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Germany is a fairy tale land for castle lovers. Perched high above forests, on hills, or along rivers, these castles look as though they have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairy tale. With their fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and curious legends, they offer an unforgettable journey through the past.

Traveling to German castles is not simply about looking at stunning scenery—it is about stepping into history. Imagine walking along dignified halls where kings and queens held court, climbing towers with sweeping views, or discovering hidden passages full of secrets. Whether medieval fortresses and Baroque palaces or romantic ruins, each castle has a story to tell.

Ready to dive into Germany’s royal history? Here are 10 castles you won’t want to miss.

Neuschwanstein Castle – The fairy-tale icon

Schwangau

📍 47.5576° N, 10.7498° E

If there is one castle that embodies Germany’s romanticism, it’s Neuschwanstein. Its steep turrets, dramatic cliffside setting, and otherworldly white facade give this 19th-century masterpiece the feel of a fairy tale. In fact, it was the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein was not meant for battle—it was a sanctuary, a fantasy of medieval glory brought to life. The castle is no less breathtaking within, with lavish rooms adorned with murals depicting German legends and Wagner operas, the king’s beloved composer.

Visitor information: Open daily, with guided tours. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as it’s one of Germany’s most popular attractions. Most breathtaking views? Walk the short path to Marienbrücke, the bridge that gazes out over the castle.

Hohenschwangau Castle – A royal childhood home

Schwangau

📍 47.5556° N, 10.7391° E

Before Neuschwanstein’s reign as Bavaria’s most famous castle, Hohenschwangau was the home of the young King Ludwig II. In this tawny-colored castle, perched above a picturesque lake and ringed by gentle hills, he spent his childhood and dreamed of the great fortress he would one day build nearby.

Not as lavish as its neighbor, Hohenschwangau offers a fascinating glimpse into the royal life of 19th-century Bavaria, its rooms filled with historic artifacts, lovely frescoes, and stunning Alpine vistas.

Visitor information: Due to the huge demand, especially in summer, tickets get sold out quickly—booking ahead is the best guarantee of a visit. Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein are close enough to each other to be visited on the same day.

Hohenzollern Castle – A majestic hilltop fortress

Bisingen

📍 48.3252° N, 8.9638° E

Perched on Mount Hohenzollern, the castle looms over the landscape with its soaring spires and stunning views of the Swabian Alps. A home to Prussian royalty for centuries, it is the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

The current structure, rebuilt in the 19th century, is a masterpiece of architecture with Neo-Gothic spires, sprawling halls, and medieval-style fortifications. Inside, visitors can stroll through sumptuously decorated rooms, see the Prussian royal crown, and learn about the castle’s fascinating history.

Visitor information: Open year-round, with guided and self-guided tours. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for fewer people and mystical light.

Heidelberg Castle – Romantic ruins with a view

Heidelberg

📍 49.4101° N, 8.7158° E

Sitting in picturesque ruins above the Neckar River, Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s most romantic attractions. A combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles, this castle has seen it all—war, fire, and even lightning—yet it continues to charm.

Apart from its dramatic exterior, the castle features a gigantic wine barrel, beautiful gardens, and a stunning terrace overlooking Heidelberg’s old town. The atmosphere here is quintessential romance, and it is a favorite among tourists looking to soak in Germany’s rich past.

Visitor information: Accessed by funicular or a short walk. Best time to visit: Spring or autumn, when the surrounding hills are blanketed in vibrant green or gold.

Eltz Castle – A hidden gem in the forest

Wierschem

📍 50.2004° N, 7.3360° E

Straight out of the pages of a fairy tale, Eltz Castle sits in the middle of a lush valley, surrounded by dense forests. Unlike many of Germany’s castles, this medieval treasure has never been destroyed—it’s been in the same family for over 850 years. Walking through its portals is a trip through time.

Inside, impeccably preserved rooms show original medieval decor, intricate tapestries, and a treasury replete with artifacts from the past. The surroundings of the castle, veiled in mist, along with the dramatic architecture, make the castle one of the most magical places to visit in Germany.

Visitor info: Open from spring to autumn. Arrive early to view the castle before the tourists, and don’t miss the lovely walk up to it—it’s worth every step.

Lichtenstein Castle – The cliffside fortress

Lichtenstein, Bade-Wurtemberg

📍 48.4060° N, 9.2513° E

If you love dramatic settings, Lichtenstein Castle will take your breath away. The Neo-Gothic masterpiece perches on a sheer cliff, overlooking the Swabian Alps like a fantasy film set. Built in the 19th century, it was based on a historical novel and designed to resemble a real medieval castle.

Small compared to other castles, its spiral towers, arched bridges, and fortified walls make it one of Germany’s most photographic sites. The guided tour will lead you through the secret passages, beautifully designed interiors, and panoramic balconies with stunning views.

Visitor information: Open from spring to autumn. Guided tour highly recommended to reveal the secrets of the castle.

Wartburg Castle – Where history comes alive

Eisenach

📍 50.9663° N, 10.3067° E

Wartburg Castle overlooks the town of Eisenach and is a place where history was literally made. It is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, shaping the religious and cultural evolution of the country. Wartburg’s history, however, goes back even further, with origins in the 11th century.

Tourists can walk its corridors and gaze at original medieval murals, knightly artifacts, and breathtaking views of the Thuringian Forest. The Romanesque-Gothic mix of architectural styles, together with the castle’s significance in European history, renders the castle a wonder to see.

Visitor information: Open throughout the year, guided tours. Arrive in the morning to experience the tranquility of the castle before the tour groups arrive.

Schwerin Castle – The Versailles of the North

Schwerin

📍 53.6247° N, 11.4160° E

If fairy-tale castles were to compete for a crown, Schwerin Castle would stand a fair chance of claiming it. Surrounded by sparkling lakes and lush gardens, the elaborate palace is frequently compared to France’s Versailles. Its golden domes, delicate towers, and lavish interiors make it one of Germany’s most dazzling sights.

Today, half of the castle serves as a museum, while the other half houses the regional parliament. Its opulent halls, with their intricate gold decorations, and its scenic gardens are open to the public. Don’t be surprised if you feel like royalty when walking along its hallways.

Visitor information: Best visited in spring or summer when the gardens are in full bloom. Sunset across the lake is pure magic.

Cochem Castle – A fairy tale on the Moselle River

Cochem

📍 50.1456° N, 7.1655° E

Sitting high above the Moselle River, Cochem Castle looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Turrets and all, its picturesque setting is the kind of thing that you can’t help but stop and stare at.

Dating back to the 12th century, it has survived battles, destruction, and a 19th-century restoration that made it fairy-tale fantastic. It’s history and intrigue inside, with ornate wood carvings, centuries-old treasures, and secret passages. And the view? Absolutely stunning—rolling vineyards and a river that winds its way through the valley below.

Visitor information: Open all year, with night tours that bring an extra touch of magic to the visit.

Moritzburg Castle – A baroque masterpiece on water

📍 51.1669° N, 13.6816° E – Moritzburg, Saxony

Unlike Bavaria’s hilltop castles or the Rhine’s medieval strongholds, Moritzburg Castle is a lovely baroque palace built on a serene lake. Its symmetrical towers, gilded facades, and elaborate gardens make it one of Germany’s most picturesque palaces.

Originally planned as a hunting lodge for Saxon monarchs, it was converted later into a lavish residence replete with ornate interiors, huge chandeliers, and old tapestries. The lake surrounding the castle reflects its beauty perfectly, creating a nearly surreal atmosphere.

Visitor information: Just outside Dresden, within easy day-trip distance. Best time to visit is in autumn when the surrounding forest is turned into a sea of gold.

Explore Germany’s castles at your own pace

Germany’s castles are scattered across the country, each offering its own unique blend of history, architecture, and dramatic landscape. How to best experience them? A driving tour that lets you travel at your own pace, with stops along the way to take in breathtaking views.

With Europcar’s car rental services in Germany, you are able to see these incredible castles at your own leisure. Whether you are traveling through the Bavarian Alps, along the Moselle Valley, or into the Thuringian forests, with your own vehicle you are able to leave the main routes and discover the hidden gems that are off the beaten path.