Germany is worldwide known for different things. Nature on the one hand, but on the other hand the country is also known for cultural and historical material. The “Autobahn” (Highways) and the car industry, the Beer and the Beer related events, like the “Oktoberfest”, the German Football (Soccer) Team and its successes in the past years. However, these are not the only human-made things in Germany that are worth visiting. Spread over the whole country there are traces from almost forgotten times: Castles and fortresses.
Probably the most famous castle in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle. Its located in the very southern part of the country and it is without contradiction absolutely beautiful. It was built in the late 19th century by King Ludwig II. from Bavaria in the neo-Romanesque style. Since than its one of the most visited places all over Germany and even Disney used it as a role model for its famous Disney Castle.
In the northwestern part of the Country you can find the Caste Drachenburg – the name alone indicates the fairytale-like quality the translation means “Dragon Castel”. And the Name does not disappoint. The Castle is absolutely mystical with many little towers edges and corners all adorned with decorations.
Both of the aforementioned castles are from the 19th century, which is quite a few years ago, but there are still much older castles and palaces in Germany.
The probably oldest still existing castle in Germany dates back to the year 929 AC. It’s the “Albrechtsburg” in Saxonian. At this time, it was more a wooden defense building on a rock above the river elbe. Over time it grew, latest in the 15th century it was more a fortress than a wooden constraction and was used as the government and residence of the earls. The castle can still be visited today in the town of Meissen.
Not all castles have survived the centuries. There are only ruins or very fragile remains of many of them- Nevertheless, some of them are worth a visit. For example, the ruins of Falkenstein Castle. It was builded in the end of the 13th century and burned down in 1646, but it is still the highest castle in Germany, it is located 1277m high. So up there you can enjoy a amazing view over the Allgäu Area.
Whether magnificent fortresses, massive stone castles from the Middle Ages or just the remains of them. There are countless of them in Germany and each one has its own charm and is worth a visit.
