It’s impossible to think of Germany and not think of castles. Breathtaking castles standing tall, surrounded by thick, lush forests is a quintessential German view. I partnered with fellow travel experts to bring you the best castles in Germany to visit!
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, be sure to check out my guide to cities in Germany and my top tips for visiting Germany!
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Charlottenburg Palace
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Charlottenburg Palace is one of Berlin’s most popular tourist attractions. The name “Charlottenburg” refers to one of the oldest parts of the city of Berlin. Originally built in 1695, it was later expanded several times and became the home of the House of Brandenburg. In 1866, the palace was given to the Kingdom of Prussia by King Frederick William IV. After World War II, the palace was badly damaged during air raids and was subsequently rebuilt over the course of decades.
Today, the palace houses the German Federal Archives and the Museum of Applied Arts (Museum für Angewandte Kunst).
When you walk through the palace, you’ll be amazed at the impressive art collections and exceptional suites. It’s an absolutely gorgeous palace worth a visit. Admission is a fixed admission time for the Charlottenburg Palace. Admission is €17.00 for adult, or €25.00 for a family (2 adults and up to 4 kids). Children under 7 do not need a ticket.
There are plenty of events throughout the year at the Palace including concerts, galas, and even a Christmas market.
The palace has been certified through November 2022 for accessibility for people with restricted mobility, wheelchair users, and hearing, visual, or cognitive impairments.
Eltz Castle
Recommended by Laura of Travelers Universe
Eltz Castle is located near the small town of Wierschem, on a 70-meter-high hill on the banks of the Elzbach River. The castle is from the 12th century and is one of the few that was not destroyed on the left bank of the Rhine, along with Bürresheim and Lissingen.
Eltz Castle has been in the same family for 33 generations, separated into 3 branches: Rübenach, Rodendorf, and Kempenich. During the guided tour you can only visit the rooms of the first two families, since the last one still makes use of the castle.
Going by car to Eltz Castle is the most common option. If you want to get to the castle by train you must go to Koblez Hbf, and from there take a suburban train to Moselkern, the closest train station. The ride from Koblenz to Moselkern is about 30 minutes.
Once in the small town of Moselkern you have to take a road that goes up, crossing the whole town until you arrive at the same path as the people who arrive by car.
Whether you arrive by train or by car, to get to the castle from the car park you have two options: 1. Take the shuttle bus that leaves you at the foot of the castle. 2. Or take a walk along one of the two paths that lead to the castle. Choosing the second option will offer you the opportunity to experience a very beautiful natural environment and the walk is not hard at all.
In winter, the castle is closed from November until March. So if you’re in the area, you can either go to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in Cologne, or if you are looking for a Christmas market in a castle, Burg Reifferscheid and Burg Satzvey are great alternatives.
Heidelberg Castle
Recommended by Readers – Marianne and Felicia!
When two readers mention the same castle, I feel like I have to add it! Please note I have not visited Heidelberg Castle and the photo below is a stock photo from Pixabay.
This gorgeous palace has been destroyed and built a number of times throughout history. It now stands proudly near Heidelberg, Germany! It was built before 1214 and then became two castles in 1294. A lightning bolt destroyed part of the castle in 1537, when it was rebuilt it was expanded again, then damaged again through wars and fires. It was the home of a number of German Kings including Reprecht in 1401.
Accessibility is limited at Heidelberg Castle. The visitor center and toilets are accessible. The gardens and courtyard have cobbled paving which may be difficult for some. The interior of the palace is not handicapped accessible. If using a walking stick, they must have rubber feet. Adapted tours are available if you contact them ahead of time.
The castle is located on the outskirts of Heidelberg, Germany. Admission is 9:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the year except for holidays. The Palace Garden is open during daylight hours. The German Apothecary Museum is open at 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from April 1 to October 31, and closes at 5:30 pm in the winter months.
To plan your visit, please check out their official website here.
Hohenzollern Castle
Recommended by Caroline of Veggie Wayfarer
When it comes to castles in Germany, Hohenzollern definitely takes the cake. While it might not be as well-known as the castles in Bavaria, it is by far the grandest. Think medieval splendor, turrets, thick walls, and impenetrable location – perched on the top of a mountain.
Current-day Hohenzollern castle dates back to the 19Th century and was built according to then the prevailing Romanticism style that can also be found in castles in Belgium and France that were built around the same period. Aside from the turrets, what makes this castle extra special is the fact it is still privately owned by none other than the Prussian Royal Family themselves. The Prince is known to spend a couple of weeks every year in the castle.
A visit to the Castle is a very popular activity, which is why it is highly advised to purchase your tickets well in advance. Regular tickets cost €22 per person and include the entrance fee, parking fee, and the shuttle bus that takes visitors from the parking to the entrance of the castle. The castle is open to visitors Monday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.30.
From the parking lot, you can opt to either walk (20 minutes along a small reasonably steep dirt path) or take the aforementioned shuttle bus. The walk contains a fair number of stairs and thus is not suitable for people who use wheelchairs.
Lichtenstein Castle
Recommended by Soujanya of The Spicy Journey
Lichtenstein castle is located in the state of Baden-Württemburg in southwest Germany. Apart from its spectacular location, long history, and astounding architecture, this castle is also located close to many big, popular cities in Germany, making it easy to take a day trip to Lichtenstein Castle. Stuttgart is the closest city to the castle and only a 30-minute drive away. There is no good public transport connection to the castle so it is advised to rent a car in order to visit this castle. There is a large parking lot just a few meters away from the castle that is available for a minimal fee.
Despite its turbulent history that involves many wars, the modern Lichtenstein castle remains standing and is currently privately owned. Due to the castle´s lengthy history dating back to the year 1100, it is recommended to take a guided tour of the castle in order to learn more. The guided tour of the castle costs € 12 for a 30-minute tour of the castle interiors. If you only wish to see the castle grounds then it costs € 4 per person. This includes a visit to the Lichtenstein castle viewing points, the castle gardens and grounds, and the ruins of the old castle, which was destroyed in the 1300s.
Lichtenstein castle is open to visitors between 0900 and 1730 in Summer and from 1000 to 1600 in Winter. Although the castle grounds are handicap-accessible, the interiors have staircases and so are inaccessible by wheelchairs.
Marienberg Fortress
Recommended by Brandon of Zimmin Around the World
Looking over the city of Würzburg is the Marienberg Fortress. This castle is a symbol and well-known landmark in Würzburg. For over a thousand years, there has been a castle at the current site of the Marienberg Fortress. It started as a Celtic Castle until the Franks dominated the area in the 6th century. A church was then built here and the castle expanded around the church.
Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed during WWII but has since been restored. Today the Marienberg Fortress is a popular tourist attraction. Many visitors will walk from the historic center of Würzburg cross the old bridge before making their way up the hill to the entrance of the castle. Luckily, for those that have difficulties walking, there is a road and parking lot near the castle. From here, the grounds are flat and accessible to anyone.
For visitors visiting the castle, it is recommended to walk the castle grounds, visit the garden, and take in the views from the walls. Once inside the castle grounds, visitors can freely walk around within the walls, from here the church and well are worth seeing. There is a museum in the castle that has a collection of art from the Middle Ages and artifacts related to the castle.
The museum for the castle is open from April until the end of October from 10:00 until 17:00 and beginning November until the end of March from 10:00 until 16:00. Admission fees are 5 EUR for adults. The castle park and outer walls do not close. It is recommended to come here at night to view the city of Würzburg and all the city lights.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Recommended by Holly of Four Around the World
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most well-known castles in Europe. It is located in southwestern Bavaria, Germany, approximately 70 miles from Munich. The nearest major town is Fussën.
The castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria. He was often referred to as the “Fairytale King”. Neuschwanstein was intended to be a private retreat for Ludwig II and a homage to Richard Wagner, the famous composer. Ludwig II was a big fan of Wagner’s work.
Construction started in 1869 and continued even after Ludwig’s death in 1886. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau near Fussën. These days, the castle is open to the public and receives over 1 million visitors each year.
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle can be a little tricky. If you’re taking public transportation, the best way to get there is by taking the train to Füssen station. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or horse-drawn carriage to the castle. If going by bus, there is still a 15-minute walk to the castle or a 300-metre walk from the horse and carriage point.
The castle is open between 9 AM and 6 PM from April to October or 10 AM to 4 PM between October and March. Admission is approximately 15 euros for adults and free for visitors under 18. You can also purchase a “Königsschlösser” combination ticket to visit nearby Hohenschwangau Castle as well.
There are also many beautiful attractions and landmarks close to Neuschwanstein Castle, so you can easily make a full day or two of your visit and stay in the Schwangau area.
Unfortunately, the castle is not handicapped accessible as there are a lot of stairs during the tour, along with the walk to the castle itself.
Nuremburg Castle
Recommended by Ella of Many More Maps
Overlooking the historic city of Nuremberg is Nuremberg Castle, which has been standing for over a thousand years! It’s known as Kaiserburg, and is one of Europe’s most beautiful walled castles!
Nuremberg castle first appeared in the record books in 1050, and was one of the most important locations to the Holy Roman Empire. It was even the home of every emperor between 1051 and 1571.
The walk up to the castle complex is quite steep, so it’s a good job the castle complex offers such wonderful views over Nuremberg! Since the castle is one of Nuremberg’s most famous landmarks it’s an essential stop on any Nuremberg itinerary.
Entry to the castle (which has a museum inside) costs €5.50. However, you’ll really miss out if you don’t upgrade your ticket to the €7 option which includes entry to the Double Chapel, Sinwell Tower, and the Deep Well. The top of the Sinwell Tower offers the best views of Nuremberg, so it’s absolutely worth the steep climb.
From April-September, the castle is open from 10 am-6 pm, and from October-March it’s open from 10 am-4 pm.
The Castle’s gardens are wheelchair accessible, as is the Knights’ Hall in the castle itself. Unfortunately, though, the rest of the complex is not accessible for those with mobility issues.
Nymphenburg Palace
Recommended by Soumya of Stores by Soumya
Schloss Nymphenburg, a beautiful Baroque castle tucked away in western Munich, is one of the best palaces to visit in Germany. It was built in the late 17th century and served as the summer house of Ferdinand Marian, a Bavarian Elector, his wife, Henriette Adelaide, and their long-awaited son-heir, Max Emanuel.
The palace’s opulent interiors, landscaped gardens, and charming park buildings such as the Amalienburg and the Badenburg make Nymphenburg an absolute must-see. It is also home to a Museum of Carriages and Sleighs that has the most amazing collection of Wittelbachs coaches from the 18th and the 19th centuries.
Nymphenburg Palace is a must-have on every Munich itinerary, whether you are visiting for a couple of days or a week. The palace is easy to get to from Munich city center by public transport. Take the S-Bahn to Laim and then take a bus to Schloss Nymphenburg.
Nymphenburg Palace is open from 9:00am – 6:00pm in summer and 10:00am – 4:00pm in winter. Audio guides are available for an extra charge. Both the palace and the parks are handicapped accessible and equipped with step-free entrances, elevators, and disabled toilets. You can find all tourist information on the palace’s official website here.
Reichsburg Cochem Castle
Recommended by Ann and Rick of The Road is Life
The town of Cochem straddles the Mosel River, wedged between the steep hills of the valley. As you come around a bend in the river the colorful half-timbered buildings and riverfront restaurants set a magical scene.
The real highlight is revealed when you shift your gaze up the western bank. Reichsburg Cochem Castle sits high on a hilltop above the town, presenting an imposing vista with its Gothic styling. The setting amidst rolling hills, vineyards, and the friendly town makes it one of the best castles in Germany to visit.
A castle was first documented on this site in 1130 however the construction that you see today is the result of rebuilding from 1868. In the high season, you can take a tour in English for €7pp. Other months only have tours in German but you can take a brochure that allows you to follow along.
You can’t miss having a meal or drink in the castle tavern. From here you are offered spectacular views of the town and the river below. For an alternative view of the castle, you can also ride the Cochem Cable Car. This will take you up another hill offering panoramic views of the town and castle.
The closest major city to Cochem Castle is Cologne, 115km away. This is around 1.5hrs driving or 2 hours on the train with one change. Access to the castle itself is by a shuttle bus that operates from May until November and costs €6pp. The castle is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Opening Hours
9 am to 5 pm Mid-March to the end of October. Hours change year to year and there are reduced options in winter. See the website for the latest details.
Cost
Adults – €7, Children (6 – 17 years) – €3.50, Students – €6, Family (2 Adults, 2+ Children) – €18
Rheinfels Castle
Recommended by Michelle of That Texas Couple
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage portion of the Romantic Rhine Valley, Rheinfels Castle stands tall on a hill overlooking the town of St. Goar. Built in the 13th-century, Rheinfels Castle was originally built to protect the St. Goar tax collectors. For you see, this section of the Rhine River was heavily regulated during this time. If you wanted to continue your journey on the river, you had to pay the tax collectors!
As one of the largest castles in the Rhine Valley, it is easy to spot the remains of Rheinfels Castle. The castle is one of the only castles on the left bank of the Rhine River to withstand the attacks from King Louis XIV of France, making it even more historically significant.
Today, visitors can learn all about the history of the castle and the region when they visit Rheinfels Castle and take a guided tour. The castle is open daily from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm with guided tours offered on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Ticket prices at the time of publication were 6 Euros for adults, 3 Euros for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Due to the historic nature of the castle, it is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sanssouci Palace
Recommended by Sam of My Flying Leap
One of the most popular day trips from Berlin is a visit to the incredible city of Potsdam. And the reason for that largely lies in the incredible Sanssouci Palace.
You may have heard of Potsdam from its more recent history, including that of the Potsdam Conference at the end of World War II, where Truman, Stalin, and Churchill worked out the structure of post-war Germany.
The top appeal for visiting, though, is the stunning Sanssouci Palace. It’s actually a large complex of palaces and other buildings, and they are all incredible.
It was built as a summer palace for Frederick the Great of Prussia in the mid-1700s. “Sans souci” means without concern or carefree in French, inspiring the name.
This palace was built to be a German version of the Palace of Versailles. It may be smaller but it’s opulent and impressive. The palace grounds and the many buildings in this complex all add to the incredible beauty of this area.
You can visit the grounds for free and if you’d like to enter the palace, it costs 19 €. This fee grants you entrance to all of the Sanssouci structures in Potsdam.
It’s open from 10 to 5:30 every day except for Monday. Not all structures are open all year, so check the website for more information.
The palace is mostly wheelchair accessible. The grounds are quite extensive so it would be a good idea to arrange transportation if you want to see more than the main palace.
Did your favorite castle in Germany make the list?
If not, let me know in the comments and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
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There is such a variety of castles here, both in style, age, fame and grandeur. It makes a lovely read to decide which you would want to visit with prices and opening times too.
History sadly tells us that many castles were destroyed in WW2 but here they have often been totally rebuilt thankfully.
I can’t pick a favourite as they all have compelling differing reasons to visit them.
I know right? So many different styles. It’s sad to think about the damage done in wars, but luckily there are records of the buildings so the rebuilt is quite similar.
I’ve always wanted to visit a castle! I bet the Charlottonburg Castle is stunning at Christmas! I also love that they have madeaccommodation for those with disabilities.
yes! Often these older buildings don’t have accommodation so I feel like it’s important to know that before you go. Some are making more accommodations as they do renovations, but it’s time consuming.
This is like the “fairytale post” 🤩 I’ve been considering an extended visit to Germany so I can explore it beyond the big cities. I’ll include some castles on my list after reading this 😁
You made an excellent choice with your ten best castles, it is honestly so tricky to choose from the many that are around. Alone in Potsdam’s castle park are another 5 castles worth visiting. King Luis of Bavaria (the guy who built Neuschwanstein) also built two more castles in the area, Herren Chiemgau on an island in Lake Chiemgau and my personal fav, Linderhof. It’s a small hunting and entertainment castle nestled in the Alps with gorgeous baroque elements.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Wow! I had no idea Germany had so many castles!
Thanks for taking the time to write up and share this post. I’ve saved it for future travel inspo!
What a cool collab! All these castles look straight out of a fairytale. Different architecture syles, unique aesthetics. We would love to visit all of them!
Germany is indeed the land of beautiful castles. Look forward to travelling there soon as my sister is an expat there. Thanks for the wonderfl virtual tour
Hopefully you get to visit soon! I’m jealous!
A great list of castles! Thank you for also adding a sentence or two about accessibility. I wish more travel blogs did this.
I love these castles, everywhere in Europe. I have been to the one in Prague and absolutely loved it. You have given me a lot of options in Germany now.
Germany is a land filled with castles. You’ve definitely highlighted many of them, fortunately I’ve been able to visit many on this list. One I would like to see one day is Reichsburg Cochem Castle, especially from the river. Such an inspiring list.
Growing up in the UK I always loved visiting castles but the German castles are just so fairytale like that I feel like I have to visit some. Neuschwanstein Castle is the one I hear about most but it’s nice to see some others here too, and to see how affordable it is to visit a lot of them
Couldn’t agree more! It’s just a very different style than the castles in the UK.
I know it’s a ruined castle but I thought Heidelberg Castle was amazing. These are stunning though.
You’re the second person to recommend it – so I added it to the post! It looks like a pretty cool castle.
So many beautiful castles in Germany! One needs to make it a trip to just explore the many beautiful castles Germany has, because they’re a separate league of their own.
I am in love with just how many amazing castles there are all over Germany! This seems like an awesome road trip idea to visit all these places!