Opulent palaces. Medieval ruins. Riverside fortresses with commanding views. Germany is a paradise for lovers of European castles, boasting an astonishing variety of landmarks straight out of a storybook. Its abundance of castles can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when Germany was a part of the Holy Roman Empire—a patchwork of hundreds of semi-independent kingdoms, each with its own defenses and fortifications.
Over the centuries, Germany’s central location in Europe, along with its borders with nine neighboring countries (the most of any European nation), spurred the construction of even more castles. Some were functional and built purely for defense, while others, particularly those dating to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, served as extravagant symbols of wealth and cultural ambition. Today, while the exact number of castles in Germany remains unknown, estimates suggest there are around 25,000 scattered atop cliffs, nestled in forests, and perched along the banks of rivers.
Visiting Germany’s most famous castles is as much about the journey as the destination. Many of the country’s most dramatic options are located along scenic hiking routes or driving tours, such as the renowned Castle Road, which spans 70 castles and over 480 miles and starts in the southwest city of Mannheim. There are also many beautiful German towns to see along the way.
So, want to feel like a queen or medieval knight for the day? Read on for our top 10 picks. Note that none of these are haunted, but find our round-up of such castles here.
Leave a Reply