In Germany, where, due to fragmentation, there has always been a highly branched elite, it built numerous fortresses and castles for its own life, as well as for defensive purposes. From many to the present moment, only romantic ruins remain, many of them were completely rebuilt several times, completely changing their appearance. Some are still owned by the descendants of noble German nobles, other castles in Germany have been converted into hotels, museums or camp sites.

1. Lichtenstein Castle

In the German town of Honau, on a steep cliff, at an altitude of 817 meters, stands beautiful castle Liechtenstein. It was built in 1840-1842 by Wilhelm of Urach, Count of Württemberg, who was impressed by the novel Liechtenstein. Southeast of the castle are the ruins of a real medieval fortress, built in the second half of the 12th century (Old Liechtenstein) and destroyed in the 14th century and never restored. The modern castle was built in accordance with the ideas of that century about how a medieval fortress should look like. The Urachsky family still owns this castle, but allows visitors to enter it, who come to look at the collection of ancient armor and weapons.

2. Johannesburg Castle

In Bavaria, on the banks of the Main in the city of Aschaffenburg, there is a huge old Johannesburg castle, around which there is a park with southern plants. It was built by Elector Johann Schweikhard von Kronberge at the beginning of the 17th century. The architecture of the castle is strict and laconic, full of strict direct proportions, it is square in plan, the buildings have steep roof slopes. There are 48 bells in the castle belfry, whose sounds thrice a day fly over the Main. The symmetrical and slightly austere façade is enlivened in the central part by peaked roofs with ornaments. The donjons and corner towers are made in a similar style. The castle roofs are covered with slate.
Tourists come here to look at the art gallery, where such geniuses as Rubens and Rembrandt are represented. The castle also hosts weddings, receptions, wine festivals.

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3. Eltz Castle

Not far from Koblenz, near Wierschem stands one of the most picturesque and truly medieval castle Eltz, belonging to the family of the same name. It stands in the valley of the Elzbach River in the middle of a dense forest. Apparently, he hid so well in the forest that he was lucky enough to avoid attacks, so tourists can see him in almost original form. Even the turbulent events of the French Revolution, which affected both these lands, and the wars of the 17th-18th centuries did not damage the castle, which is perfectly preserved both outside and inside. The image of Eltz ended up in the 1960s on a denomination of 500 marks.
Initially, and throughout all subsequent centuries, it was owned by the same Eltz family, now in the 33rd generation. It is believed that the castle was built in the 12th century, and the first mention of it is found in the deed of gift of Frederick the Redbeard.

4. Hohenschwangau Castle

This South Bavarian castle is located in the area of ​​the same name near the town of Fussen, not far from the Austrian border. It is less than a kilometer from the fabulous but almost modern Neuschwanstein Castle. This romantic residence was built for himself by King Maximilian II of Bavaria on the ruins of the 12th-century medieval fortress Schwanstein. The fortress was built by the knights of Schwangau, one of whom was immortalized in the Heidelberg Songbook as a famous minnesinger. When the family of the knights of Schwangau died out in the 16th century, the fortress began to collapse, until it was bought by Maximilian, the future crown prince of Bavaria, admiring the magnificence of the area. During the 30s of the 19th century, he built a new castle in a romantic spirit on the ruins.
King Ludwig II spent most of his life here, Richard Wagner came to visit him here. Even the piano on which the maestro played has been preserved. Now Hohenschwangau Castle is owned by the Wittelsbach Foundation, which turned it into a very popular museum, where up to 300 thousand tourists visit every year.

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5. Burghausen Castle

Once this castle served as the residence of the noble Wittelsbach family. It is located on the border with Austria in the city of Burghausen, where it stretches along a narrow ridge for almost a kilometer - this is the longest castle in the world. For the first time, a fortification in Burghausen is mentioned in 1025. Under Napoleon, it was destroyed, in 1896 it was rebuilt, and in 1960 it underwent a significant reconstruction. Now the castle houses a museum. There are 6 separate courtyards on the territory of the castle, which had their own functions and were separate bastions with their own moats and entrances with drawbridges. The inhabitants of the castle - treasurers, court employees, caretakers of barns and foresters lived in towers.

6. Stolzenfels Castle

Near the city of Koblenz in the town of Stolzenfels is the late Gothic castle of the same name. Recognized as an outstanding example of the period of Rhenish Romanticism, UNESCO took it under its protection in 2002.
The modern castle appeared in the 19th century on the ruins of a medieval fortress that stood on the left rocky bank of the Rhine. At the same time, a neo-romantic church was attached to it. The light walls, towers, galleries and terraces of Stolzenfels do not at all look like a military structure, they are more saturated with southern vitality. In winter, the castle looks especially attractive. Eclectic style from different eras reigns in its interiors. In numerous rooms there are collections of ancient armor and weapons of knights, expensive furniture and precious cups. The luxury of the interiors is striking: wooden ceilings, vaulted arches, antique fireplaces, magnificent tapestries.
Visitors have access to a Gothic tower, a banquet hall with a dome, rooms at the castle gates, the Knights' Hall, decorated in the German spirit. Every year a fireworks festival is held here. The castle is surrounded by magnificent gardens with gazebos and fountains immersed in flowers. In addition, wonderful views of the Rhine Valley open from here.

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7. Rheinstein Castle

Built back in the 13th century on a rocky cliff above the Rhine, Rheinstein Castle became a symbol of Rhenish romanticism and was included in the list world heritage. In the 18th century it was completely destroyed. It later became the property of the Prussian heir Friedrich Wilhelm, who restored it in a romantic style. In 1975, the castle was acquired by Hermann Höcher (opera singer), who began to invest a lot of money in its restoration. Before falling into the possession of Archbishop Peter von Aspelt, the castle served as an imperial customs house. Until the 16th century, the fortress walls and the three-story tower served for defense, but it was not battles that began to destroy them, but desolation.
For six centuries the castle was covered with cobwebs, until, finally, in the 19th century, the current of romanticism blew away the dust of centuries with its fresh wind. Prussian kings bought castles to keep them from falling apart. The cousin, first of the Crown Prince, and then of King Wilhelm IV, Friedrich von Preussen, arranged a summer residence for his family in the castle.

8. Zatzwei Castle

The history of this castle with water barriers goes back to the 12th century. At the end of the 14th century, the first stone buildings appeared here. A century later, the castle was completed and reinforced with heavy entrance gates. In 1747 it became the property of the Rhenish nobleman Carl Otto von Gimnich. During the last war, the castle was badly damaged, and Countess Adeline von Gimnich had to spend money on its reconstruction. And now a representative of this ancient family lives in this castle - Count Franz Josef Beissel von Gimnich.
This castle, according to one magazine, was among the ten most luxurious private estates in Germany. But many of its premises are open to the public and are offered for private events. After 1981, the castle and around it are arranged cultural events, so tourists come here, following the schedule. The funds received from the events are used to maintain the castle in order, since the state does not provide financial support to the owner.

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9. Wernigerode Castle

The construction of this castle began in the 12th century. It was originally impregnable fortress. The castle was located on the old road to the hunting grounds in local mountains Harts. The first owner of the castle was also the founder of the dynasty of counts of Wernigerode, he moved here from Swabia under Henry V. The castle has been rebuilt many times in its history, and it acquired its present appearance at the end of the 19th century. The latest restoration pursued the idea of ​​historicism, which was fashionable at that time, therefore, neo-Gothic style is visible in its features. Since 1949, excursions have been allowed into the castle. Currently, there is a museum with 40 rooms. The 1979 film "The Same Munchausen" was filmed in this castle.

10. Heidelberg Castle

The ruins of the Heidelberg castle, located in the southwest of Germany, attract with their genuine romanticism. The castle was built on the slope of the Königstuhl peak, which dominates the Neckar valley and the city of Heidelberg. In the past, the castle was the residence of the Electors of the Palatinate. The castle was first mentioned in 1225. At the end of the 17th century, during the war with France, the castle was destroyed by the French. First in 1697 and then in 1742 there were two attempts to restore the castle. Between them, in 1720 it was the residence of the Electors, and in 1764 a lightning strike, which caused a significant fire, contributed to the destruction of the castle. Finally, in 1810, French patron Charles de Gremberg undertook the restoration of the castle. And in the same century, he was able to turn Heidelberg Castle into popular place for travelers to visit. Until now, it is an important tourist center.

Germany is a country famous for beautiful fairy tales and legends about noble knights rescuing beautiful princesses imprisoned in high castle towers. German fortresses and castles are deservedly considered the most beautiful in the world and Germany really has something to be proud of. Even today, the number of preserved and restored castles here reaches twenty-five thousand. This is a rather staggering figure, but it is actually true: the great heritage of ancient German history is reflected in these ancient and majestic castles, fortresses, palaces, which once served as the centers of life of German emperors, counts, princes. Now, many medieval walls have been converted into museums, hotels, restaurants, but many, like centuries ago, are home to the aristocratic families of the country. Today we will tell you about the castles located on the lands of Rhineland-Palatinate - in the Rhine valley.

In general, the Rhine Valley occupies a vast area along the river, but we will be interested in the area under the protection of UNESCO - from the city of Koblenz to Bingen. It is there that not only magnificent landscapes, but also almost forty ancient German castles. It is worth mentioning that most of them are in a state of ruins or in this moment are being restored, and many were restored or rebuilt in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Get ready for the uphill climbs, as the castles in germany built on high parts of the terrain and mountain slopes.

Ehrenfels Castle located on a steep mountain range on the banks of the Rhine, proudly towering over the city of Rüdesheim. Around the ancient castle, vineyards grow everywhere, on which the only grape variety grows, named "Ehrenfels", in honor of this castle. The castle was built in 1212 for the Archbishop of Mainz. It must be said that Ehrenfels Castle played an important defensive role, since Henry the Fifth, who was the de facto regent of the Holy Roman Empire, encroached on these lands since the time of its construction. In the thirteenth century, the castle began to be used as a customs post. Unfortunately, Ehrenfels Castle was badly damaged during the sieges that often occurred during the Thirty Years' War, and it was finally destroyed during the War of the Palatinate Succession. In general, two versions of its destruction are called: - during the siege of Mainz in 1689; - in 1636, it was burned by the owners so that the enemy could not capture it. Today, it is more likely not a castle, but ruins, with some elements still preserved. Ehrenfels Castle is surrounded by twenty-meter walls, two corner thirty-three-meter towers adjoining them have been preserved, in addition, some parts of the living quarters, part of the gate building have been preserved. From the rest of the buildings you can see only the foundation. If you decide to take a closer look at the ruins of Ehrenfels, you will have to walk up to them, but this path will be very scenic and will run past majestic vineyards. If you decide to purchase a tour of this castle, you should pre-register.

Rhinestein Castle - Its construction dates back to the tenth century. It stands on a sheer cliff, and from the moment of its construction, with its jagged crown from above, it seems to challenge anyone who wants to doubt the free status of its inhabitants. Reinstein has always maintained the status of a fighting castle, although he was lucky, and for the entire period of his existence, he did not have a chance to experience a more or less serious siege. In guides to German castles located in the Rhine Valley, you will definitely be told about the famous event that took place within these walls, namely the high-profile trial and execution of the robber knights Zoonek, Ehrenfels and Reichenstein. This happened in the thirteenth century, the process was led by the emperor Rudolf von Habsburg himself. The accused were charged with numerous robberies, murders, and sentenced to death by decapitation. It happened at the Chapel of St. Clemens - one of the oldest churches on the banks of the Rhine River. For some time the castle played the role of an imperial customs house, but then Archbishop Peter von Aspelt became its owner, and the fortress again acquired the role of defender of the local lands, until the sixteenth century. Over time, the walls began to collapse, over several centuries, the castle was overgrown with dust and paving, but everything changed in the nineteenth century, when the Prussian royal family began to actively buy up to save them from further destruction. It was bought by Friedrich von Preussen, who was a cousin of the prince and then King William the Fourth. He restored the castle and made it the summer residence of the family. Today, Rheinstein Castle is a true treasure of Germany, keeping many of the most valuable rarities: the copper bible of Matthew Merian, created in 1630, numerous ancient prayer books, priceless copies of book painting of the ninth-sixteenth centuries, Andreas Walsperger's world map, numbering almost five centuries . In Reistein Castle you can see beautiful stained-glass windows, majestic frescoes decorating the ceilings and walls, old furniture dating back to the seventeenth-nineteenth centuries, a seventeenth-century cannon, and other types of ancient weapons. In 2006, a medieval kitchen with a huge stove and a powerful chimney was recreated in the castle. Visitors to the castle can see ancient kitchen utensils, huge meat hooks, glass vessels for wine, oil and vinegar. In 2007, repairs were carried out to strengthen the mountain slope that holds the castle above the water. A visit to the castle by single tourists is carried out by appointment, and large tourist groups can attend without registration. Around the castle are held annual festivals and concerts. The most famous festival, which attracts many travelers every year, is the Fires of the Rhine, at this time, fantastically spectacular fireworks are arranged on the ferry, installed next to the castle.

Reichenstein Castle- in general, opinions about the time of the founding of this castle vary greatly, but it is established that its first owners were the German emperor Otto the Third, who lived at the end of the tenth century - this was the last offspring of the oldest male branch of the Saxon dynasty. Although, the oldest premises of the castle date back to the eleventh century, when the fortress belonged to the abbey, and it, in turn, appointed governors called vogts. The rulers had broad powers to govern the region. What is most interesting is that the castle, for many centuries, was considered a real den - a haven for robber knights, robbing peaceful merchants moving through the Rhine valley. And everything happened, after the appointment of a vogt - knight Gerhard Reinbodo, at the beginning of the twelfth century. He began to shamelessly rob all the merchants and shipbuilders, demanding payment for the passage of his area. This profitable business was continued by numerous followers of Rainbodo, gradually they completely refused to obey the patrons from the abbey, becoming greedy and insatiable. This overwhelmed the patience of the archbishop of Mainz, so in 1253 Reichenstein was captured, and its owner, the knight Philipp von Hohenfels, surrendered without a fight, in exchange for a promise to save his life. Vogt vowed to change his behavior and was believed. But, he continued to rob, not forgetting at the same time to prudently strengthen the castle. And what is most surprising - he even received a promotion in the form of the post of imperial vicar, and after that he laid a hand on church property, only then, the Archbishop of Mainz excommunicated him from the church.

They say that Reichenstein even has its own ghost. It so happened that in 1282, King Rudolf von Habsburg laid siege to the castle, but the garrison surrendered not because of superior enemy strength, but because the fortress ran out of food. Dietrich Hohenfels headed the defense of the castle, the confrontation was grandiose, even today the exhibits preserved in the castle museum remind of him: arrowheads, all kinds of attributes of knightly armor. The emperor, having captured the owner of the castle, along with his nine sons, decided to execute them for robbery and robbery. Dietrich von Hohenfels begged the emperor for mercy for his children, but he set the condition for the robber knight that he would spare his sons if the father could pass by them after cutting off his head. It is clear that this would be a miracle. But, after the head was cut off by the executioner, the headless body of Dietrich did not fall to the ground, but stood up and walked past the children, who were hardly standing. And only having reached the last son, it collapsed down, splashing Rudolf von Habsburg himself with a fountain of blood, and he was so surprised at what he saw that he kept his promise to the deceased, saving the lives of his children. But the knight's associates were hanged, and the castle was burned, along with the nearby fortress. In people's memory, the castle was forever associated with the decapitated ghost of Reichenstein. For a long time, the fortress stood useless to anyone, until in the nineteenth century it was acquired by Nicholas Kirsch-Puritselli and his wife Olga, they revived the castle to a full life. It was restored, according to the surviving images in old paintings of the seventeenth centuries. The new owners have collected here a lot of old paintings, medieval engravings, antique sculptures, vases, unique furniture, various musical instruments and fine metallurgical products. In addition, during a tour of the castle, tourists can get acquainted with the richest collection of hunting trophies, as well as a collection of mineral stones, in the armory - there are unique knightly armor from different times, and in the castle chapel - there are ancient sacred relics, in the Hall of the Knights there are portraits all owners of Reichenstein Castle. In 1987, the castle was bought by restaurateur Egon Schmitz. At the moment, part of the castle is a museum, the second part is a hotel and a restaurant.

Sunek Castle– the castle is located near the village of Niederheimbach, between Bingen and Bakara. The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1271, at that time it was under the control of the Lords of Hohenfels, who were engaged in robberies and robberies. In 1282, the castle was besieged by the troops of King Rudolph the First, it was captured and destroyed, and the emperor imposed a ban on its restoration. But at the request of members of the Austrian ruling family, in 1290 it was restored to carry out a defensive function. In April 1346, Sunek became the property of the Archbishop of Mainz. Then, Waldeck became its owner, when he died, the marshal's four heirs began to conflict over this inheritance. This continued until the death of the last heir, Philip Melchior, in 1553. Left without owners, the castle quickly fell into disrepair. And during the period of the struggle for the inheritance, it was finally destroyed by the troops of the French king Louis the Fourteenth, it happened in 1689. In 1774, the diocese of Mainz rented the ruins of the castle, and planted vineyards here. In 1834, Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Crown Prince of Prussia, together with his brothers, acquired the ruins of the abandoned Sunek castle, deciding to rebuild the castle into a hunting lodge. Which was done under the guidance of military architect Karl Schnitzler. The castle retained its main features, but romantic elements of architecture were added to them, and the Prussian royal coat of arms was hung over the northern gate of the castle. But all the construction efforts were in vain: the royal family never used their hunting lodge for its intended purpose, due to the German revolution of 1848. And after the end of the First World War, Sunek Castle was nationalized, and the state became its owner. Today it is possible to visit this castle. By the way, the cashier and his caretaker is now a native of Ukraine.

Fürstenberg Castle- This dilapidated fortress is located in the town of Reindibach. This castle is mentioned in documents from 1175. At that time it belonged to the Zähringen family. It is known from the history of the castle that it was erected by order of the Archbishop of Cologne, in troubled times for the country. When all the successors of the Tseringen family died, and this happened around 1250, Henry Urach, Count of Furstenberg, settled in the castle - the ruler of those lands, by the way, whose family has not died out to this day. Until the Thirty Years' War, the castle delighted everyone who saw it with its power and beauty at the same time. Unfortunately, during the war, the fortress was seriously damaged and never restored for many centuries. And only recently it was closed for renovation. But it is worth noting that Furstenberg, even in a dilapidated state, looks very impressive, being a classic example of military engineering architecture of the Middle Ages. Today, the interest of tourists is caused by the main wall of the castle, which is well preserved, the walls of the castle and the original medieval plaster decorating them are well preserved.

Castle Stahleck This fortress is located on high rock on the banks of the Rhine. The name of the castle, in translation means - "impregnable castle on the rock." It is distinguished by one amazing feature, very rare for German castles in Germany - the presence of a moat filled with water. The castle was built by order of the Cologne archbishop. The fortress was necessary to protect the city from external enemies. For a long time of existence, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and restored. The fortress is the main round tower in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by a wall with corner towers. To get into the courtyard of the castle, you need to pass the bridge, it used to be a drawbridge. According to historical documents dated 1142, the owner of this castle was the German count palatine Hermann von Stahleck. His income consisted of customs duties levied on goods transported along the river, because the city of Bacharach, in which the castle itself is located, was previously large shopping mall on the Rhine. The fact that the castle was surrounded by a moat did not discourage the desire to capture it, only during the Thirty Years' War, it was besieged at least eight times. In 1620, it was taken by the troops of the Spaniard Ambrogio Spinola, and in 1632, the Spaniards were expelled by the Swedes. It is clear that sieges and battles could not but cause damage to the fortress. Added damage and the War of the Palatinate Succession. In 1689, the French finally blew up the castle, completely destroying its walls, and many castle rooms were damaged in the fire. The ruins of the castle gradually crumbled until a wave of rebuilding began in Germany in the nineteenth century. ancient castles. The work was undertaken by the architect Ernst Stahl, who, having carefully developed a plan for the restoration of the fortress, relied on the found ancient engravings with his images. And so, in 1931, it was restored. Now there is a youth hostel. In summer, places must be booked in advance. In general, the castle lives a full and dynamic life: solemn events, conferences, banquets, weddings are often held in its Knights' Hall. Schoolchildren are often brought here to acquaint the younger generation with this region, rich in historical events, as well as German culture and traditions.

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle- the famous castle-ship, located on the island of Falkenau, which is opposite the small town of Kaub. This island is quite tiny, but it was enough to build the Pfalzgrafenstein customs castle there. From a distance, it looks like a ship sailing on the Rhine. The date of construction of the fortress is not exactly known, but historical documents dating back to 1277 speak of the successful acquisition of Philip II von Falkenstein-Münzberg, this castle together with the city of Kaub. And since the castle used to have a different name, a German aristocrat renamed it Pfalzgrafenstein. In 1326, the castle was bought by Margrave Ludwig the Fifth of Bavaria, he decided that it was necessary to build a powerful pentagonal castle tower here. And when the archbishops of Trier and Mainz were indignant at the construction of this tower and ordered it to be destroyed, the margrave, in response, erected an additional thick fortress wall. In 1756, a fire broke out in the fortress, after which, when restoring the roof, it was decided to turn to the Baroque style. In 1814, the fortress greatly helped with the crossing of the Prussian troops under the leadership of Gebhard von Blucher, when they pursued Napoleon. In 1866, the fortress was bought by Prussia, ten years after that, it ceased to perform customs functions, and began to serve as a lighthouse. Since 1946, the castle, after a thorough restoration, has become a museum. It can be accessed with a guided tour. But it is worth noting that this is a slightly unusual castle in the understanding of tourists, because it has never been residential and defensive, was not a residence, therefore, here you will not see either a chapel, or a knight's hall, or wine cellar. A small garrison, no more than fifty people, always lived in the castle, and they lived in completely Spartan conditions: cooking took place on an open fire, in a hearth carved into the wall of the courtyard; bread was baked in the ovens located in the central tower - "Bergfried"; there was only one toilet, located directly above the Rhine and representing a wooden "throne" with a hole, located in the bay window. During its long history, the castle has never been captured or destroyed; it has survived to this day in the original state that it was in the Middle Ages.

Schonburg Castle- stands on a hundred and thirty-meter rocky ridge, near the town of Oberwesel. The castle was named after its owners, the Schonburg family, who lived here for several centuries. When this castle was erected is unknown, but the first mention of it can be found in documents dating back to 1149. Initially, the archbishop of Magdeburg owned Schonburg. In 1166, Emperor Frederick the First acquired it, and in 1216, the castle became the property of the church. The fortress includes three courtyards located on different levels. The center of the structure is the courtyard and its oldest part. In ancient times, on the south side there was a deep defensive moat. The square gate tower of the fortress also belongs to very early buildings. Already in the thirteenth century, a courtyard was built in the southern part, a Gothic chapel, the Great Hall, and two adjacent round towers were erected there. In the fourteenth century, on the side of the western slope, it was decided to build a powerful outer wall, behind which another courtyard was laid. At the end of the seventeenth century, Schonburg was destroyed by war. But the restoration of the castle began only in 1885, and in the twentieth century the northern part of the castle was taken over by a hotel and a restaurant. Now, the castle, with views of the river opening from its windows - favorite place for weddings, weddings or honeymoon. There are even special suites for newlyweds, as well as a large knight's dining room, a beautiful chapel for church ceremonies, and vacationers can visit an excellent private gallery.

Gutenfels Castle- is located near the town of Kaub, already mentioned above. It was built in 1200 by the order of the minster von Falkenstein-Münzberg, in order to protect customs and collect duties. In 1257, the castle was acquired by representatives of the noble Falkenstein family. Since 1277, the right to collect fees and the Gutenfels castle itself were bought by the Bavarian counts palatine Wittelsbach, but already in 1326 the fortress passed to King Ludwig of Bavaria, who decided to strengthen the castle. Ludwig of Bavaria, attracted by the extraction of large profits, did not disdain to take a fee from the courts of the Pope himself, he was so angry that he refused Ludwig to be crowned the German king, and also ordered the tower to be destroyed and customs abolished, but such demands were ignored. And Ludwig of Bavaria was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire with the support of his people and without the participation of the Pope in this event. In 1504, the castle was partially destroyed, subjected to a siege by the Count of Hesse, and in 1509 it was restored and modernized by order of Ludwig the Fifth of Bavaria, and equipped with modern defensive bastions and other structures. It must be said that from the period of construction until the seventeenth century, Gutenfels Castle regularly carried out its defensive function, and its walls remembered more than one enemy attack. Due to its favorable location on a mountain ledge, powerful outer walls, zwinger, observation towers and a protective moat around the perimeter, the castle was an insurmountable obstacle to many conquerors. But its glorious history was cut short in 1807, when, on the orders of Napoleon, the main defensive structures of the fortress were destroyed. It stood in complete disrepair until the nineteenth century, when restoration and restoration began here. In 1959, the castle was given into the possession of the European Youth Center. Gutenfels was made an exclusive hotel. Inside the castle residential buildings, the medieval interior has been carefully preserved. Small rooms were converted into bedrooms, the largest room is stylized as a knight's hall and now it serves as a restaurant. The interior has not suffered at all for the sake of convenience and comfort, modern innovations organically fit into the medieval atmosphere, even the courts and pools built around the castle look very profitable. Despite these improvements, hotel guests still expect evening gatherings in great hall in front of a burning fireplace, surrounded by antique furniture, family portraits. To date, the hotel guests have at their disposal several rooms where forty people can accommodate: one single room, eight double rooms, a living room, and any room can be supplemented with beds. Each room has its own bath and toilet.

Katz Castle- the construction of the castle dates back to 1360, it took place under the leadership of Count Wilhelm II von Katzenelenbogen, respectively, the castle began to bear the name of the founder. But since the name of the castle was too long for the local population, it was called "Katz", short and clear "Cat". And this name also became a playful contrast for the nearby castle of Turnburg, the patrimony of the Archbishop of Trier, Bohemond II, and the political rival of the Katznelenbogen family. The name "Turnburg" was very soon erased from people's memory, replaced by the nickname "Maus" - "Mouse". But back to Katz. It was originally built to protect the town of St. Gorhausen, which was owned by the Katzenelnbogen family. When firearms spread in the seventeenth century, the castle was immediately fortified with defensive structures and powerful artillery pieces. During the period of the seventeenth-eighteenth centuries, Katz was an outpost that stood opposite the fortress of Reinfels. In 1806, the Katz castle was destroyed by the French, and ninety years later it was restored, but not as it was in antiquity, but in a more modern design and according to the architectural trends of the nineteenth century. Between 1946 and 1951 Katz Castle became the seat of the highest educational institution- Hoffmann Institute. From a medieval building, the castle has retained only a forty-five-meter-high donjon and part of the eastern outer wall. Now the castle is a hotel.

Mouse Castle- I must say that this is one of the best defensive castles-structures on the Rhine River. Maus Castle stands on a wooded hill overlooking a small German city Wellmich. Its construction was carried out in the middle of the fourteenth century after the Archbishop of Trier received imperial permission for this. The archbishop wanted to protect his possessions from the militant claims of his neighbor, Count Katzenelnbogen, by building a fortress. The castle was originally called Thurnberg, but along with this, Burg Maus and Douernburg were also called. Although thirty years after its construction, the people around stubbornly called it "Maus". The electorate of Trier, who owned the castle, did a good job of fortifying the building. In the center there was a residential building, where there were chambers, a hall, office premises. A courtyard was adjacent to the building, which was surrounded by reliable fortress walls and a moat, with the most vulnerable east side. Maus Castle was not destroyed, but from the sixteenth century it stood abandoned and time did its insidious work, until it was acquired by the Wiesbaden archivist. Since 1900, restoration work began in the castle, under the guidance of architect Wilhelm Gartner. During the Second World War, the castle was bombed, but the damage was not fatal and it was restored. After the end of the war, the castle got a new owner, having made repairs there, he opened it for visits, this was in 1978. Today the castle is open to the public. In addition, it can be rented for celebrations: purely family or official. Tourists are attracted by the show held in Turnberg, where eagles and falcons participate.

Liebenstein Castle and Sterrenberg castle – it is worth telling about these castles together, as their history is inextricably linked and inseparable from each other. The ancient castles of Sterrenberg and Liebenstein rise proudly above the sleepy German town of Kamp-Bornhofen. Sterrenberg shines white in the sun, while Liebenstein evokes melancholy with its dark walls. Many centuries ago, the castles were separated by a high wall, so for a long time, the locals dubbed them "Warring Brothers". Liebenstein Castle stands a little higher than Sterrenberg, they are located at a distance of two hundred meters from each other. The main tower of Liebenstein is an old square donjon, which was a residential building in the Middle Ages. The tower stands on a rock, which turned out to be right in the center of the castle square. During its existence, the castle has always belonged to several owners - relatives at the same time, which was not so good, because everyone wanted to somehow isolate their home in a relatively small internal area. That's why there were four additional residential towers. As mentioned above, the history of the two castles is continuously connected. First, the Shterrenberg fortress was built, for the first time it was mentioned in documents dated 1034. They built a castle to protect the imperial possessions on the right bank of the Rhine, and the first owners were the ministerial family von Bolanden. In 1249, the castle was destroyed due to the siege by the troops of King William of Holland. In 1268, the fortress was divided between the brothers of the von Bolanden family: Werner and Philip. When Philip died, his brother wanted to unite both parts of the castle. But this was opposed by his guardians. When Werner died, his share was once again divided among his sisters. The husband of one of these sisters was Albert von Levenstein - the son of Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg, he decided to build another castle in order to secure his part of the inheritance, and so the Liebenstein castle arose. In 1294, the husband of the heiress of the von Bolanden family, Heinrich von Sponheim, sold Liebenstein Castle to two brothers Siegfried and Ludwik von Shterrenberg in order to pay off debts, who, having moved to the castle, took the name von Liebenstein. By the end of the thirteenth century, the von Bolanden family had died out, and the hereditary rights to part of the Shterrenberg castle passed to the family of the counts of Katzenalenbogen. The rights to the rest of the Shterrenberg castle went to the Archbishop of Triar. Although already in 1320 the Elector of Triar Balduin received the second half of the castle as his possession. Until 1352, the castle was owned by Heinrich Baer von Boppard, but he was convicted of robbery and his possessions were confiscated, transferring Shterrenberg to Lamprecht von Schonenburg. And Liebenstein Castle during this period and up to 1340, already acquired ten owners, so the family was very numerous and prolific. Each owner considered it his duty to contribute to the strengthening of his part of the castle, and also erected residential buildings there. But there was never a unity of opinion between the owners, since by the will of fate they were supporters of different political movements and vassals of different lords. In 1369, the co-owner of Liebenstein, Giselbert Bremser, bravely defended his castle from the treacherous attack of the counts of the Katzenalenboren family, as a result of which the fortress passed into the possession of the Archbishop of Triar. The inhabitants of the castle could not get along peacefully in any way, and in the fourteenth century they even erected a huge wall, called the “Quarrel Wall”. In 1423, the last offspring of the Schenk von Liebenstein family died, part of his possessions passed to side branches of the family. In 1456, the Count of Nassau and the Archbishop of Triar signed an agreement to recognize Sterrenberg as an uninhabited castle. So it stood abandoned until 1568. In 1510, Philipp von Liebenstein unified all parts of the castle. And in 1592, the owners of Liebenstein moved to Liebenecke Castle. In 1637, the genus von Liebenstein completely ceased to exist, not even side branches remained. The heirs were the House of Nassau-Saarbrücken and Emperor Ferdinand II. There was a dispute: who will own Liebenstein Castle? In 1648, Mr. von Waldenburg took possession of the castle. Since 1782, both castles have been empty, and the locals have adapted their territories for vegetable gardens. In the middle of the twentieth century, both fortresses were reconstructed. Today, Sterrenberg Castle is open to the general public all year round. And its tower, in the Middle Ages there were women's quarters, in the seventies of the twentieth century was converted into a dwelling. In addition, a restaurant and a pub are located on the territory of the castle; they are decorated in a beautiful Gothic style. Liebenstein Castle is privately owned by the ancient German family von Preuschens, they offer visitors accommodation in a small castle hotel, visiting a cafe or restaurant located right there.

Marksburg Castle- above the small town of Braubach, on a high one hundred and fifty meter mountain, a magnificent old castle rises, which for many centuries played an important role in protecting the main transport artery of Germany. The castle was built around 1200, on the site of an earlier Frankish watchtower built in the tenth century. It was named after the nearby city of Braubach, and the first owners of the fortress were the von Eppstein family. For some time it belonged to the archbishop of Mainz, who in 1238 presented it to a relative who was married to a count from the Katzenelenbogen family. He was very happy with such a gift and remade Marksburg into a cozy dwelling, under the protection of a reliable fortress. A three-meter wall was erected around the castle, a chapel and a palace were built. In 1479 Marksburg Castle passed into the possession of the counts of Hesse. They ordered to expand the premises of the castle, but as a result, the courtyard was significantly reduced in size. In 1568, the Hessians moved to another castle, and Marksburg was abandoned. After some time, the fortress was rented by a military garrison. Since 1643, the strengthening of the castle walls began, as well as the construction of bastions and the construction of large and small batteries. It was these efforts that helped the fortress to withstand the attack of the troops of the French king Louis the Fourteenth, and also to survive the Thirty Years' War, during which all the famous German castles in the Rhine Valley were destroyed, except for impregnable Marksburg. When the German Empire collapsed, the castle went to the Duchy of Nassau, and a prison and a dwelling for crippled soldiers formed there. When Nassau lost the Austro-Prussian War, Prussia took over the fortress. In 1900, the reconstruction of Marksburg began, under the direction of the architect Bodo Eberhard. In 1945, the castle collapsed due to shelling by American artillery, but it was reconstructed again and since 2002, Marksburg has been recognized as a World Heritage Site and taken under the protection of UNESCO. Today, anyone can go on an excursion to this majestic castle, where they can see the real interior of the castle of the Middle Ages: the castle kitchen, the majestic knight's hall, a simple fireplace, an old chapel, an armory, a wine cellar, well-preserved secret passages and chambers in the tower.

In conclusion of the article, I would like to pay tribute to the Germans, who sacredly keep and revere traditions and are very careful about their historical heritage while preserving ancient buildings.

At one time they served as the residences of noble families, and also had military-strategic functions. Many have survived to this day only in the form of romantic ruins, such as the famous ruins in Heidelberg (or Heidelberg). Some remained in the property of the descendants of ancient German families, others became museums, hotels, camp sites ....

It is difficult to argue about the beauty of castles, as well as about tastes, so it is impossible to make an objective rating of the most beautiful or most famous castles in Germany. Nevertheless, Deutsche Welle offered its own list of castles that were included in the Golden Twenty medieval stone sights in Germany ...

The main thing at the same time is not to scatter, limiting yourself - with all the temptations - only to castles, at least laid down in the Middle Ages, that is, leaving for later the creations of masters of later times and styles - Renaissance, Baroque, historicism and classicism. For example, the famous Neuschwanstein, built by the Bavarian king Ludwig II in the 19th century, so to speak, based on the ancient knight's castles.

Neuschwanstein Castle, photo by Nite Dan — Enjoypixel

1. Eltz Castle - Burg Eltz

Eltz Castle is hidden from the whole world in a quiet forest a few kilometers from the banks of the Moselle River. His image adorned the banknote of 500 German marks of the 1960 model. For many centuries it has been owned by representatives of the same noble family - already in the 33rd generation. Erected, as experts suggest, in the 12th century, it was first mentioned in the deed of deed of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

Castles of Germany - Castle Eltz - Burg Eltz

2. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle - Burg Pfalzgrafenstein

This 14th-century castle is located at 546 Rhine kilometers near the town of Kaub. It is considered one of the most unusual and picturesque castles in Germany. It was built in the middle of the river specifically to house a customs post that collected fees from merchants and captains for the transport of goods until 1876. The garrison of the castle consisted of 20 to 54 people.

Castles in Germany. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle - Burg Pfalzgrafenstein

3. Marksburg Castle - Burg Marksburg

One of the most picturesque castles in the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on a 160-meter rocky ledge, it is the best preserved of all the castles in this part of the river. The beginning of construction dates back to the first half of the 13th century. In the 1990s, the Japanese wanted to move the castle to Miyako Island, but the deal failed and they limited themselves to building a copy of it.

Castles of Germany - Marksburg Castle - Burg Marksburg

4. Imperial Castle in Cochem - Reichsburg Cochem

In the Middle Ages, this castle, strategically located above the Moselle River, was used to collect customs duties - mainly for the transport of wine. Directly from the castle, traffic along the river could be blocked using a special chain. It was badly damaged in the 17th century and restored with private funds in the era of German romanticism. Since 1978 it has been in city ownership.

Castles in Germany. Imperial Castle in Cochem - Reichsburg Cochem

5. Kaiserburg Imperial Castle - Nürnberger Burg

The Nuremberg fortress with the castle located on its territory has been a place where German history has been made for centuries. This city began to play a special role in the Holy Roman Empire already in the middle of the 11th century. From 1050 to 1571, all its emperors stayed here, sometimes on the way, sometimes for longer periods, and the Kaiserburg was considered one of their most important residences.

Castles in Germany. Kaiserburg Imperial Castle - Nürnberger Burg

6. Zatzwei Castle - Burg Satzvey

Its current owners were the first to stage a historic jousting tournament in their castle. It was over 30 years ago. The history of this castle, located on a plain and once surrounded by water on all sides, begins in the 12th century. It is located near Cologne in the Eifel region. The traditional Christmas and Easter markets are also very popular here.

Castles in Germany. Zatzwei Castle - Burg Satzvey

7. Kriebstein Castle - Burg Kriebstein

Located just 60 kilometers from Dresden, it is considered the most beautiful knight's castle in Saxony. It has repeatedly (back in the days of the GDR) become a place for shooting fairy-tale films. Its history spans over six centuries. It has retained its Gothic character, although parts of it have been rebuilt and expanded. The first written mention is dated October 4, 1384.

Castles in Germany. Kriebstein Castle - Burg Kriebstein

8. Wernigerode Castle - Burg Wernigerode

Wernigerode Castle is first mentioned in the chronicles of the 12th century. It was erected on the path that the German emperors made to the hunting grounds in the forests of the Harz. In 1979, the castle and town were turned into a film set for open sky. Director Mark Zakharov came here in the GDR to film Grigory Gorin's play "The Same Munchausen" with Oleg Yankovsky in the title role.

Castles in Germany. Wernigerode Castle - Burg Wernigerode

9. Burghausen Castle - Burg Burghausen

The former residence of the German noble family of Wittelsbach. The castle is located in the Bavarian city of the same name near the border with Austria. Stretching for more than a kilometer on a narrow, elongated ridge, it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as "The Longest Castle in the World." The first mention of a fortification in Burghausen dates back to 1025. Destroyed in Napoleonic times and restored in 1896.

Castles in Germany. Castle Burghausen - Burg Burghausen

10. Lauenstein Castle - Burg Lauenstein

This northernmost castle in Bavaria is located under the city of Ludwigsstadt. Its oldest parts date back to the 12th century, and the first mention dates back to 1242. The current main wing of the castle was built in the Renaissance style in the middle of the 16th century. In 1944, German Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was kept under arrest here for some time, later hanged by decision of a special court of the "Third Reich".

Castles in Germany. Lauenstein Castle - Burg Lauenstein

11. Trausnitz Castle - Burg Trausnitz

The ducal residence in the Bavarian city of Landshut. The castle was founded in 1204 on a hill near the Isar River after the expansion of the Wittelsbach family in Lower Bavaria. During the reign of Frederick II Staufen, the castle became one of the main centers of power of the Holy Roman Empire. The guests of the castle were the legendary minnesingers Tannhäuser and Walther von der Vogelweide.

Castles in Germany. Trausnitz Castle - Burg Trausnitz

12. Hohenzollern Castle - Burg Hohenzollern

This castle, located fifty kilometers from Stuttgart, is considered the family nest of the Swabian dynasty of the same name, whose representatives rose in the Middle Ages. In the XV-XVI centuries they became the rulers of Brandenburg and Prussia, and in 1871 they took the throne of the German Kaisers. The castle fortress was built, presumably, in the 11th century. The first mention is dated 1267.

Castles in Germany. Hohenzollern Castle - Burg Hohenzollern

13. Altena Castle - Burg Altena

It is located in the valley of the Lene River, a tributary of the Ruhr. According to legend, it was erected in the 12th century by representatives of the dynasty of the Counts of Berg. In recent centuries, the castle housed a garrison, a nursing home, a criminal court, a shelter for the poor, a prison, a hospital, and in 1912 it was here that the first youth hostel (Jugendherberge) was founded - special for school groups.

Castles in Germany. Altena Castle - Burg Altena

14. Hambacher Schloss

This castle in Rhineland-Palatinate is considered the cradle of German democracy. In 1832, it became the venue for a major folk festival, where 30,000 participants for the first time came out for political freedoms, national unity and civil rights. The first fortification on this site was erected in the 11th century. The current appearance of the castle acquired in the middle of the XIX century in the era of romanticism.

Castles in Germany. Hambach Castle - Hambacher Schloss

15. Braunfels Castle - Schloss Braunfels

Located a few kilometers from the river Lahn between the cities of Weilburg and Wetzlar. It still remains in the possession of the descendants of the ancient count and princely family. The first written mention is dated 1246. The castle was significantly expanded in the XV-XVII centuries. In the middle of the 19th century, a neo-Gothic reconstruction was carried out. The premises contain items from the collection of the XIII-XIX centuries.

Castles in Germany. Braunfels Castle - Schloss Braunfels

16. Rheinstein Castle - Burg Rheinstein

Built on a rocky cliff above the Rhine, this 13th-century castle is considered one of the main symbols of Rhine romance and is a World Heritage Site. It was badly damaged in the 18th century. Later passed into the possession of the Prussian prince Friedrich Wilhelm and was restored in the style of historicism. In 1975, the castle was bought by opera singer Herman Heher, who then invested heavily in its renovation.

Castles in Germany. Rheinstein Castle - Burg Rheinstein

17. Burg Fürstenberg Castle

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Middle Rhine is the ruins of Fürstenberg Castle in the Mainz-Bingen area. It was erected in 1219 to protect the lands of the Archbishopric of Cologne in this region. Destroyed in 1689 by the French during the War of the Palatinate Succession and has not been rebuilt since. Similar plans were developed in the 19th century, but they remained on paper.

Castles in Germany. Fürstenberg Castle - Burg Fürstenberg

18. Heidelberg Castle - Heidelberger Schloss

In the 19th century, these most famous medieval ruins of Germany were quite consciously not restored, so as not to damage the halo of romance. Before the destruction during the War of the Palatinate Succession, the residence of the Electors of the Palatinate was located here above Heidelberg. The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1225. At the beginning of the 15th century, it was expanded and strengthened, turning it into a fortress.

Castles in Germany. Heidelberg Castle - Heidelberger Schloss

19. Quedlinburg Castle - Schloss Quedlinburg

The castle above Quedlinburg belonged to Heinrich the Fowler, the first German king from the Saxon dynasty. According to legend, in 919 it was at this rock that the then Duke of Saxony was offered the crown of the East Frankish Kingdom - a state that preceded the Holy Roman Empire and modern Germany. The founder of the empire was the son of King Henry - Otto I the Great.

Castles in Germany. Quedlinburg Castle - Schloss Quedlinburg

20. Wartburg Castle

The last in our Golden Twenty of medieval German castles, but far from the last in its significance. Founded in 1073, Wartburg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1521-1522, the reformer and founder of German Protestantism Martin Luther was hiding here under the name "Junker Jörg". It was in the Wartburg that he translated into German New Testament.

Castles in Germany. Wartburg Castle - Wartburg

Castles of Germany, sights of Germany

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I recently read that there are as many as 4280 castles in Germany and decided to make a selection of the most picturesque and visited of them for you. I have little experience of visiting local castles - I was only in the castles of the federal states of Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, but in the same Bavaria there are even more castles worthy of attention. I propose to understand the topic of German castles together.

At all times, castles in Germany were built to protect territories and were a symbol of power. Often castles were built at strategic points - on top of a mountain or along important trade routes. The appearance of many German castles has changed over the centuries - they were destroyed by fires or destroyed by enemies, after which the castles were rebuilt. The new owners added additional buildings to the castles and changed their style. The selection that I will share with you today includes both powerful castle-fortresses and elegant buildings designed to emphasize the refined taste of kings.

For the convenience of understanding where which castle is located, I post a map of Germany with all the castles from the article marked on it.

• Castle name: Hohenzollern Castle
• : 50 km south of Stuttgart
• : from 85 Euro two way
• Entrance ticket price: 7 Euro (visiting the castle complex without interior) or 12 Euro (visiting the castle complex and interior)

The castle belongs to the famous European Hohenzollern dynasty, which ruled Prussia until the end of the First World War. The castle is located at an altitude of 855 meters above sea level on top of the Zollerberg mountain in the foothills Swiss Alps. Built in the 11th century, the castle was completely destroyed after a siege in 1423. After the 18th century, the castle lost its strategic importance and was abandoned. In the 19th century, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV rebuilt the neo-Gothic castle to glorify the Hohenzollern dynasty. To this day, the castle remains privately owned by the descendants of the great dynasty. Many representatives of this family are buried in the castle cemetery, including Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna Romanova, who married the Prince of Germany and Prussia.

Among the exhibits on display in the castle are the crown of William II, an extensive art gallery, personal belongings of Frederick the Great and a letter from George Washington expressing his gratitude to the Hohenzollerns who took part in the American War of Independence. Today Hohenzollern Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany (350 thousand visitors a year). We visited this castle during my studies at the university of the city in Germany. We came here by train and spent half a day at the castle. The castle offers magnificent panoramic views of the Black Forest.

• Castle name: Moritzburg Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: the castle is located within the city of Moritzburg and 14 km from Dresden
• Airfare Moscow - Dresden: from 70 Euros in two directions
• Entrance ticket price: 8 Euro

Moritzburg Castle is one of the best examples of Baroque castles in Saxony. The castle has four round towers, it stands on a symmetrical artificial island. The castle is named after the Elector Moritz of Saxony, who ordered the construction of a hunting lodge in these parts in the period from 1542 to 1546. The surrounding forests and lakes were a favorite hunting ground of the Saxon kings. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque park where you can have a bite to eat in a small cafe.

The interiors of the castle are decorated with samples of rich baroque decor from the time of Augustus the Strong. The walls are framed with 17th century gilded leather. The furnishings of many rooms tell of the royal hunt. The deer antler collection is one of the most important of its kind. The largest collection of deer antlers (71 trophies) is displayed in the dining room. The age of most trophies is from 270 to 400 years; they were purchased or received as a gift. Among them are the heaviest deer antlers in the world weighing 20 kg and almost 2 meters long! The porcelain room exhibits the finest examples of Chinese, Japanese and Meissen porcelain. The porcelain depicts hunting scenes, exotic and mythological motifs, as well as animal figures. The 11 rooms of the castle are decorated with painted leather wallpaper from the 17th century. The hallway contains a collection of royal carriages.

An exhibition is currently being held at Moritzburg Castle until February 25, 2018, where you can learn about the secrets of shooting the children's fairy tale "Three Nuts for Cinderella", which was filmed in this castle. You will look behind the scenes of your favorite fairy tale and see the costumes of its heroes. Tickets are available for pre-sale online.

Königstein Fortress

• Castle name a: Koenigstein Fortress
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 39 km southeast of
• Entrance ticket price: 10 Euro (with lift) or 8 Euro (with walk)

A majestic fortress built into and perched on a mighty rock offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the meandering Elbe River, Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland. One of the most interesting fortresses in Germany, in our opinion. The fortress can be reached on foot or by panoramic elevator. The height of the mountain on which the fortress stands is 240 meters.

The first mention of the fortress dates back to 1233, at that time the fortress belonged to the Czech kingdom. Many important events in European history took place in the fortress. At the beginning of the 18th century, the alchemist Böttger, imprisoned in, was the first in Europe to be able to get porcelain, which marked the beginning of the production of that same Meissen porcelain. During World War II, paintings from the Dresden Gallery were hidden in the castle. During the existence of the fortress (i.e. for almost 800 years) no attempts were made to capture it - it was so impregnable. The fortress survived several wars and is perfectly preserved.

Since 1955, the fortress has been operating as an open-air museum. The Königstein Fortress Museum displays military and historical exhibits. On the territory of the fortress there is a restaurant In den Kasematten, a bakery and a brasserie Napoleons Küche with tables on fresh air. The second deepest well in Europe is located on the territory of the Königstein fortress.

With views of the fortress wall, you can take a lot of interesting photos from different angles, so I recommend that you set aside at least half a day for a detailed inspection of the surroundings of the fortress, and preferably the whole day. In the fortress you can take a tour or an audio guide (including in Russian). It will be convenient to combine a visit to Königstein with a visit to the bizarre rock formations of Bastei. The best time to visit - summer or spring, because. piercing winds are not uncommon here in winter.

If you come to Prague, then you can get to the Königstein fortress as part of group tour, which can be ordered on a reliable site.

• Castle name: Neuschwanstein Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 120 km southwest of
• Airfare Moscow - Munich: from 40 Euro in two directions
• Entrance ticket price: 13 Euro

Have you seen the Walt Disney logo - the fairy-tale castle of Disney princesses? Do you know that the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle, located in the dense forests of German Bavaria, was taken as its basis? Rumor has it that it was this castle that inspired Tchaikovsky to create the ballet Swan Lake.

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. More than 1 million tourists come here every year. This majestic castle once belonged to King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The king was directly involved in the construction of the castle, so the castle is often called his creation. The castle was built from 1869 to 1886. Its height is 65 meters. It is located in a lowland in a mountainous area almost on the border with Austria.

During the era of Romanticism - at the beginning of the 19th century - many castles in Germany were rebuilt, romanticizing the medieval way of life. King Ludwig II of Bavaria was significantly influenced by Richard Wagner's operas about medieval sagas and knights. This castle became the embodiment of the fairy-tale world of sagas and heroes in the view of the king. The king died before the completion of the castle, which was opened to the public 7 weeks after his death. Due to its remote location in the Bavarian forests, Neuschwanstein Castle was not destroyed during World War II. Despite the appearance of the castle from the outside, inside it was equipped with the latest technology - an electrical alarm system, flush toilets, central heating and telephones. The best photos of the castles can be taken from the Mary Bridge (Marienbrücke), which is often closed in winter due to ice formation.

Neuschwanstein Castle can be visited as part of individual excursion or group bus tour.

• Castle name: Sigmaringen Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 105 km south of Stuttgart and 2.5 km from Sigmaringen
• Entrance ticket price: 9.5 Euro (guided tour) or 11.5 Euro (guided tour + visit to the armory)

Sigmaringen Castle is the former residence of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen dynasty, from which the German emperors and kings of Prussia came out. The castle is located on the water - on the banks of the Danube, which adds to its charm. Like Hohenzollern Castle, Sigmaringen Castle is located in the region mountain range Swabian Alb in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The first castle in Sigmaringen appeared at the beginning of the 11th century. The Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family took possession of the castle in the 16th century. In its architecture, the castle reminds me of buildings in historical center Dresden. The castle has 450 rooms. Its appearance was influenced by the destruction during the Thirty Years' War, the devastating fire in 1893 and the subsequent restoration of the building.

The castle is notable for the fact that it houses one of the largest private collections of weapons in Europe - more than 3,000 samples of weapons and armor. Special mention deserves the German multi-barreled weapon and the richly decorated helmet, which once belonged to the watchman at the royal court. The collection includes not only European weapons, but also Persian weapons, as well as the full uniform of a Japanese samurai. The castle has a collection of torture instruments.

Beautiful photos of the castle can be taken from the opposite bank of the river. A visit to the castle can be combined with Hohenzollern Castle. Photography inside the castle is prohibited. Visiting the castle and museums is possible only as part of a guided tour. The tour is conducted in German, but a printout in Russian is issued.

• Castle name: Wernigerode Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 126 km south of Hannover and 4 km from Wernigerode
• Airfare Moscow - Hannover : from 58 Euro in two directions
• Entrance ticket price: 7 Euro

Initially, on the site of Wernigerode Castle there was a fortress founded in the 12th century. At the end of the 17th century, the fortress was rebuilt into a baroque castle. Until 1929, the family of the count lived in the castle, and in 1949 a museum was opened in it for the general public. This castle seems painfully familiar for a reason - after all, it was in the city of Wernigerode that the film "The Same Munchausen" was filmed. Many of the film's scenes were filmed in the castle courtyard. To get to the castle, you will have to climb the mountain on your own or go by train. On the territory of the castle there are two cafes where you can relax after visiting the exposition. The castle also has an observation deck with excellent views of the city.

The castle is the dominant feature of the city of the same name: it is impossible not to see it from anywhere in Wernigerode. The castle, together with three gardens and parks, has been a national cultural monument since 1999. There are guided tours around Wernigerode, during which you can visit almost 50 chambers of the castle.

• Castle name: Heidelberg Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: within city limits of Heidelberg
• Entrance ticket price: 7 Euro (the price includes a ticket for the funicular, a visit to german museum pharmacy business and inspection of a wine barrel), for a surcharge of 5 Euros it is possible to visit an excursion in English or German

Heidelberg Castle is located in the woods on the Königstuhl hill within the city of Heidelberg. The dilapidated red sandstone castle walls tower majestically over the famous university city of western Germany on the banks of the Neckar River. The first mention of the castle, which was destined to become one of the greatest palaces of the Renaissance, dates back to 1225. This castle was the main residence of the Electors of the Palatinate. At one time, the castle was visited by Martin Luther, Victor Hugo, Mark Twain. Despite partial destruction, Heidelberg Castle is incredible romantic place, on the terraces of which you want to walk for hours.

Before the start of the Thirty Years' War, Heidelberg Castle boasted one of the most famous ensembles of buildings in the Holy Roman Empire. However, during the war at the end of the 17th century, the castle was completely destroyed, after which it was only partially restored. The castle cellars house the world's largest wine barrel. The capacity of the barrel is 219 thousand liters! Rumor has it that 130 oaks were used to create the barrel. At the moment, the castle attracts tourists from all over the world - it is known in the USA, Japan and beyond. The castle terraces offer postcard views of the Heidelberg panorama. Without a doubt, the castle is the main tourist magnet of the city. It is visited by 3 million tourists annually. In Heidelberg Castle you can take an audio guide in Russian, buy souvenirs and have a snack. I recommend laying at least 4-6 hours to inspect the castle and walk: here you just want to explore every corner.

• Castle name: Eltz Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 105 km south of Cologne
• Airfare Moscow - Cologne : from 29 Euro in two directions
• Entrance ticket price: 10 Euro

Eltz Castle can often be seen in various ratings of must-see castles in Germany. It is one of my favorites among German castles. The castle is located near the Moselle River between the cities of Koblenz and Trier on a hill 70 meters high. The unique location of the castle on an oval hill surrounded by dense forests gives it a special charm and charm. Eltz Castle in the entire history of its existence - i.e. for the past 8 centuries - has never been destroyed. The castle has been home to 33 generations of the Eltz family. The castle was built to protect the trade route and combines different styles - from romance to baroque. Different generations of the family made their buildings in the castle. Since the castle, due to its location, it was impossible to deviate horizontally, it was built upwards.

Eltz Castle has about 100 chambers with original interiors, crockery, and tapestries. There is a treasury, an armory, a knight's hall, a chapel. The fact that the castle is considered a German property is also evidenced by the image of the Eltz castle was printed on the banknote of 500 German marks, issued from 1965 to 1992. In addition, the castle served as the prototype of the Himmelsdorf settlement in the computer game World of Tanks. Eltz Castle can be visited as part of an individual tour.

• Castle name: Lichtenstein Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 56 km south of Stuttgart
• Entrance ticket price: 2 Euro (entrance to the courtyard of the castle), 8 Euro (sightseeing tour of the castle)

Liechtenstein Castle is another castle located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg in the Swabian Alb mountain range at an altitude of 817 meters. The castle grounds overlook the nearby town of Reutlingen. The Neo-Gothic castle was built between 1840 and 1842. on the site of a ruined medieval fortress. The castle has big collection historical weapons and armor.

Liechtenstein Castle was destroyed during the Second World War, however, thanks to the efforts of non-governmental organizations, it was quickly restored. At the moment, the castle belongs to the family of the counts of Urach and is open to the public. A stone bridge leads to the castle. In 2009, the German adaptation of the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" was filmed in Liechtenstein Castle. The castle is pleasant in that it is not as popular among tourists as its neighbor, Hohenzollern Castle.

• Castle name: Mespelbrunn Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 71 km east of Frankfurt am Main
• Airfare Moscow - Frankfurt am Main : from 39 Euro in two directions
• Entrance ticket price: 5 Euro (including excursion)

Mespelbrunn Castle is located on the territory of the city of the same name between Frankfurt am Main and Würzburg. The castle stands on the water, surrounded by picturesque forests, which attracts thousands of tourists to it. The construction of the castle began in the 15th century. From the old days, only a round tower remained from Mespelbrunn Castle. During its existence, the castle has changed, and from a fortification it has become a castle in the Renaissance style. It is interesting that to this day its owners, the Ingelheim family, live in the southern wing of the castle, who even conduct tours of it.

The castle is popular among newlyweds in Germany - weddings are organized here. In summer and spring, it is especially beautiful here - the castle park is fragrant with flowers and fresh greenery. With a view of the castle and the lake, you can take more than one beautiful photo. The castle definitely deserves to be included in your itinerary in central Germany.

• Castle name: Wartburg Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 206 km west of Leipzig
• Entrance ticket price: 7 Euro (includes a visit to the castle, Martin Luther's study, library) or 10 Euro (the same + visit to the exhibition), photography is paid separately

You can expand the geography of your travels through the castles of Germany by going to another German land - Thuringia. Wartburg Castle, the refuge of the reformer Martin Luther, hid in the local impenetrable forests, in which he translated the New Testament into German. During a tour of the castle, tourists are given the opportunity to inspect his office.

The castle was built in the Middle Ages and belonged to a noble noble family. It is located on a cliff 410 meters high. The cliff offers interesting views of the nearby city of Eisenach. Rumor has it that this castle became one of the sources of inspiration for King Ludwig II when building Neuschwanstein Castle. Most of the interior of the castle dates back to the 19th century.

Since 1999, Wartburg Castle has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the most visited attraction in the federal state of Thuringia. For centuries, Wartburg Castle has been a place of pilgrimage for tourists from Germany and other countries due to its roots in the spread of Christianity. Interestingly, several cities in the United States (founded by Lutherans), as well as a local German brand of a car produced in East Germany, were named after the Wartburg.

• Castle name: Schwerin Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: within the city of Schwerin and 109 km east of Hamburg
• Airfare Moscow - Hamburg: from 58 Euros in two directions
• Entrance ticket price: 8.5 Euro (including photography permit)

Luxurious romantic castle located on an island in the lake. The castle was originally built in the 10th century as a fortification. Schwerin Castle, built in the neo-Renaissance style, is rightfully considered the pearl of northeastern Germany. Each of the facades of the castle is made in different architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance. Outwardly, it resembles the famous french castle Chambord on the Loire. Previously, the castle in Schwerin was the residence of the Dukes of Schwerin, and currently the parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern sits in it. The main attraction of the castle is Art Museum which exhibits canvases by Dutch and German artists. Also noteworthy is the collection of elegant Meissen porcelain from the 18th century. Outside, the castle looks much more interesting than inside.

Schwerin Castle is surrounded by lakes and forests, as well as gardens of incredible beauty. The best shots of it can be taken from a drone, although the possibilities of using it to shoot similar objects in Europe are very limited. During the summer, you can grab a bite to eat at the open-air cafe right below main tower, in winter - in the castle cafe Schlosscafé inside. In the castle you can take an audio guide for 2 Euros. In Schwerin, you can go on a day trip from Hamburg.

• Castle name: Marienburg Castle
• Location of the castle and nearest town: 27 km south of Hannover
• Entrance ticket price: 9 Euro (castle tour) + 4 Euro (climb to the tower optional)

Marienburg Castle is a neo-Gothic castle located in northern Germany near Hannover. The castle was built from 1858 to 1869 by order of King George V as a birthday present for his wife Mary (by the way, it was in her honor that the castle was named). The castle was used as the summer residence of the kings of the dynasty. The castle has 160 rooms, lookout towers 30 meters high, church and stables.

It currently belongs to the crown prince of the dynasty - Ernst August. The castle hosts weddings, receptions and banquets. The castle has very interesting interiors with objects that convey the spirit of the era, including the crown of the Hanoverian dynasty. On a clear day, you should definitely climb the tower at the castle - the reward will be great views to the neighborhood. Concerts are held in the knight's hall of the Marienburg castle - from jazz and classical music to concerts and theater for children.

This concludes my list of the most picturesque castles in Germany. In conclusion, I want to say that the most convenient way to visit castles is by rented car or in a train. organized excursion- group or individual. Thanks to the good train service in Germany, almost all castles far from the cities can be reached by train. By the way, in the article "" I talked about how to travel on German railways and buy tickets. Most castles are open both in winter and in summer period. The exception is Eltz Castle, which opens at the end of March and is closed in winter.

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In Germany, there are more than 25 thousand palaces, castles and fortresses that served as the residences of noble families, as well as having military-strategic functions. Many have survived to this day only in the form of romantic ruins, such as the famous ruins in Heidelberg (or Heidelberg). Some remained in the property of the descendants of the ancient German families, others became museums, hotels, camp sites.

Golden twenty

It is difficult to argue about the beauty of castles, as about tastes, so any attempt to make an objective rating of the most beautiful or famous of them is doomed to protests from connoisseurs or those who have been to some other places. However, from the favorites that regularly appear in various German lists, it is quite possible to make the Golden Twenty of Germany's medieval stone sights.

Epochs and styles

The main thing at the same time is not to scatter, limiting yourself - with all the temptations - only to castles, at least laid down in the Middle Ages, that is, leaving for later the creations of masters of later times and styles - Renaissance, Baroque, historicism and classicism. For example, the famous Neuschwanstein, built by the Bavarian king Ludwig II in the 19th century, so to speak, based on the ancient knight's castles.

Eltz Castle is hidden from the whole world in a quiet forest a few kilometers from the banks of the Moselle River. His image adorned the banknote of 500 German marks of the 1960 model. For many centuries it has been owned by representatives of the same noble family - already in the 33rd generation. Erected, as experts suggest, in the 12th century, it was first mentioned in the deed of deed of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

This 14th-century castle is located at 546 Rhine kilometers near the town of Kaub. It is considered one of the most unusual and picturesque castles in Germany. It was built in the middle of the river specifically to house a customs post that collected fees from merchants and captains for the transport of goods until 1876. The garrison of the castle consisted of 20 to 54 people.

One of the most picturesque castles in the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on a 160-meter rocky ledge, it is the best preserved of all the castles in this part of the river. The beginning of construction dates back to the first half of the 13th century. In the 1990s, the Japanese wanted to move the castle to Miyako Island, but the deal failed and they limited themselves to building a copy of it.

In the Middle Ages, this castle, strategically located above the Moselle River, was used to collect customs duties - mainly for the transport of wine. Directly from the castle, traffic along the river could be blocked using a special chain. It was badly damaged in the 17th century and restored with private funds in the era of German romanticism. Since 1978 it has been in city ownership.

The Nuremberg fortress with the castle located on its territory has been a place where German history has been made for centuries. This city began to play a special role in the Holy Roman Empire already in the middle of the 11th century. From 1050 to 1571, all its emperors stayed here, sometimes on the way, sometimes for longer periods, and the Kaiserburg was considered one of their most important residences.

Its current owners were the first in Germany to host a historic jousting tournament in their castle. It was over 30 years ago. The history of this castle, located on a plain and once surrounded by water on all sides, begins in the 12th century. It is located near Cologne in the Eifel region. The traditional Christmas and Easter markets are also very popular here.

Located just 60 kilometers from Dresden, it is considered the most beautiful knight's castle in Saxony. It has repeatedly (back in the days of the GDR) become a place for shooting fairy-tale films. Its history spans over six centuries. It has retained its Gothic character, although parts of it have been rebuilt and expanded. The first written mention is dated October 4, 1384.

Wernigerode Castle is first mentioned in the chronicles of the 12th century. It was erected on the path that the German emperors made to the hunting grounds in the forests of the Harz. In 1979, the castle and town were turned into an open-air film set. Director Mark Zakharov came here in the GDR to film the play by Grigory Gorin "The Same Munchausen" with Oleg Yankovsky in the title role.

The former residence of the German noble family of Wittelsbach. The castle is located in the Bavarian city of the same name near the border with Austria. Stretching for more than a kilometer on a narrow, elongated ridge, it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as "The Longest Castle in the World." The first mention of a fortification in Burghausen dates back to 1025. Destroyed in Napoleonic times and restored in 1896.

This northernmost castle in Bavaria is located under the city of Ludwigsstadt. Its oldest parts date back to the 12th century, and the first mention dates back to 1242. The current main wing of the castle was built in the Renaissance style in the middle of the 16th century. In 1944, German Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was kept under arrest for some time, later hanged by the decision of a special court of the "Third Reich".

The ducal residence in the Bavarian city of Landshut. The castle was founded in 1204 on a hill near the Isar River after the expansion of the Wittelsbach family in Lower Bavaria. During the reign of Frederick II Staufen, the castle became one of the main centers of power of the Holy Roman Empire. The guests of the castle were the legendary minnesingers Tannhäuser and Walther von der Vogelweide.

This castle, located fifty kilometers from Stuttgart, is considered the family nest of the Swabian dynasty of the same name, whose representatives rose in the Middle Ages. In the XV-XVI centuries they became the rulers of Brandenburg and Prussia, and in 1871 they took the throne of the German Kaisers. The castle fortress was built, presumably, in the 11th century. The first mention is dated 1267.

It is located in the valley of the Lene River, a tributary of the Ruhr. According to legend, it was erected in the 12th century by representatives of the dynasty of the Counts of Berg. In recent centuries, the castle housed a garrison, a nursing home, a criminal court, a shelter for the poor, a prison, a hospital, and in 1912 it was here that Germany's first youth hostel (Jugendherberge) was founded - a special hotel for school groups.

This castle in Rhineland-Palatinate is considered the cradle of German democracy. In 1832, it became the venue for a major folk festival, 30,000 participants of which, for the first time in Germany, spoke out for political freedoms, national unity and civil rights. The first fortification on this site was erected in the 11th century. The current appearance of the castle acquired in the middle of the XIX century in the era of romanticism.

Located a few kilometers from the river Lahn between the cities of Weilburg and Wetzlar. It still remains in the possession of the descendants of the ancient count and princely family. The first written mention is dated 1246. The castle was significantly expanded in the XV-XVII centuries. In the middle of the 19th century, a neo-Gothic reconstruction was carried out. The premises contain items from the collection of the XIII-XIX centuries.

Built on a rocky cliff above the Rhine, this 13th-century castle is considered one of the main symbols of Rhine romance and is a World Heritage Site. It was badly damaged in the 18th century. Later passed into the possession of the Prussian prince Friedrich Wilhelm and was restored in the style of historicism. In 1975, the castle was bought by opera singer Herman Heher, who then invested heavily in its renovation.

17. Castle Fürstenberg - Burg Fürstenberg

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Middle Rhine is the ruins of Fürstenberg Castle in the Mainz-Bingen area. It was erected in 1219 to protect the lands of the Archbishopric of Cologne in this region. Destroyed in 1689 by the French during the War of the Palatinate Succession and has not been rebuilt since. Similar plans were developed in the 19th century, but they remained on paper.

In the 19th century, these most famous medieval ruins of Germany were quite consciously not restored, so as not to damage the halo of romance. Before the destruction during the War of the Palatinate Succession, the residence of the Electors of the Palatinate was located here above Heidelberg. The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1225. At the beginning of the 15th century, it was expanded and strengthened, turning it into a fortress.

The castle above Quedlinburg belonged to Heinrich the Fowler, the first German king from the Saxon dynasty. According to legend, in 919 it was at this rock that the then Duke of Saxony was offered the crown of the East Frankish Kingdom - a state that preceded the Holy Roman Empire and modern Germany. The founder of the empire was the son of King Henry - Otto I the Great.

The last in our Golden Twenty of medieval German castles, but far from the last in its significance. Founded in 1073, Wartburg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1521-1522 Martin Luther, the reformer and founder of German Protestantism, was hiding here under the name "Junker Jörg". It was in the Wartburg that he translated the New Testament into German.