Top 15 Most Beautiful Castles in Germany

Hi there, welcome to Nails Genius! Today, we’d like to show you the 15 most beautiful castles in Germany. With over 2,000 years of rich history, Germany is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the entire world. This country has more than 20,000 palaces, forts, and manors just waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a history buff, appreciate beautiful architecture, or you’re into photography, castle visits must be on your bucket list. If you’re not sure which places you should visit first, we’ve made a list of the 15 most beautiful castles in Germany.

15. Glücksburg Castle

• Location: Glücksburg, Schleswig-Holstein
• Why Popular: Renowned for its Renaissance architecture and picturesque setting by a lake.
• Additional Information: One of the most significant water castles in Northern Europe.

One of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe, the superb Glücksburg Castle sits on the Flensburg Fjord in the town of Glücksburg. It was built on an old monastery site, which housed many dukes and nobility since the middle of the 16th century.

Since it’s very close to the Danish border, this castle was also used by many Danish kings throughout history. Owned by a foundation headed by Christoph, Prince of Schleswig-Holstein, it now operates as a museum which is open to the public. If you happen to be in the vicinity, it’s definitely worth a day trip, especially when their gardens are open.

14. Altena Castle

• Location: Altena, North Rhine-Westphalia
• Why Popular: Known as the cradle of the German youth hostel movement.
• Additional Information: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding Märkischer Kreis region.

The imposing Altena Castle is located in the small town of Altena, a 40-minute drive from Dortmund. Built in the 12th century on the Klusenburg Hill, this medieval castle was owned by the Counts of Berg.

The House of Berg eventually abandoned it, and the castle was even used as a courthouse and prison at one point in time. In 1914, Richard Schirmann turned it into a youth hostel, which is still operating today. The hostel is located on the lower castle courtyard, while the rest of the rooms have been turned into a museum.

13. Wartburg Castle

• Location: Eisenach, Thuringia
• Why Popular: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history, including Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible.
• Additional Information: One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany.

This charming hilltop castle located in the town of Eisenach in central Germany was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Over 1,000 years of Germany’s rich history can still be noticed today, as some of its original structures from the 12th and 15th centuries have been beautifully preserved. The interiors were restructured in the 19th century, turning Wartburg Castle into a must-see attraction.

12. Löwenburg Castle

• Location: Kassel, Hesse
• Why Popular: A romantic ruin built in the early 19th century, resembling a medieval fortress.
• Additional Information: Part of the Wilhelmshöhe Palace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A late 18th-century castle of lions, the Löwenburg Castle is a medieval castle which was purposely built as a fortress. Sitting in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe near the town of Kassel, the Grimm Brothers’ charming city, this castle is a must-see.

From the ruins that have been beautifully preserved to its baroque-style interiors, the armory, and the neo-gothic chapel, not to mention the splendid outdoors, this castle offers lots to see.

11. Schönburg Castle

• Location: Oberwesel, Rhineland-Palatinate
• Why Popular: Offers a blend of medieval charm and modern luxury accommodations.
• Additional Information: Overlooks the Rhine River, providing stunning views.

Today, the Schönburg Castle is a fancy hotel and restaurant located in the UNESCO World Heritage site above the medieval town of Oberwesel. Perfect for foodies, the menu is delectable and the breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley make it a culinary experience of its own.

The building itself has quite a special history as well. It was first built in the early 900s and was destroyed in 1689 during the War of the Grand Alliance by French soldiers. It remained in ruins for roughly 200 years until a German-American family restored it. The town council eventually took ownership, and since 1957, it has been leased to the Hüttl family.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Germany

10. Mespelbrunn Castle

• Location: Mespelbrunn, Bavaria
• Why Popular: Known for its fairy-tale appearance and serene moat.
• Additional Information: One of the most photographed castles in Germany.

About an hour’s drive from Frankfurt, this late medieval-early Renaissance castle is a photographer’s dream. The area around the superb Mespelbrunn Castle is surrounded by woods, and the castle sits right on a picturesque lake. As of today, the family of the Counts of Ingelheim are the owners of this magical castle and still live on-site. Who wouldn’t want that?

9. Drachenburg Castle

• Location: Königswinter, North Rhine-Westphalia
• Why Popular: A 19th-century castle with eclectic architecture and panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.
• Additional Information: Not an original medieval castle but a grand mansion built in the style of a castle.

This late 19th-century private villa, situated about 20 minutes from the city of Bonn and 40 minutes from Cologne, has a very interesting history. If you believe in dragon tales, this one will surely capture your attention.

Siegfried, hero of the Nibelungenlied, apparently slayed the dragon Fafnir on those hills and bathed in his blood to become invulnerable. Today, the castle is fully restored and open to the public on weekends. Its architecture is unique, and even though it’s not as big as other castles on this list, it deserves to be ranked as one of the most famous castles in Germany.

8. Hohenschwangau Castle

• Location: Schwangau, Bavaria
• Why Popular: The childhood residence of King Ludwig II, offering insights into Bavarian royal life.
• Additional Information: Located near the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

The mighty Hohenschwangau Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles on this list, but its surrounding area is truly breathtaking as well. This castle is situated in the county of Ostallgäu in southwestern Bavaria, very close to the Austrian border.

The great King Ludwig II of Bavaria lived in this palace in the late 19th century. His father, King Maximilian II, rebuilt and redecorated the castle in a stunning Gothic Revival style, which is still preserved today.

7. Heidelberg Castle

• Location: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
• Why Popular: A symbol of Romanticism, overlooking the city and the Neckar River.
• Additional Information: Hosts the annual Heidelberg Castle Festival.

What makes this castle so popular with tourists? The Heidelberg Castle was built in the early 1200s but was struck by lightning in 1537 and never fully recovered. It still sits on partial ruins, even though the castle was expanded by 1650.

In 1764, another lightning bolt destroyed some of the rebuilt sections. If you’re interested in guided tours of the courtyard, the terrace, and its surroundings, it’s recommended you book your visit in advance as this is one of the most popular palaces to visit in Germany.

6. Reichsburg Cochem

• Location: Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate
• Why Popular: Offers a medieval ambiance with panoramic views of the Moselle Valley.
• Additional Information: The castle was reconstructed in the 19th century

This imperial castle thrones over the Moselle River Valley right above the colorful town of Cochem, and it’s one of the largest medieval castles in the area. If you want that picture-perfect photo and a unique cultural experience, this is the site you may want to visit.

During the summer, there are lots of events here that immerse visitors into the medieval life of the castle. At Christmas, there’s a special Cochem Castle Christmas with traditional preparations and festivities.

5. Schwerin Castle

• Location: Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
• Why Popular: Often referred to as the “Neuschwanstein of the North,” set on an island in Lake Schwerin.
• Additional Information: Currently serves as the seat of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament.

Since 1857, the extraordinary Schwerin Castle is state-owned, but before that, it housed dukes and the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg. It is an old castle dating back to the early 900s, but more records can be found from the 1800s onward. Throughout the centuries, this castle went through many updates, and only parts of the building dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries were retained. This beautiful piece of architecture is surrounded by lakes and forests in the northern part of Germany.

4. Lichtenstein Castle

• Location: Honau, Baden-Württemberg
• Why Popular: Known as the “Fairytale Castle,” perched on a cliff with stunning views.
• Additional Information: Inspired by the novel “Lichtenstein” by Wilhelm Hauff.

This spectacular Gothic Revival castle is another privately-owned castle located in southern Germany, about an hour’s drive from Stuttgart. The unique history of the superb Lichtenstein Castle dates back to the year 1100.

It was destroyed at least twice and rebuilt in the 14th century about 500 meters from the original ruins. It had a few different owners throughout the centuries and went through countless restorations. Its rich history and picturesque setting are probably the reasons why it is one of the most popular castles in Germany.

3. Hohenzollern Castle

• Location: Bisingen, Baden-Württemberg
• Why Popular: Offers panoramic views of the Swabian Alps and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
• Additional Information: The current structure was built in the mid-19th century.

Another privately-owned castle, the Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Imperial House of Hohenzollern. Sitting pretty on top of Mount Hohenzollern, about an hour southwest of Stuttgart, it was originally built in the 11th century. It also went through several updates and restorations as the years went by.

The last one dates back to 1867 when architect Friedrich August Stüler got his inspiration from English Gothic Revival architecture and the chateaux of the Loire Valley. The castle is a must-see not only for its incredible architecture but also for the panoramic views it offers.

2. Burg Eltz

• Location: Wierschem, Rhineland-Palatinate
• Why Popular: A medieval castle nestled in a forested valley, still owned by the same family since the 12th century.
• Additional Information: One of the few castles in Germany that has never been destroyed.

Burg Eltz is probably the world’s most beautiful “ganz urberndes” castle, which belongs to several heirs and descendants of the Eltz family. This stunning hill castle is very well-preserved—a statement of the gorgeous Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles. Two-thirds of the castle are open to the public, and the third is being used by a branch of the family as their private residence. It is a grandiose palace hidden in a forest that’s definitely worthy of a visit.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

• Location: Schwangau, Bavaria
• Why Popular: Known as the “Fairytale Castle,” it inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Additional Information: Built by King Ludwig II, it remains one of the most visited castles in Europe.

Probably the world’s most famous castle, this idyllic 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace is situated near Füssen in the southwestern part of Bavaria, just a few steps away from Hohenschwangau Castle. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this palace out of his personal funds in honor of Richard Wagner, and today it is state-owned.

It really is a breathtaking site with mesmerizing architecture that also inspired the castle in the Disney movie “Sleeping Beauty.” Since it is a very popular attraction, the rules for guided tours and photos are pretty strict, but there are a few special platforms from where you can take that picture-perfect photo.

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Conclusion

This article is just a quick guide meant to show you 15 of the most beautiful castles you can visit in Germany. It can definitely get overwhelming, but depending on what your itinerary is, you are bound to find one on your next trip there. We hope you enjoyed this!