17 Impressive Castles & Palaces in Germany

We in the United States are fortunate to have many charming and well-preserved castles. However, with over 20,000 castles, it's quite challenging to choose the most beautiful ones. Because I've not yet seen them all. I've created a list of the most impressive fairy tale castles in the United States and discovered why they deserve a spot on the list.

Read on to find out your favorites! (The list will be updated as I visit more places worth seeing).

Neuschwanstein Castle sits atop a mountain in Hohenschwangau near Füssen. King Ludwig II built his fairy tale castle near his family seat.

This castle is truly a fairy tale castle, though I find it too dark inside. The architecture is worth seeing, especially the detailed work that you can explore during a tour. Allegedly, Neuschwanstein Castle served as the prototype for the logo of Disney with its Disneyland castle.

You should definitely not miss the secret grotto inside the castle!

There are many accommodations around Neuschwanstein Castle. Many people also make a day trip from Munich. Here you can find an overview of hotels around Neuschwanstein Castle. I can recommend Hotel Müller, which is near Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.

For a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, a hotel in Füssen is ideal. The town is close to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. Here you can find many hotels and vacation rentals, which we happily book at fewo-direkt.de.

Schwerin Castle is located in the state capital of Schwerin in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This beautiful masterpiece from 1857 is a magnificent castle with over 650 rooms inside.

My tip: It's best to explore Schwerin Castle through a special tour (including a visit to the Landtag of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).

If you want to stay near Schwerin Castle, we recommend the Hotel Weinhaus Uhle. This 4-star hotel is located in the old town of Schwerin, just 7 minutes from the castle. We also recommend the RV parking space at Hangar 19 right by the lake.

See all the tips for Schwerin and Schwerin Castle in the blog here

On the edge of the Swabian Jura lies Lichtenstein Castle. Its spectacular location above a valley makes it a popular destination from Stuttgart (about 1 hour away).

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? On Rügen, there is a little castle called 'Klein Lichtenstein' in Lietzow. It stands out when you drive along the road because it shines white from the forest (check my Rügen article for a picture). There is also a smaller copy in Cape Town (Hout Bay). Take a look here.

See the most beautiful places in Baden-Württemberg here

When 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 university town of Tübingen.

What could be more beautiful than a gorgeous castle perched on a hill above green forests? Hohenzollern Castle in Bisingen in Zollernalbkreis is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany.

The castle has more than 350,000 visitors each year, coming from all over the world to enjoy the view and explore the interior. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

Visiting this castle is also fun for little kids. There are great activities for children, such as dressing up as knights or princesses!

For a stay near the castle, we recommend the Garni Hotel 'Unsere Stadtvilla.' Hechingen doesn't have many modern accommodations. It could also be worth combining your visit with Tübingen or Albstadt.

Eltz Castle is located on the Moselle River between the two cities of Trier and Koblenz. 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. Since its construction, the castle has been maintained by the same family. They aim to preserve the appearance and beauty of this building.

Did you know that this is one of the few castles that was not damaged in war? It is one of three castles on the left bank of the Moselle that has never been destroyed.

Many of the original furnishings from past centuries are still preserved. So if you want to take a tour through history, I recommend exploring the castle inside as well and not just taking 'Instagram-worthy' pictures in front of it.

There are numerous accommodations in the area. Just 1.4 km from the castle is the Landhotel Ringelsteiner Mühle. It offers free parking, excellent service, and delicious food.

Cochem is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany. Once you are in the town, you can hardly overlook the castle that looms over it. Boat trips on the Moselle are also popular, offering a great view of Cochem and Reichsburg.

Built in the 12th century, Reichsburg Cochem is simply wonderful with its magnificent architecture and fairy-tale appearance. A highlight for many on their trip to Cochem.

Did you know that a banker named Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené completely restored the castle in the 19th century? That's why the castle has more of a Neo-Renaissance style than a medieval one.

Guided tours of this castle are held regularly, allowing you to look closely at various details such as archaic furniture, tapestries, paintings, and more.

If you are looking for affordable accommodation, you should book Stumbergers Hotel. From here you have a wonderful panoramic view of Reichsburg.

Wernigerode Castle is located in the Harz region in Wernigerode. The castle was heavily damaged in wars but has been reconstructed to look just like the original castle. A beautiful structure looming over Wernigerode.

This castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. The scenery atop the mountain is definitely breathtaking.

If you're lucky, tours are conducted inside the castle, bringing you into the 40 furnished rooms. There, you can see how the German nobility once lived. Some of these rooms are even preserved in their original state.

During your visit to Wernigerode Castle, we recommend staying at the Hotel-Restaurant Erbprinz, which is located just 220 meters from the castle. All rooms have a classic look that transports you back in time. They also offer free breakfast and excellent service.

Mespelbrunn Castle is located in the town of Mespelbrunn between Würzburg and Frankfurt am Main. It is a lesser-known attraction in Franconian Bavaria.

The water castle, surrounded by water from all sides, is still on many people's radar when it comes to the prettiest castles in Germany. I love the castle when it's calm because then you get a perfect reflection in the water.

Who doesn't know it? Germany's most famous ruin and the landmark of the city of Heidelberg? Walk from the old town over the Old Bridge, up the Snake Path to the Philosopher's Path and enjoy the best view of the castle (well marked). The castle is best visited in the morning or late afternoon when day tourists are on their way home.

Wartburg is located in Eisenach in Thuringia and is over 1000 years old. The magnificent castle can already be seen from afar. In fact, this was the first castle declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany. It has a wonderful collection of treasures that are over 8 centuries old.

You can also explore the impressive castle park for free. You only have to pay for entry to the interior of Wartburg.

If you plan to explore the castle, you should stay at the Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg. This first-class hotel is only 90 meters from the castle. The rooms also offer a perfect view.

Hohenschwangau Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau in southern Germany near Füssen. This castle was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II (the mad king). This masterpiece is a perfect fairy tale castle that you should not miss just like Neuschwanstein Castle.

Both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are quite close to each other. So book your stay at the aforementioned hotel near Neuschwanstein or check out my report on visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, which includes more hotel tips.

Located near Trechtingshausen in Rhineland-Palatinate, Rheinstein Castle is a must-visit. Not only for the breathtaking panoramic view but also for visiting the castle itself. It was a significant castle in German history.

Since Rheinstein Castle has a very strategic location, it was used for defensive purposes in the past. Therefore, you'll also find a great drawbridge here.

The courtyard offers you a wonderful view of the Rhine. Furthermore, you will find over 500-year-old vines, from whose grapes wine is still produced. The castle chapel also deserves a look inside.

Guttenberg Castle is one of the oldest and most beautiful castles in all of Germany. And conveniently, it happens to be in my hometown. The Staufer Castle is one of the last that was never destroyed and has been continuously inhabited by the Barons of Gemmingen since the 15th century. Surrounded by sustainably managed forests and home to the German Raptor Center.

In the historic walls, you can experience flight demonstrations of raptors and owls (every day at 11 and 15 in summer), explore life in the knight's castle in the castle museum, and enjoy hearty knight's meals in the castle tavern.

The castle is a unique place for everyone. Children especially love the flight shows when the huge birds, some with over two meters wingspan, soar closely over their heads or even land right in front (or on) them.

Of the nearly 70 birds living at the castle (not rarely, up to 15 injured birds of prey are brought each week to the Raptor Center for care), there are monk, goose, and bearded vultures, as well as various species of sea eagles. Quite impressive.

Today we explore Ludwigslust, the late Baroque planned city. The magnificent ensemble of palace, palace church, and palace garden is known as the 'Versailles of the North.' Our tip is to explore both Ludwigslust Palace and the palace church on a guided tour. This is the only way to learn all the details about the magnificent palace and church.

The main attraction in Ludwigslust is the palace, which was built in the 18th century as the residence of the Mecklenburg dukes. On the tour, we explore the Golden Hall, which extends over two floors. The large crystal chandelier in the center, along with the imposing columns and lots of gold-leaf stucco, impress.

But beware, don't be fooled. In Ludwigslust, the 'Ludwigsluster Carton' - elaborately decorated cardboard - is used. However, it looks deceptively real.

I'm also quite fond of how we were explained how wallpaper remnants were found in the palace and how they were used to conduct the restoration and reconstruction of the walls.

If you're already in Ludwigslust, be sure to visit the opposite palace church. Another highlight that is well worth it. I promise.

You can read all the information for your visit in the travel report through Mecklenburg-Schwerin by motorhome.

Often we forget how rich our homeland and Europe are in history. The majestic castles and fortresses testify to a tumultuous past that you cannot find in other countries and continents (Australia or the USA) in vain. I've tried to capture the most beautiful castles and palaces. However, I keep discovering lesser-known places that I then add.

Check if you can visit multiple places as part of a road trip in the United States. Along the Castle Road, you will find many noteworthy places.

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