With almost 25,000 castles, palaces and fortresses, Germany has the greatest amount of castles for its population. From medieval splendours to fairytale palaces, here are the most beautiful castles to discover in the country!
01 ⸻ 06
Neuschwanstein Castle
02 ⸻ 06
Lichtenstein Castle
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Lichtenstein Castle
04 ⸻ 06
Hohenzollern Castle
05 ⸻ 06
Frankenstein Castle
06 ⸻ 06
Schwerin Castle
Neuschwanstein, a fairytale castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
- ville : Neuschwanstein
- pays : Germany
- Nearest airport : Munich Airport
This one is so impressive that Walt Disney used it as a model for his Sleeping Beauty Castle in 1959. Standing on a rocky spur in the heart of Bavaria in southern Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the late Romanesque style of the early 18th century, and was designed to be a fairytale castle from the very start. Opened to the public in 1886, it amazes with its neo-Gothic and neo-Byzantine features, such as the throne room inspired by the churches of ancient Constantinople.
Neuschwansteinstraße 20
87645 Schwangau
www.neuschwanstein.de
Hohenzollern Castle, an imperial keep
The ancestral residence of the Princes of Hohenzollern, this castle is one of Germany’s most visited monuments. Built at an altitude of 855 m, it offers an extraordinary panorama of the Swabian Alb. This fortified complex was first built in the 11th century, but the castle has evolved considerably over the centuries and undergone many restorations: the most recent, completed in 1867, was inspired by the castles of the Loire. One the pieces you can admire here is the sumptuous crown of Emperor Wilhelm II, set with 142 diamonds.
72379 Burg Hohenzollern
www.burg-hohenzollern.com
Lichtenstein Castle, a medieval fortress
Precariously clinging to a clifftop and linked to the land by a series of drawbridges, this is a fantastic site! In the 14th century, the local lord of Lichtenstein decided to build a castle here to protect himself, 15 minutes from the town. In 1567, the family lost its title and the fortress fell into disrepair. Count Wilhelm de Wurtemberg bought it back in 1837 and rebuilt it in a troubadour style, blending medieval and Renaissance influences. Today, this marvel is open to visitors.
Schloss Lichtenstein 1
72805 Lichtenstein
www.burgliechtenstein.eu
Schwerin Castle on its island
Now there’s a spectacle! This medieval fortress, dating from the 10th century, sits on an island in the middle of Lake Schwerin, its sharp lines reflected in the water. In 1850, the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin extended the castle, retaining some of its original features while drawing inspiration from French Renaissance châteaux. Today, part of the building houses a museum that shows visitors the treasures of the ducal era, with furnished rooms and period artefacts.
Lennéstraße 1
19053 Schwerin
www.schwerin.de/en/visit-schwerin/attractions/schwerin-castle
Get the chills at Frankenstein Castle!
Built in 1250, this castle inspired Mary Shelley for the setting of her 1818 book Frankenstein. The author also drew inspiration from the life of Johann Conrad Dippel, born here in 1673: this alchemist set up a laboratory here and sold animal oils as purported elixirs of life. Today, the castle restaurant welcomes thrill-seekers for Halloween Nights and spooky dinner shows.
64367 Mühltal
www.frankenstein-restaurant.de
FAQs
Some 25,000 castles, palaces and mansion houses bear witness to Germany's history: from splendid, perfectly preserved landmarks to ruined reminders of former glory.
Why did Disney choose Neuschwanstein? ›
While on vacation in Europe, Walt Disney and his wife visited Neuschwanstein Castle. Disney was so inspired by the fairy tale architecture and surrounding landscape, that he modeled his Sleeping Beauty castle after it (which also served as the Walt Disney Pictures logo from 1985-2006).
Are there more castles in Germany than McDonald's? ›
stating that Germany has a total of 25,000 castles. Germany has population of about 83.2 million, so that's about one castle for every 3,300 people. Some articles also speak of 20,000, but either way, that's way higher than. the number of McDonald's locations in the entire US, which as of this year is 13,520.
What is considered the most beautiful castle in the world? ›
1. Schloss Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany. Set in the idyllic countryside of Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. In fact, it is the very castle that inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
What is the oldest castle in Germany? ›
Built in the 15th century, Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle is regarded to be Germany's oldest castle. It set trends in the course of time – and not only from an architectural point of view. Come for a visit and allow to be enchanted by its timeless beauty.
Can you stay overnight in a castle in Germany? ›
Even those without noble blood can now dine and sleep in dwellings that were once the exclusive preserve of Knights, Princes and Kings. From a youth hostel to a luxury hotel, visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodation in German castles and palaces.
What is the 850 year old castle in Germany? ›
With its unique location in the heart of the wild natural scenery of the Elzbach valley and its fascinating architecture, Eltz Castle is the embodiment of a knight's castle. Eltz Castle has been owned by the family of the same name for more than 850 years.
Why can't you take pictures in Neuschwanstein? ›
Indoor photos are usually only permitted outside opening times (this applies particularly to Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace and Herrenchiemsee Palace). Observation of special regulations for the protection of these historic properties are a legal condition of the permit.
What famous movie was based on the Neuschwanstein Castle? ›
Sleeping Beauty's Castle was inspired by Ludwig's Neuschwanstein, as was Cinderella's Castle. As Today I Found Out states, the Bavarian castle's "dainty turrets and romantic views," as well as its "cylindrical towers" and Romanesque style made it the perfect architectural model for both Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Why is the Neuschwanstein Castle so famous? ›
The castle combines elements from several different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine, to reflect the idealized vision of royalty and art held by King Ludwig II. However, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany may be best known as the inspiration behind Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
So it may surprise you to learn that, of the roughly one million castles in the world, Germany holds the most - 25,000 of them, to be exact!
Is Burger King big in Germany? ›
McDonald's is currently the most popular fast food restaurant in Germany. The first ever in the country opened in Munich in 1971. Other leading fast food chains for Germans include Burger King from the U.S. and the Bremen company Nordsee.
What country has the best castles? ›
Italy. Italy is home to 59 UNESCO World Heritage sites – the most in the world – so it comes as no surprise that the Bel Paese has made it to our list of Countries with the Prettiest Castles in the World.
What is the most beautiful German palace? ›
10 Most Beautiful Castles in Germany
- Heidelberg Castle. ...
- Schwerin Castle. ...
- Wartburg Castle. ...
- Zwinger Palace. ...
- Nordkirchen Palace. ...
- Schloss Drachenburg. An awe-inspiring Baroque palatial villa. ...
- Charlottenburg Palace. Berlin's largest and most spectacular palace. ...
- Lichtenstein Castle. Inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's novel Lichtenstein.
Linderhof Palace is one of the most luxurious palaces in Germany. With its spectacular hall of mirrors and mysterious Venus Grotto, the palace is impressive.
What castle in Germany looks like Disney? ›
The fairytale castle Neuschwanstein is a popular sight in Germany. The castle in Hohenschwangau (Bavaria) was built by order of King Ludwig II and the inspiration for the Disney Cinderella castle.
