Germany: 30 imposing castles and palaces [with map]

The most beautiful castles and palaces in Germany at a glance

Germany has some truly dream castles and huge fortresses to offer. We'll start by showing you our top 10 castles and palaces that you can't afford to miss on your road trip to Germany.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

2. Wartburg Castle

3. Cochem Imperial Castle

4. Hohenzollern Castle

5. Eltz Castle

6. Burghausen Castle - longest castle in the world

7. New Herrenchiemsee Castle

8. Imperial Castle Nuremberg

9. Schwerin Castle

10. Rosenberg Fortress

Map with the most beautiful castles and palaces in Germany

Our interactive map gives you an overview of Germany's most beautiful castles and mightiest fortresses.

Fancy some more great Germany content? Then you'll find the 100 most beautiful sights in Germany here and extraordinary travel destinations in Germany here.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

The best known and also one of the most famous castles in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle(website). Not only did it serve as the model for the fairytale castle for the famous Disneyland in Paris, but Neuschwanstein Castle is also absolutely unique in other respects.

The castle is located in the deepest south of Bavaria at Hohenschwangau near Füssen in the Allgäu region. Construction began under the Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1869. According to his own account, he took as his model a knight's castle, the Wartburg from the Middle Ages, which his castle was now to surpass.

A guided tour of the castle is particularly popular. I'd definitely recommend it, because the castle was designed to be absolutely exaggeratedly pompous. Unfortunately, you are rarely allowed to take photos inside. But the throne room with its golden walls and huge paintings and the mighty Singers' Hall are both absolutely impressive.

But there is also a lot to discover around the castle. For example, the Marienbrücke. From the cantilevered iron construction, you have a magnificent view of the castle from above. Directly below the bridge, the waterfall plunges into the deep Pöllat Gorge. Hohenschwangau Castle is also in the immediate vicinity.

Incidentally, Neuschwanstein Castle is also a top destination in Bavaria in winter.

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau(Google Maps)

2. Wartburg

The Wartburg (website) in Thuringia stands near the town of Eisenach. It is strategically located at the end of the Thuringian Forest and was, as the name suggests, a watch and guard castle. It overlooks the forest and the surrounding area. The castle was founded in 1067 by Ludwig the Knight (Ludowinger dynasty). It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

The most famous reformer of all times, Martin Luther, translated the New Testament of the Bible into German script here. You can visit his room on a guided tour. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was also a frequent guest at the castle. In commemoration of the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig, the Wartburg Festival is held annually.

Address: Auf der Wartburg 1, 99817 Eisenach(Google Maps)

3rd Reichsburg Cochem The famous Reichsburg Cochem sits enthroned high above the beautiful village of Cochem.

The Reichsburg Cochem(website) is fantastically situated above the Moselle valley. With its countless turrets, oriels and pillars, the castle looks like something out of a Disney film. The details on the façades in particular make a visit a real experience.

The building dates back to the Middle Ages and has been altered over the millennia. During a guided tour, you can visit the knights' hall, dining room, hunting room and some bower rooms.

My tip: Sign up for one of the traditional knights' banquets. At Advent time, the castle invites you to the Cochem Castle Christmas.

Address: Schloßstraße 36 in Cochem(Google Maps).

Travel guide for your trip to Germany

Would you like to explore Germany's castles and palaces and take a little road trip at the same time? Then I have a few travel guides worth reading for you. You might also find my article Roadtrip through Germany helpful.

*Advertising link / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API

4 Hohenzollern Castle The famous Hohenzollern Castle is enthroned majestically on the hill

Hohenzollern Castle(website) in Baden-Württemberg is located in the Swabian Alb. It was the first medieval castle of the county of Zollern and dates back to the 11th century. The building is monumental and one of Germany's top sights.

Very impressive are the eagle tower and the drawbridge as well as the count's hall. During a guided tour you can delve deep into the history of the castle.

Address: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern(Google Maps)

5 Eltz Castle Eltz Castle is a must-see on any trip to Germany

Eltz Castle in Rhineland-Palatinate is one of the most distinctive and well-known castles in Germany. The castle dates back to the 12th century and is always well visited.

Especially its towers and oriels are very beautiful to look at. We advise you to take a guided tour, where you will see the treasure chamber and the knights' hall.

Address: 56294 Wierschem(Google Maps)

6th Burg zu Burghausen - longest castle in the world Burghausen Castle is considered the longest castle complex in the world

Burghausen Castle on the Bavarian-Austrian border is the longest castle complex in the world. At 1,051 metres, the huge castle above the picturesque old town is considered the longest castle complex in Europe. In the Guinness Book of Records, Burghausen Castle even holds the title of "longest castle in the world". From the fortress you have a unique view over the town and the surrounding area.

You can visit a large part of the castle complex with its six inner courtyards, including a beautiful beer garden, free of charge. The castle museum, which is also well worth seeing, charges admission. Of course, a trip to the old town of Burghausen is also worthwhile.

7 New Herrenchiemsee Palace Herrenchiemsee Castle on Lake Chiemsee looks very magnificent

In the middle of the largest island in Lake Chiemsee is the New Herrenchiemsee Palace(website). Once again, King Ludwig II had a hand in it. This time he had Versailles Palace near Paris in France recreated for him. When King Ludwig II died in 1886, a large part of the palace remained unfinished.

Today, the King Ludwig II Museum is located in the castle. Every year, the Herrenchiemsee Festival takes place in the large hall of mirrors. Don't miss out on a guided tour of the castle.

My tip: After your visit, go one island further and explore the famous Fraueninsel in Lake Chiemsee.

Address: 83209 Herrenchiemsee, access only via a boat trip on Lake Chiemsee(Google Maps).

8 Kaiserburg Nuremberg The Kaiserburg is THE top sight in Nuremberg

The Kaiserburg(website) is the central landmark of the city of Nuremberg. In the course of history, the castle has had many functions. In the early days, it was a fortified building, imperial residence, imperial castle and Hohenzollern burgrave's seat. This makes it one of the most important castles in Europe in terms of history and architecture.

The imperial castle is located on the Felsenberg. From up here you have a great view over the entire city of Nuremberg and its sights.

Address: Castle 17(Google Maps)

9. Schwerin Castle Schwerin Castle is one of the top sights in Germany and should not be missed on any road trip.

Schwerin Castle (website) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is absolutely stunning. The castle is located in Lake Schwerin. For photographers, the reflection is remarkable. From above, the complete castle complex looks very impressive.

Built as a castle in the 10th century, the building has evolved over the centuries. However, foundation stones from the Slavic ramparts can still be visited by visitors today. In addition to the museum, the parliament of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has been located in the castle since 1990.

The palace garden in particular is beautiful and invites you to stroll around. You pass an orangery, a grotto and a manor house.

Address: Lennéstr. 1, 19053 Schwerin(Google Maps)

10. Rosenberg Fortress

One of the most powerful fortresses in the country can be found in Upper Franconia. Rosenberg Fort ress in Kronach is one of the largest fortifications in Europe and is unconquered. You will understand why when you visit the fortress. The fortress has a sophisticated defence system and impregnable walls.

You can visit the imposing fortress complex, whose origins date back to the 13th century, on a guided tour. There is also a restaurant with a beer garden overlooking Kronach (Bastion Marie) and a castle hotel.

There are also some great hikes around Rosenberg Fortress (to the most beautiful hikes in the Franconian Forest).

Address: Fortress 1, 96317 Kronach(Google Maps).

11. castles of Manderscheid The Manderscheider castles are unique in the world and one of the best-known sights in the Eifel.

The Manderscheid cast les are two imposing ruins in the middle of the Eifel. The upper castle still has a high, five-storey tower. From it you can look down on the Niederburg and into the Lieser Valley.

The Lieser River flows around the Niederburg. It was first mentioned in a document in 1173. A medieval festival is always held on the last weekend in August. There is also a tournament meadow. The festival attracts 15,000 visitors every year.

By the way, you have the best view of the castles from the Burgenblick car park.

Address: Niedermanderscheider Str. 1, 54531 Manderscheid(Google Maps)

12th Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Ehrenbreitstein Fortress sits enthroned on a hill above Koblenz.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz is one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. From the fortress you have a great view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

The fortress took on its present form between 1817 and 1828, although the Conradine Ehrenbert had a first castle built here around the year 1000. This is where the name "Ehrenbreitstein" comes from.

The castle was converted into a fortress in the 16th century under Archbishop Richard von Greiffenclau. The imposing "Greif" cannon, one of the largest cannons from the 16th century, is still a reminder of this time.

A visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is an unforgettable experience.

Address: Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, 56077 Koblenz(Google Maps)

13th Drachenburg Castle Drachenburg Castle truly has an eventful past

Drachenburg Castle(website) rises majestically above Königswinter. It is actually a villa that was built in the 19th century. It was then rebuilt in the medieval style. The fantastic view over the entire Rhine valley and its appearance make the castle a real experience. It could just have sprung from the series Game of Thrones, couldn't it?

By the way, the castle has an exciting history. The nephew of the builder wanted to make a hotel out of the castle, another owner an amusement park. Later it became a Christian boarding school and the art gallery became a chapel. After being shelled during the war and not really used, the castle visibly deteriorated. Only when the building passed into private hands was it restored and finally listed as a historical monument.

Today, there are themed tours of the castle and you can visit the grounds as well as the castle park.

Address: Schloss Drachenburg, Drachenfelsstraße 118, 53639 Königswinter(Google Maps)

14 Heidelberg Castle The mighty Heidelberg Castle in autumn - a dream

Heidelberg Castle(website) is the trademark of its namesake historic town in Baden-Württemberg. The pompous castle ruins date back to the 16th century. It was made entirely of red sandstone and is situated on a hillside. During a guided tour you will learn a lot about the history of the castle.

With almost 1.2 million visitors a year, the castle is one of the most visited sights in Germany. The building was first erected as a castle in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Palatinate electors until its destruction in the War of the Palatinate Succession.

In the castle cellar you will find a highlight not only for wine lovers: the Great Barrel, the largest wine barrel in the world. It is said to be able to hold 221,000 litres of wine.

Address: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg(Google Maps)

15 Ludwigsburg Palace Ludwigsburg Palace must not be left off our list of Germany's most beautiful castles

Ludwigsburg Palace(website) is a huge baroque building. To be more precise, it is one of the largest baroque buildings in Germany. Once again, King Ludwig II had a hand in it.

During a guided tour, you can visit the chapel, the theatre and, above all, the gallery. The latter is particularly impressive. In King Ludwig's time, people dined here at a long table. The gardens are also appropriately grandiose.

In addition to a fairytale garden, the entire complex is also called the Blossoming Baroque. It is very popular with visitors. The palace is a top destination for excursions.

Address: Schlossstraße 30, 71634 Ludwigsburg(Google Maps).

There is another small baroque hunting and pleasure palace in the palace grounds of the Residenzschloss. It is called Schloss Favorite Ludwigsburg. It is quite compact and has a curved flight of steps.

The game park extends around the Favorite Palace. It has been a nature reserve since 1937. In Baden-Württemberg's oldest nature reserve you will find spruces that are over 200 years old.

Well? Are you now fascinated by the magnificent castles and palaces in Germany? You almost don't need to make a detour to Scotland, France or Ireland. Is there another castle or fortress that you think I should have mentioned? Let me know in the comments.

16 Wernigerode Castle Wernigerode Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the country.

Wernigerode Castle(website) in the Harz Mountains is an absolutely enormous, magnificent castle. It was built in the Middle Ages and first mentioned in 1213. Since 1998, the castle has officially been Germany's first museum centre for 19th-century art and cultural history.

You can marvel at the original living quarters of the German nobility. You can also find information about the second German Empire here.

Address: Am Schloß 1, 3885 Am Schloß 1, 38855 Wernigerode(Google Maps)

17 Moritzburg Castle

Moritzburg Castle(website) near Dresden is a great visual attraction alone. Dating from the 18th century, the castle is situated on an artificial island and looks great, especially from the air. The lake running around the castle offers photographers the perfect reflection for their subject.

I advise you to take a guided tour and see the grand state rooms. You can see the Billiard Hall, Dining Hall, Stone Hall and Monstrous Hall. Right in the entrance hall you can marvel at the ancient gala carriages. No wonder the castle with its carriage exhibition was also featured in the film "Three Nuts for Cinderella".

Address: Schloßallee, 01468 Moritzburg(Google Maps)

18th Sanssouci Palace Sanssouci Palace is known far beyond the country's borders and is one of the top attractions in the region - Photo: Ramin Shirazi

The famous Sanssouci Palace(website) in Potsdam was a small summer palace in the Rococo style. It was built under King Frederick II between 1745 and 1747. Later, the complex was extended.

Because the palace appears so magnificent, it is also called the "Prussian Versailles" after the model near Paris. Today, Sanssouci Palace, with its beautiful rococo architecture, magnificent interior and impressive location, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Potsdam.

19. Linderhof Palace Linderhof Palace is an idyll in the Ammergau Alps

Linderhof Castle(website) in Ettal in the Ammergau Alps is also one of King Ludwig II's castles. It is also one of Germany's top sightseeing attractions. The Neurococo-style castle is less pompous and does not look like a fairytale castle. Nor does it stand on a cliff. That is why it is also called a royal villa.

Linderhof Palace is distinguished by its beautiful park, which was laid out around the palace. Great water basins with endlessly long staircases promise a view from the top of the Venus Temple . There are also ancient Bavarian wooden houses from 1905 and a small house from Morocco.

Inside, you can take a guided tour to see the bedroom, the tapestry room and the rest of the rooms.

Address: Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal(Google Maps)

20. Corvey Castle Corvey Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top highlights in Germany

Lower Saxony is home to a very impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site: Corvey Castle(website). The castle's Carolingian abbey church was built as early as 822. The castle is very impressive and worth seeing.

Incidentally, for 1000 years the castle was a monastery, imperial abbey and prince-bishopric. The Benedictine abbey held a high status in the Middle Ages.

Address: Corvey Castle, Corvey, 37671 Höxter(Google Maps)

21st Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace(website) in Berlin was formerly the summer residence of the Hohenzollerns. Brandenburg electors, Prussian kings and German emperors came and went here.

On a guided tour you will see rooms and halls furnished true to the original, as well as art collections of masterpieces. Special highlights are the porcelain cabinet, the palace chapel and Frederick I's bedroom.

The palace garden at Charlottenburg is huge. Designed as a French baroque garden, today it is a true recreational area. The small tea house and the mausoleum are also located here.

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22, 14059 Berlin(Google Maps)

22nd Ehrenburg The imposing Ehrenburg is enthroned in the midst of green fields.

Ehrenburg Castle, located in a side valley of the Moselle, is another imposing fortress that is well worth a visit. The Ehrenburg is situated on a rocky spur in the middle of an idyllic landscape near Brodenbach. Ehrenburg Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1161.

With its fortress tower, the bridge, the castle courtyard and the Zwinger, Ehrenburg Castle is extremely imposing. You can also visit the castle on a guided tour and stay overnight in the castle hotel.

There are themed festivals at the castle, such as the Witches' Festival. The programme also includes a mystery dinner, an interactive menu theatre, concerts and much more.

As with every castle, there is also a legend for Ehrenburg. According to it, there is a kissing niche. A couple in love had kissed here in the past and built the castle as a result.

Address: Ehrenburg, 56332 Brodenbach(Google Maps)

23rd Lion's Castle The Löwenburg in Kassel is an artificially created ruin from the 18th century.

The Löwenburg (website) in Kassel is one of the first pseudo-medieval castle ruins in Europe. It is part of the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. Resembling a castle from the outside, the building was furnished as a pleasure palace on the inside. There was therefore an armoury and a castle chapel.

An ancient castle garden was also created for the castle. It is still laid out in the form of a labyrinth today. In addition, a vineyard, a tournament ground and a zoo were integrated. The castle has a great flair and is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Schloßpark 9, 34131 Kassel(Google Maps).

24 Stahleck Castle Isn't it imposing, Stahleck Castle?

In the beautiful Rhineland-Palatinate there is a huge castle, Stahleck Castle(website). It is 50 kilometres from Koblenz. It was built around the end of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th century and was under Wittelsbach ownership for many years.

Today, part of the castle is used as a youth hostel. So if you are interested, you can sleep in a real castle.

Address: Stahleck Castle, 55422 Bacharach(Google Maps).

25 Kasselburg Castle

In the Volcanic Eifel, the ruins of Kasselburg Castle(website) sit enthroned on a hill. The basalt stock on which it is built is 490 metres high. This is why the castle style is also called Höhenburg. Although we are talking about a ruin here, a prominent tower is still preserved. The 37-metre-high double tower was probably a gate and residential tower in former times. You can climb up and have a fantastic view over the Volcanic Eifel.

Today, bird cages are integrated in the ruins. They belong to the eagle and wolf park. You can watch the feeding of the Timberwolves and the bird of prey flight show every day.

Address: 54570 Pelm(Google Maps)

26 Pyrmont Castle

Pyrmont Castle(website) stands loftily with a round tower on a slate rock. Below it thunders the waterfall of the Elzbach stream. The castle in the Eifel was first mentioned in 1225. After the French Revolution, the castle briefly became French national property. Later it fell into disrepair. After extensive renovations, the area is now open to visitors again.

Address: Pyrmont Castle, 56754 Roes(Google Maps)

27th Baroque Castle Mannheim Parts of the courtyard of Mannheim Castle in Baden-Württemberg

The Baroque Palace of Mannheim(website) is the largest Baroque palace in Germany. It is also the second largest baroque palace complex in Europe after Versailles Palace. The magnificent building is simply huge, impressive and majestic.

The cour d'honneur and its showcase façade are a total of 440 metres long. In 1720, Elector Carl Philipp had the foundation stone laid. During the Second World War, the palace complex was destroyed. After the war, the building was reconstructed. In 2007, only the mansard roof of the central building, some room ensembles and the cour d'honneur could be finalised.

Address: Bismarckstraße, 68161 Mannheim(Google Maps)

28th Karlsruhe Palace The majestic Karlsruhe Castle at night - Photo: Marcello Kutzner

Karlsruhe Palace(website) was built from 1715 onwards. Designed in the Baroque style, it served as the residence of countless margraves and grand dukes of Baden. Unfortunately, the castle burned down completely. It was rebuilt. However, only the façade. Inside is a modern building.

The impressive palace garden is particularly worth a visit. Take a look at the botanical garden. Today, the castle houses the Baden State Museum and part of the Federal Constitutional Court.

Address: Schlossbezirk 10, 76131 Karlsruhe(Google Maps).

29th Ronneburg Castle Ronneburg Castle is picturesquely situated

Ronneburg Castle(website) has a medieval flair. It is one of the few German hilltop castles that is still in its original 16th-century state. The castle museum looks architecturally very interesting.

Especially the high, round tower with its small oriel windows is the castle's distinctive feature. You can also visit the falconry. The knights' tournament at Whitsun and the medieval Christmas market there are very popular and well-known.

Address: Auf der Burg, 63549 Ronneburg(Google Maps)

30. Gottorf Castle Gottorf Castle is idyllically situated by the lake

Gottdorf Castle(website) is the largest castle in Schleswig-Holstein. Today it houses the State Museum of Art and Cultural History and the State Archaeological Museum. It was built in the 16th century.

Right next to the Museum Island, on which the castle is enthroned, you will find the reconstructed Gottorf Globe. It is said to have been the first planetarium in Germany. Around it is a beautiful baroque garden.

Address: Schloßinsel 1, 24837 Schleswig(Google Maps).