The list of Germany’s most beautiful castles continues on…
11. Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria
Located directly opposite of Germany’s most famous castle (the last on the list here) is the Hohenschwangau Castle. The original structure was built in the 1100s as a fortress by the Knights of Schwangau and controlled until 1535. After this time, he began to fall into ruin until the Bavarian Crown Prince Maximilian bought the land in 1832 and built it as a family home, where he raised his son Ludwig II (you’ll hear more about him later). Consult the Hohenschwangau Castle website for more information.
12. Cochem Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate
Dating back to the 1100s, Chochem Castle is a true time passage into medieval life. The small village is located along the banks of the Mosel River, with colorful little historic homes dominated by the castle’s Gothic Tower. Although it was restored in the 1800s, there are still large sections that date back to the original structure. Today, visitors can have guided tours inside, partake in a rustic medieval banquet, known as “Knight’s Meal”, join the medieval castle festival, the gourtmet festival, the Sparkling Wine gala, Cochem Castle Christmas and cultural events. Plus you can even stay in the Burghotel, complete with medieval-themed rooms! Consult the Cochem Castle website for more information.
13. Wartburg Castle, Thuringia
The Wartburg is one of, if not the, most historical castles in German history. Built in 1067, it was one of the most important castles of the time. Many famous poets and personalities spent time in the castle such as Goethe, who famously sketched the castle. In 1521 the religious icon Martin Luther stayed in the castle for a year, translating the New Testament of the Bible into German. You can still visit the room today where Luther lived and worked. The Wartburg is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with a museum, medieval banquet hall and countless frescoes. Consult the Wartburg Castle website for more information.
14. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
Germany’s most famous castle (and many times considered most beautiful) and the inspiration for Walt Disney’s iconic “Cinderella’s Castle” is an absolute must-see on any visit to Bavaria. No matter what season you visit, Neuschwanstein is sure to impress. I went in the winter and although there wasn’t so much snow at the time, it was still beautiful against the backdrop of the rolling hills and mountain peaks. As I wrote about in an earlier article about the infamous castle, Neuschwanstein was actually built in the late 1800s, and was not meant to protect, but rather a place of seclusion and leisure for Bavarian King Ludwig II. One of the best views of the castle is from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), which spans over a large waterfall behind the castle. Consult the Neuschwanstein Castle website for more information.
