Another Baroque style palace featuring a huge pavilion, the Nymphenburg Palace dates back to the 17th century and is still home to the modern Duke of Bavaria. Like many castles of its day, the Sigmaringen Castle sits atop a steep, jagged rock, an ideal location to keep building protected against revolting peasants or enemies. While the palace itself may be relatively modest, visitors can enjoy the sunny southern German weather ona stroll through some of the regions most incredible landscaping. Woman: We northern Germans have less finely chiseled towers. The provider may set cookies for its part. Since Ludwigs death in 1886, the neo-Gothic castle has remained a favourite with royalty. Speaking of fairy tales, it is said that the castle served as the inspiration for Disneylands Sleeping Beauty Castle. The magnificent living and ball rooms, including the throne room and ancestor gallery, are particularly impressive. Built as a romantic castle by King Ludwig II, work started on the castle in 1869 and like many of Ludwigs schemes, was never quite finished. For a postcard-perfect view of the castle from the outside, head to the nearby Marienbrcke (Marys Bridge), which also offers a vista over the spectacular Pllat Gorge and a waterfall just above the castle. The ruins of the Heidelberg Castle sit on a mountain overlooking the river and city below.

With over 20.000 castles in Germany alone, unsurprisingly, we couldnt do justice to them all! Expats should see the sights and attractions Germany has to offer! However, the king only spent 11 nights at the (largely) unfinished castle, as he died before construction was completed. user settings, watch lists, etc.). It features both the historic and new Green Vault (one of the rooms destroyed in the war), the Numismatic Cabinet, the Dresden Armory, the Turkish Chamber, and the Dresden State Art Library. One of Germanys younger castles, Lichtenstein Castle was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1842.The word Lichtenstein means shining stone in German, and this castle was built with every intention of being a sparkling gem. From the Disney classic Neuschwanstein Castle to the 11th-century Wartburg Castle, this is our pick of the most beautiful palaces and castles in Germany. Some castles and palaces are perfect examples of their respective architectural eras.

With over 25,000 castles and palaces to choose from youre spoilt for choice in Germany. But this doesnt keep these noble buildings from being an integral part of American fantasy and folklore. Castles and Palaces A Surprising Journey of Discovery. Schwerin Castle Museum. . These so-called motte and bailey castles, consisting of a keep on a raised portion of ground that was enclosed by a protective ditch and wooden palisade, began to be built in earnest in the late 11th century, as a consequence of increasingly frequent Viking raids. Man: At a certain point, water runs down various cascades into a park, fills the lake, and finally, the fountain starts shooting water. Over time, as the need to defend their land diminished, rich landowners began primarily to build palaces and manor houses (Schlsser) as places of residence. Today, the palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the countrys capital. For a breath of fresh air, take a stroll through the castles gardens. After his death, the castle was opened to the public. First built in the 12th century, this utterly regal palace sits in the Swabian Plateau region of Germany and overlooks the Danube river. He wanted cladding with white limestone. This beautiful building can be compared to Sanssouci. A UNESCO-listed building, Eisenachs Wartburg Castle brings Germanys medieval past to life. It was these ruins that served as the setting inspiration for Wilhelm Hauffs famous novel, Lichtenstein. Built as a romantic castle by King Ludwig II, work started on the castle in 1869 and like many of Ludwigs schemes, was never quite finished. The first castle structure was constructed before 1225. Today, Hmelschenburg castle is best enjoyed with a locally brewed beer in the nearby beer garden. Of course, as is the case with many old castles, many changes were made over the years. For the use of the website with all functions (e.g. Nowadays, it serves as a seat of government. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website. Known as the "Prussian Versailles", this castle was constructed on the orders of the Hohenzollern King Friedrich II. First built in the 13thcentury, the castle features an apothecary museum showcasing the medicinal arts of the time. The view is also something very special. These buildings were sometimes fortified with defensive structures, but generally had more of an emphasis on comfort and style. Woman: This view is incredible. The respective data protection regulations of the provider apply. Here you will find an overview of the types of cookies used on the website. King Ludwig spent a miniscule 170 days in residence, but today the impressive castle is open to all those who wish to visit. Experience Germany A Surprising Journey of Discovery. The German wordSchlosscan be used to describe both kinds of buildings, where the English language makes a distinction between palace and castle. Be sure to check out the family museum, which features the private collection of the counts and princes of Solms-Braunfels. We are a bit more conservative. And not just royalty -over 300.000 people visit the castle annually.

With over 350.000 visitors per year, it is one of Germanys most-visited castles. It became the royal familys official summer and hunting residence. The Romantic era was the real heyday for castles, with the most emblematic example being Neuschwanstein Castle. It was built by the Counts of Berg to establish their stronghold. This 19th-century Romanesque castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Located on the north side of Kningstuhl hill in Heidelberg, Baden-Wrttemberg, Heidelberg Castle has a rich history.

This thirteenth century castle has, like many German castles, undergone many makeovers and a lot of destruction since it was first built. Another favourite place of the Hohenzollern dynasty was Berlin's Charlottenburg Palace. Wartburg Castle occupies an elevated position above the Thuringian city of Eisenach. The most famous example being perhaps Eltz Castle. Further to numerous conversions over the years, Wernigerode Castle in Saxony-Anhalt is now another fairytale castle. Our Marienburg Castle is the Neuschwanstein of the north. Maike Bialek from the Bremen Economic Development Agency admits that this is because fairytale castles are actually rather rare in northern Germany. Located in a small town between Mannheim and Heidelberg, this cheery palace is famous for its sprawling and impossibly well-kept gardens. The second castle was constructed from 1454 to 1461. Whilst the exact number is not known, experts have estimated that Germany is home to over 20.000 castles. But as far as European palaces go, palaces by definition were built during the Middle Ages for the same purpose as castles: a private residence for nobility. Seized by the romantic nostalgia of the novel, architect Carl Alexander Heidelhoff erected this castle as a homage to the bygone era. Travel anywhere in Germany for 39,90 euros with new Egal-Wohin-Ticket, Lufthansa to cancel more flights, 20.000 suitcases pile up at Frankfurt Airport, July 2022: 15 changes affecting expats in Germany, Germany heading for a hot, dry summer with highs of up to 42 degrees, German cities soar through rankings in latest World Liveability Index. The seat of parliament in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, this fairytale-like castle is the focal point of the province, and rightly so.

I notice how visitors always go ah, ah (for the voice-over: take a deep breath) and then the cameras come out once they recover from the view. Today, this neo-renaissance palace is one of the most impressive historical museums in all of Germany. Its famous castle dates back to the 13th century and boasts some fascinating medieval historical interest. Between 1846 and 1867, the third castle was constructed as a family memorial by King Frederick William IV of Prussia. Meant to be a meeting place for Europes nobility, the many renovations undergone by this castle reflect the international affairs of its ruling family. Prior to unification, the region consisted of hundreds of fiefdoms. Situated close to the Saxon state capital of Dresden, the moated castle of Moritzburg was the emblem of the noble Wettin dynasty.

Tours inside Heidelberg Castle will also show you the worlds largest wine barrel. It is really sweet. Today, the castle is still inhabited by the family;however, it is possible to visit and tour the castle. The peachy pink color of the Schwetzingen Palace makes it impossible to miss. Dont miss the impressive Sngersaal, whose frescoes depict scenes from the opera Tannhuser.

Construction began in 1840 and was completed in 1842. For a breath of fresh air, take a stroll through the castles gardens. Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin is quite different, explains Christian Tnzler of Visit Berlin. However, the wooden motte and baileys critical vulnerability to attack by fire meant that gradually they began to be replaced with stone castles. On a hill overlooking the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia lies Altena Castle, a medieval castle dating back to the 12th century. OST Susanne Spinghaus, tour guide, Heidelberg Castle, Baden-Wrttemberg. In the early 11th Century, the first castle was built on this amazing site. Here's where to find them! German Travel Moments - the travel podcast, Potsdam: Potsdamer Schlssernacht auf Schloss Sanssouci, Kassel: View from the cascades in Bergpark Wilhelmshhe, Eisenach: View of the inner courtyard of the Wartburg, Ahrensburg: Renaissance castle, landmark of Ahrensburg, Schwerin: Schwerin Castle_Leitmotif German Summer Cities, Pattensen: Aerial view of Marienburg Castle, Wernigerode: View at Wernigerode Castle between the trees. The difference between a castle vs a palace is that palaces are not fortified for protection, while castles are. For expats of all colours, shapes & sizes. It has come to be one of the most famous sites in Munich, and some 300,000 yearly tourists enjoy feeding the swans that swim in the palaces giant reflection pools. The Wernigerode Castle itself is made of more timber than is typical of German castles, due to the ample supply provided by the surrounding forestgorgeous scenery seen formiles from the castle perch. But,in the middle of this very modern, industrial city and university town sits a sprawling Baroque Palace. During the summer months (April to October), stop for a coffee in the Orangery caf and in winter, feast on traditional delights at the castles Schlosscaf. Read our selection of the biggest and best theme and amusement parks in Germany, tips on getting there, and the best attractions, rollercoasters and rides. Located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau lies Neuschwanstein Castle. The moat kept the castle from being destroyed and plundered during the 30-Years War. Furthermore, it is still owned by the same family that built it 850 years ago, and many original furnishings can still be admired today, making Eltz Castle rather unique. You can visit the castle via a guided tour;however, some rooms are closed to the public. . Here, the mastery of garden architects Klett and Lenn truly comes to life. This iconic castle has inspiredimitations as far away as South Africa. And my own personal highlight is the dachshund games in the Bergpark Wilhelmshhe. Feeling inspired? Filled with meadows, moors, greenhouses, man-made lakes and ponds, these striking gardens are home to a colorful biodiversity, all within the city-limits of bustling Muenster. Built in the Rococo style, Sanssouci Palace was the summer home of the legendary Friedrich the Great, King of Prussia. Katrin Hackbarth of the local tourism association explains that of all the 2,000 castles, manor houses and stately homes in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, it is the most striking castle. With much of the 12th-century building still intact, the incredible history-filled Wartburg Castle is well worth an afternoon of exploration. Disney, for instance, has captivated audiences with films set in palaces and castles since 1937. OST Hackbarth: Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. During the Middle Ages, this European country was divided into many small, competitive feudal states and principalities - all home to their own fortified castle. Therefore, despite being true castles, nowadays they are referred to as Schlsser rather than Burgen. Throughout the centuries, it changed owners multiple times and various wars left the castle in ruins. Some 25,000 castles, palaces and mansion houses bear witness to Germany's history: from splendid, perfectly preserved landmarks to ruined reminders of former glory. OST Eltz Castle: Skyscraper of the Middle Ages, Rhineland-Palatinate. Sections of this gorgeous baroque palace are still open to public for tours, most notably the sprawling botanical gardens. Boasting stunning views of the Elzbach River and Eltz Forest, Eltz Castlein Rhineland-Palatinate is a sight to behold. OST Marienburg Castle: Ladys maid and film set. Our expert travel designers are always on hand to help you plan your next adventure through Germany.

Once in the castle grounds, highlights include the Schlosshof the castles central courtyard, and the Friedrichsbau room, whose collection of life-size sculptures of kings and emperors is particularly impressive. Constructed in the 17th and 18th century, this opulent baroque and rococo palace was severely damaged during the Second World War. Statues and paintings depicting him can be found throughout the palace. To confuse the matter further, in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, some castles that had lost their defensive significance were also transformed into places of residences.

At its highest, it is over 40 meters tall, with up to 10 floors an actual skyscraper of the Middle Ages. Why not? Those wanting to enjoy the fresh countryside air can reach the castle via a steep, cobbled 10-minute trail whilst more laid-back travellers can take the Bergbahn (cogwheel train) from Kornmarkt station. Come during the summer to witness one of three annual Castle Lightings, during which the ruins are illuminated with a brilliant light and fireworks show. Its a similar story when you visit Heidelberg on the Neckar River, where the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle rise high above. Today, the ruin attracts millions of visitors from around the globe. It is only a single story and features only 10 main rooms. Located in a tiny East German town situated in the Harz Mountains, the castleis located along the beloved German Timber-Frame Road,a tourist route through some of Germanys most picturesque towns named for its quaint, wooden frame structures. It was destroyed in the late 17th century by the French in the War of the Grand Alliance, and in 1764 damaged by lightning strikes and resulting fires. This World Heritage Site is renowned as the place where the reformer Martin Luther sought refuge and translated the New Testament into German. The ravages of war and forces of nature wreaked havoc on the once magnificent Renaissance building. Its like a really great fireworks display, a grand show, a really sophisticated production from the past. hbspt.cta.load(162945, '43006c12-b551-437a-9e75-c958e9af33ee', {}); Oktoberfest goers often make it out to Neuschwanstein, Cheapest Tickets to Watch the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Kentucky bourbon distillery, horse farm tours for your Derby trip, 2022 Qatar World Cup Draw - Schedule Release, Golden generation leads Canada to top of 2022 Qatar World Cup qualification, Best Day Trips to take from Pamplona during the San Fermin Festival, 2022 Qatar World Cup Draw Schedule Release, Top 15 Things to do in Munich (Besides Oktoberfest). For an in-depth insight into the castles workings, visit the Schwerin Castle Museum. The first Prussian King to be a child of the Enlightenment, Friedrich insisted that art and nature coexist in his estate. The Neo-Renaissance castle was designed by Georg Adolf Demmler, who took inspiration from a French castle, Chateau de Chambord. Cochem is a tiny town of 5,000 residents that sits in the Mosel River Valley. Hochburg castle has laid in ruins since 1688 when French troops demolished the fortification after occupying it during the 30-Years War. or Heidelberg Palace is the focal point of, A UNESCO-listed building, Eisenachs Wartburg Castle brings, Surrounded by a wonderful landscape of lakes and forests, the Schwerin Palace offers a veritable escape from reality. The palace complex also features the Schleissheim beer garden, with seating for up to 1,000 guests one of the most scenic places to take part in Munichs annual Oktoberfest festivities. It was buried on the castle grounds, and in GDR times the Stasi tried to find it after hearing rumors about the treasure. You can set your consent for each category individually. An industrial center bombed to rubble during WWII, Mannheim was rebuilt on a New York City-style grid without any regard to past neighborhoods. I am happy to receive emails from Jacada, including travel guides, tips and information. Andreas Lehmberg from the Harzer Tourismusverband reveals that half-timbering can also be found at the very top of Falkenstein Castle in Unterharz, a high medieval hilltop castle that has made headlines as a hidden treasure. On foggy autumn days, the castle appears to be floating in the clouds. Schloss Heidelberg or Heidelberg Palace is the focal point of Germanys southwestern university town Heidelberg. The largest palace complex in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace has been a favourite retreat of Hohenzollern rulers throughout the centuries. With a history of more than 750 years, it should come as no surprise that Braunfels Castle in Hesse has been rebuilt and extended many times, going from a stronghold to a castle straight out of a fairytale.

After 1918, Schwerin Castle became state-owned. For intrepid travelers who would rather clamber on the ruins of a castle than shuffle through a castle museum, the Hochburg Ruins between Emmendingden and Sexau offer an exciting and rustic experience. For a postcard-perfect view of the castle from the outside, head to the nearby Marienbrcke (Marys Bridge), which also offers a vista over the spectacular Pllat Gorge and a waterfall just above the castle.