Here are 10 of the most beautiful castles in Germany
There are tens of thousands of castles in Germany. Here are ten of our favorites that you can visit—or maybe even book as your very own fairy-tale wedding venue.
Germany is home to tens of thousands of castles, including one that is recognized the world over: Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for some of Disney's fairytale castles. The new National Geographic book, The Traveler's Atlas of the World, includes itineraries and recommendations for seeing castles, as well as what to do in countries all over the world. Here are 10 castles to visit in Germany.
1. Neuschwanstein
This fairy-tale palace is so exquisite it’s said to have inspired Disney theme park castles. Located south of Munich near the Austrian border, the castle’s towers rise to the surrounding Alps. Book a guided tour and marvel at the magic.
(This immense, fairy-tale castle was built for one person)
2. Burg Hohenzollern
This castle in the clouds is the ancestral seat of the Prussian royal family. It’s located south of Stuttgart and is famous for its summer concerts and a winter exhibition.
3. Marksburg
South of Koblenz, the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, is the 12th-century Marksburg, reported to be the Rhine’s only hilltop castle that escaped destruction or ruin. Take a guided tour to see the knights’ hall, kitchen, chapel, and more.
4. Burg Eltz
Located southwest of Koblenz and surrounded by dense forest, Burg Eltz has been the ancestral home of the same family for 900 years. Untouched by wars, this tall, striking castle holds many original furnishings. Guided tours are held daily from March through November.
5. Reichsburg Cochem
Southwest of Burg Eltz is Reichsburg Cochem, a hilltop castle overlooking the Moselle River and valley. Visitors can take guided tours, get married in its chapel, take in a summer medieval performance, or indulge in a Knight’s Meal.
6. Nürburg
West of Koblenz is Nürburg. At 2,224 feet (678 m), it’s the highest castle in Rhineland-Palatinate. Built around 1160, the castle’s exterior structure is all that remains. However, it has a fantastic view of the legendary Nürburgring, the world’s longest motor racing track.
7. Waldeck
Castle Waldeck is in the north of the ancient forested area of Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooking Edersee reservoir (part of World War II’s Operation Chastise, or Dambusters Raid). Visitors can stay in a four-star hotel within the castle complex.
8. Wartburg
Wartburg Castle, located in the center of Germany, is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. Take a guided tour, attend concerts, and spend the night at a hotel within the castle walls.
9. Colditz
Colditz Castle, located between Leipzig and Dresden, is around 1,000 years old. This fortress is known for the daring escape attempts by high-ranking Western Allies that took place here when it was used as a prisoner of war camp in World War II. Take a guided tour or stay overnight in the Colditz Youth Hostel.
10. Moritzburg
Just north of Dresden, elegant Moritzburg Castle is on a small island in the middle of a lake. Along with touring the baroque palace, travelers can stay at one of the former guard or gondola houses.
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