Top Ten Must-See Castles in Germany

1. The Castle Road - Romance and History from Mannheim to Prague

Family holiday or romantic interlude, the Castle Road takes you from Mannheim to Prague, through breathtaking scenery and charming towns and villages. There are 70 castles on the 1,200 km road should you decide to take it all the way from Mannheim to Prague. Take a tour, choose to take the road for a portion of your German journey, or make it the focus of your whole vacation. Other than traffic which may cut into your idyllic fantasies, this route is definitely a must for castle enthusiasts.

2. Neuschwanstein - Castle of Fairy Tales in Bavaria

When in Bavaria you will be transported back in time as you visit Schloss Neuschwanstein. The beautiful castle, built by King Ludwig, was the inspiration for Walt Disney's fairytale castle. Down the hill is the charming Schloss Hohenschwangau. Think about spending a night or two in the romantic village of Schwangau on the lake and in the shadow of the castles.

If you find you are mad about King Ludwig, take a drive to Schloss Lindenhof. Mad or not, Ludwig knew how to build a mean castle.

3. Heidelberg - Romantic Castle and Town Nestled on the Nektar

Most people that have been to Germany will say you must see Heidelberg, this may be in part because of its great location, hidden away in the mountains but a short trip from Frankfurt and Stuttgart, or the fact that it is simply charming. Visit the lovely Heidelberg Castle and delight in the illumination and fireworks or take in one of the many festival events. A university town, there are great restaurants and a thriving nightlife as well as all the charm of an old German village.

4. The Eltz Castle - 800 Years of Elegance on the Mosel

If you are heading down the Mosel to Trier or Koblenz, you will definitely want to take the time to tour the Eltz Castle, in the same family for over 800 years and still graced with flowers every weekend. Think about spending a day or two in the lovely town of Meunstermaifeld and enjoy some of the wines of the region as well as visiting a few of the other castles in the neighborhood. Not too far from the congruence of the Mosel and the Rhine, this lovely area is well worth a visit.

5. Marksburg - The Capital of the German Castles

Located a short drive from Frankfurt, between Frankfurt and Koblenz is the Marksburg Castle, a testament to restoration and preservation. This showcase castle is a must-see and is open every day of the year except Christmas. Situated above the lovely town of Braubach, the Marksburg is the headquarters of the German Castle Federation and hosts events year-round. Whether you make it a day trip or a starting point for your trip down the Rhine or Mosel, you won't be disappointed.

6. Burg Falkenstein - A Medeival Treat in the Harz Mountains

The Falkenstein Castle,located in old East Germany, not far from Hannover and Frankfurt, is a well-hidden jewel. The village and castle are nestled in the hills above the village of Neisdorf, where you catch a bus to the castle grounds. The Harz area is a popular area for hiking and camping and is home to several medieval towns and villages as well as lovely mountain towns. Harz and the areas surrounding the Castle are still very much German so bring your German-English dictionary along.

7. Rothenburg ob die Tauber - Your Journey to Another Time

Without question, Rothenburg is one of the finest medieval towns in Germany. It is a popular tourist destination, both on the Romantic Roadand on the Castle Road and is well worth the drive and a few days stay. This popular destination caters to tourists but still maintains its historic integrity. Your children will love the adventure and the restaurants and bars are a step back in time, if not in price. Spend a night or two here, you may forget you are in the 21st century.

8. The Wartburg Castle - A Treasure Trove for Castle Lovers

Presiding over the town of Eisenach, the birthplace of J.S. Bach and childhood home of Martin Luther, is the Castle Wartburg. Whether you are a Bach fan or a student of Martin Luther, you will enjoy all that Eisenach has to offer as well as the majesty of the Wartburg Castle. Thuringia, in the middle of Germany, is an area rich in history and offers a world of opportunities to see the birthplaces and homes of famous Germans as well as insights into the rich history of the area.

9. Cochem Castle - Royal Living on the Mosel River

Cochem Castle, located 100 meters above the Mosel River, was originnally built in the eleventh century. Burned and blown up in 1689, it remained in ruins until 1869, the castle remained in ruins until 1868, when it was rebuilt incorporating the remains of the late Gothic buildings into the structure which is Neo-Gothic. Today the castle is still well-equipped with Renaissance and Baroque furniture, which was carefully collected by the Ravené family who bought and rebuilt the castle in the late 19th century.

You can dine in the restaurant, take guided tours or participate in a Medieval dinner on selected weekends from March through November.

Cochem also happens to be a lovely place to stay if you are touring the Mosel River.

10. Schwerin Castle - A North German Jewel

Schwerin Castle, originally built in the 12th century, was rebuilt in the mid-1800s in Neo-Renaissance fashion, the castle is currently a state museum and has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur. The gardens and the chapel are full of beautiful sculptures and artwork and the palace itself houses over 2,000 pieces depicting the history of the castle and the region.

Schwerin Castle is open for tours from April to October and is the seat of the Schwerin government - so it functions not only noteworthy and gorgeous historic structure but also the state museum for Schwerin. When visiting, you can also take the opportunity to visit the Guestrow and Ludwigslust palaces.