaissance buildings to the north of the Alps, and the earliest castle here was built in the 13th century and was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. In 17th century the castle was devastated by the French and in 1764 it was struck by lightning. Numerous transformations over the centuries have led to the creation of a charming and unique castle with a rich combination of architectural styles.

Raised in the Bavarian Alps above the Hohenschwangau Valley is one of the world's most photographed castles. Neuschwanstein Castle never had a defensive function, but served as a resting place for King Louis II of Bavaria.

She was used as a model for the movie "Sleeping Beauty," and the characters of the famous movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" flew over her car. In this way it became our imaginary fairy tale castle.

Enjoy the carefully crafted castle art, impeccable exteriors and try the famous Mary Bridge that crosses the waterfall. To capture the perfect views, walk all the way to the Marienbrücke Bridge (the hanging pedestrian bridge across the castle).

Louis II, before building Neuschwanstein Castle, grew up in another spectacular complex, the Hohenschwangau Castle. The light orange castle is decorated with scenes of medieval legends and poetry. The king's father, Maximilian II, used this castle as a hunting lodge and summer residence. An impressive Neo-Gothic castle lies on a hill above the town. Queen Mary of Bavaria, who also died in this castle, loved to stroll around the surrounding mountains. The castle is visited by more than 300 000 visitors every year and guided tours are organized in various foreign languages.

Eltz Castle is one of three medieval castles in the Rhine that have not been demolished or rebuilt. Raised in the hills above the Moselle River valley, it is very similar to a fairytale castle and dates back to 1157. is the property of one and the same tribe.

The castle stands in the heart of Eltz Forest, a protected nature reserve known for its beauty, rare flora and fauna and spectacular hiking trails.

On summer weekends, the castle can be reached by bus. However, if you wish to visit the castle at other times of the year, you will need to rent a car or take a walk from nearby Mozelkern. On your way to Eltz Castle on foot, this medieval castle is full of beauty and you will appreciate it, as thousands of travelers have done for you for centuries.

Frankenstein Castle stands on a hill near the city of Darmstadt. The original castle was built in 1250. and became a source of inspiration for the classic Meri Sheli novel Frankenstein. While sailing on the Rhine, writer Sheli heard a local legend about Johann Konrad Dippel, an alchemist who set up a laboratory in a castle and processed animal fat, which he later sold as an elixir of life. Sheli's own tales were not a novelty, for her stepmother was a translator of the Grim Brothers' tales, famous for their gloomy stories.

These days the castle hosts Halloween parties and the castle restaurant regularly hosts medieval feasts and gruesome dinners. You can even get married here!

Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history since it was founded in 1067. It has become one of the most important castles in the region since the 13th century, attracting many prominent poets and launching a ministerial competition. 1521 the famous Martin Luther lived in this castle after the excommunication of the Pope, who translated it in just 10 weeks.

Today, the castle features a banquet hall that used to host ministerial competitions in the Middle Ages and now hosts summer concerts, explore Martin Luther's room and admire stunning murals and intricate decorations.

Have you ever dreamed of staying in a fairytale castle? Now you can make your dream come true in the Schönbrunn Palace, where a one-family-owned hotel is located.

The palace survived so many centuries because it belonged to a single dynasty, although at one time in the 14th century. even 250 people from 24 different tribes lived and cared for them!

Raised high above the Rhine, the palace is famous for its magnificent landscapes, classic furnishings and a medieval hall, terraces over the river and magnificent palace gardens.

In addition, the Museum Tower has a full history of the 700-year-old palace!