9 of the most beautiful castles in Germany

[New Sancai Compilation First Release] Germany is famous for its castles, and its past is filled with stories of knights, dukes and wars. Rich in history, these castles have been restored to their former glory and in some cases are inhabited by descendants of the founders.

△ Neuschwanstein Castle: Neuschwanstein Castle is the most photographed building in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. This fairytale castle is set in the stunning beauty of the Bavarian Alps near the town of Fussen and was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the late 1800s, and unlike most castles, it was never built for defense, but rather as a retreat for Ludwig II of Bavaria. Every room in the castle is decorated with dazzling chandeliers and beautiful paintings, while the third floor is dedicated to Ludwig's swan scene from the opera of the famous composer Richard Wagner, reflecting Ludwig's deep affection for it. of fascination and admiration.

△ Hohenzollern Castle: This castle is located on the top of the Hohenzollern Mountains and was built in the 11th century. In recent centuries, the original castle was destroyed and only the chapel remains. The current castle was built in the mid-19th century by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.

This castle is located 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Stuttgart and is the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family. Many emperors and kings were born here. Today, the castle is a unique museum filled with treasures, including the crown worn by the King of Prussia and the uniform worn by Frederick the Great. It is one of the most popular castles in Germany and is a private property.

△ Hohenschwangau Castle: Ludwig II’s father, Maximillian II, discovered Hohenschwangau Castle when he was still the crown prince and was very happy. Although the castle was in ruins at the time, he bought it and renovated it as a hunting lodge and summer residence. In 1864, after Maximilian's death, Ludwig II came to the throne. He never married, so his mother lived in this home for the rest of her life. It is located in the village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Füssen.

△ Heidelberg Castle: Heidelberg Castle is located 80 meters (260 feet) north of the hillside, overlooking the scenery of Heidelberg's old town. The castle ruins are one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. Originally built in the 13th century, this castle structure was completely destroyed during the Thirty Years War, destroyed by the French in the 17th century and struck by lightning in 1764. The castle's stones were even used Construction of a new house in Heidelberg. Subsequent reconstructions resulted in a variety of architectural styles, adding to the castle's charm.

△ Schwerin Castle: Schwerin Castle is located on an island in Lake Schwerin. It is said that a castle stood there as early as the 10th century. For centuries it was the home of the grand dukes of Mecklenburg. The castle has many towers and turrets and is considered an example of European historicist architecture. In the 20th century, it was once a preschool education college and a museum. Today the castle serves as a museum and the government building of the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

△ Lichtenstein Castle: Lichtenstein Castle is one of the newer castles in Germany. It was only built in the 19th century to commemorate the numerous Lichtenstein knights in the Middle Ages. As early as the 12th century, a castle stood here, but it fell into disrepair and has only been rebuilt now. It stands boldly on the top of a hill and is reached by a stone bridge spanning the hilltop. This Gothic castle in the Swabian Alps near Honau is famous for its collection of historic weapons and armor.

△ Wartburg: Wartburg was built in the 11th century, but its fame came centuries later. It is in Eisenach. Martin Luther hid here in the early 16th century in order to complete the translation of the Bible. In the 20th century, Adolf Hitler wanted the cross to be removed from the castle and replaced with a swastika. As one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany, visitors can choose to hike up the steep slope or take a shuttle to reach the castle.

△ Mespelbrunn Castle: This was originally a simple house built on the water by a knight in the early 15th century. Located in the Spessart forest between Frankfurt and Wurzburg, it may lack the gingerbread appearance of other German castles, but its simple beauty makes it Germany's most popular water castle one. In fact, it has been described as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Located in northern Bavaria, it is a privately owned property, but the family opens its doors to visitors year-round. Visitors who have been there highly recommend walking on the trails within the castle.

△ Reichsburg Cochem: Reichsburg Cochem was built in 1140 by King Konrad III and later changed hands when an emperor pawned it to pay for his coronation. When French King Louis XIV invaded the area in the 17th century, he nearly destroyed it. The castle was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the Moselle River and has impressive Renaissance and Baroque furniture.

(Author: Carl Austin)

(Compiled by: Bai Ding)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)