CASTLES

Ehrenburg Castle

The castle pictured to the left is the Ehrenburg castle built around the year 1100.From 1547 to 1918 this palace was the town residence of the Coburg dukes. Still a renaissance building, in part built in the neo-Gothic style (19th century), it features state-rooms and apartments with lavish furnishings, a Hall of Giants; Goblin Room; Red Reception Room; Small and Large Gallery; Court Church with lavish stuccowork (Italian craftsmen of the 17th century); and Throne Hall (neo-Classicism, 1831).

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the late 19th century, a time when castles and fortresses were no longer strategically necessary. Instead, it was built of pure fantasy; a beautiful, romantic composition of towers and walls in the perfect setting of mountains and lakes (located in Southwest Germany).It is said to be the most photographed building in the world. With over 360 rooms, it took 17 years to build. With its turrets, mock-medievalism and its interior styles ranging from complex through romantic to gothic, it is a popular landmark.

Sulzberg History

"Sulziberc" was the name of a knight family, first mentioned in 1170. In 1358, after the death of Konrad Marquard von Schellenberg, a husband of Konrad’s daughter took over reign of the castle. In 1526 the castle was named Sulzberg and sold to the prince bishop of Kempten, and was occupied by governors and officials employed by the prince bishop. In 1648, after the Thirty Years' War, the last inhabitants left the castle and it was abandoned.

Hornberg History

Since 1040 this castle has dominated a hill overlooking the Neckar River. For many centuries it was a fief of the Bishop of Speyer. In 1517 Hornberg was purchased by Goetz von Berlichingen and became his only residence. He spent 45 years of his eventful life here and died in 1562. His grandson sold the castle in 1612 to the Barons of Gemmingen, of whom the twelfth generation still own it today. For centuries its tall tower has been a landmark through this valley, and the towers and ruins are still open to visitors.

Mindelberg History

A well-preserved castle, whose essential parts already existed in the 12th/13th century. The "Frundsberg" seized power in 1467 and took over the town.

Kronburg History

The Kronburg was constructed about 1200, as a minister’s residence. In 14th century, the Kronburg became a Habsburg fief with changing owners. The today's appearance of the castle dates to the years 1490 to 1536. Remarkable is the castle chapel, a small hall with 5 axis, with a flat barrel vaulted ceiling. The band-and-leaf stucco work dates from the time about 1720; the altar is dated about 1775.

Holzberg History

This ancient hunting castle dates from around 1650, and stands in the mountains about 2600 feet above sea level. Its early character is maintained in complete authenticity with oil lamps, objects of art, and antique furnishings.

Schnellenberg History

This 13th century fortress includes tower rooms with open fireplaces, great halls, and vaulted, beamed ceilings. Chapel and treasury are filled with exhibits of the ancient past. Watch out for the castle ghost - a knight in armour carrying his helmeted head under his arm.

Heidelberg History

Heidelberg is the very image of romantic Germany. The River Neckar flows through its deep wooded valleys, past ancient towers and bridges, as the red sandstone castle ruin rises majestically over the roofs of the old town. The Heidelberg Castle was built in several steps from the 14th to the 17th century. The princes of the Palatinate lived here for 500 years. In 1689 the town and the castle were destroyed by the French under Louis XIV. Particularly fascinating is the castle cellar which houses the famous, and world's largest, wine vat with a capacity of 55,000 gallons (220.000 litres), built in the 18th century to hold the tithe of the Palatine wines.

Staufenberg History

Staufenberg was first mentioned by document in 1233. In 1858, the Princes Ludwig and Heinrich of Hessen-Darmstadt acquired the Lower Castle and undertook its restoration. In turn, Hessen, Mainz and the Ziegenhains have all used this castle in war and peace for their own purposes. In 1925, due to a land trade, it passed into the possession of the State of Hessen, to which the castle belongs to this day.

Ronneburg History

Although built about 1230, the castle’s towers, battlements and walls are still intact. Situated on a hilltop, the tall tower makes a landmark seen for miles. The castle is associated with Count Zinzendorf in 1736, founder of the Moravian brotherhood, which later established religious colonies in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Wassenberg History

The first official mention of Wassenberg was in 1021. Around 1085 Count Gerhard of Flanders made the castle of Wassenberg into his residence. Thus the pre-conditions for the origins of the town were set out and it was granted town status in 1273. In addition to the huge defence tower, which has been converted into a viewing point, many other parts of the remaining defence constructions have been restored: the town wall, defence towers within the walls, and the dungeon. The major part of these constructions dates from 1420, whereas the dungeon is from around 1365.

Sababurg History

Originally built in 1334 for the protection of pilgrims, the old stronghold was partially destroyed, and rebuilt in 1490. Much of it now dates from that period. Outer walls still surround the main buildings which are dominated by two massive strong towers.

Kropsburg History

Dating from the year 1200, this medieval castle has seen 800 years of history through the Middle Ages and modern times. Located on a prominent hilltop, it commands a broad view of the valleys below, surrounded by the German wine country.

Landsburg History

Landsburg Castle was built between 1197 and 1200 by Conrad of Landsburg. It was made of granite and sandstone. The castle was known for its elegant bay windows and stunning chapel. The Landsburg Castle was semi-destroyed by the Swedish in 1632. Today the castle is being restored and is a well known tourist location.

Bettenburg History

The Baron von Truchsess family has owned Bettenburg Castle since 1343, and the ancient buildings and courtyard reflect this continuous ownership.

Wasserburg History

The history of the castle of Wasserburg goes back as far as the 12th century. Today it presents itself as romantic ornamental castle, decorated in English Country Style, surrounded by a lovely pond (once a moat). The castle is situated 45km west Vienna.

Trendelburg History

The original construction of the Trendelburg castle in not recorded, however it is known that is existed before 1300. In 1367 it was the seat of the Bishops of the area, and in the intervening centuries imperial families have resided there. Known as one of Germany’s best-preserved castles, it is in the center of an area famed as the origin of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Hardenburg History

Hardenburg Castle was built before 1214 to protect the country of Limburg. Although Hardenburg is a ruin, the castle is still am amazing complex. In the 16th century, Hardenburg Castle was remodeled into a larger fortress, but was soon burnt down by the French revolutionary troops. In the early 1970’s Hardenburg Castle was restored so visitors could tour around the castle’s mysterious ruins and beautiful gardens.

Harburg History

The Harburg Castle sits high above a river and is one of the few un-destroyed German castles. Situated along the Romantic Road, it formed a very important military stronghold already during the reign of the Staufer-Kings (1079-1272). The castle is an extensive medieval construction dating from the 11th/12th century. A walled ring with 6 towers surrounds the main castle, the prince building, the castle house, the well, the castle church, and the crypt chapel. The square keep dates probably from the 13th century.

Wolfsburg History

The 700-year-old Wolfsburg Castle is the historical focus of Wolfsburg city. The city was named after the castle after the Second World War.

Engelsburg History

Built in 1701, and formerly the residence of the Duke of Arenburg, this old castle-like palace now offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of a small city. The castle adjoins the old town walls, and the broad grounds in the rear are bounded by walls and watchtowers, apparently dating from much earlier times.

Marksburg History

Dating from 1231, this castle, towering on a high cliff above a valley, it is the only fully preserved medieval fortress on the Rhine. The tower, 130 ft. high, is a well-known landmark for miles around. Inside, the castle offers its many visitors an authentic picture of medieval fortifications and domestic architecture. It is an impressive complex, comprising a keep and various groups of buildings, dungeons, and baileys, perched in split level fashion on a pinnacle of rock overlooking the river.