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Top Palaces and Castles in Germany
Germany’s long history can be traced through its rich array of castles and palaces that are scattered throughout the countryside. The castles in Germany span various eras and architectural styles and most are very well preserved.
All year long, castles play host to a multitude of festivals and events that capture the medieval and Renaissance cultures of Germany. Here are just a few of our favorite castles in Germany, some hidden gems and some top highlights for any Germany itinerary.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Let’s start with a bang. Neuschwanstein Castle is probably one of the most famous castles in Germany, if not the world. If you think it looks familiar, well, it probably is. This Bavarian Castle was the inspiration for the equally famous Disney castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Built between 1869 and 1886 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this stunning fairytale castle sits perched high on the side of the mountain range near Füssen.
Neuschwanstein castle has been used as a summer home for royal friends and family including the famous composer Richard Wagner, whose piano still occupies one of the rooms.
Near Füssen, Bavaria but also an easy day trip from Munich
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
Nuremberg Castle
This magnificent German castle is the landmark of the medieval city of Nuremberg. And Nuremberg Castle is one of the most important imperial palaces dating from the Middle Ages. During the period from 1050 to 1571 the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire stayed here at various times during their reign.
The city is surrounded by a wall (5km) that has 80 towers, and there are also tunnels underground. Nuremberg is also home to many churches and ancient structures that date back to the 12th-16th centuries.
Nuremberg, Bavaria
Albrechtsburg Castle
Built in 1525, Albrechtsburg castle was the first residence built for the Wettin family. Today visitors can view the centuries-old pottery, early Meissen porcelain, sculptures and other art exhibits.
Meissen, Saxony
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle
The romantic town of Heidelberg boasts one of Europe’s finest castles. This 600-year-old castle lies on the Neckar River, and contains both Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture and design. Throughout the year, the castle hosts dinners, banquets balls and theatre performances, and also holds an open-air festival once a year.
Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle
Situated amidst lush woodland green, steep cliffs, and the Eltz River, Eltz Castle is one of Germany’s most resplendent castles. Looming over the Moselle Valley, the edifice is punctuated with high towers and elegant ornamentation and design. Also housed here is a stunning collection of paintings and primeval weapons.
Moselkern, Rhineland-Pfalz
No trip to Germany is complete without a visit to one of its glorious castles.
Top Germany Castles was written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com
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OverbyFamily
Wednesday 25th of July 2012
I think you should add to your list Wartburg in Eisenach. It is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into English and it has a concert hall that Ludwig copied in the Neuschwanstein Castle.
Mauritius Gundahar
Thursday 8th of March 2012
nice article, but one MAJOR mistake - almost outragous actually
the Albrechtsburg is in Meißen (Meissen) near Dresden in (the once kingdom of) Saxony (Brandenburg, which becam Brandenburg-Preußen over the centuries, can be considered Saxony's arch enemy - so please understand my fury :D)
europeupclose
Thursday 8th of March 2012
Sorry for the misinformation...I fixed it.
Carol Glover
Tuesday 1st of September 2009
I think Germany is a beautiful country. I work with someone who is from Koln, Germany. I live in the United States. She goes home at least once or twice a year. I think Koln has some beautiful scenery and castles. I told her she is so lucky to lived in such a beautiful place.