Castles have always held a special allure for many people. There’s something about their imposing size and beautiful architecture that draws you. If you’re looking to add some castles to your bucket list, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll be highlighting 20 castles in Bavaria that are definitely worth checking out. So if you’re ready to explore some of the most enchanting castles in the world, keep reading!
This is a list of the upper and lower castles in Bavaria.
1. Schloss Neuburg
Schloss Neuburghg is a castle located in the city of Neuburg an der Donau in Bavaria. The castle was originally built in the 11th century, and it has been modified and expanded over the years. It’s now open to tourists, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
2. Schloss Linderhof
Schloss Linderhof is a Rococo palace located in the city of Eching bei Munich. King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the palace, and it’s now open to tourists. Schloss Linderhof is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an opulent palace to explore.
3. Schloss Herrenchiemsee
Schloss Herrenchiemsee is a palace located on the island of Herreninsel in Chiemsee. King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the palace, and it’s now open to tourists. If you’re looking for an exciting day trip, be sure to check out Schloss Herrenchiemsee.
4. Schloss Hohenschwangau
Schloss Hohenschwangau is a 19th-century castle in southern Bavaria, near the town of Füssen. King Ludwig II’s father, Maximilian II of Bavaria, started the castles’ construction. It was intended as a summer retreat for the royal family and was named after a nearby mountain, Hohenschwangau Castle.
Ludwig II spent a great deal of his childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle, and it was here that he developed his lifelong passion for castles. He later had several castles built, including the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination. The interior is furnished in the style of the 19th century and features many items that belonged to King Ludwig II. There is also a museum dedicated to the life and work of King Ludwig II.
If you’re interested in castles, then Hohenschwangau Castle should be on your bucket list.
5. Mariensteg Wernstein
Mariensteg Wernstein is a picturesque castle located in the Bavarian town of Wernstein am Inn. The castles’ construction was started in the 12th century by the Lords of Marienberg. It served as a fortress and later as a residence for the nobility.
In 1575, the Austrian Habsburgs seized the castle, and it remained under their control until the end of the Second World War. The castle was badly damaged during the war but has since been restored.
Mariensteg Wernstein is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
6. Burgruine Tachenstein
Burgruine Tachenstein is a beautiful and enchanting castle located in Bavaria, Germany. It is worth adding to your bucket list if you are looking for castles to visit in Europe!
The castle was initially built in the 12th century, but it has been rebuilt and renovated many times over the years. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning architecture and amazing views.
Burgruine Tachenstein is surrounded by the beautiful Bavarian Alps, making for a breathtaking backdrop. The castle is also home to several interesting historical exhibits, which are sure to fascinate visitors.
If you are looking for an unforgettable European castle experience, be sure to add Burgruine Tachenstein to your bucket list! You will not be disappointed!
Bavaria is home to some of the most enchanting castles in Europe, and Burgruine Tachenstein is one. This castle should be on your bucket list if you are looking for castles to visit in Germany.
7. Burgruine Hilgartsberg
Burgruine Hilgartsberg is a romantic castle ruin perfect for adding to your bucket list if you are looking to explore castles in Bavaria. The Hilgartsberg was built in the 13th century and served as a summer residence for the Bavarian dukes. The castle was destroyed in the early 19th century but has been partially restored. Visitors can explore the remains of the castle, including the keep and the chapel.
8. Burgruine Falkenstein
Another castle in Bavaria that should be on your bucket list is Burgruine Falkenstein. The Falkenstein was built in the 12th century and served as a hunting lodge for the Bavarian dukes. The castle was destroyed in the early 19th century, but it has been rebuilt and is now open to the public.
9. Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schloss Neuschwanstein is the most famous castle in Bavaria and one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built the Schloss, and it is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. The Schloss is often called “the fairytale castle” because of its beautiful architecture and resemblance to the castles in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
10. Burg Hohenzollern
The Burg Hohenzollern is a medieval castle located in the Swabian Jura, near the town of Hechingen. The Burg was built in the 11th century by the counts of Zollern, and it is now open to the public. The castle is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Burg Hohenzollern castle is one of the most famous castles in Bavaria, and it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. The castle is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
11. Würzburg Residence
Würzburg Residence is a Baroque palace in Würzburg, Southern Germany. The palace was built 18th century by Balthasar Neumann for the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, Friedrich Karl von Schönborn.
The Würzburg Residence is considered one of the most important works of Neoclassical architecture in Germany.
The palace is also noted for its magnificent interiors, extensively decorated with frescoes and stucco work by Johann Michael Feuchtmayer and his workshop.
The Würzburg Residence was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.
If you’re looking for a fairytale castle to add to your bucket list, look no further than the Würzburg Residence in Bavaria. This stunning Baroque palace was built in the 18th century and is now open to the public as a museum.
12. Fortress Marienberg
Fortress Marienberg is a medieval castle located on the Marienberg mountain in Würzburg, Bavaria. The castle was built in the 13th century to serve as a fortress and residence for the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg.
Today, Fortress Marienberg is open to the public and houses a museum that chronicles the history of the castle and the city of Würzburg.
13. Hermitage Castle (Altes Schloss Ermitage)
Hermitage Castle (Altes Schloss Ermitage) is a beautiful and enchanting castle in the Bavarian Alps that is worth adding to your bucket list. The castle was initially built in the 12th century, and it has been updated and remodeled over the years, but it still retains its original charm and beauty.
The castle’s exterior is absolutely stunning, with its imposing turrets and walls, and the interior is just as impressive, with its elegant rooms and beautiful décor. Hermitage Castle is also home to several interesting historical artifacts and works of art, including a rare collection of 15th-century tapestries.
If you are looking for an enchanting castle to add to your bucket list, be sure to add Hermitage Castle to the top of your list! You won’t be disappointed.
14. Plassenburg Castle
Plassenburg Castle is another enchanting castle in Bavaria that is worth a visit. The castle was built between 1338 to 1791, belonging to the family of Hohenzollern and it has been through a lot of history. It was originally a fortified castle, but it was later turned into a luxurious palace by Elector Frederick III.
The exterior of Plassenburg Castle is breathtaking, with its red sandstone walls and imposing turrets. The interior is just as stunning, with lavish rooms and beautiful décor. There are also a few fascinating museums in the castle, including a museum about toy-making and porcelain.
The Schlosskirche, or Castle Church, is also worth a visit. This church was built in the late 18th century and is one of the most beautiful churches in Bavaria.
If you’re looking for an enchanting castle to add to your bucket list, be sure to include Plassenburg Castle! It’s one of the most impressive castles in Bavaria.
15. Veste Coburg mit Kunstsammlungen
Veste Coburg mit Kunstsammlungen was home to many Bavarian rulers over the years and to Martin Luther in 1530. It was also where King Ludwig II spent his childhood summers. The castle has an interesting history and is now open to visitors to explore the many rooms and artworks inside.
The castle grounds are also home to a beautiful garden, perfect for a summer stroll. If you’re looking for castles in Bavaria to add to your bucket list, Veste Coburg mit Kunstsammlungen should be at the top.
16. Burghausen Castle
Burghausen Castle is among the longest castles globally, stretching for over a kilometer. It’s also one of the most well-preserved castles in Bavaria, with many of its original features still intact.
The castle was first built in the 11th century and has been expanded and rebuilt many times. This castle was the home of the dukes of Lower Bavaria for centuries, and it’s now open to the public for tours.
Some of the highlights of Burghausen Castle include its grand courtyard, its ornate chapel, and its beautiful Renaissance-era apartments. There are also guided tours available that will take you through all the different parts of the castle.
17. Ruine Rabenstein
Ruine Rabenstei is a ruined castle located in Pottenstein, Bavaria. The castle was first mentioned in a document from 1293 and is one of the oldest castles in the region. It served as both a defensive structure and a residence for nobility over the years.
The castle changed hands many times over the centuries, eventually abandoned by the mid-19th century. It was later used as a quarry, and much of the structure was destroyed. Today, only the ruins of the castle remain.
Despite its ruined state, Ruine Rabenstein is a popular tourist attraction due to its picturesque setting in the Bavarian countryside. The views from the castle are stunning, and it makes for a great day trip from nearby cities like Nuremberg.
If you’re looking for a fairytale castle to add to your bucket list, Ruine Rabenstein is definitely worth a visit.
18. Aschaffenburg Castle
Aschaffenburg Castle is a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance. The castle was initially built in the 13th century but has been remodeled and added onto many times over the years. It’s now open to the public as a museum with exhibits on medieval life, arms and armor, and art.
The courtyard is lovely, with its flower gardens and marble statues. You can also take a tour of the castle’s underground tunnels, which were used as hidden passageways and storage during wartime.
This castle consists of three palaces: the Ponpeiianum, Johannisburg, and Schonbusch. The first two are open to tourists, while the third has possible access by guided tours.
19. Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque palace in Munich, southern Germany. The castle is the primary residence of the former rulers of Bavaria, the Wittelsbach dynasty. It was erected from 1664 to 1732.
The magnificent Nymphenburg Palace is a must-see when visiting Bavaria! This Baroque masterpiece was commissioned by Maximilian II Emanuel, the elector of Bavaria, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was built over 68 years and is one of the most important works of European court architecture.
The Nymphenburg Palace features beautiful gardens, opulent rooms, and stunning artworks. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its spectacular frescoes, and the Green Gallery, with over 400 paintings.
Make sure to visit the Nymphenburg Palace on your next trip to Bavaria – it’s an enchanting experience you won’t forget.
20. Schloss Rathsmannsdorf
Schloss Rathsmannsdorf is a jaw-dropping castle that is worth a visit if you’re in the Bavaria area. It’s located close to Regensburg and overlooks the Danube River, making for some fantastic views. The architecture of this castle is simply stunning, with its mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
This medieval castle complex was rebuilt from 1578 to 1579 and is now open to the public. You can explore all of its grandeur, including the lavish interior and beautiful gardens. Be sure to check out the incredible ceilings and murals while you’re there!
This castle has a mighty gate tower, a courtyard, and a Renaissance hall. It’s one of the most impressive castles in Bavaria and is well worth adding to your bucket list.
Conclusion: If you’re looking for an enchanting destination to add to your bucket list, look no further than Bavaria. With its rolling hills, fairytale castles, and stunning lakes, this German region is sure to captivate you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
