Although the King and Queen of England are synonymous with royalty worldwide, the most regal European country isn’t the United Kingdom. Instead, Italy, France, Ireland, and Germany each boast more than six times the number of castles that the UK has.
World Population Review estimates that Germany has roughly 25,000 castles within its borders. Hidden away in the mountains and perched over idyllic villages, these castles turn the country into a true fairytale. One of them even inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles at its famous theme parks.
Step into a dream at these enchanting castles in Germany:
Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg
Heidelberg’s castle ruins are among the most famous in Germany. The original castle was built in the 13th century but was almost destroyed during the Nine Years’ War in the 17th century.
Today, Heidelberg Castle remains an iconic testament to the local and national cultural heritage. Visitors can tour the castle, gardens, hidden passageways, and an apothecary museum located in the basement.
Eltz Castle, Wierschem
Tucked among the hills of Wierschem, Eltz Castle is a stunning, centuries-old landmark. The striking architecture includes dramatic towers and turrets.
The castle’s secluded location in a lush forested valley is equally captivating. With over 900 years of history to discover, the best way to experience Eltz Castle is on a guided tour.
Schwerin Castle, Schwerin
The opulent Schwerin Castle sits on an island in the city of Schwerin. In 2024, the castle’s residences officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural significance and displays of Renaissance, Baroque, and classical design styles. Schwerin Castle’s romantic property boasts over 650 rooms, some of which you can explore on a self-led tour.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau
You might recognize Neuschwanstein Castle, which reportedly inspired Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles. Neuschwanstein sits in the rugged foothills of the German Alps.
The contrast between the castle’s intricate Gothic architecture and the dramatic backdrop is fit for a postcard. Exploring the picturesque grounds on a guided tour will make you feel like royalty.
Mespelbrunn Castle, Mespelbrunn
Mespelbrunn Castle is a small but beautiful medieval palace surrounded by a moat. It’s only an hour from Frankfurt, making it the ideal day trip.
Amazingly, it’s still owned and occupied by descendants of the original 15th-century builders. While Mespelbrunn isn’t as grand as other German castles, it’s worth visiting for its rich history and scenic setting.
Frankenstein Castle, Mühltal
Unsurprisingly, many believe Frankenstein Castle inspired Mary Shelley to write her classic novel Frankenstein. Countless local legends surround the eerie ruins, which sit atop a hill overlooking the Rhine Valley.
Some stories revolve around Johann Conrad Dippel, who was born in the castle in the 1600s and supposedly became an alchemist pursuing a potion to grant immortality. Frankenstein Castle is undergoing a massive restoration project until 2028. However, this gives you plenty of time to plan your visit to the spooky castle.
Wartburg Castle, Eisenach
Head to Eisenach to visit the awe-inspiring Wartburg Castle. This landmark is famous for being the location where Martin Luther translated the Bible into German during his exile in the 1520s. Expect to spend hours exploring the castle’s numerous courtyards, rooms, interior buildings, and Martin Luther’s study.
Hohenzollern Castle, Hechingen
Hohenzollern is a breathtaking castle atop a mountain that overlooks the surrounding countryside. Its history stretches back to the 1200s, though it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 1400s and restored in the 1800s.
For centuries, Hohenzollern Castle was the royal seat for multiple Prussian kings. Today, visitors can see many historical artifacts there, including the Crown of Wilhelm II and numerous valuable works of art.
Dresden Castle, Dresden
Dresden Castle is among the most impressive of its kind in Germany. It fell victim to the bombing of Dresden during World War II, and restoration projects are still ongoing. The Renaissance-era castle is now a highly regarded museum showcasing art, furniture, firearms, and more.
Cochem Castle, Cochem
Cochem is home to a jaw-droppingly beautiful 11th-century castle. The property towers hundreds of feet above the Moselle River, featuring unobstructed landscape views.
It’s the main attraction of Cochem, a small town with around 5,000 residents. The only way to see Cochem Castle’s interior and courtyards is by taking a guided tour.
Sigmaringen Castle, Sigmaringen
The same family that built Sigmaringen Castle hundreds of years ago still owns it today. Initially constructed in the 11th century, a fire in 1893 significantly destroyed the property, leaving only the medieval towers.
Thankfully, the castle was rebuilt and is now open to visitors. The only way to explore this medieval landmark is on a guided or self-led audio tour, which highlights various rooms, galleries, and the armory.
Hohenschwangau Castle, Schwangau
Bring your fairytale dreams to life at Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau. This gorgeous castle has stood for centuries despite suffering damage from multiple wars. It’s a striking example of Romanticist architecture, with intricate murals, medieval towers, and dramatic turrets.
Rheinstein Castle, Trechtingshausen
Rheinstein Castle is an imposing fortress built into the rocky banks of the River Rhine. It boasts everything you’d expect from a centuries-old castle, including a working drawbridge, a courtyard, and a Gothic chapel.
Castle highlights include the Knight’s Hall, an impressive room filled with paintings and stained-glass windows, and the riverfront views. The Hecher family now owns the castle, which visitors can explore at their own pace.
Glücksburg Castle, Glücksburg
Glücksburg Castle is famous for its enchanting location on a serene lake. It was once a summer residence for members of the Danish royal family and remains a significant European icon of the Renaissance era. The Schloss Glücksburg Foundation, which operates the castle, offers various visitor experiences, including nighttime and kid-focused fairytale tours.
Discover Germany’s top hidden gems
Skip the overrun tourist hotspots next time you’re in Germany. These off-the-beaten-path cities are equally beautiful and far less crowded.
18 Underrated Cities in Germany to Visit Before Crowds Do
See more of Europe after exploring Germany
Once you’ve conquered Germany, continue your European getaway. Add these destinations to your list of must-visit stops in Europe.
17 Best Places in Europe for Your Bucket List
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
