50 Best Castles in Germany (Photos)

eclectic style

Without a doubt, the most popular castle in the world is in Germany. In 2014, over 1.5 million people visited it. It’s Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. It’s an architectural marvel. However, that’s not the only spectacular castle in Germany. There are many.

This lengthy gallery showcases 50 German castles built over the last 10 centuries. Enjoy.

Photos

Neuschwanstein Castle

I’ll skip to the chase and put Neuschwanstein Castle first since it is the most famous castle in the world and arguably the most spectacular. Yeah, you’ve no doubt seen endless photos of this castle marvel, but I’d be remiss to not include it. Below it, I’m sure you’ll find a few German castles you’ve not seen.

Located in Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honour of Richard Wagner. The 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace was paid by Ludwig out of his own fortune rather than using Bavarian public funds. While the castle was built strictly as a home for the king, it was soon opened to the public following Ludwig’s death and since visited by 1.3 million people annually.

About the Neuschwanstein Castle

• Where: Located above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: Ludwig II of Bavaria
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• What is it now? Currently open to public
• Current owner: Bavaria, Germany government

Sigmaringen Castle

Situated in the Swabian Alb region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Schloss Sigmaringen, better known as Sigmaringen Castle was seat of government for the Princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. It dominates the skies of Sigmaringen town from the southern edge of the Swabian Jura, a plateau region in southern Baden-Württemberg.

About the Sigmaringen Castle

• Where: Located on the southern edge of the Swabian Jura, a plateau region in southern Baden-Württemberg
• When: 10th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Eclectic style
• What is it now? Currently open to public
• Current owner: Frederick William and his family

Glücksburg Castle

Schloss Glücksburg, or Glücksburg Castle is a very beautiful water castle located in the town of Glücksburg, Germany. Not only it possess incomparable beauty, but it is one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe as well as it is the seat of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and was also used by the Danish kings. The castle was built in 16th century and currently serves as a museum under a foundation under the board of directors chaired by Christoph, Prince of Schleswig-Holstein.

About the Castle Gluecksburg

• Where: Glücksburg, Germany
• When: 16th Century
• Who built it: Nikolaus Karie
• Style: Renaissance
• What is it now? Currently serves as a museum
• Current owner: Christoph, Prince of Schleswig-Holstein

Stolzenfels Castle

Schloss Stolzenfels, much commonly known as Stolzenfels Castle was originally built as a fortification by the Prince-Bishop of Trier, then Arnold II. von Isenburg in 13th century. It became a ruined castle that was bestowed to Prussian Crownprince, Frederick William as a great gift in 1823. He ordered a rebuild for the castle during the 19th century, turning it into a Gothic Revival style palace and now serves as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

About the Stolzenfels Castle

• Where: Koblenz, Germany
• When: 13th Century
• Who built it: Prince-Bishop of Trier, then Arnold II. von Isenburg
• Style: Gothic Revival style
• What is it now? Currently part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley
• Current owner: Rhineland-Palatinate

Schwerin Castle

Located in the city of Schwerin, Germany, Schweriner Schloss or Schwerin Palace is perfectly set on an island in the city’s main lake, the Schweriner See. Dating from way back AD 973 shows the record of the castle and later on underwent to several modifications and repairs. The palace served as home of the dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg and later Mecklenburg-Schwerin for centuries but now, it serves as the residence of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament.

About the Schwerin Castle

• Where:  Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state, Germany
• When: 10th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Renaissance architecture
• What is it now? Today it serves as the residence of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament
• Current owner: German Government

Schloss Marienburg

Marienburg Castle is located in Hannover, Germany and was built between 1858 and 1867 as a birthday present by King George V of Hanover to his wife, Marie of Saxe-Altenburg. It boasts a Gothic revival style designed by Conrad Wilhelm Hase who is one of Hannover’s most influential architects. Now, the castle is owned by Prince Albert Schröder VII of Hannover serving as the official seat of the Royal House of Hannover while parts of it is open to the public.

About the Schloss Marienburg

• Where:  Hannover, Germany
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: Conrad Wilhelm Hase
• Style: Gothic revival style
• What is it now? Currently serves as the official seat of the Royal House of Hannover while parts of it is open to the public
• Current owner:  Prince Albert Schröder VII of Hannover

Schloss Johannisburg

Schloss Johannisburg was constructed between 1605 and 1614 by architect Georg Ridinger for Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg, Prince Bishop of Mainz. Located in Bavaria, Germany, this schloss is set in the center of the city, overlooking the beautiful river Main. Today, Schloss Johannisburg is one of the main attractions of Aschaffenburg and is one of the most important buildings of the Renaissance period in Germany.

About the Schloss Johannisburg

• Where:  Bavaria, Germany
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Georg Ridinger
• Style: German Renaissance
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner:  Bavaria, Germany Government

Schloss Bürresheim

The castle Bürresheim was built in the 12th century located in the northwest of Mayen. Its interior designs include numerous portraits of family members, relatives and the princes of the past. castle Bürresheim is one of the few facilities in the Eifel that were able to survive the 17th, 18th centuries war and French Revolution totally unscathed.

About the Schloss Buerresheim

• Where:  Eifel, Germany
• When: 12th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Old German architecure / Neo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Tourist site
• Current owner:  The Directorate General for Cultural Heritage Rhineland-Palatinate

Rosenborg Castle

Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, Rosenborg Castle was built in the Dutch Renaissance style between 1606 and 1624. This castle is an example of Christian IV’s numerous amazing architectural projects and now, it is open to the public.

About the Rosenborg Castle

• Where:  Copenhagen, Denmark
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Christian IV
• Style: Dutch Renaissance
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner:  Dutch Government

Schloss Dyck

The Dyck Castle has a unique, triple ditch system and is one of the most important water castles of the Rhineland. It is located in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss and was built in 11th century. The castle underwent to many fortification and modification throughout the years and is now open to public.

About the Schloss Dyck

• Where:  Jüchen, Germany
• When: 11th Century
• Who built it: Hermannus de Dicco
• Style: Baroque style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner:  The Schloss Dyck foundation

Reichsburg Cochem

Cochem castle was built in 11th century designed as Gothic style by the palatinate count Ezzo, who is the successor to palatinate count Hermann Pusilius. In 17th century, the town of Cochem was completely destroyed by the French while the castle was set on fire and blown up. The castle remained in ruins until the 19th century when a Berlin business- man, Mr. Louis Ravené bought the ruins and began rebuilding the castle in Neo-Gothic style, which is the popular architectural style for noble and wealthy people at that time. Now, the castle is open to the public as a popular tourist site owned by the town of Cochem.

About the Reichsburg Cochem

• Where:  Cochem, Germany
• When: 11th Century
• Who built it: Palatinate count Ezzo
• Style: Gothic style
• What is it now? Tourist site
• Current owner:  Town of Cochem

Pillnitz Castle

Originally built in 14th century as a nobility seat and manor, Pillnitz Castle was given to Elector John George IV in 1694 in exchange for Lichtenwalde Castle and Office. Following the death of the new castle owner, the castle became the property of Augustus the Strong, and gave the premises to his mistressAnna Constantia von Cosel, only to leave the gift after she fled to Berlin in 1715. Later on, the great grandson of Augustus the Strong turned the property into his summer residence, developing the property into what it is today.

About the Pillnitz Castle

• Where:  Saxony, Germany
• When: 14th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Baroque / Neo-classical
• What is it now? House for Arts and Crafts Museum and a Palace Museum
• Current owner:  German Government

Ortenberg Castle

Situated above the town of Ortenberg at the end of the Kinzig Valley between Offenburg and Gengenbach, Ortenberg Castle was originally built by the House of Zähringen to protect the Kinzig Valley in 11-12th century. The castle was destroyed twice during the Dutch war and finally re-constructed by a German architect in 19th century in Gothic style. Now, the castle serves as a monument the German government.

About the Ortenberg Castle

• Where:  Ortenberg, Germany
• When: 11-12th Century
• Who built it: House of Zähringen
• Style: Gothic style
• What is it now? Currently serves as a Museum
• Current owner:  German Government

Orangerie Castle

The Orangery Palace was built under the command of the “Romantic on the Throne”, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV following the drawings of architects Friedrich August Stüler and Ludwig Ferdinand Hesse. The palace originally carried the Italian Renaissance style and now, the Orangery is popular as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin”.

About the Orangerie Castle

• Where:  Potsdam, Germany
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: Frederick William IV of Prussia
• Style: Italian Renaissance style / Renaissance Revival
• What is it now? World Heritage Site
• Current owner:  German Government

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace or Schloss Nymphenburg, also known as Castle of the Nymphs was built in the 17th century in Baroque architectural style designed by Agostino Barelli under the orders of the prince-electoral couple Ferdinand Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy. It’s purpose is to serve as a summer residence for the heir to the throne of Bavaria, Maximilian Emanuel. The castle was improved and transformed over the years and now is now open to the public.

About the Nymphenburg Palace

• Where:  Munich, Germany
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Agostino Barelli
• Style: Baroque style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner:  The Bavarian Department of State

Neues Schloss

Neues Schloss, or New Palace (Stuttgart) was built in the early 19th century following the orders of the young Duke Charles Eugene, in order to replace the old castle. Designed by Nikolaus Friedrich Thouret, the construction followed the Baroque style architecture and became one of the last large city palaces built in Southern area of Germany. During the World War II, Neues Schloss was almost completely destroyed by the Allied bombs, and was considered to completely demolished in favor of a hotel, but thanks to preservationists efforts, the Neues Schloss was finally rebuilt and now it serves as the home of the State Ministries of Finance and Education and is open to public via regular guided tours.

About the Neues Schloss

• Where:  Stuttgart-Center, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: Duke Charles Eugene
• Style: Baroque style
• What is it now? Home of the State Ministries of Finance and Education and is open to public
• Current owner:  Baden-Württemberg

Muskau Palace

The Muskau palace is located in an extended park, the Muskau Park, in Saxony, Germany, which is a known part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a present building called Neues Schloss that was built in the 19th century in Neo-Renaissance style. The property was constructed by the order of Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau.

About the Muskau Palace

• Where:  Saxony, Germany
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau
• Style: Neo-Renaissance style
• What is it now? UNESCO world heritage site
• Current owner:  Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau

Castle Moyland

A moated castle in Bedburg-Hau in the district of Kleve, Moyland Castle is one of the most important Neo-Gothic buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia. The castle attained its name from the Dutch word Mooiland meaning “beautiful country”. Moyland castle was built around 13th century originally as fortified farm designed by Roland von Hagedorn. Over the years, the castle underwent major changes and evolution and even survived the World War II unscathed.

About the Castle Moyland

• Where:  North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• When: 13th Century
• Who built it: Roland von Hagedorn
• Style: Classic Gothic / Neo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Currently serves as a museum and is open to public
• Current owner:  Museum Schloss Moyland Foundation

Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn Castle was built in the territory of Mespelbrunn in Bavaria by Hamann Echter, vizedom of Aschaffenburg. It was a gift to him from the ruling prince, Johann von Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein whom he served before as a knight. Echter constructed the simple house in a late-medieval/early-Renaissance style without fortifications. The castle underwent fortifications and major upgrades on the following years and when the last male Echter died, the Ingelheim family took possession of the property, after Maria Ottilia, Echterin of Mespelbrunn, had married Philipp Ludwig of Ingelheim. Today, the castle is open to public after the Ingelheim family experienced economic problems.

About the Mespelbrunn Castle

• Where:  Mespelbrunn, Bavaria, Germany
• When: 15th Century
• Who built it: Hamann Echter
• Style: Late-medieval / Early-Renaissance style
• What is it now? Currently open to public
• Current owner:  Ingelheim family

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace is one of palaces built by King Ludwig II and is the smallest of the three. It is located in southwest of Bavaria and is the only one King Ludwig had lived to see completed. Today, it is open to the public as a tourist site and is under The Bavarian Department of State-owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes.

About the Linderhof Palace

• Where:  Bavaria, Germany
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: King Ludwig II
• Style: Rococo style
• What is it now? Currently open to public
• Current owner:  Bavaria, Germany Government

Castle Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle (Württemberg) was made in 12th century and was destroyed twice. After King Frederick I of Württemberg acquired the property, the castle was dismantled to its foundation and was replaced by a hunting lodge. Later on, the property was sold to Count Wilhelm of Württemberg, who was inspired to the novel Lichtenstein, and decided to rebuilt the castle in Gothic Revival style. With the aid of architect Carl Alexander Heideloff, the castle completed its construction in 1842. Now, the castle is still owned by the Dukes of Urach and is open to the public via guided tour.

About the Castle Lichtenstein

• Where:  Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg
• When: 12th Century / 19th century
• Who built it: Count Wilhelm of Württemberg
• Style: Gothic Revival style
• What is it now? Currently open to public
• Current owner:  Dukes of Urach

Holstentor Gate of Lubeck

Holstentor, or much commonly known as The Holsten Gate is a city gate built in 1464 in Brick Gothic style. It marks the western boundary of the old center of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck and is one of the relics of Lübeck’s medieval city fortifications and one of two remaining city gates, the other being the Citadel Gate. Popular for its two-round towers and arched entrance, it is regarded today as a symbol of the city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

About the Holstentor gate of Lubeck

• Where:  Lübeck, Germany
• When: 15th century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Brick Gothic style
• What is it now? Currently serves as a museum
• Current owner:  Lübeck, Germany Government

Hohenschwangau Castle

Schloss Hohenschwangau is the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria in 19th century. It follows the style of Gothic Revival architecture located in German village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Füssen, part of the county of Ostallgäu in southwestern Bavaria, Germany, which is very close to the border with Austria. Today, it is a popular tourist site in Bavaria.

About the Hohenschwangau Castle

• Where:  Bavaria, Germany
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: King Maximilian II of Bavaria
• Style: Gothic Revival style
• What is it now? Currently a popular tourist site
• Current owner:  Bavaria, Germany Government

Herrenchiemsee Castle

Herrenchiemsee is a compound of royal buildings in the largest island in the Chiemsee lake, Herreninsel. The island was purchased by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1873 and with the aid of court architect Georg von Dollmann, they built the new palace in Baroque style, which today serves as a major tourist attraction in Bavaria under the Bavarian Administration of State-Owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes.

About the Herrenchiemsee

• Where:  Bavaria, Germany
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: King Ludwig II of Bavaria
• Style: Baroque style
• What is it now? Currently a major tourist attraction
• Current owner:  Bavaria, Germany Government / Bavarian Administration of State-Owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg CastleHeidelberg Castle was first mentioned in 1196 as “Heidelberch”. The castle went through multiple suffering and in 1619, Protestants rebelling against the Holy Roman Empire offered the crown of Bohemia to Frederick V, Elector Palatine who accepted despite misgivings and in doing so triggered the outbreak of the Thirty Years War, which officially started the destruction of the castle. Today, the castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures in north of the Alps.

About the Heidelberg Castle

• Where:  Heidelberg, Germany
• When: 12th century
• Who built it: Bishop of Worms
• Style: Gothic & Renaissance style
• What is it now? Currently a major tourist attraction
• Current owner:  State of Baden-Württemberg

Hambach Castle

Hambach Castle or Hambacher Schloss is a symbol of the German democracy movement because of the Hambacher Fest which occurred here in 1832 and is located near the urban district Hambach of Neustadt an der Weinstraße in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It was built in late Roman times but was abandoned and later on destroyed by French soldiers. In 1797 the castle was declared to be French government property, and was rebuilt by the Kingdom of Bavaria in Neo-Gothic style following the drawings of August von Voit.

About the Hambach Castle

• Where:  Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• When: 10th century / Rebuilt in 19th century
• Who built it: Unknown / Rebuilt by the Kingdom of Bavaria
• Style: Neo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Museum / German democracy festival celebration site
• Current owner:  The federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate

Eltz Castle

The Eltz Castle is a medieval castle located in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany still owned by a branch of the original Eltz family that lived in the castle for 33 generations started in 12th century. Eltz Castle is one of the three castles on the left bank of the Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate that have never been destroyed, the other two were Bürresheim Castle and Lissingen Castle. Today, the castle is open to the public.

About the Eltz Castle

• Where:  Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• When: 12th century
• Who built it: Eltz family
• Style: Gothic style / Romanesque architecture / Baroque architecture / Medieval architecture
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: Eltz Family

Ehrenburg Palace

Ehrenburg Palace got its name from Emperor Charles V, meaning “Palace of Honour”, as it was constructed without the use of forced labour. The palace, built by Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Coburg in Gothic Revival style, replaced the Veste Coburg as the dukes’ town Residenz in mid-16th century and served as the main Coburg residence for the ruling princes from the 1540s until 1918. The palace currently serves as a museum featuring the art galleries of Lucas Cranach the Elder, Dutch and Flemish artists of the 16th and 17th centuries.

About the Ehrenburg Palace

• Where:  Coburg, Germany
• When: 16th century
• Who built it: Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Coburg
• Style: Gothic-revival style
• What is it now? Currently serves as a museum
• Current owner: Bavarian Administration of State-Owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes

Wernigerode Castle

Wernigerode Castle was built in early 11th century constructed by the Count of Wernigerode in a Renaissance-style. It was rebuilt by Count Christian Ernestin a Baroque style, and later on rebuilt again by Count Otto, first president of the Prussian Province of Hanover into a Neo-Romantic style. Today, the castle is open to the public.

About the Wernigerode Castle

• Where:  Wernigerode, Germany
• When: 11th century
• Who built it:  Count of Wernigerode / Rebuilt by Count Christian Ernestin / Rebuilt again by Count Otto, first president of the Prussian Province of Hanover
• Style: Renaissance style / Baroque style / Neo-Romantic style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: German Government

Stolzenfels Castle

Stolzenfels Castle was originally built to protect the toll station on the Rhine ordered by Arnold II. von Isenburg in mid-13th century. It was destroyed by the French troops during the Nine Years War and in 1823, the ruined castle was given as a gift by the city to Prussian Crownprince Frederick William IV of Prussia. He had it rebuilt as a 19th-century palace in Gothic Revival style, which is now known as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

About the Castle Stolzenfels

• Where:  Koblenz, Germany
• When: 13th century
• Who built it: Arnold II. von Isenburg / Rebuilt by Frederick William IV of Prussia
• Style: Medieval architecture / Gothic-revival style
• What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland-Palatinate

Moated Castle Satzvey

Burg Satzvey is a medieval moated castle originally from the 12th century and is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The castle is one of the best preserved in their original building water castle of the Rhineland and is considered as as a gem of the Rhenish castle construction and monument of noble culture and life form. Today, it is owned by Franz Josef Count Beissel von Gymnich, where he made the castle open to public and organizes the historic knight festival together with his wife Jeannette and their daughter.

About the Moated Castle Satzvey

• Where:  North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• When: 12th century
• Who built it: Heinrich von Krauthausen
• Style: Ancient architecture
• What is it now? Open to the public
• Current owner: Franz Josef Count Beissel von Gymnich

Castle Romrod

Castle Romrod is a castle complex in Romrod, which dates back to an older moated castle owned by the Lords of Romrod built in the 12th century. When the Landgraves of Hesse-Darmstadt acquired the property, the castle was turned into a hunting lodge. The castle, later on was abandoned and fell into the hands of Grand Duke Louis IV and renovated the property from Gothic style into Historical architecture. Following the death of the last Grand Duke, the castle was used by the Nazi party and when the World War II ended, it became home to homeless. Now, the castle serves as a restaurant and hotel owned by the German Foundation for Monument Protection.

About the Castle Romrod

• Where:  Romrod, Germany
• When: 12th century
• Who built it: Unknown / Renovated by Grand Duke Louis IV
• Style: Gothic style / Historical architecture
• What is it now? Serves as a hotel
• Current owner: German Foundation for Monument Protection

Barockschloss Rammenau

Barockschloss Rammenau was originally a manor house of the von Seydewitz family, and was bought by Ernst Ferdinand von Knoch – Chamberlain of Augustus the Strong in 1717 when the family went bankrupt. Upon buying the property, Ernst Ferdinand von Knoch started to built the new and now known Baroque Castle with the help of architect Johann Christoph Knoeffel. The schloss later on switched owner again and ended into the von Hoffmann family, acquired by Johann Centurius von Hoffmannsegg and purchased by Hans Curt Christoph Ernst von Posern. During the World War 1, the schloss served as a military hospital. Today, the property is owned by the Free State of Saxony operating as a state-run castle operation.

About the Castle Rammenau

• Where:  Rammenau, Germany
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Ernst Ferdinand von Knoch – Chamberlain of Augustus the Strong
• Style: Baroque style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: Free State of Saxony

Castle Moritzburg

Located in Saxony, Germany, Moritzburg Castle features a Rococo style architecture named after Duke Moritz of Saxony, who had a hunting lodge built there during the mid 16th century. The property was continuously developed and gave birth to the Little Pheasant Castle in 18th century. Today, the property is under the Free State of Saxony and is open to public.

About the Castle Moritzburg

• Where:  Saxony, Germany
• When: 16th century
• Who built it: Duke Moritz of Saxony
• Style: Rococo style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: Free State of Saxony

Castle Hohenzollern

The ancestral seat of the imperial House of Hohenzollern, Hohenzollern Castle is the third of three hilltop castles on the site, it is located atop Mount Hohenzollern in central Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Originally built in 11th century, the Hohenzollern Castle was demolished twice and was finally rebuilt by Hohenzollern scion King Frederick William IV of Prussia with the help of architect Friedrich August Stüler. Today, it serves as one of the best tourist site in Germany and still owned by the House of Hohenzollern.

About the Castle Hohenzollern

• Where:  Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• When: 11th century / 19th century
• Who built it:  Counts of Zollern / Hohenzollern scion King Frederick William IV of Prussia
• Style: Gothic Revival
• What is it now? Tourist site
• Current owner: House of Hohenzollern

Schloss Babelsberg

Schloss Babelsberg was the summer residence of Prince William, later German Emperor William I and King of Prussia and his wife, Augusta of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, German Empress and Queen of Prussia located in the capital of the German state of Brandenburg, near Berlin. It was built between 1835–1849 by architects Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Ludwig Persius and Johann Heinrich Strack for King William I. Now, Schloss Babelsberg is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and currently administered by Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.

About the Castle Babelsberg

• Where:  Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: German Emperor and King of Prussia William I
• Style: Gothic Revival
• What is it now? Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg

Altena Castle

Altena Castle is a Medieval style castle located in the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia constructed by the early Counts of Berg in the 12th century. However it was abandoned by the House of Berg and was destroyed during the 15th century but was rebuilt partially. In the early 20th century, the County of Mark to Brandenburg-Prussia reconstructed the castle and was completed in 1914, retaining the original medieval form. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction and the symbol of the town.

About the Castle Altena

• Where:  Altena, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• When: 12th century
• Who built it: Counts of Berg
• Style: Medieval architecture
• What is it now? Tourist attraction / First youth hostel within the castle
• Current owner: Cultural Foundation Burg Altena / German Government

Burghausen Castle

Located in Burghausen, Upper Bavaria, Burghausen Castle is the longest castle complex in the world confirmed by the Guinness World Record company. It was built in the early 11th century and became the second residence of the dukes of Lower Bavaria. Today, it is open to public and currently under The Bavarian Department of State-owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes.

About the Burghausen Castle

• Where:  Burghausen, Upper Bavaria, Germany
• When: 11th century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Gothic style architecture
• What is it now? Open to public / Tourist site
• Current owner: The Bavarian Department of State-owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes

Braunfels Castle

Located in Braunfels, Germany, Castle Braunfels has been the seat of the Counts of Solms since the 13th century and is still owned by the counts of Oppersdorff and Solms-Braunfels today. It was originally a defensive stronghold but continuously got fortified and renovated over the centuries. The castle retained its Medieval architecture form but got mixed into Baroque and then rebuilt into neo-gothic style in 19th century.

About the Braunfels Castle

• Where:  Braunfels, Germany
• When: 13th century
• Who built it: Unknown / Wilhelm Moritz / Ferdinand the “Hunting Prince”
• Style: Medieval architecture / Baroque style / Neo-gothic style
• What is it now? Open to public / Tourist site
• Current owner: Counts of Oppersdorff and Solms-Braunfels

Boitzenburg Castle

Schloss Boitzenburg was the ancestral home of the von Arnim family for centuries and is one of the largest castles in the Uckermark. The schloss underwent few changes in ownership and during the Thirty Years’ War, it was destroyed and reconstructed and withstand major changes. Today, it is open to public and is a popular tourist site, while also houses a children and youth hotel.

About the Boitzenburg Castle

• Where:  Boitzenburger Land, Germany
• When: 13th century
• Who built it: Unknown / Georg Dietloff von Arnim / Friedrich August Stüler
• Style: Renaissance / Neo-gothic style
• What is it now? Open to public / Tourist site / Children and youth hotel
• Current owner: von Arnim family

Blutenburg Castle

Located in the west of Munich, Germany, Blutenburg Castle is an old ducal country seat that was built 15th century for Albert III, Duke of Bavaria. Duke Sigismund of Bavaria, son of Albert III ordered the castle to be modified and later died in the property. During the Thirty Years War, the castle was abandoned and destroyed but was rebuilt in 1680–81. Today, the castle is open to public and serves  as a tourist site.

About the Blutenburg Castle

• Where:  Munich, Germany
• When: 15th century
• Who built it: Albert III, Duke of Bavaria
• Style: Gothic architecture
• What is it now? Open to public / Tourist site
• Current owner: Bavarian Administration of State Castles, Gardens and Lakes

Schloss Babelsberg

Schloss Babelsberg was the summer residence of Prince William, later German Emperor William I and King of Prussia and his wife, Augusta of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, German Empress and Queen of Prussia located in the capital of the German state of Brandenburg, near Berlin. It was built between 1835–1849 by architects Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Ludwig Persius and Johann Heinrich Strack for King William I. Now, Schloss Babelsberg is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and currently administered by Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.

About the Babelsberg Palace

• Where:  Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: German Emperor and King of Prussia William I
• Style: Gothic Revival
• What is it now? Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg

Augustusburg Castle

Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, The Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces form a historical building complex that are connected by spacious gardens and trees of the Schlosspark. It was designed and built at the beginning of the 18th century by architects Johann Conrad Schlaun and François de Cuvilliés for the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne, Clemens August of Bavaria of the Wittelsbach family. Today, it is listed as an UNESCO cultural World Heritage Site.

About the Augustusburg Castle

• Where:  North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Designed and constructed by architects Johann Conrad Schlaun and François de Cuvilliés for the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne, Clemens August of Bavaria of the Wittelsbach family
• Style: Rococo style
• What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage site
• Current owner: German Government

Anholt Castle

Anholt Castle was named for the former town Anholt, now a district of Isselburg in North Rhine-Westphalia. It was originally built to serve as a defensive fortification from the 12th century and survived countless battles up to the World War 2. It was restored after the war and was opened to public added by a museum and parks while the castle houses a hotel with restaurant and a golf club.

About the Anholt Castle

• Where:  North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• When: 12th century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Neo-gothic style / Baroque style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: German Government

Bückeburg Castle

Bückeburg Castle was built in early 14th century and was developed into a Weser Renaissance style four-wing palace complex. Heinrich Schrader and Jacob Kölling headed the construction ordered by Otto IV von Schaumburg. In the 18th century, the castle was once again transformed into a new style of Baroque, ordered by Albrecht Wolfgang. During the 20th century, the Mausoleum Bückeburg was built by Paul Otto August Baumgarten, a professor from Berlin on the edge of the castle park to serve as a burial ground of the Princely House.

About the Bueckeburg Castle

• Where:  Bückeburg, Germany
• When: 14th century
• Who built it: Unknown / Developed by Otto IV von Schaumburg and Albrecht Wolfgang
• Style: Unknown / Weser Renaissance style / Baroque style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: Alexander Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe / Princely family zu Schaumburg-Lippe