Germany has more castles than almost any other country in the world — from Ludwig II's fairy-tale Neuschwanstein to the hilltop stronghold of Eltz, the Reformation fortress of Wartburg, and the Hohenzollern ancestral seat. Most castles are day-trippable from major cities, with the Rhine and Moselle valleys offering clusters that reward a slower multi-day exploration.
Hohenzollern Castle
A dramatic hilltop castle on the Swabian Alb, associated with the Hohenzollern dynasty and visible for miles above the countryside.
Wartburg Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage hill castle above Eisenach, inscribed in 1999 and associated with Martin Luther's Bible translation.
Eltz Castle
A storybook medieval castle hidden in a forested Moselle-side valley, still associated with the same family for centuries.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany's most famous fairy-tale castle, built for King Ludwig II above Hohenschwangau with Alpine views near Fussen.
Heidelberg Castle
Romantic red-sandstone ruins above Heidelberg's old town, with terrace views over the Neckar River and one of Germany's classic city panoramas.
Explore more of Germany
Beyond the castles, discover Germany's cities, hiking trails, and top museums.