5 Castles in Germany That Look Straight Out of Fairy Tales

If you're looking for a beautiful castle complex, you don't need to look much further than Germany. SCStock / Getty Images

If you're planning a trip through Europe and want a dose of real-life medieval fantasy, start with castles in Germany.

These aren’t just piles of old stone. They’re windows into centuries of feudal power, royal ambition and straight-up fairy tale drama.

Germany has more than 20,000 castles, ranging from ruins on remote hilltops to palace-like complexes with manicured grounds. Some are so scenic they inspired Disney movies. Others are hidden gems most tourists never find.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

No list of Germany's castles can start anywhere else. Neuschwanstein Castle, dreamed up by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century, is the ultimate fairy tale castle.

Perched above the village of Hohenschwangau, it was built more for fantasy than defense. With its white limestone facade, pointed towers and alpine backdrop, it looks like it was pulled from a storybook. It even inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Despite its medieval appearance, Neuschwanstein includes modern touches like flushing toilets and central heating.

2. Burg Eltz

Burg Eltz is what a proper castle looks like. It’s been in the same family for over 850 years and has survived centuries of conflict without ever being destroyed. Tucked into a forested valley near the Moselle River, it feels remote even today.

With its high towers, timber-framed upper stories and steep roofs, it’s one of the best examples of German medieval architecture. Take the guided tour to see original furnishings and weapons from centuries ago.

3. Heidelberg Castle

Once the seat of the powerful Palatinate electors, Heidelberg Castle is now a romantic ruin perched above the Neckar River. It mixes Gothic and Renaissance styles and still dominates the city of Heidelberg.

Destroyed by French troops in the late 1600s (and again later by lightning), its broken walls and empty windows now draw tourists rather than emperors.

Don’t miss the Great Tun, a massive wine barrel, or the panoramic views over the Old Town.

4. Hohenzollern Castle

This hilltop fortress in Baden-Württemberg looks like it belongs on a movie poster. Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the family that produced Prussian kings and German emperors.

The current castle, built in the 19th century, is the third on the site and is filled with royal memorabilia, including King Frederick the Great's personal items. Its high walls, turrets and ramparts deliver serious medieval energy, but with 19th-century flair.

5. Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn Castle is a moated Renaissance gem hidden in the Spessart forest. Unlike most castles, it wasn’t destroyed or dramatically altered, which makes it feel like a time capsule.

Still privately owned, it offers a more peaceful visit than the big tourist magnets. Its mix of defensive towers and elegant living quarters shows how castles evolved from fortresses into luxurious homes.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.