Fairytale Castles in Germany you NEED to Visit (With Map & Printable Bucket List)

Germany’s castles are straight out of a fairytale. From mountaintop fortresses surrounded by misty forests to romantic palaces overlooking crystal-clear lakes, each one feels like stepping into a different century. After returning from a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest, I am determined to now visit every single Germany castle. So, I reached out to fellow travel bloggers to create this epic Castles in Germany bucket list!

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Germany Castles to Add to Your Bucket List

Okay! Let’s dive into this magical bucket list. Here are 9 castles in Germany that you need to visit in your lifetime.

1. Eltz Castle

• Location: Wierschem (1.5 hours from Germany)
• Price: €14

Perched above the Elzbach River and surrounded by dense forest, Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. Unlike many European castles, it has never been destroyed, and it’s still owned by the same family who built it more than 850 years ago. Construction began in the 9th century and evolved over several centuries into the romantic, turreted fortress we see today.

You can tour the inner courtyard, armoury, treasury, and lavish chambers on a guided visit (tours are included with entry, offered in German and English).

Eltz Castle lies about 1.5 hours west of Frankfurt. By car, park at Burg Eltz Parkplatz (about €2), then either take the shuttle or walk 20 minutes downhill through the forest for that magical first view. It is also possible to get here by train. Take the service to Moselkern Station, then hike roughly 5 km (1-1.5 hours) through scenic woodland paths. The castle is open daily between 1 April and 1 November, from 9:30 to 17:00, and the entrance fee is €14. 

Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds, and if you can, come in autumn, when the forest glows in orange and gold. Nearby, stop by Cochem for wine tasting along the Moselle River.

As experienced by Robin of Renting A Car In Europe 101

2. Neuschwanstein

• Location: Schwangau (1.5 hours from Munich)
• Price: €21

No trip to Germany is complete without visiting the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s the fairytale masterpiece that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, Neuschwanstein is as dramatic inside as it is outside, filled with ornate rooms, gold details, and murals inspired by Wagner’s operas.

The best views, though, are from the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), where you can capture that perfect postcard shot of the castle against the Alpine backdrop. However, this spot is BUSY. We hiked past the bridge and found a great hiking trail that led us to quiet (and even cooler) views.

Check out my full guide to visiting this masterpiece!

3. Hohenschwangau

• Location: Schwangau (1.5 hours from Munich)
• Price:

After soaking in all the views of Neuschwanstein, be sure to save some time to check out Hohenschwangau Castle. This 19th-century royal residence actually served as the childhood home of King Ludwig II. After arriving in the village, you can reach the castle via the hiking trail, bus, or horse carriage.

Guided tours run April 1–October 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and October 16–March 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The castle is open daily except December 24, 25 and 31, and January 1.

4. Heidelberg Castle

• Location: Heidelberg (~1 hour from Frankfurt)
• Price: € 11 (includes admission to courtyard, barrel cellar, pharmacy museum, and funicular ride)

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Neckar River, Schloss Heidelberg (Heidelberg’s Castle) is one of Germany’s most romantic and iconic landmarks. This Gothic and Renaissance castle was originally built in the 13th century by the counts palatine of the Rhine, and expanded by the Prince Electors. Unfortunately, the castle was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and again by lightning strikes. This left behind the ruins seen today, which have inspired poets and artists for centuries. 

Visitors can reach the castle by taking the funicular railway (Bergbahn) from the Kornmarkt station in the Old Town or by hiking up the steep path through the Schlossgarten, which takes about 15–20 minutes. If arriving by train, take a short bus or taxi from Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof to the Bergbahn funicular station. 

Inside the castle complex, be sure to visit the German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apotheken-Museum), featuring centuries-old medicine jars, herbal remedies, and intricate apothecary tools. Explore the castle grounds on your own, or join a guided tour to gain entry into the interior rooms. The panoramic views from the castle gardens over Heidelberg and there Neckar Valley are stunning and are a must-do for any Heidelberg visit!

As experienced by Sonia of CareyOnTravels

5. Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

• Location: Nuremberg
• Price: €9

The Imperial Castle is one of the most impressive and historically significant landmarks in Nuremberg, reflecting the rich heritage of the Holy Roman Empire. We reached it on foot from our hotel, Melter Hotel & Apartments, located in the city center. The walk takes about twenty minutes and passes through the picturesque streets of the Old Town. 

Before entering the castle, there is a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the entire city, open throughout the day. Inside the castle grounds, you’ll find a fascinating historical museum that opens at 10:00 a.m., displaying weapons, armor, and artifacts from the imperial era. One of the site’s highlights is the Well Show, held every hour on the hour. This short ten-minute presentation showcases a 50-meter-deep well that took ten years to dig entirely by hand. It’s highly recommended to watch the show, it’s impressive, engaging, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Surrounding the castle are lush, well-maintained gardens open to the public at all times. It’s a perfect spot to relax on a bench, enjoy a small picnic, and take in the beautiful view of the Old Town. A visit to the castle pairs perfectly with a walking tour of the Old Town and the nearby central market.

By Nofar Ronen at Traveling Outside the Box

6. Schloss Drachenburg

• Location: Königswinter (45 minutes from Cologne)
• Price: €10

During my slow travel journey across Europe, I have come across many castles, but Schloss Drachenburg in Königswinter remains one of the most splendid and intriguing I’ve seen.

Nestled on a hill and overhanging the Rhine River, this castle in Germany offers an impressive view of the surrounding countryside, dominating the valley. But the features that make it truly unique are its unusual architecture, garden, and history.

In contrast to most European castles, Schloss Drachenburg was never home to knights or monarchs. Instead, it was the dream of Baron Stephan von Sarter, a solitary financier. Unfortunately for him, after the construction ended, he never lived in it.

Passing through many hands, facing the WWI bombings, being left abandoned before being restored, and finally reclaimed by Germany as a national heritage, this castle faced a lot of events. However, thanks to preservation efforts and skilled craftsmen, it is now an unmissable place to see if you are travelling near Bonn.

To reach it, you can take a train from Bonn or Cologne to Königswinter station (approx. 30–45 minutes). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk or a ride on the historic Drachenfelsbahn. Alternatively, a parking space is accessible from the castle.

Once there, the hike to the castle from town is steep but scenic (~30 mins), with panoramic stops. Enjoy dear slow travellers!

Contributed by Ulysse from SlowSightSoul

7. Four Neckarsteinach Castles

• Location: Heidelberg (~1 hour from Frankfurt)
• Price: €50 (boat tour)

If you’re visiting the charming town of Heidelberg, don’t miss taking a boat trip along the Neckar River to see the four Neckarsteinach Castles! The 1.5-hour boat ride (each way) is beautiful in any season, but I especially loved it in autumn when the tree-lined banks burst with colour. The cruise also includes an audio guide, so you can learn more about the castles before you hop off to explore them up close.

Vorderburg, Mittelburg, Hinterburg and Burg Schadeck are unique in Germany for how close they sit together. It takes only 10-minutes to walk between them, along the leafy, peaceful“Castle Road.” Vorderburg and Mittelburg are privately owned, but Hinterburg and Burg Schadeck are completely free to visit year-round.

The climb up to 12th-century Hinterburg Castle is a real highlight! It’s steep and rocky, but the forest walk and river views are so worth it! Just wear sturdy shoes and have your phone’s flashlight handy. You can easily reach Neckarsteinach by boat from Heidelberg (the most scenic option!), by 20-minute S2 regional train, or in 30 minutes by car. But I would always personally recommend the boat tour, as the view of the castles from the water is truly stunning!

As experienced by Katie of Where Is Katie Now

8. Rheinstein Castle

• Location: Trechtingshausen 
• Price: €10

Rheinstein Castle is a perfect little knight’s castle and happens to be one of my favorite German Castles. It has everything you’d expect in a fairytale castle, a moat, armor, a courtyard, and a drawbridge.

This little gem was built in 1316 as a toll station along the Rhine. Today it is open to the public to tour and has a restaurant and castle hotel. The easiest way to get to Rheinstein is to drive. You’ll find plenty of parking spaces below the castle, which sits high above the river. You will need to walk uphill for about 10 minutes to reach the castle itself.

Alternatively, the nearest train station is located in Trechtingshausen, just 2 km away. While there is no official tour, you are welcome to explore the recesses of the castle on your own.  If you are looking for other things to do, there are dozens of castles all along this area of the Rhine River. Additionally, the area is a popular jumping-off spot for river cruises. 

As experienced by Angie of The Travel Bug Life

9. Harburg Castle

• Location: Harburg
• Price: €3.50 for gournds, €5 for interior

Tucked away above the picturesque town of Harburg, Harburg Castle is a must on any Germany castles bucket list. We stopped here during our Romantic Road day trip, and I’m so glad we did.

After arriving, you’ll find a large parking lot and a short walk to the castle. There’s a ticket booth upon entering, as everyone has to pay to walk the grounds (cash only). As you wander through its medieval stone walls, sweeping towers, and centuries-old battlements, you’ll sense the echoes of its long history, which was first referenced around 1150 and later home to the princely House of Oettingen-Wallerstein.

We just wandered the grounds, but you can also take a guided tour if you have the time!

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Germany Castles Map & Printable Bucket List

It’s estimated that there are over 20,000 castles (with ruins and foundations), so this list barely even scratches the surface. BUT, it’s a really good starting point. Here’s a map and a fun printable bucket list to help you start your adventure!

Psst: Just click the picture below to grab your free printable Germany Castles Bucket List!