10 magical castles in Germany you won't want to miss

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Get inspired by 10 magical castles and palaces in Germany, all of which feel like they're straight out of a fairy tale. We've seen three of them ourselves, and the other seven are on our bucket list.

10 magical castles and palaces in Germany

There are truly many magical castles and fortresses in Germany. The castles are equipped with turrets and towers and are often located high up with a dizzying view of mountains and forests. Each one has its own story, and one is more exciting than the other. Here are 10 castles in Germany that you don't want to miss.

1st Borgen Wartburg

Borrowing Wartburg in central Germany was built in 1067 and became a refuge for many historical figures, including Martin Luther who sat behind these walls while translating the New Testament. In 1999, the castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. While you're here, you can also visit the town of Eisenach, which has a beautiful and well-preserved old town centre, where you can stroll around the cosy shops and restaurants.

2. Heidelberg Castle Ruin

Heidelberg is perhaps one of the most famous castle ruins in the world, and is a proud landmark in the beautiful and well-preserved old university town of Heidelberg, which is also well worth a visit. Construction of the castle began in the 13th century under Count Ludwig I, and was then expanded by several electoral princes in the 15th to 17th centuries into a true Renaissance castle. The castle was destroyed by the French at the end of the 17th century, partially restored, but again destroyed by fire. Today, the magnificent ruins are a reminder of times gone by.

3. Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace was built in the late 17th century as a gift from Friedrich III to his wife Sophie Charlotte. The castle has been added to over the years, and is now a stunning example of baroque architecture that can be seen in the centre of Berlin. It also houses a large art collection and a magnificent baroque garden.

4. borrowing Burghausen

Borgen Burghausen, originally built as a Gothic fortress, recalls an exciting time in Bavarian history. The fortress was built as a defence against a threatening Turkish siege and then had to resist the Swedes in 1632. The castle was built in the 9th or 10th century, but its current appearance dates back to the 13th and 16th centuries. Here you can experience towers, moats and walls up to 5 metres thick. The castle is over a kilometre long, making it the longest in the world.

5th Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is majestically located on a high hill in southern Germany. The castle was destroyed in 1423, and rebuilt in 1454-1461 as a fortress. You get up to the castle by walking around, around in a circle, through one gate after another. In between you have to pass some lowered bridges over moats and through some dark tunnels.

Because Burg Hohenzollern is situated the way it is, you can see 100 kilometers from the top in good weather. Incidentally, it was a branch of the Hohenzollern dynasty that belonged to the kings of Prussia from the 18th century and after 1871 also the emperors of Germany.

6th Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle was built on a small island in Lake Schwerin on the site of an old Slavic castle more than a thousand years ago. The castle was the residence of the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Schwerin until 1918, and is now the seat of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state parliament. The castle is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful castles in northern Europe.

7: Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is dramatically situated on a steep cliff in the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg. Although the castle is not very large, it is impressive in its appearance and location. This modern castle was built in 1840-1842 and was inspired by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. The castle was designed by Carl Alexander Heideloff and has been described as 'Württemberg's fairytale castle'.

8. The castle Reichsburg Cochem

Reichburg Castle Cochem is powerfully positioned on a hill above the beautiful town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley. The castle was destroyed after King Louis XIV and his French troops attacked it in 1689, but has since been reconstructed. Today, you can see the chapel, the dining room and the hunting room. While you're here, don't miss the town of Cochem, with its idyllic and well-preserved old town centre.

9. Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle is one of the few castles in Europe still owned by the same family that built it - in this case almost 900 years ago. Here you can immerse yourself in an enchanted environment with historic furnishings and a cosy atmosphere, not to mention the magical natural surroundings.

10. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is known worldwide as a symbol of idealised romantic architecture and the tragic story of its owner. The castle is also arguably one of the most photographed sights in Germany. Louis II was a Bavarian king, and after his mysterious death he was succeeded by his brother and then his uncle, both of whom became kings of Bavaria. For Ludwig II, the castle was mainly a retreat where he spent time on art, myths and fairy tales. There are several extravagant rooms, filled with decorations and magical stories.

Have you visited a castle in Germany?

Have you visited any of these ten magical castles in Germany, or perhaps something else? Let us know! More castles, palaces and castle gardens in Germany can be found at German Tourist Board website.

Want more magical and fabulous inspiration about Germany?

Here you will find more posts with inspiration and tips for magical, fairytale-like and exciting experiences in Germany:

• Carnival in Germany
• Holiday with children or grandchildren in Germany
• Beautiful holiday routes in Germany

Top image in the post: Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen/Hohenschwangau © DZT / Jim McDonald.