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Germany is full of formidable and inspiring castles. Arguably two of the most inspiring castles in Germany are the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and the Hohenzollern Castle on the edge of the Swabian Jura of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. If exploring southern Germany on the rewarding Romantic Road, be sure to take the time and explore this majestic castle.
Many of the most spectacular and iconic castles (like Neuschwanstein and Hohenzollern) are later 1800s romantic castle-inspired residences and not medieval fortifications. There are plenty of excellent castles all over Europe to explore - some date back 1,000 years or more. The country with the greatest concentration of castles in Europe is Wales.
The Romantic Hohenzollern Castle - Reminiscent Of The Eye-Watering Neuschwanstein Castle
The Hohenzollern Castle is the last of three hilltop castles built on top of Mount Hohenzollern. The first castle was built in the early 11th century by the House of Hohenzollern. The first two castles had their fair share of warfare and sieges during the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period. During this time, Germany was a mosaic of often warring small kingdoms and states.
The first castle was destroyed in 1423 after a ten-month siege. The subsequent castle was larger and sturdier and was built between 1454 and 1461. By the end of the 18th century, it had lost its military significance and fell into disrepair.
After much of the debilitated buildings of the second castle were demolished, the current castle was built between 1846 and 1867. It was built as a family memorial (not a military stronghold) by the House of Hohenzollern.
- Built: Between 1846 and 1867
- Rooms: 140 Rooms
The Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian King and Princes of Hohenzollern. King Frederick William IV of Prussia is known to have a love of the fine arts and was something of a Romanticist ruler. He commissioned the top architect, Friedrich August Stuler, on the ruins of his ancestor's castle. He wanted to bring the romantic view of a medieval knight's castle to life.
Today the castle lauds around 900 meters above the Swabian Jura.
The castle has 140 rooms, including the King's bed chamber, the Queen's room, a family tree room, the library, and more. The castle even has its own brewery that makes its own beer called PREUSSENS.
Today it remains the private property of the Hohenzollern family - just as it has for almost a thousand years.
Self-Guided & Guided Tours Of Hohenzollern Castle
Today Hohenzollern Castle receives around 350,000 visitors every year and is one of Germany's most popular castles. It has also been used in the filming of some movies like the 2016 thriller horror A Cure for Wellness and the 2017 TV adaption of The Worst Witch.
Enjoy a deeper dive into the history of Hohenzollern Castle with the Royal Castle Stroll or their guided tour.
The castle normally opens its showrooms every day during opening times. Discover them with Royal Castle Stroll, and the skilled personnel will assist visitors in the showrooms answering whatever questions they may have. Another option is to download the free Castle App and enjoy that as an audio guide. The audio guide is available in English, German, and French.
On less frequented days, the castle may guide visitors through the royal chambers. During these times, the trained castle guides depart every 15 to 30 minutes with groups of up to 15 participants. The tours take around 45 minutes.
Planning A Visit To Hohenzollern Castle
Visitors can purchase their tickets on the website's Online-Ticket-Portal. The ticket includes admission to the showrooms, chapels, cellar rooms, and castle events. The castle can be self-toured without a guided tour, although there is competent staff who are able to answer questions.
Opening Hours:
- Castle Grounds: 10.00 am to 6.30 pm Daily
- Show Rooms: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Daily
Admission Fee:
- Adults: €22.00 ($22.00)
- Children: €10.00 ($10.00) Aged 12 to 17 Years Of Age - Under 11 Years Are Free.
After visiting Hohenzollern Castle, spend the night in a guesthouse in the surrounding Swabian Alps or the iconic Black Forest. This southern region of Germany is home to much of what many people consider to be quintessentially German.