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1. Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria)

The ultimate fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein is perched on a rugged hill near Füssen. Built in the late 19th century by King Ludwig II, its Romanesque Revival design inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Inside, lavish murals depict Wagnerian operas, and the view of the Alps is breathtaking.

2. Hohenzollern Castle (Baden-Württemberg)

Overlooking the Swabian Alps, this fortress is the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family, who ruled Prussia and Germany. The castle’s current neo-Gothic structure dates to the 19th century and features a treasury with the Prussian royal crown. The panoramic views are as impressive as its rich history.

3. Burg Eltz (Rhineland-Palatinate)

Hidden in a forested valley near the Moselle River, Burg Eltz is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval castles. Remarkably, it has never been destroyed in war. Family-owned for over 850 years, its original furnishings, armory, and stunning frescoes provide a genuine glimpse into the past.

4. Heidelberg Castle (Baden-Württemberg)

Dominating the Neckar River, this partially ruined Renaissance masterpiece symbolizes Germany’s romantic heritage. Once a residence of the Palatinate electors, it features the world’s largest wine barrel and stunning views over the old town. Its atmospheric ruins inspired many poets, including Goethe.

5. Lichtenstein Castle (Baden-Württemberg)

Nicknamed the "Fairytale Castle of Württemberg," this cliffside gem was built in the 19th century in a medieval-inspired neo-Gothic style. Although small, it boasts stunning towers, dramatic mountain scenery, and interiors reminiscent of a knight's stronghold.

6. Wartburg Castle (Thuringia)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wartburg Castle was the refuge of Martin Luther when he translated the New Testament into German. Dating back to 1067, it also played a role in the medieval Minnesinger contests and remains one of Germany’s most historically significant fortresses.

7. Schwerin Castle (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)

Sitting on an island in Lake Schwerin, this opulent palace is often called the “Neuschwanstein of the North.” Once home to Mecklenburg’s grand dukes, its golden domes, turrets, and elegant halls make it one of Europe’s finest examples of historicist architecture.

8. Reichsburg Cochem (Rhineland-Palatinate)

Rising above the Moselle River, this castle dates back to at least the 12th century. Destroyed by the French in 1689 and rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in the 19th century, it offers spectacular views, medieval-style banquets, and a fascinating mix of original and restored architecture.

9. Marburg Castle (Hesse)

Overlooking the medieval university town of Marburg, this fortress dates to the 11th century and played a crucial role in early Hessian history. The castle museum highlights its medieval origins, while its commanding views of the old town make it a must-visit.

10. Drachenburg Castle (North Rhine-Westphalia)

Although built in the late 19th century as a private villa, Drachenburg looks like an ancient fairytale fortress. Sitting atop the Drachenfels hill overlooking the Rhine, it blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences and offers one of the best castle panoramas in Germany.