Discover the most beautiful castles in Germany, from Neuschwanstein to hidden gems like Eltz and Lichtenstein. A simple guide to seven fairytale castles you can visit, with tips on where to go and what to expect.
Germany is packed with medieval castles. Some sit high on forested hills, others line river valleys, and a few look like they’ve been lifted straight from a fairytale.
You could spend weeks traveling around Germany trying to see them all, but if you’re short on time, these are the ones worth prioritising.
This guide pulls together some of the most beautiful castles in Germany, with a mix of iconic landmarks and a few that are slightly more under the radar.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
- 2 2. Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Wurttemberg
- 3 3. Cochem Castle, Cochem
- 4 4. Eltz Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate
- 5 5. Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg
- 6 6. Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Wurttemberg
- 7 7. Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- 8 Planning your castle trip in Germany
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
Let’s start with the obvious one. Neuschwanstein Castle is the most popular and busiest, but it’s for a very good reason. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful and spectacular castles in Germany.
Perched above the village of Hohenschwangau in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein looks exactly like the kind of castle you’d imagine as a child. In fact, it’s said to have inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
It was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, and was designed as a romantic retreat rather than a defensive fortress. That’s why it feels more like a dream than a medieval stronghold.
You can easily visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a day trip from Munich.
Top Tip: Walk up to Marienbrücke for the classic viewpoint. Go early or late in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.
2. Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Wurttemberg
If you’re after something dramatic, this is it. Hohenzollern Castle sits on top of Mount Hohenzollern, often surrounded by low-lying clouds that make it look like it’s floating. The atmosphere is naturally dramatic, it almost looks like a movie set.
The current castle is actually the third version built on this site, and it’s still owned by the Hohenzollern family, who once ruled Prussia.
It’s less crowded than Neuschwanstein, but I think it’s just as visually impressive. The setting does most of the work here.
Top Tip: Check the forecast before going. Clearer days make a massive difference, especially if you’re hoping to see the castle sitting above that dramatic ‘sea of clouds’.
3. Cochem Castle, Cochem
Cochem Castle (also known as Reichsburg Cochem) is one of those places that looks like a postcard.
Set high above the Moselle River, with vineyards climbing the surrounding hills, it’s less dramatic than some of Germany’s cliff-edge castles, but arguably more charming.
The views over the river valley are what really make this one stand out, especially if you take your time to explore the town below as well.
The castle you see today was rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style, but its roots go back much further. It’s a good example of how many German castles have evolved over time rather than staying frozen in one period.
It’s also easier to visit than some of the more remote castles on this list, which makes it a good option if you’re exploring the Moselle Valley on one of the popular Germany Tours.
Top Tip: Walk up to the castle rather than driving — the route through Cochem gives you some of the best views looking back over the town and river.
4. Eltz Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate
Eltz Castle is a little bit different from the others on this list. It’s not perched high on a cliff or designed to impress from afar. Instead, it’s tucked into a quiet valley, surrounded by dense forest.
What’s really unique is that it’s been owned by the same family for over 800 years. It survived wars that destroyed many other castles in Germany, which is why so much of it still feels authentic.
The walk to the castle through woodland is part of the experience, and the first glimpse of the towers through the trees is really worth it.
Top Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The walk through the forest from the car park takes about 15–20 minutes, and the ground can be quite uneven.
5. Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg
Heidelberg Castle is slightly different again. It’s partly in ruins, but that’s exactly what gives it its character.
Overlooking the River Neckar and the old town of Heidelberg, the castle has a soft, romantic feel. It’s not as polished as some of the others, but it doesn’t need to be.
The mix of Renaissance architecture and crumbling walls tells a story you can actually see.
Spend some time wandering through the gardens and terraces, and enjoying the views over the city, which are some of the best in Germany.
Top Tip: I’d recommend taking the funicular up to save your legs, but definitely walk back down through the old town. It’s a much more rewarding way to soak in the atmosphere and catch those classic views.
6. Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Wurttemberg
Lichtenstein Castle is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most striking castles in Germany.
It’s built right on the edge of a cliff in the Swabian Alps, with a narrow bridge leading to the entrance. The setting is dramatic but not overdeveloped, which makes it feel a bit more raw and less commercial.
It was inspired by a novel, which explains why it feels so theatrical. But it doesn’t feel fake. It’s more like a carefully designed version of a medieval fantasy.
Top Tip: Try to visit outside peak midday hours. The site is quite small and the viewing bridge gets crowded very quickly, especially on weekends.
7. Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Schwerin Castle feels like something out of a storybook, but in a completely different way to Neuschwanstein.
Set on an island in Lake Schwerin, it’s surrounded by water and gardens, which gives it a softer, more elegant feel.
The golden dome and ornate design make it stand out, but it’s the setting that really makes it memorable. It’s also much quieter than Bavaria’s famous castles, which makes for a more relaxed visit.
Top Tip: Try to visit at sunset. The way the light catches the lake makes the whole place feel incredibly atmospheric and peaceful, and it’s easily the most beautiful time of day to be there.
Planning your castle trip in Germany
If you’re trying to visit a few of these castles in one trip, it helps to group them by region.
- Bavaria: Neuschwanstein (easy to combine with the Alps)
- Baden-Württemberg: Hohenzollern and Lichtenstein
- Rhineland-Palatinate: Eltz and Cochem (both go well with the Moselle Valley)
- Northern Germany: Schwerin
Germany’s train network makes it possible to reach most of these without a car, but having one gives you more flexibility, especially for places like Eltz Castle.
Are there any fairytale castles in Germany that you would like to see included?
Let me know in the comments!
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