Hello readers and thank you for stopping by once more.
For today’s topic, I’m going to be talking to you about castles, of which I’m sure many of you will remember that I am a huge fan.
Castles have always fascinated me as they give an insight back in time several hundreds of years, plus they also look pretty awesome as well.
The castles I’m going to be talking to you about today are found in Germany. Now, the more attentive readers amongst you will remember that I’ve already looked at several castles in Germany, but don’t worry, because today I’m going to be spoiling you by looking at se7en more.
So, without further ado, to help satisfy your German castle cravings, here’s a look at se7en more of the best castles in Germany.
Neuschwanstein Castle
My first offering for you today comes in the form of the Neuschwanstein Castle.
This is consistently found on lists of Germany’s many beautiful castles, and we can certainly understand why.
This castle is neatly tucked away just south of Munich, up in the mountains and surrounded by green trees and woodlands.
In fact, to look at this castle, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a castle from a fairy tale, and not a Grimm one, either. The castle looks immaculate from the outside and if it looks familiar, it’s because it served as inspiration for Walt Disney and the castle in Cinderella.
Despite looking like something from the Middle-Ages, the castle was actually constructed in the 1800s, so it is one of the newer buildings I’ll be talking to you about today.
Reichsburg Cochem
Here I present to you Reichsburg Cochem.
This castle was constructed by a Palatinate Count around the year 1000, though it would change hands when an emperor actually pawned the castle to pay for his own coronation, as you do.
In the 17th century, this work of art was nearly destroyed when Louis XIV invaded.
Despite suffering a great deal of damage, the castle survived, and was rebuilt was a unique Neo-Gothic style that many consider synonymous with so much of the architecture in Germany.
Overlooking the Moselle River, this castle is located in the perfect spot for a fantastic day out.
Mespelbrunn Castle
When you think of castles, if you’re like me, you think of grandeur, huge turrets, moats, impressive courtyards, and enormous grounds. Mespelbrunn Castle, however, is not your typical castle.
This castle was constructed initially in the 15th century by a knight, and it began its life as a basic house sitting upon the water.
It is the location that makes this magical, as it sits on the water in a forest between Würzburg and Frankfurt.
In truth, if you live in a posh area, or if you watch Grand Designs on the TV, you’ll probably have seen bigger houses than this castle, but it is its simplicity and gorgeous location in the Spessart Forest that has helped make it one of the most-visited castles in all of Germany.
The castle is privately owned, but the owners very graciously open up their doors to tourists from all over the globe throughout the year.
The castle is lovely all year around, but it is especially magical in the autumn when the leaves on the trees are changing colour.
Heidelberg Castle
Going from the small, quaint, and timid castle of Mespelbrunn, we now have Heidelberg Castle, which is the exact opposite.
If you want an enormous and impressive castle to behold, this is the castle that you need to check out.
Sitting prominently halfway up a hillside and overlooking the old centre of Heidelberg, we have Heidelberg Castle.
North of the Alps, this castle is arguably the most important Renaissance structure in the region.
The castle was initially constructed back in the 13th century but things went downhill from there as it was destroyed during the Thirty Years War, by the French in the 17th century, and in 1764 it was struck by lightning and sustained a great deal of damage as a result.
The castle’s stones were “liberated” to help build new houses in the city.
Because the castle has been rebuilt so many times, it features many different architectural styles, which certainly makes it very unique.
Charlottenburg Palace
Charlottenburg Palace is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in all of Berlin.
If it isn’t the most popular, it’s certainly one of the most popular ones, and for very good reason too.
Charlottenburg Palace is the biggest in the city of Berlin and is kept immaculately, complete with gorgeous gardens in a fetching Baroque style.
From the 1950s, as a result of Allied bombing after WW2, the palace and much of its gardens and grounds underwent renovation and restoration.
Here you’ll find a number of cultural events, live events, festivals, markets, and much more besides being held here, so locals and tourists alike are regularly here seeing what’s what.
Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle sits proudly atop Mount Hohenzollern, and it can be traced all of the way back to the 11th century.
Originally, the first incarnation of the castle was destroyed over the years, with only its chapel being left untouched.
The castle you will see when you visit was constructed in the mid-19th century by King Frederick Willian IV of Prussia.
Within the privately owned castle is a museum housing all manner of artefacts, as well as treasures, including crowns worn by royalty.
Schloss Nordkirchen
Finally, allow me to present to you the ‘Versailles of Germany’.
The Schloss Nordkirchen features its own “moat” in the form of a canal, which was designed to resemble a moat, despite the fact that by the time of construction, moats were no longer used by castles as they were considered impractical.
This castle is as grand as it is beautiful.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out, this is the perfect destination as the castle even has its own restaurant, serving up cuisine fit for a king, or queen for that matter.
Next time you’re visiting Germany consider taking a day off and visiting one of these beauties. I already know which I would see first!
Let me know which one of these castles is your favourite in a comment.
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
Photo sources 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
