22 Dream Castles to Visit in Germany

Germany is the absolute best place to go if you want to see castles and palaces.

Most sites claim that Germany has 20,000 to 25,000 castles or more. It's a tricky number to calculate because different words are used to describe a castle/palace in German, without an absolute definition.

Regardless, it's safe to say that Germany has a ton of castles that travelers can explore.

In this guide, we're going to take a look at some of the most recommended castles for travelers heading to Germany.

Wernigerode Castle

Originally a medieval fortress, Wernigerode Castle was rebuilt in the 19th century to accommodate royalty-adjacent people.

Today, the castle is a relic of what life was like in the 1800s, with tons of artifacts from the era.

In its museum, you can see dollhouses and castle miniatures. Plus, the castle is accessible by steam train. How cute is that?

Neuschwanstein Castle

Maybe the most famous castle in Germany, Neuschwanstein is one that every castle-lover should add to their bucket list.

It's easily accessible, but gives you a feeling like you have been transported into another world.

If the castle looks familiar, it's because it is the one that inspired Cinderella's castle at the Disney parks (Disney himself visited before designing).

One thing many don't know about Neuschwanstein is that it was never built for a royal family or as a fortress or anything like that. It was actually built as a personal retreat, and it wasn't even ever completed. Only about 14 rooms were.

Zwinger Palace

Unrelated to the Twinkie's cousin (Zingers), Zwinger Palace is located in Dresden's city center.

It wasn't intended to be a palace when it was built in the 18th century. It was actually built to be an orangery and activities arena for the royals.

Though it was heavily damaged in WWII, today the Zwinger Palace has been restored to all of its beauty. It even has the world's largest collection of porcelain

Wartburg Castle

Near the town of Eisenach, Wartburg Castle features a blend of architectural styles and is a historical place of importance, not just for Germany, but for the whole world.

Martin Luther translated the Christian New Testament here!

Founded in 1067, Wartburg is one of Germany's best preserved ancient castles.

Leuchtenburg Castle

This medieval castle was built in the 13th century as a defensive fortress. Today, it has a porcelain museum, a glass bridge you can walk on, and incredible views of the valley.

Before reopening as a museum, Leuchtenburg served as a youth hostel and a prison (not at the same time, of course).

Lichtenstein Castle

A unique reason to build a castle, Lichtenstein wasn't built as a fortress, royal holiday home, or anything like that... it was inspired by a novel.

While it was built on top of existing ruins, Lichentestein Castle, as it sits today, was built in the 19th century.

It has a drawbridge, a room with medieval weaponry, and incredible views.

Reichsburg Cochem Castle

Near the town of Cochem (about an hour out of Koblenz), this ornate castle was originally built in the 12th century.

After it was destroyed in the 1600s, it was reconstructed in 1868.

Supposedly, this castle is haunted by Hans the Hungry, who is said to haunt the wine cellars (who wouldn't?).

Sigmaringen Castle

Originating as a medieval castle built in the 1000s, Sigmaringen Castle has changed through time.

On a limestone cliff, the castle is in the town of Sigmaringen, and you can even walk right to it.

One interesting part of the experience is the Castle's collection of unusual taxidermy. They even have a moose and multiple crocodiles.

Schwerin Palace

Ghost-lovers unite!

Schwerin Palace is said to be haunted by Petermännchen who is described as a "small spectral knight".

It is built on an island which gives its guests beautiful reflections, creating the perfect photo opp.

Schwerin Palace was once a daycare and today houses the State Parliament.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Dramatically positioned in the woods, Hohenschwangau Castle was built atop medieval ruins in 19th-century Bavaria.

With grand murals painted inside (that later inspired Wagner's operas) and a telescope built into the wall so King Ludwig II could spy on his neighbors, this castle is a great choice for your upcoming travels.

Marienburg Castle

Constructed in the mid 1800s, Marienburg Castle was built as a gift to Queen Marie of Hanover.

Due to the politics of the time, this castle was exactly abandoned shortly after it was finished being built.

With a fairytale aesthetic, pointy spires, ivy-covered stones, and even a bat colony that lives in the attic, add this one to your list.

(Don't worry - the bats are closely monitored).

Heidelberg Castle

In the town of Heidelberg, the ruins of the castle sit on top of the hill.

It was originally made as a fortress in the early 13th century and unfortunately suffered a lot of damage in the Thirty Years' War. It has also been struck by lightning multiple times, which certainly doesn't help.

Fun fact, the world's largest wine barrel is in the Heidelberg Castle with a dance floor built on top of it. I guess this means you can finally live out your Ella Enchanted dreams.

Vischering Castle

Fully surrounded by a moat, Vischering Castle was built in the 13th century as a defensive structure.

It suffered a lot of damage in WWII (as did many cities and castles in Germany), but has been restored. Today, visitors can go to a Knightly Life museum to learn what life was like for Knights of the day.

Stahleck Castle

Today, Stahleck Castle is a youth hostel!

Guests can stay in old keeps and turrets, giving an amazingly unique experience for young travelers.

It's free to explore the grounds, but overnight stays cost.

Bayreuth Palace

A more modern palace located in the city center (of Bayreuth), this charming estate has it all.

It's a really unique visit. Some of the decorative panels are actually secret doors. There's also a room designed to look like you're inside of a cave, complete with fake stalactites.

Bayreuth Palace was built atop the former palace after it burnt down in 1753.

Altena Castle

40 minutes outside of Dortmund, Altena Castle is in the town of Altena. Staying there, you can walk right to the castle!

If your vibe is medieval fortresses, mossy stonewalls, and knights, this is a great one for you to visit.

It was built around 1108 and in the early 1900s was converted into the world's first youth hostel.

Nowadays, visitors can explore the onsite museum and castle.

Eltz Castle

Near Koblenz, Germany, Eltz Castle is one of the few to still be entirely original. It has survived countless conflicts and wars, making it a true gem of German culture.

Constructed in the 12th century, you will get to enjoy stone corridors, half-timbered aesthetics, and twists and turns full of history.

Hohenzollern Castle

Built in the mid-19th century, Hohenzollern is a more modern one on the list, but looks like it is straight out of a fairytale story.

Not only does it have incredible spires, towers, and refined stonework, it also has an incredible view of the Alps.

The castle is home to a hidden chapel (for secret marriages) and even brews its own beer for visitors (so...it's a brewery?).

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

Located on a tiny island, the tiny castle of Pfalzgrafenstein is a unique place to visit.

Only available by ferry, this castle was built in 1326 as a toll castle (we've truly seen it all). It has strategically collected river tolls throughout Germany's history.

This castle was never a residence - it was purely for tolls.

Rheinfels Castle

Once the largest fortress on the Rhine, Rheinfels Castle was built in 1245.

The castle offers scenic landscape views, old stone staircases, and secret underground tunnels.

Dresden Castle

Easy to get to as it's in the town of Dresden, Dresden Castle has elaborate staircases, grand facades, and even houses the most valuable green diamond in the world (it's 41 carats).

If you want to see the height of luxury, including gemstone displays, this one is a must.

Stolzenfels Palace

Originally a 13th-century fortress, Stolzenfels was transformed into a palace in the 19th century.

It has beautiful gardens and unbeatable views (even Queen Victoria visited!). It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.