15 most beautiful castles in Germany

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The number of castles in Germany is approaching three tens of thousands. Of course, not all of them have retained their original (or at least reconstructed) appearance. Most of them have turned into ruins over time. But there are a lot of surviving castles in Germany. Among them there are both fantastically beautiful and truly unique, and with a fascinating history worthy of description in fiction novels. Therefore, when traveling in Germany, you should definitely take the time to get to know the local castles. And our rating will help you decide which castles are preferable to visit.

Rating of the best castles in Germany

Nomination	a place	castle name	rating
Rating of the best castles in Germany	1	Neuschwanstein	4.9
	2	Eltz	4.9
	3	Wartburg	4.8
	4	Hohenzollern	4.8
	5	Stolzenfels	4.8
	6	Drachenburg castle	4.7
	7	Schwerin Castle	4.7
	8	Zatsvay	4.7
	9	Moritzburg	4.7
	10	Koenigstein	4.6
	11	Marksburg	4.6
	12	Cochem	4.6
	13	Albrechtsburg	4.5
	14	Kriebstein	4.5
	15	Harburg	4.5

Neuschwanstein

Rating: 4.9

Neuschwanstein Castle (or Neustweistein) is one of the most majestic and, at the same time, romantic buildings on German soil. It was built relatively recently – in the second half of the 19th century. This 'brainchild' of the Bavarian king Ludwig II, erected on a rocky alpine slope, like a magnet, attracts travelers, lovers of antiquity and … lovers. The building actually resembles a fairytale castle, where the princess is waiting for her prince. But the reality was much more prosaic: Ludwig II, tired of the strict court life, simply sought refuge for his dreamy soul. Although the king was engaged, he never married. According to some historians, he had a passion for members of the same sex. And the castle was erected not for a possible family life, and not even for a demonstration of power, but exclusively as a toy for the soul. And the king spent so much money on this toy that as a result he was declared insane and removed from power for squandering the treasury.

Advantages

• The castle platform offers a magnificent panoramic view.
• Possibility to go up to the castle by horse-drawn carriage.
• Nearby is the lake that inspired Tchaikovsky to write the ballet Swan Lake.
• Affordable entrance ticket price (about 13 Euro).

disadvantages

• According to tourists, a short and not particularly interesting excursion program inside the castle.
• Additional costs (parking for a car, ascent to the castle by bus).
• Reconstruction is underway, not all rooms are open to the public.
• A large number of tourists.

Eltz

Rating: 4.9

Eltz Castle is one of the most popular tourist sites not only in Rhineland-Palatinate, but throughout Germany. This medieval building has a fortunate fate: the castle has never been captured by enemies, has not been destroyed. However, not all parts of the fortifications have survived to this day. Something collapsed under the burden of time, and some buildings were destroyed by fire in the first half of the 20th century. However, most of the castle structures were subsequently restored.

Eltz is attractive, first of all, for its unusual architecture. During the construction, the natural landscape was taken into account, therefore the castle complex is multi-level.

The castle is still a private property. But given the high maintenance costs, the owner decided to open part of the premises for tourist inspection.

Advantages

• An original place – the structure is not visible from the road, the castle is supposedly hidden in the forest.
• There are two cafes nearby.
• The stairs from the castle lead down to the river.
• There are viewing platforms along the way to the attraction.
• There is a museum of precious products and an armory.
• Loyal value (10 Euro adult ticket plus 2 Euro bus fare to the castle).

disadvantages

• The excursion program is only in German and English.
• A visit is possible only as part of an excursion group.
• No photography inside.
• Quite a distance from the parking lot (about two kilometers in mountainous terrain).

Wartburg

Rating: 4.8

The Wartburg castle near Eisenach is a true German legend. And not only because the greatest composer I.S. Bach, Martin Luther was hiding and, it is said, held meetings of psychics and astrologers Hitler. Many mystical stories are associated with this place, and it is considered the most mysterious castle in Germany.

The first fortifications on the site where the Wartburg is now located were laid at the beginning of the II millennium. Subsequently, the castle complex was repeatedly completed and reconstructed. Only in the twentieth century the inner walls were decorated with tapestries, paintings, mosaics. But the structure of the interior has not been 'redrawn' since the Middle Ages, and there is indeed an ancient atmosphere here, despite numerous metamorphoses.

Advantages

• Beautiful location – in the Thuringian forest, near Eisench (only half an hour on foot).
• An exhibition dedicated to Martin Luther is open – it was here that the great preacher translated the New Testament.
• The castle hosts classical music concerts.
• There is a Russian audio guide.
• A donkey ride to the castle is organized for children.
• You can buy souvenirs in the shop.

disadvantages

• You can get inside only with a guide.
• No photography and filming inside.

Hohenzollern

Rating: 4.8

The ancestral home of the Hohenzollerns is located near Tübingen on the top of a fairly high mountain (855 m). Only 50 km separates this place from Stuttgart, so getting to the attraction is not difficult.

The history of the 'castle in the clouds', as the Germans and numerous tourists call it, goes back over a thousand years. The structure was completely rebuilt three times, and not even a trace remained of the original version. The view that we can see now, Hohenzollen acquired only in the middle of the 19th century.

The inside of the castle is no less beautiful than the outside. Antique furniture, paintings, tapestries – all this creates a feeling of special solemnity. In addition, many interesting artifacts are stored here. Among the exhibits are the crown of William II, personal belongings of the royal dynasty and a letter of thanks from US President George Washington for his help in the US War of Independence.

Advantages

• From the top of the hill on which the castle is located, magnificent views open up.
• A museum is organized in the tower.
• There is a cafe where you can have a snack.
• The prices in the gift shop are quite reasonable.
• Affordable cost (with interior inspection – 12 Euro, without internal inspection – 7 Euro).
• There is a Catholic Church on the territory.

disadvantages

• Part of the territory is completely closed for access (the castle is privately owned).
• You can only get inside as part of a group.
• Ban on photography and filming.

Stolzenfels

Rating: 4.8

In 2002, Stolzenfels was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A magnificent example of romantic architecture, this castle attracts with its majestic views. It rises on a small hill near the mouth of the Lahn, which flows into the Rhine. This building was erected on the border of the Trier lands as a gateway to the region and customs. For this purpose, another castle was built on the opposite bank.

Stolzenfels was restored less than ten years ago, and the state allocated quite large funds for its restoration (16 million euros). As a result, it was possible to restore the original appearance not only of the castle, but also of the park area.

A feature of this attraction is the decoration of the halls. Each of them is stylized for a certain era. By the way, in order to avoid damage to authentic floor coverings, the entrance is allowed only in slippers.

Advantages

• Convenient location (the castle is located near Koblenz, from where it is easy to get there by bus).
• An original patio.
• An interesting collection of knightly weapons, armor, ancient cups.
• Very nice view of the Rhine (there is an observation deck).
• Inexpensive tickets (5 Euro).

disadvantages

• Visiting the attraction with a group only.
• Tours are available in English and German only.
• Ban on photography and filming.
• According to tourists' reviews, there are some organizational issues.

Drachenburg castle

Rating: 4.7

One of the largest palace buildings in Germany, Drachenburg Castle, is located in Westphal. Among other castles, it stands out for its miniature size and rather young age – just over a century. This neo-Gothic example was built at the end of the 19th century by order of Baron Stefan Zarter. The construction lasted only three years, and three architects, 20 construction companies and a team of 20 interior designers worked on the project. Interestingly, the inside of Drachenburg is in stark contrast to the exterior. If from the outside the castle looks like a typical medieval building, then all the most advanced achievements of that time are used in the interior and equipment.

After the death of Baron Zarter in the early twentieth century, his nephew became the owner, who acquired Drachenburg for a fabulous sum at that time. To recoup the investment, he opened the castle for visits. In those days, there was a hotel and a restaurant. Later, Drachenburg served as a school, and during the war it was badly destroyed. After a major reconstruction, a museum was opened here.

Advantages

• Affordable entrance ticket price (7 Euro).
• Well-groomed attractive area.
• Two viewing platforms.
• Photography is allowed.
• At the entrance you can make a commemorative coin with your own hand.
• The entrance to the tower is open with an amazing view of the surrounding area.
• Beautiful interior solutions.
• There is a cafe nearby.

disadvantages

• Paid entrance to the territory.
• Limited operating time of the lift.
• In winter, the castle is closed for visits.

Schwerin Castle

Rating: 4.7

The castle in Schwerin is absolutely unique, and not only because of its location (this building was built on a small island). Its second feature is a mixture of styles, which you will not find in any other German castle. Many architectural trends are closely intertwined here: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism. But at the same time, the creators of this eclectic masterpiece managed to avoid dissonances. All the elements look very harmonious and the castle itself makes an unforgettable impression.

The official history of the castle dates back to the end of the 1st millennium, when a fort was built on this site. After a while it was destroyed, and soon a new fortress was built. The building has undergone numerous reconstructions and modifications. The last major restructuring dates back to the middle of the 19th century. It was at that time that the palace was erected, designed by one of the most famous architects, G. Demmler.

Advantages

• Luxurious Schlossgarten park in the English style.
• There is parking nearby.
• Affordable cost (entrance – 8.5 Euro).
• Rich collection of porcelain.
• Photo and video filming is allowed (for an additional fee).

disadvantages

• Guided tours and other materials – in German and English only.
• The 'government' part of the castle is open to the public only once a year.

Zatsvay

Rating: 4.7

Zatsway Castle is another fortification pearl of Germany not to be missed. According to legend, it was built by the knights who returned home from the Crusade. The first mentions date back to the 12th century. Zatsvay, due to the flat landscape, was built on an island, where, in addition to stone walls, water played a protective function. However, this did not save the castle from numerous attacks. The last serious damage was done during the Second World War, and the restoration took a lot of time and money. But the result was worth the effort: Zatsvay is one of the seven most beautiful private estates in Germany. For more than three hundred years, it has been in the possession of a single family, and part of the castle premises are used for living. But since the maintenance of such a large estate is very expensive, the owners decided to earn extra money by holding various events.

Advantages

• Numerous events are held – knightly tournaments, concerts, performances, shows, etc.
• Picturesque landscape design.
• Bazaars and fairs are organized for religious holidays (Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, etc.).
• Convenient location (you can get from Cologne by train).

disadvantages

• Comparatively high prices.

Moritzburg

Rating: 4.7

In the middle of the 16th century, Duke Moritz von Sachsen decided to build a hunting lodge. They chose a good place – among a dense forest, where there was a lot of game. Therefore, the house was never empty – representatives of the aristocracy and even crowned persons came here. And almost two centuries later, August the Strong, the Polish king and Saxon elector, wanted to make a residence here. According to the idea, the structure was supposed to be located on the water, so the palace was erected on an artificial island. In the second half of the 18th century, the great-great-grandson August continued the transformation of Moritzburg. At that time, barracks, a sculptural complex and even their own 'sea' were built – a huge lake with a pier and a lighthouse.

The castle was privately owned until 1945, and after the victory over Nazi Germany it was seized and became state owned. Many may remember Moritzburg from the fairy tale 'Three Nuts for Cinderella' – part of the film was shot on the territory of the castle. This episode in history is reminiscent of an iron shoe, which tourists can try on and take pictures.

Advantages

• Magnificent scenery.
• Original collections of tableware, clothes, baby carriages, etc.
• A large collection of deer antlers – the largest deer antlers in the world are kept here.
• Unique 'Feather Room'.
• Interesting 'hunting' interiors inside.
• There is no difficulty in getting there – you can take a city bus from Dresden to the castle.

disadvantages

• Shooting inside is prohibited.

Koenigstein

Rating: 4.6

The small town of Königstein near Dresden owes its popularity, first of all, to the fortress. After all, it is she who is considered, if not the most powerful, then definitely one of the most powerful in all of Europe. The first written records of this fortification date back to the 13th century, although it is known for certain that the fortress already existed in the 11th century.

With each change of owners, the appearance of the building also changed: the fortress was expanded, reconstructed, modernized. The most ambitious plans to rebuild the fortress were from the Elector Augustus the Strong, who wanted to turn the medieval gloomy castle into a modern baroque building. But, fortunately, these plans were not implemented, and tourists find themselves in the real Middle Ages. And among the eminent guests who have visited this famous German bastion are even Napoleon Bonaparte and Peter the Great.

Advantages

• The Köningstein Fortress is a kind of 'city within a city' with a temple, a cafe, a restaurant, a tavern, a bakery, a casino, etc.
• Car parking at a very loyal cost (the first hour is free, the next 4 hours – only 5.5 Euro).
• Audio guides and menus in the cafe are in Russian.
• Discounts are available in winter.
• Adequate entrance fees (8 Euro for adults, discounts for students and other categories of visitors).
• The presence of viewing platforms, balconies around the perimeter, from which a beautiful panorama opens.
• The deepest well in Saxony and the second deepest in Europe.
• Convenient transport links.

disadvantages

• High prices in catering establishments.

Marksburg

Rating: 4.6

If you want to see what a real knight's castle looks like, then you should definitely visit Marksburg. It is the only fortress on the Rhine that has almost completely survived and withstood all enemy attacks. Nevertheless, there are many remarkable pages in the history of the castle. When there was a prison and a shelter for the disabled. But the rooms typical for medieval castles (the armory, the knight's hall, secret passages, etc.) remained intact.

The lock has a conical shape. It is erected on a hill, and so close to the edge that it is difficult to discern where the stone wall ends and the rock begins. Saint Mark is considered to be the keeper of the castle. The name of the fortress comes from his name. In addition, several urban legends are associated with this saint. Marksburg residents are sure that the spirit of St. Mark has repeatedly appeared in the castle, and one of the tourists even managed to photograph a ghost.

Advantages

• The castle offers an excellent view of the Rhine.
• Russian-speaking visitors are offered brochures describing the history of the castle.
• Various events are organized.
• You can buy souvenirs at the shop.
• There is a cafe.
• Free car park at the foot of the mountain.
• Photo and video filming is allowed (including with flash).
• Almost all rooms of the castle are open to the public.

disadvantages

• The entrance is only with a guided tour.
• Almost all excursion programs are conducted in German (plus twice a day in English).

Cochem

Rating: 4.6

It is not known for certain when a castle was built in the small German town of Cochem. But already in the XI Art. there are references to it in documents, therefore, the approximate date of foundation is considered to be 1020. For hundreds of years, the castle changed hands several times, until in the middle of the 12th century the king declared it imperial property. From that moment on, a real war for Cochem began. A hundred years later, by the decision of Emperor Charles IV, both the city and the castle began to belong to the Archbishopric of Trier. Cochem began to act as a customs post. In the second half of the 17th century, the French, who occupied Cochem, destroyed part of the castle structures. For almost two centuries the fortress stood in ruins until it was bought by the Berliner Louis Revone. Through his efforts, the castle was restored.

The castle is located on a low hill directly in the city. From here a wonderful view of the city, the Moselle river valley, the hillsides covered with vineyards opens up.

Advantages

• A very beautiful and romantic chapel is one of the most popular wedding venues.
• There is a souvenir shop.
• Photo and video filming is allowed.
• Free parking near the castle.
• An information bulletin is issued in Russian.
• The castle rooms are decorated in various styles.
• Interesting menu in the restaurant.

disadvantages

• Entrance inside only with an excursion group.

Albrechtsburg

Rating: 4.5

Albrechtsburg is the oldest castle-palace in Germany, the history of which dates back to the first half of the 10th century. Then a fortress was built here. A new castle was built in its place at the end of the 15th century. This original architectural structure looks impressive even from a distance. Initially, it was planned to use the building as a residence, but the castle was rarely lived in. Only one of the owners, Duke George the Bearded, stayed here from time to time.

The castle was empty until the beginning of the 18th century, when they learned to make porcelain in Europe. It was then that the first European porcelain manufactory was opened in the castle. Here, magnificent porcelain products were made, thanks to which the Albrechtsburg Castle, as well as the city of Meissen, where it is located, gained worldwide fame. When the manufactory was moved to another place, the castle again became empty, and at the end of the XIX century. a museum was opened here.

Advantages

• An independent visit is possible, without reference to groups and time restrictions.
• There is an audio guide in Russian (included in the ticket price).
• Detailed, interesting excursion.
• The castle can be reached by funicular.
• Convenient location (25 km from Dresden).
• Two hours of free parking.

disadvantages

• A small assortment of souvenirs in the shop.
• Inconvenient location of toilets (in the basement).

Kriebstein

Rating: 4.5

On a cliff above the river in Saxony stands the most beautiful castle in the region – Kriebstein. Picturesque panorama around, authentic architecture and interesting exhibits attract many tourists here.

From 1384, when the first stone was laid in the construction, to 1945, when the castle was nationalized, many owners changed here. And although Kriebstein did not become the center of any grandiose historical events, its fate is worthy of attention. Almost each of the 30 owners made their own changes to the appearance of the castle, but what is very surprising, these reconstructions are almost invisible. The whole complex looks very harmonious and has not lost its gothic spirit. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why filmmakers love this place so much. Many films were filmed here, but the reality turned out to be no less exciting than the cinema. During the restoration work carried out in 1986, a treasure with a huge amount of valuable things was found in the castle.

Advantages

• Almost all premises are open for inspection.
• Self-examination is allowed.
• Excellent exhibition of weapons belonging to the owners of the castle.
• The original wall paintings have been preserved in the 15th century chapel.
• The halls are stylized for different eras.
• Taking photographs is allowed (extra charge).

disadvantages

• Small parking lot.
• Information materials in German only.
• Inspection of some parts of the castle is possible only as part of an excursion group (for example, the 'Secret Room', the upper part of the residential tower).

Harburg

Rating: 4.5

Harburg Castle is another 'old-timer' among the German fortifications. Its history begins in the 11th century. Like many other castles, Harburg rises on a cliff. But it still has a distinctive feature: inside the mountain there is a tunnel with a highway.

Despite its very advanced age, the castle is very well preserved. Here, firstly, there was not such a significant number of reconstructions and redevelopments as in many other similar structures. And secondly, for many centuries, it has been the property of a single family. From the 13th century to this day, Harburg has been owned by the Ottingen family. As they say, at one time Macle Jackson liked this castle so much that he wanted to buy it, but he never managed to realize this dream. Harburg still receives tourists, and every summer a charity festival is held here.

Advantages

• Fabulously beautiful panorama of the surroundings.
• The castle has a cafe and a hotel.
• Various events are held (festivals, concerts and even wedding ceremonies).
• Exhibition of weapons and trophies.
• Decent collection of paintings.
• One of the towers housed a prison and a torture room.
• Behind a massive wall with bastions hides a whole complex, including a temple, a house for servants, and other structures).
• Affordable prices.

disadvantages

• Parking on site, according to some tourists, distorts the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
• Hotel facilities, according to reviews of some residents, leave much to be desired.
• The walking path around the castle walls is closed to visitors.
• Paid entrance to the territory.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.