From Fairy Tale Castles in Germany as Neuschwanstein Castle, to Magnificient Castles in Germany as Hohenzollern Castle but also Famous Castles in Germany as Eltz Castle or Spectacular Castles in Germany as Burghausen Castle, Germany's Best Castles await you.

Make your selection among this ranking of the 17 Best Castles in Germany and visit your favourite castles in Germany.

Stroll through Cochem Castle and overlook the entire wine region like the lords of that time. Get back to childhood while walking into the inner courtyard of Eltz Castle and hear the voices of blacksmiths, peasants, the miller and the squire. Walk into the forest and marvel at the incredible beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Get dressed for battle and ride your horse or just get your bags and ID ready and book your tickets to explore the most incredible fortresses and the most beautiful castles in Germany.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Castles in Austria, Best Castles in Portugal, Most Famous Castles in England, Best Castles to Visit in Scotland, Italy's Best Castles. 

1. Neuschwanstein Castle 

Schwangau - Bavaria

There is no doubt that Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the Most Beautiful Castles in Germany. It is the Best Fairy Tale castle in Germany.

Located in the town of Schwangau, a few kilometres from Munich Airport, this castle is next to another famous castle, Hohenschwangau Castle.

Do you want to discover 2 of the Best Castles in Germany in one day? Book your flights to Munich as well as your accommodation and tours and activities in Bavaria, such as a Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

The best place to take the perfect photo of this castle is at Marienbrücke, a bridge at the entrance to the city.

 Opening hours: The castle is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Munich and drive to Neuschwanstein (1H50) or book your tour online.

 Where to stay: “Hotel Das Rübezahl”. With its superb views of the Hohenschangau and Neuschwanstein castles, this 4-star hotel also offers a spa, sauna and hammam.

2. Hohenzollern Castle - Bisingen

Baden-Württemberg

Don't waste time, book your flight to Stuttgart and explore one of the Most Magnificient Castles in Germany, the towering castle of Hohenzollern.

This 19th century neo-Gothic castle enchants hundreds of thousands of travellers from all over the world every year and is one of the most visited castles in Germany.

Located near Stuttgart (50Km), the castle is easily accessible by car.

Book your flights to Stuttgart, your accommodation and your tours and activities in Stuttgart, such as a Stuttgart Nature experience day, to discover the green side of Stuttgart.

 Opening hours: The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Stuttgart (Germany) or Zurich (Switzerland) and reach Hohenzollern by car or train.

 Where to stay: "Berghotel Zollersteighof" is a perfect choice for overnighting in the region.

3. Eltz Castle

Moselle Valley

Like Cochem Castle, also ranked among Germany's Best Castles, Eltz Castle is located in the beautiful Moselle Valley.

This stay is the perfect opportunity to mix history and gastronomy since the Moselle is renowned for the quality of its white wines and the beauty of its castles.

Eltz Castle is a one of the real Fairytale Castles in Germany. Much like the Segovia Castle in Spain, legend has it that it inspired Walt Disney to design Cinderella's fairytale castle.

This medieval castle was built over 900 years ago and it has never been destroyed. On the contrary, through the ages, it has undergone developments and extensions which give it this heterogeneous character and which make its charm.

Book your flight to Frankfurt Airport as well as your accommodation near Eltz Castle and your tours and activities in Moselle such as a day trip to Eltz Castle from Frankfurt.

 Opening hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (1.5 hours from Eltz by car).

 Where to stay: “Hotel Germania” located in Cochem 10 km from Eltz Castle.

4. Lichtenstein Castle - Lichstenstein

Baden-Württemberg

Lichtenstein Castle is another Fairytale Castle in Germany. It is therefore not surprising to find it both in this ranking of the most beautiful castles in Germany but also in the first places of the podium of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

Lichstenstein Castle is located in the city of Lichstenstein, not to be confused with the state of Liechtenstein, which is two and a half hours by car from the city of Lichstenstein. Are you lost? No problem, the easiest way is to book your flight to Stuttgart and your accommodation at the best price and drive 40 minutes to this dream castle.

 Opening hours: The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Stuttgart and drive 40 minutes to the castle gates.

 Where to stay: "Romantik Hotel & Restaurant Hirsch", a charming 4-star hotel offering traditional regional cuisine.

5. Hohenschwangau Castle

Schwangau - Bavaria

Hohenschwangau Castle is one of the Most Famous Castles in Germany. It is located in Bavaria in the town of Schwangau.

Turn your head to the side and you will see the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle built in 1869, thirty years after Hohenschwangau Castle. They are very close since only 2 kilometres separate the two castles classified among the Most Beautiful Castles in Germany.

Do you want to discover 2 of the Best Castles in Germany in one day? Book your flights to Munich at the best price as well as your accommodation in Bavaria and your tours and activities as a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

 Opening hours: The castle is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Munich (Germany) or Innsbruck (Austria) and drive to Schwangau (1h30).

 Where to stay: “Hotel Das Rübezahl”. With its superb views of the Hohenschangau and Neuschwanstein castles, this 4-star hotel has a spa, sauna and hammam.

6. Reichsburg Cochem - Cochem

Moselle Valley

Cochem is a pretty medieval town. With its castle perched on the hill, this narrow town that criss-crosses the river reminds us of the city of Dinant in Belgium.

The castle which dominates the Moselle valley is one of the symbols of this city. You can photograph it from the mainland or from the river since many cruises are organized on the Moselle.

This castle, which celebrated its millennium some twenty years ago, and that is top-rated among your Favourite Castles to Visit in Germany, has had dozens of different owners: wealthy families, industrialists, members of the nobility; It was finally bought by the city of Cochem some forty years ago and has since been open to the public.

During your stay, be sure to visit Eltz Castle, also ranked among the most beautiful castles in Germany and located just 14km from Cochem.

 Opening hours: The castle is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cologne / Bonn and drive 1 hour 30 minutes to Cochem.

 Where to stay: “Parkhotel Cochem”, a family-run hotel on the Moselle River Promenade.

7. Bad Muskau Castle

Bad Muskau - Saxony

Muskau Castle is also known as Muskau Park, a beautiful haven of peace in the heart of Bad Muskau in Saxony. It is one of Best Castles in Germany but also one the most recent castles in Germany since its construction dates back to the 19th century, an era which explains its incredible Neo-Renaissance style.

The place is magical in autumn when leaves in the park are as red as the castle’s bricks. You want one more reason to visit this castle? It is a symbol of the European Union and of good understanding between countries, as 2/3 of the estate is located in Poland and 1/3 in Germany.

  Opening hours: Open to the public from April 1 to October 31, daily from 10 am-6pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dresden or Berlin (1h30 by car 2h30 by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Am Schlossbrunnen Bad Muskau", a family-run hotel in a top location.

8. Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen - Baden Württemberg

The Baden-Württemberg region is one of the best regions in Germany to discover the most beautiful castles in Germany; just 40 minutes by car from Sigmaringen Castle, you can visit Hohenzollern Castle, also ranked among the Most Spectacular Castles in Germany.

The history of these two castles is closely linked as you will discover during your visit.

Discover the coat of arms, the room of arms and also the incredible velvet room in one of the Most Famous Castles in Germany. Sigmaringen was also the seat of the Vichy French Government. The castle still belongs to the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family but they no longer live there, so it is open to visitors (with a guide only).

  Opening hours: The castle is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Stuttgart (1h30 by car, 2h by public transport) or Zurich (1h40 by car, 2 h by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Garni Jägerhof" located just a 10-minute walk from the castle.

9. Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg - Baden Württemberg

Not far from the city of Hanau, birthplace of the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, just 1 hour by car from Frankfurt (1h 30 by public transport), discover one of the most beautiful castles in Germany and indeed, one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. 

If you like romantic castles and ruins, you will be enchanted.  Heidelberg Castle, which was partly destroyed in the 17th century, has never been fully rebuilt and a large part of it is still in ruins. In the 16th century, the castle was struck by lightning which destroyed the entire upper part. Like many castles, it has known many wars and many fires.

Victor Hugo, during his visit to Heidelberg, was touched by the ruins of the castle and wrote: "What times it has been through! Over five hundred years it has been victim to everything that has shaken Europe, and now it has collapsed under its weight ". 

Book your flights to Frankfurt as well as your accommodation and activities and tours and discover one of the Best Castles to Visit in Germany. 

  Opening hours: Open daily from 10 am - 5 pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (1h by car, 1h30 by public transport) as well as your accommodation.

 Where to stay: "BS Luxury Apartment" in the heart of Heidelberg.

10. Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn - Speesart

Halfway between Frankfurt and Würzburg, Mespelbrunn Castle is a testimony to both late-medieval times and early Renaissance. 

Its current appearance dates back to the 17th century, but its origins are even more distant: at the beginning of the 15th century when a nobleman's house was built on the very site of the castle.

Its particular isolated location, lost in the middle of an immense forest, undoubtedly saved it from destruction during the "Thirty Years' war; the conflict killed nearly 60% of the population in some parts of Germany and caused the destruction of many buildings, including sumptuous german castles.

Come and discover the fascinating history of one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, by booking your flights, accommodation and tours and activities in Germany.

  Opening hours: Open daily from Easter to October from 9 am to 5 pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (1h by car, 1h 20 by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Müller's Landhotel" is a family-run hotel offering panoramic views of the Spessart hills.

11. Braunfels Castle

Braunfels - Hesse

Famous for the open-air concerts and operas that have been held there for several years, Schloss Braunfels, Braunfels Castle, is one of the Most Beautiful Gothic Castles in Germany. 

You will discover one of the most beautiful castles in Germany north of Frankfurt, 1 hour by car. 

Now a secondary residence, it was earlier on used as a main residence by the Counts of Solms, when their castle was destroyed. Braunfels Castle also experienced a major fire which destroyed almost the entire town of Braunfels in the 17th century. 

Each year a medieval show takes place on the last weekend of August. It attracts travellers from all over the world. 

So, hurry and book your accommodation now, as well as your flights and your tours and activities in Germany, to discover the most incredible castles in Germany.

  Opening hours: From 1 April till 31 October the castle is open daily from 10 am to 5pm. In winter the castle only opens on weekdays (10 am - 4pm).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (1h by car) as well as your accommodation and your activities.

 Where to stay: "Schlosshotel Braunfels" boasting a fairy-tale location at the foot of Braunfels Castle.

12. Frankfurt Johannisburg Palace

Aschaffenburg - Bavaria

This castle, erected at the beginning of the 17th century, bears the name of its first illustrious owner: Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg. Although incredibly spacious, it was used as a summer residence by its owner, Prince Bishop of Mainz.

Frankfurt Johannisburg Palace is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Germany. As the name suggests, it is located near Frankfurt (30 min by car or public transport) in the city of Aschaffenburg in Bavaria.

The castle was partially destroyed during the last days of World War II. It took 20 years to rebuild it exactl as it had been and respecting its incredible architectural symmetry.

The castle is open to the public and hosts many permanent and temporary exhibitions. 

  Opening hours: Closed Mondays. Open every other day from 10 am - 4 pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (30 min by car or public transport).

 Where to stay: "Ibis Styles Aschaffenburg" offers express check-in and check-out.

13. Moritzburg Castle

Moritzburg - Saxony

Moritzburg Castle is not only one of the best castles in Germany, it is also one of the most amazing Baroque Palaces in Germany. 

Four ample and round towers form the contours of this perfectly symmetrical castle built on an artificial island.

As is often the case, the castle owes its name to its first owner, the Duke Moritz of Saxony, who built a small hunting lodge there.

The interior of the castle, sumptuous and totally baroque, is open to the public. 

Book your flights to Dresden (30 min by car or public transport) as well as your accommodation and tours and activities in Saxony, such as a "From Dresden: Trip to Moritzburg".

  Opening hours: Closed Mondays, open 10 am - 5 pm other days. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dresden and your accommodation, the castle is located just 30 minutes by car or public transport from the city centre.

 Where to stay: "Hof Türke" located 500 m from the Castle.

14. Burghausen Castle

Burghausen - Upper Bavaria

Do you want to discover the most beautiful castles in Germany, but only those that are truly incredible? Burghausen castle is a must.  Besides being one of the best castles in Germany, it's the longest castle complex ... in the world!

This is not just a vague local rumour to attract tourists, this has been confirmed by the Guinness World Record. Whilst many castles have known demolitions over the years, Burghausen Castle has experienced successive enlargements. 

With a length of more than 1 km (1050 m, to be precise), it is undoubtedly the longest castle in the world.

Located on the border with Austria, it has always been a strategic place for border defence.  Well then, prepare your best walking shoes and set off to conquer one of Germany's most beautiful castles.

  Opening hours:  Open daily from 10 am - 6 pm

 How to get there: Book your flights to Munich (1h30 by car or public transport) or Linz (Austria) 1h30 by car, 2h by public transport.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Garni Lindacher Hof" is a 4-star hotel that offers a gym and a sauna.

15. Marienburg Castle

Marienberg - Lower Saxony

Marienburg Castle is one of the most beautiful Gothic castles in Germany. This romantic castle was a wedding gift from King George V of Hanover to his wife, Marie of Saxe-Altenburg.

This family had to move for a time to Austria and the castle remained abandoned for almost a century. 

Located halfway between Hannover and Hildesheim, it was for many years the holiday home of the "House of Welf" dynasty, whose colours (yellow and white) still float on the main tower of the castle.

The entrance fee is a bit expensive, but the owner actually needs almost 30 million euros to renovate it.

  Opening hours: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Hannover (30 min by car). 

 Where to stay: "Kasten Hotel Luisenhof" in the heart of Hannover;

16. Lowenburg Castle

Kassel - Hesse

This castle, one of the Top-Rated Castles to Visit in Germany, is currently partly under renovation.

The Löwenburg Castle is located in Kassel, not far from Hanau, the birthplace of the famous Grimm Brothers. The writers are world renowned for their children stories, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Sleeping Beauty.

Born at the end of the 18th century, the Grimms brothers most certainly knew of the castle during their childhood and adolescence, as they were born in 1785 and 1786 respectively and the castle was built between 1793 and 1801.

One of the brothers was librarian in Kassel. There is no doubt that their many tales must have been largely influenced by this truly magical german castle.

It is also said that Walt Disney came to visit the castle to seek inspiration for his fantastic stories.

Discover one of the most beautiful fairytale castles in Germany by booking your flights to Frankfurt (1h30 by public transport, 2h by car), as well as your accommodation and your tours and activities, such as a day trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt. 

  Opening hours: Open all year. 1 Nov- 31 March , Fri – Sun, 10 am - 4pm. 

1 April - 31 October,  Tue – Sunday, 10 am - 5pm.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (2 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Schlosshotel Kassel" This 4-star superior hotel offers great views of Kassel.

17. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin-  Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Schwerin Palace is located in the North East of Germany, just 1.5 hours by car or train from the city of Hamburg.

This castle, classified among the most beautiful castles in Europe, has had, like many castles in Europe, a turbulent history with various owners.

It even hosted a childcare school for about thirty years and now houses the regional parliament. However, it remains open to visitors who can discover the treasures of one of the Best Castles in Germany.

  Opening hours: the castle is open to the public most days of the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Hamburg (1 hour 30 minutes by car).

 Where to stay: "Zum weißen Haus", is a family guesthouse decorated in country house style.