My Favorite Castles in Southern Germanymonkeysandmountains.com /f avorite-castles- in-germany

There are an incredible 25,000 cast les in Germany!

With so many castles it’s difficult to pick out just one favorite, so I’ve picked out my favorite castles in Southern Germanybased on different criteria, since no two castles are alike:

Favorite Touristy Castle in Germany: Heidelberg Castle

Yes it’s touristy and on the Japanese tour bus circuit, but this 700 year old castle overlooking thecity of Heidelberg has survived f ires and a lighting strike and the castle tour is worth f ighting thecrowds.

Inside Heidelberg Castle visitors can also visit the World’s Largest Apothecary Museum showcasing over 20,000pharmaceutical items and the world’s largest wine barrel. The crowds reach an all time peak in July and August so goat another time if possible, if not go early or later in the day.

Favorite Elaborate Castle in Germany: Herrenchiemsee New Palace

One of crazy King Ludwig’s castles, theHerrenchiemsee New Palace is the mostelaborate, costing more than the combinedtotal of famed Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.

It’s decadence at its finest and is even housedon its own island (Herren Island) on theChiemsee. Photos are not permitted inside, butthe exterior hints at the luxury waiting inside. Not surprisingly it’s also a popular castle so it’sbest to go off- season when possible.

Favorite Small Castle in Germany: Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is sometimes referred to as Neuschwanstein’s Little Brother, since they’re both white castles, although

Lichtenstein is a much smaller castle, but to be fair it is only a hunting castle. What it lacks up for in size it makes up forby perilously clinging to the edge of a limestone cliff.

Favorite Castle Tour in Germany: Ludwigsburg Palace

After a while many castle tours seem to blur together, but not the Ludwigsburg Palace tour where visitors will learn allabout the secret lives of royalty including Duke Eberhard’s libido which unfortunately was reserved for his mistressesand not his wife. The tour also includes a look at the servant’s quarters where you can only imagine how difficult it wouldbe to live in a cold dark room, while everyone else was surrounded by luxury.

Favorite Hike to a Castle in Germany: Hohenzollern Castle

There are much easier ways to reach Hohenzollern Castle than a 12km hike – like driving to the parking lot, but knowingthat your destination is a castle is very good motivation to visit one of the most popular castles in Germany. Hohenzollern Castle dates back to the 11th century and has seen numerous wars including the Thirty Years War, falleninto ruin and even suffered from an earthquake. Go early to avoid the crowds and check the schedule in advance ifyou’re looking for an English tour.

Favorite Castle in Munich: The Residenz

There

The larges t ce i l ing fres co I’ve ever s een is in the Munich Res idenz .

Therearetwo

castles in Munich, The Residenz and Schloss Nymphenburg and Schlieissheim Palace located just outside of Munich. Schloss Nyphemburg and Schlieissheim Palace are more impressive on the outside, but I love the interior of TheResidenz , and it’s one of the largest castles in Europe. Plus it also houses the Treasury where visitors can look at thecrown jewels. The Residenz is conveniently located in downtown Munich.

Castle Ruins in Germany: Old Castle in Baden-Baden

I spent over an hour exploring these castle ruins for which there is no tour nor entrance fee. Despite the nice weatherthere was only a handful of other visitors there. I loved having free run of the place.

I’ve been to dozens more castles in Germany, but these are some of my favorites.

What are your favorite cast les in Germany? You have more than 24,990 to choose from.

About Laurel

Laurel Robbins is a free-spirited adventurer, award-winning travel blogger at Monkeys and MountainsAdventure Travel Blog. Many hats, one travel obsessed Canadian in Germany.