Discover 12 Enchanting German Castles Straight from Fairy Tales

Live out your fairy-tale dreams in Germany.

Germany was once home to some 25,000 castles. Yes, you read that correctly, 25,000. However, according to the History of Yesterday, who dug through the European Institute of Castles data, just 60% of those castles remain either in all their glory or in ruin, meaning just about 15,000 can be found in the nation today. But as a fun fact, the website added this tidbit: If that 25,000 number was once correct, that meant, at one time, there was a German castle every 15 miles.

These were the homes of not just kings and queens but of knights and nobility stretching across hundreds of years, who each wanted to build a status symbol of their own. Think of it as their version of a planned development.

Thankfully, the owners built many of these magnificent homes to last, allowing us to enjoy them while visiting Germany today.

Indeed, these castles remain some of the most popular German attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe to their treasure-filled armories and enchanting grounds. Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria, has the distinction of being one of the most-visited castles in the world, luring in more than 1.5 million tourists a year with its two-story throne room and ornately furnished chambers.

Germany’s Castle Legacy

Turrets and towers rise from all across the German countryside, crowning Alpine mountains and overlooking vast parklands, forests, and charming villages. You can find them just outside popular cities or floating on island lakes. German castles represent a vast range of architectural designs, including the medieval Burg Eltz Castle and the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle. What they all have in common is their vivid depiction of a moment in German history.

Consequently, these castles remain integral to German life, serving now as government buildings, museums, landmarks, hotels, and, in several cases, incredible private homes. Ready to see a few for yourself? Here are just a few of the German castles you need to add to your must-see list.

Must-See Castles in Germany

Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle has endured more than most, including several wars, with minor damage. In fact, it looks pretty much the same as it did in the 15th century when it accommodated three noble families. Today, it’s still under the ownership of one of the original households (the Eltzs), who have owned it for 33 generations. Interestingly, its spires featured prominently on every 500-mark bill printed back when Germany’s national currency was the Deutsche Mark.

Althoff Grandhotel Castle

This former hunting chateau was originally commissioned as a “grander” version of Versailles. It served various purposes before its ultimate transformation into a grand hotel in 2000. The hotel now boasts 120 tastefully designed rooms and suites, with views of the Rhine Valley and a renowned 3-star Michelin restaurant, Vendome, located just 12 miles from Cologne.

Sababurg

Nicknamed the Sleeping Beauty Castle, this ivy-covered estate is beloved for its fairy-tale appearances and its location on the Fairy Tale Route. Additionally, the castle sits next to Tierpark, Europe’s oldest wildlife park, home to diverse species including bison and penguins. The castle has undergone extensive renovations since 2018, with plans to open the courtyard and sun terrace for guest access.

Wartburg

This Norman castle impresses visitors with its strategic forest concealment, revealing lofty stone ramparts and watchtowers as one approaches. Wartburg is among the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Germany, dating back almost 1,000 years. It is known for its connection to Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament here, as well as being a refuge for Wagner during his compositional endeavors.

Schloss Elmau

Framed against the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau hosted the international G7 summit in 2015. Following a major fire in 2005 that required substantial rebuilding, visitors today can plan vacations that include two world-class spa hotels, restaurants, yoga facilities, and guided nature excursions.

Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle, a Neo-Renaissance structure built on an island in Lake Schwerin, is encircled by water and connected to the mainland by a single bridge. The castle’s history dates back to 793, originally serving as a military fort, but the edifice as we see it was constructed in 1857. Today, it houses the State Parliament and a museum.

Dornburg

Dornburg is a candy-colored fortress featuring three distinct castles, each from a different era. Visitors can roam the Rococo and Renaissance castles freely, while the Old Castle, dating back to 1573, is accessible via guided tours. The famous German poet Goethe frequented this location, and an exhibit dedicated to his work exists here.

Kronberg Castle

Looking for an easy day trip from Frankfurt? This grand estate, once a royal palace, is a worthy contender. It was commissioned in the late 1800s by Empress Victoria to combine German Renaissance and English Tudor styles. Visitors can explore halls adorned with antique art, a golf course, and several dining options.

Burghausen Castle

Overlooking the Salzach River, Burghausen Castle is a hardwearing 11th-century citadel with beautiful red tile roofs. Despite its charm, it has a history of gruesome events, with a museum displaying various torture devices. It is noted as the longest castle in the world, featuring a magnificent collection of late Gothic panel paintings.

Neuschwanstein Castle

This gravity-defying cliffside castle contains grand banquet halls and an artificial indoor cave. Commissioned by King Ludwig II in the mid-1800s to represent his ideal fairy-tale castle, this architectural marvel is known for its unique silhouette against the Bavarian Alps.

Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle, initially built in the 14th century, was abandoned until Count Wilhelm took the initiative to rebuild it in 1842. The design incorporates the original castle walls, resting on the edge of a cliff, inviting visitors to admire paintings, stained glass, and medieval military armor.

Hohenzollern

One of Germany’s most-visited castles, Hohenzollern has undergone three reconstructions over eight centuries. The current structure, led by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in the late 19th century, notably contains a letter from George Washington praising Baron von Steuben for his service during the American Revolutionary War.