Explore 11 Ancient Castles In Germany Still Standing Strong Today
Neuschwanstein Castle: The Fairytale Dream That Became Reality
The castle was intended to serve as a private residence for King Ludwig II, who died in 1886, and it was opened to the public shortly after his death. Since then, more than 61 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle has been proposed for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, along with Linderhof, Schachen, and Herrenchiemsee.
Perched dramatically in the Bavarian foothills near the Austrian border, this 19th-century architectural marvel continues to captivate visitors from around the globe. The castle was built in 1869 for King Ludwig II (the “Mad King”) in a very secluded area so that it wouldn’t be disturbed by strangers. However, King Ludwig II only lived in the castle for 172 days before he died, and the castle still remains unfinished to this day.
Wartburg Castle: Where History Was Written in Stone
Standing majestically above the town of Eisenach in Thuringia, Wartburg Castle represents nearly a thousand years of German history wrapped in stone and legend. The castle’s foundation was laid about 1067 by the Thuringian count of Schauenburg, Louis the Springer (Ludwig der Springer), and the castle was first mentioned in a written document in 1080 by Bruno, Bishop of Merseburg.
The elector Frederick III of Saxony sheltered Martin Luther in the Wartburg from May 1521 to March 1522, and Luther began his German translation of the original Greek New Testament there. This translation became pivotal in creating a unified German written language. In 1999, Wartburg Castle was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its quintessential medieval architecture and its historical and religious significance.
Burg Eltz: The Unconquered Medieval Fortress
Eltz Castle is an almost 900-year-old castle, built over 500 years, nestled in a natural paradise and standing completely alone on a rock in a valley. At its highest, it is over 40 meters tall, with up to 10 floors – an actual skyscraper of the Middle Ages.
What makes Eltz Castle truly remarkable isn’t just its fairy-tale appearance rising from the misty Moselle valley. It remained unscathed by wars. It has been owned and cared for by the same family from when it was built until today. This German castle is still owned by the family that originally inhabited it, dating back over 33 generations to the 12th century. Walking through its chambers feels like stepping directly into medieval Europe, with original furnishings and artifacts spanning eight centuries.
Hohenzollern Castle: Crown Jewel of the Swabian Jura
Rising like a crown from the rolling hills of Baden-Württemberg, Hohenzollern Castle commands attention from every angle. With over 350,000 visitors per year, Hohenzollern castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. The castle is privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern, with two-thirds belonging to the Brandenburg-Prussian branch, and the balance to the Swabian branch.
This isn’t the original structure that stood here – the current castle represents the third iteration. The third, and current, castle was built between 1846 and 1867 as a family memorial by Hohenzollern scion King Frederick William IV of Prussia. Architect Friedrich August Sterreicher based his design on English Gothic Revival architecture and the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Despite its relatively recent construction, the castle houses genuine treasures of German history, including the Crown of Wilhelm II and personal effects of Frederick the Great.
Heidelberg Castle: Romantic Ruins Overlooking the Neckar
Each year, Heidelberg Castle attracts around a million visitors from all over the world. Since the early 19th century, these impressive ruins have been synonymous with Romanticism. It would be hard to imagine a more striking location: set against the deep green forests on the north flank of Königstuhl hill, the red sandstone ruins tower majestically over the Neckar valley.
These aren’t just any ruins – they’re a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and destruction. Built in the late 1100s, the castle has seen its fair share of destruction, from lightning fires to sieges by the French during the Nine Years’ War. Much of the castle grounds are now left in ruin, but it is far from abandoned. The famous Great Vat, once the world’s largest wine barrel, still draws curious visitors to marvel at its massive size.
Schwerin Castle: A Palace Dancing on Water
Imagine a castle so magical it seems to float on water, surrounded by countless golden domes that catch the morning light. Schwerin Castle is not located by the water, but on it. It is a fairy-tale castle with many turrets – 365, one for each day of the year, each with a golden dome. A castle that stands in the middle of Lake Schwerin on stilts on a small peninsula.
The current structure showcases the pinnacle of 19th-century romanticism and craftsmanship. Although its roots go back more than 1,000 years, the castle was brought to life in its current form with five wings when Frederick Francis II, the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, ordered for reconstruction work to be completed. The magnificent building has no fewer than 953 rooms, which are decadently filled with marquetry flooring, intricate carvings, gilding and stucco ceilings.
Lichtenstein Castle: The Cliff-Hanging Wonder
Sometimes called “Württemberg’s fairy-tale castle,” Lichtenstein Castle looks like something a storyteller dreamed up on a particularly creative day. Perched on a small rocky outcrop that’s only accessible by a narrow wooden bridge, Lichtenstein Castle is undoubtedly one of the more unique attractions on our list.
This privately-owned castle only dates back to the 1800s and was constructed to look medieval. The castle was commissioned by Duke Wilhelm of Urach, inspired by his love of medieval history. From its forest backdrop to the many turrets, this Gothic-revival castle is one of the most picturesque castles in Germany, and not one to miss. It’s a perfect example of how 19th-century romantics imagined medieval castles should look.
Cochem Castle: Phoenix Rising Above the Moselle
Overlooking the winding Moselle River, Cochem Castle tells a story of destruction, abandonment, and glorious resurrection. The original castle at this location was built back in the 12th century. But like most others in Germany, Cochem Castle didn’t survive its long years unscathed. After the original was destroyed by King Louis XIV of France, it lay in ruins until being restored in the 19th century.
The castle’s tumultuous history didn’t end with its reconstruction. Cochem Castle has seen several owners since then, even being a Nazi-led law school during WWII. It was eventually bought by the nearby city of Cochem and turned into a popular tourist attraction. Today, visitors can explore its romantic neo-Gothic interiors while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Nuremberg Castle: Fortress of Holy Roman Emperors
Standing guard over one of Germany’s most historic cities, Nuremberg Castle embodies a thousand years of imperial power and medieval grandeur. At 1000 years old, Nuremberg Castle is one of the most important surviving medieval castles in all of Europe. In its time, it has been the home of German kings, emperors, and even kings of the old Holy Roman Empire.
What makes this fortress particularly fascinating is how perfectly it represents the medieval concept of power projection. The castle’s imposing walls and towers were designed not just for defense, but to demonstrate the might of the Holy Roman Empire to all who approached the city. Its strategic position allowed rulers to control one of the most important trade routes through medieval Europe, making it both a symbol of power and a source of incredible wealth.
Dresden Castle: From Royal Residence to Cultural Treasure
In the heart of Dresden’s reconstructed old town stands a castle that has witnessed the rise and fall of Saxon royalty across the centuries. Over the years, it has been home to many ancient kings and queens of Saxony. These days, it largely functions as an art museum, housing everything from Rembrandt to Picasso. For any art fans, Dresden Castle isn’t one to miss.
The castle complex represents more than just royal architecture – it’s a testament to Saxon cultural patronage and artistic achievement. After surviving the devastating bombing of Dresden in 1945 and decades of careful reconstruction, the castle now houses some of Europe’s most valuable art collections. The Green Vault, housed within the castle, contains one of the world’s largest collections of treasures, including priceless jewels, ivory carvings, and goldsmith works that once dazzled European courts.
Burghausen Castle: Europe’s Longest Medieval Fortress
Stretching for over a kilometer along a narrow ridge above the Salzach River, Burghausen Castle holds the impressive title of being the world’s longest castle complex. This massive fortification system, which took centuries to complete, represents one of the most ambitious medieval construction projects in Central Europe.
The castle’s extraordinary length wasn’t just for show – it served as the primary residence of the Lower Bavarian dukes and a crucial border fortress protecting the salt trade routes. Walking along its walls today feels like traversing through different eras of medieval architecture, as each section reflects the building techniques and defensive needs of its time. The main castle, with its gothic halls and residential quarters, contrasts beautifully with the more utilitarian outer fortifications that snake across the hilltop.
Germany’s Castle Legacy: A Living Heritage
These magnificent structures represent far more than mere tourist attractions – they’re living testimonies to Germany’s complex and fascinating history. Did you know that there are 25,000 castles still standing in Germany? These beautiful structures from the Medieval, Romantic, Renaissance, Romanesque, and even Gothic architectural periods are still well-preserved and give us a glimpse into Germany’s long history.
Each castle tells its own story of medieval warfare, royal ambition, romantic revival, and modern preservation. From Neuschwanstein’s fairy-tale spires to Wartburg’s historic chambers where Luther worked, these fortresses continue to capture imaginations and preserve memories. Whether you’re drawn to authentic medieval architecture or romantic 19th-century interpretations, Germany’s castles offer an unparalleled journey through time. Did you expect to find such incredible diversity in just eleven castles?
