Top 10 Must-See Castles in Bavaria

This enchanting gothic castle stands above a lovely town of Burghausen. Founded back in the Bronze Age, it is the longest castle complex in the whole world. With a length of 1051 meters, Burghausen Castle is one of the most impressive sights in Bavaria.
The castle bears marks of early, high Middle Ages, and even Renaissance. Throughout history, it changed and transformed into the masterpiece we see today.
And medieval fortifications remind of the impetuous story of the castle. But despite some worrying times, most of the exterior remained almost intact in the original state as well as interior, which is designed in Art Nouveau.

It is safe to bet that you’ve seen pictures of this castle at least once. And this wouldn’t be a surprise as a 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle is an idealized idea of ​​a knight's castle from the Middle Ages. Nestled in the Alps, with high peaked towers, strong pure-white walls, and hundreds of windows, the complex is a true “fairytale castle”. Often referred to by this name, Neuschwanstein is open to visitors almost all year round.

Overlooking the Hohenschwangau Valley, the construction of the Romantic castle started in 1869 for the Bavarian King Ludwig II as the king’s private refuge. Shortly after his death, the complex was open to the public. And today it is visited by around 1.5 million tourists annually.
Interestingly, the iconic Disney castle from Sleeping Beauty as well as the actual castle in Disneyland was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle. See for yourself on Bavaria tour.

Hohenschwangau Castle is a fellow neighbor of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. It is located directly across from Neuschwanstein in the village of Hohenschwangau. Rooted in the breathtaking valleys overlooking the amazing Alps, this castle is a great example of the Gothic architectural style while the interior is adorned with graceful royal ballrooms, bedrooms, and salons.
Another remarkable detail of this magnificent castle are its walls enriched with paintings representing Germanic folktales and historic legends

The castle is another heritage left by King Ludvig II of Bavaria. Or rather, his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. Once, Hohenschwangau was as luxurious as Neuschwanstein, but after the Napoleonic Wars, the building laid in ruins for a long time. Until King Maximilian II of Bavaria bought these ruins and transformed them into a summer residence, which became a childhood residence for King Ludvig II of Bavaria.

Johannisburg Castle has seen some hard times in its lifetime but still stands, powerful and mighty. It grew on the site of an earlier medieval castle between 1605 and 1614. Built from red sandstone, it served as a residence for the Archbishop-Elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg.
The Second World War brought serious damage to the castle. But fortunately, all internal decorations including art collections and furniture were saved, so the castle was open to the public later in the 20th-century.

Johannisburg Castle is a perfect opportunity to behold wonderful German Renaissance architectural style. And in the inner museum you’ll see works of art and historical evidence from six centuries.

Being one of the most important art and architectural monuments in the city and a part of the Nuremberg Historic Mile, Nuremberg Castle is a true symbol of the city of Nuremberg.

The building is a double castle, consisting of the Kaiserburg and the Burggrafenburg. Throughout its history, the castle has served as a fortification and imperial residence of the House of Hohenzollern. In ancient times, Nuremberg Castle represented the power and importance of the Holy Roman Empire. With such an impressive background, the complex is considered one of the most important fortifications in Europe.
Hence, make sure to check our German tours and create the unforgettable trip.
This magnificent historical castle in Bavaria is another victim of a terrifying World War II. During air assaults on Nuremberg, the castle complex was severely damaged. But, fortunately, after the war, it was rebuilt in its historical form and now welcomes every traveler.

Amid blooming greenery on the banks of river Würm, right outside of Munich, Blutenburg Castle is nestled. Built by Duke Albert III in the 15th-century, the castle replaced the older one destroyed by war.
Sadly, the interior can’t be visited, but the castle is a great collection of museums. The International Youth Library has set up various reading museums in the palace: the Michael Ende Museum, the James Krüss Tower, the Erich Kästner Room and since July 2005 the Binette-Schroeder cabinet.

Blutenburg Castle served Duke Albert III as a luxurious hunting lodge, so the appropriate area was selected. And this is one of the main things to see in Bavaria as the castle offers inspiring natural views of the Würm River and the surroundings.

Drachenburg Castle dates back to the 19th century. This mighty and impressive complex was built as a private villa on the Drachenfels hill in Konigswinter. Such a location reveals amazing views of the surroundings and the pearly river Rhine.

The castle was built as a residence of Baron Stephan von Sarter, a financial expert and punter. But by the irony of fate, he never moved there.
Controlled by the State Foundation of North Rhine-Westphalia, the charming castle is open to the public, offering you an opportunity to dive into a fairy-tale.

Originally a medieval fortress, today Lauf Castle is an alluring place to visit in Bavaria. Interestingly, in German, it bears the name “Wenzelschloss” ("Saint Wenceslas' Chateau"). This is due to the survived statue of Saint Wenceslas, patron saint of Czechs, on the facade of the entrance gate.
But the most impressive feature of Lauf Castle is the hall of arms, which was discovered in 1934 under a layer of old paint. The found collection of 112 coats of arms is unique artifacts of the noblemen of the Crown of Bohemia.

Lauf Castle was erected on the ruins of an older castle by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, in the 14th-century. But the fortress quickly changed its owner. After construction, as a result of an exchange of lands, the Emperor ceded the castle to Otto V, Duke of Bavaria.
From 1985 to 2013 Lauf Castle was used by the Nuremberg Academy of Fine Arts as a Lauf branch. During that time an extensive restoration took place. Today, the castle is empty but provides wedding services and is included in many city tours.

The beautiful city of Heidelberg boasts a great landmark and one of the most famous ruins in Germany, Heidelberg Castle. This astonishing 12th-century Renaissance castle was built of red sandstone on an 80-meters hill. From here you can see a bright image of the valley and Old Town, a historical district in Heidelberg. Which is definitely worth visiting if you’re on Germany tour.
The castle has a very tragic history. It was destroyed during the Nine Years’ War in 1693 and partially restored until a lightning bolt set the complex on fire in 1764. Since then the reconstruction has been abandoned.

Despite the slings and arrows, we still can admire the majesty of Heidelberg Castle. The Ottheinrichsbau, one of the palace buildings, is one of the most important structures of German Mannerism. In the cultural-historical epoch of Romanticism, the castle ruins were stylized as the epitome of a bygone and admirable epoch. Today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe.

This mighty fortress fulfilled its purpose more than once throughout its history. Dominating the historic city of Wurzburg on a mountain ledge 100 meters above the river Main, the 12th-century fortress was often under siege.

For 5 centuries it stood bravely, but in the 17th century just another attack caused serious damage. Which was only the beginning. In the times of World War II, the castle suffered significant damage during bombardments. Large parts of the fortress were destroyed.
But all's well that ends well. The Marienberg Fortress restored its beauty in the second half of the 20th-century. If you’re there, you should note one of the most unique attractions of the complex, St Mary’s Church. This wonderful building is a portal to AD 706, the year of its construction.