Europe Explored » Castles https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Fri, 06 Sep 2013 07:49:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Frankenstein Castle – the monster’s home | Germany https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/17/frankenstein-castle-the-monsters-home-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/17/frankenstein-castle-the-monsters-home-germany/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:26:02 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4772 The ruins of a medieval Castle of Frankenstein are located at 370 m high rocky outcropping in the German state of Hesse, about 5 km south of Darmstadt. The castle probably inspired the writer Mary Shelley to write her horror novel Frankenstein, but this has never been proved. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created […]

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The ruins of a medieval Castle of Frankenstein are located at 370 m high rocky outcropping in the German state of Hesse, about 5 km south of Darmstadt. The castle probably inspired the writer Mary Shelley to write her horror novel Frankenstein, but this has never been proved.

Frankenstein Castle - the monster's home | Germany
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Mertens

Every year it holds several big events that remind the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. Castle of Frankenstein lies hidden in the beautiful countryside. You can get here quite easily by a transport from the modern metropolis Frankfurt am Main. Frankenstein’s Castle was built in the mid 13th century by Count Konrad Reiz von Breuberg. Later there was built a hospital but from the late 18th century this wonderful medieval building began decay. The real glory of this place then came with the mentioned novel written by Mary Shelley.

During your visit in the Castle of Frankenstein in Mühltal you will certainly enjoy a big amount of adventure. It will be very interesting for the lovers of nature and historical monuments as the beautiful scenery can be found everywhere around castle.

Regardless of the name and history associated with the Castle of Frankenstein, people still make weddings in the chapel in ruins. But the best time to visit Castle of Frankenstein is probably October, when the castle holds Halloween party.


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Linderhof Palace – the beautiful palace in the mountain of Bavaria, Germany https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/24/linderhof-palace-the-beautiful-palace-in-the-mountain-of-bavaria-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/24/linderhof-palace-the-beautiful-palace-in-the-mountain-of-bavaria-germany/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:42:17 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4790 The idea to build Linderhof Palace came from the King Ludwig II of Bavaria while visiting the International Exhibition in Paris in 1867. Napoleon III took him to Compiègne, the Louvre, the Tuileries and Versailles. Ludwig II was so impressed of Versailles Palace that he returned to Bavaria and decided to build a replica of […]

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The idea to build Linderhof Palace came from the King Ludwig II of Bavaria while visiting the International Exhibition in Paris in 1867. Napoleon III took him to Compiègne, the Louvre, the Tuileries and Versailles. Ludwig II was so impressed of Versailles Palace that he returned to Bavaria and decided to build a replica of the Sun King’s palace (Versailles Palace), as an expression of absolute monarchy.

Construction of the Linderhof Palace began in 1870 under the leadership of Georg Dollmann and was completed in 1878 as a memorial to the absolute monarchy of the French kings. The castle was built in the Rococo style according to the style of Bourbon kings. Linderhof Palace is the only building constructed by Ludwig II. It was also his favorite residence until his tragic death in 1886.

The entrance hall is surrounded by a red marble pilasters, and there is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV. It is a copy of the statue from the Place Vendôme (square in Paris) which was made by Francois Girardon. Visiting a Palace is really a great experience, especially the Hall of Mirrors which is the most richly decorated room in Linderhof Palace.

The palace includes also the park with an area of ​​198 acres. There is even a waterfall and fountain with Neptune, or a classic circular temple with a marble statue of Venus.

Around the Linderhof Palace you can find romantic structures like Venus Grotto, Hunding’s Hut, Gurnemanz Hermitage, Moorish Kiosk or Moroccan House.


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Reichsburg castle in Cochem – one of the most visually impressive castles of Germany https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/10/reichsburg-castle-in-cochem-one-of-the-most-visually-impressive-castles-of-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/10/reichsburg-castle-in-cochem-one-of-the-most-visually-impressive-castles-of-germany/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 15:40:39 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3714 Cochem is a little town located on the lower reaches of the River Mosel and also a renowned wine region. The most famous is, of course, the Moselle Rieslings. Reichsburg castle which is a landmark of Cochem and of the region is over a thousand years old. Well, the original building was built around a […]

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Cochem is a little town located on the lower reaches of the River Mosel and also a renowned wine region. The most famous is, of course, the Moselle Rieslings.

Reichsburg castle which is a landmark of Cochem and of the region is over a thousand years old. Well, the original building was built around a year of 1000, but it was destroyed during the French siege in 1689. From 1868 to 1877 it was completely reconstructed and since then it is the most visited monument in the valley of the River Mosel. Reichsburg castle is located about 50 km from the city of Koblenz.


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Albrechtsburg castle – one of the most beautiful late Gothic buildings in Germany https://europeexplored.com/2011/02/03/albrechtsburg-castle-one-of-the-most-beautiful-gothic-buildings-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/02/03/albrechtsburg-castle-one-of-the-most-beautiful-gothic-buildings-in-germany/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:37:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2462 Albrechtsburg castle is one of the most beautiful late Gothic buildings in Germany. It is located in Saxony, in the famous city of porcelain in Meißen. Albrechtsburg castle was built in the 15th century and it was the first castle in the history of German engineering. The builder was Arnold von Westfalen. Albrechtsburg Castle is […]

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Albrechtsburg castle is one of the most beautiful late Gothic buildings in Germany. It is located in Saxony, in the famous city of porcelain in Meißen.

Albrechtsburg castle was built in the 15th century and it was the first castle in the history of German engineering. The builder was Arnold von Westfalen. Albrechtsburg Castle is a silent witness to history of famous for so-called “white gold” because it is also a place of the first porcelain manufactory in Europe, established in 1710.

Albrechtsburg castle, Germany
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Miala

Albrechtsburg castle hosts numerous interesting exhibitions, including the permanent exhibition about the castle and local porcelain, which takes you back to the times of the invention of the European porcelain. With multimedia production you can also look at the laboratory of Johann Friedrich Böttger, the discoverer of porcelain production.

In the castle complex there is a beautiful Gothic cathedralMeissen Cathedral, that was built in 1260 – 1410.

Albrechtsburg castle, Germany 2
Janos Korom Dr.


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Hohenschwangau Castle or Neuschwanstein in Germany https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/03/hohenschwangau-castle-or-neuschwanstein-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/03/hohenschwangau-castle-or-neuschwanstein-in-germany/#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:51:29 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=690 Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwanstein) is a 19th century palace in southern Germany in wonderful place in mountains. It was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. It is located very close to the border with Austria in the German village of Schwangau […]

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Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwanstein) is a 19th century palace in southern Germany in wonderful place in mountains. It was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. It is located very close to the border with Austria in the German village of Schwangau near the town of Füssen, part of the county of Ostallgäu in southwestern Bavaria. Ludwig originally named his new home New Hohenschwangau Castle, but after Ludwig’s death, it was re-named to Neuschwanstein.

More than 300,000 visitors from all over the world visit the castle each year. It is open all through the year from 9am to 6pm (April through September) and from 10am to 4pm (October through March). Guided tours are provided in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, Slovenian and Japanese.


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Lichtenstein Castle – another fairytale castle in Germany with awe-inspiring views https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/02/lichtenstein-castle-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/02/lichtenstein-castle-in-germany/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:50:37 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=688 It was back in 1840 when the Lichtenstein Castle was built in Germany, along the edges of the Swabian Alps. Sitting at an elevation of 817 meters above the sea, the Lichtenstein Castle overlooks the surrounding countryside just outside of Baden-Württemberg. The awe-inspiring views afforded to one who makes their way to the gates of […]

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It was back in 1840 when the Lichtenstein Castle was built in Germany, along the edges of the Swabian Alps. Sitting at an elevation of 817 meters above the sea, the Lichtenstein Castle overlooks the surrounding countryside just outside of Baden-Württemberg. The awe-inspiring views afforded to one who makes their way to the gates of the castle are truly unique.

Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
Lichtenstein Castle, Germany by -donald-

It was the Count of Württemberg who commissioned the construction of the castle after being inspired by the novel, “Lichtenstein”. The Lichtenstein Castle features a chapel as well as a very romantic courtyard and numerous gardens. Locally, people even refer to Lichtenstein Castle as a fairytale castle on account of its design and history.

It is important to point out, that Lichtenstein Castle was not the first castle situated on the site. Back in the 13th century, a castle had been erected along the cliffs but had been attacked and destroyed on at least two different occasions. The first time that the original castle was siege was back in 1311 during the Reichskrieg’s War. The castle was then rebuilt and then again destroyed by the city-state of Reutlingen back in 1381.

However, no attempt was made to rebuild the castle after the second siege and so it eventually fell into disrepair. There it sat for hundreds of years upon the cliff, falling into shambles. It was back in 1802 when King Frederick I of Württemberg took possession of the land and turned it into his own hunting grounds. In 1837, the land would be passed to his nephew, Duke Wilhelm of Urach, who built the current Lichtenstein Castle.

Lichtenstein Castle (HDR photo), Germany
Lichtenstein Castle (HDR photo), Germany by ChristianBobadilla

Today the castle is still owned by the heirs of the Duke. However, no one currently lives on the grounds and as such it has been opened to the public as a museum. Every year countless people make their way to Lichtenstein Castle to see this storybook castle in person. The number one stopping point within the castle is of course the armory which is still with a large collection of suits of armor. After all, what castle would not be complete without suits of armor.

So if you are making your way to Germany, do not forget to take the time to check out the many wonderful castles that dot the countryside. Most importantly though, do not forget to check out Lichtenstein Castle.

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Löwenburg Castle – fairy tale castle in Germany https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/01/lowenburg-fairy-tale-castle-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/01/lowenburg-fairy-tale-castle-in-germany/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:33:43 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=686 While there are countless castles in Germany that are just waiting to be explored, none of them can compare to that of the Löwenburg Castle. This beautiful castle is located within the prestigious Wilhelmshöhe Berg Park. The Löwenburg Castle was built back in the 18th century by Landgrave Wilhelm IX. As such, it is actually […]

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While there are countless castles in Germany that are just waiting to be explored, none of them can compare to that of the Löwenburg Castle. This beautiful castle is located within the prestigious Wilhelmshöhe Berg Park.

The Löwenburg Castle was built back in the 18th century by Landgrave Wilhelm IX. As such, it is actually one of the newer castles within the country. However, from the outside you would never have guessed. The outward appearance of the Löwenburg Castle looks as if it had been built during the medieval period. But on the inside, the story is very different.

Löwenburg Castle, Germany
Löwenburg Castle, Germany by Andreas

The castle itself today is a museum that is open to the public on a regular basis. The vast majority of the Löwenburg Castle can be seen on a guided tour. However, you do have to pay an entrance fee; and he can only visit the Castle on the guided tour.

There are many things to see and do once you are inside the Löwenburg Castle. The castle is home to an impressive armory which is filled with 16th and 17th century suits of armor. There is also an old chapel on the castle grounds which also sits as the tomb of Landgrave Wilhelm IX. There are many princely rooms located throughout the castle and while many of them are furnished, others functioning merely as part of the museum tour.

Löwenburg Castle, Germany - 2
Löwenburg Castle, Germany by jenspletsch

Needless to say, the Löwenburg Castle is definitely a picturesque and awe inspiring Castle. It is no wonder why so many people have made their way to the castle every single year in order to experience everything that has to offer first-hand. While it may not be the oldest Castle in Germany, it is nonetheless a beautiful example of ancient medieval architecture and Baroque interior designs. Just spending a couple hours on the castle grounds deftly makes the trip to Löwenburg Castle worthwhile.

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Eltz Castle – a beautiful example of fine German architecture https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/30/burg-eltz-castle-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/30/burg-eltz-castle-in-germany/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:15:36 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=683 It was back in the 12th century when the Eltz Castle was first built in the western part of Germany. For 33 generations, the castle has remained in hands of the same family. Today, members of the family still live in one of the Castle’s wings. It is a beautiful example of fine German architecture […]

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It was back in the 12th century when the Eltz Castle was first built in the western part of Germany. For 33 generations, the castle has remained in hands of the same family. Today, members of the family still live in one of the Castle’s wings. It is a beautiful example of fine German architecture from days gone by. The castle itself is surrounded by a river which only adds to the charm of visiting it.

Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle, Germany by Isaac Wedin

Luckily, in more than eight centuries the castle was only attacked once. As a result much of the original castle is still fully intact. Even the floors are still composed of the original plaster that was composed of animal hair, ox blood, quick line, Clay as well as camphor.

There are many things to see and do when it comes to visiting the Eltz Castle. Perhaps most popular destination within the castle is its collection of armor which dates back to 16th century. Since the castle is now mostly a museum, it is open to the public since the end of March till the beginning of November. And while there are many other castles within Germany to visit, Eltz Castle is nowhere near as crowded as some of the others.

You will of course have to pay an entrance fee to get into the castle (the basic adult admission is €9.00). However, you will find that there are no regularly scheduled tours in English. As a result, you will have basically two options; you can follow a standard tour which is done in German and referred to in English facts sheet, or you can wait until there are enough visitors to create an English-speaking tour.

Eltz Castle, Germany - 2
Eltz Castle, Germany by Michael

But there is more to visiting Eltz Castle than just checking out the inside of the castle. The castle itself is surrounded by enchanted woods, which are filled with a number of excellent hiking paths. One of these paths will even take you to the nearby castle of Pyrmont which will take you about 2,5 hours to reach. Nearby, you will also find the oldest city in the entire country, Trier, which is only 45 miles away.

If you plan on visiting Eltz Castle while you are in Germany, that make sure that you set aside at least a full day for the experience. You will definitely be glad you did, because choosing to visit the castle is definitely worthwhile.

For more information about Elz Castle, visit the official site: burg-eltz.de

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Hohenzollern Castle in Germany – one of the most picturesque castles in Europe https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/29/hohenzollern-castle-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/29/hohenzollern-castle-in-germany/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:42:08 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=680 Just outside of Stuttgart, you will find the Hohenzollern Castle – one of the most picturesque castles not only in Germany but also throughout the whole Europe. Situated on top of an 855 meter tall mountain, the castle was first built back during the 11th century, then was rebuilt in 1423. The Hohenzollern family was […]

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Just outside of Stuttgart, you will find the Hohenzollern Castle – one of the most picturesque castles not only in Germany but also throughout the whole Europe. Situated on top of an 855 meter tall mountain, the castle was first built back during the 11th century, then was rebuilt in 1423. The Hohenzollern family was a very powerful family during the Middle Ages. They ruled Brandenburg as well as Prussia up until the First World War.

Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany by A. Kniesel

Nestled on top of Mount Hohenzollern and overlooking the village of Hechingen in the Swabian Alp foothills, the Hohenzollern Castle has grown to become a very popular destination within Germany. And although the original castle was built back in the 11th century, when the imperial cities of Swabia laid siege to the castle in 1423 for more than 10 months, the castle finally fell.

The family then decided to rebuild the castle to be larger and more stable than its predecessor. Construction began on the new castle back in 1454 and took seven years to complete. It then served as the family’s refuge throughout the Thirty Years’ War. It played a very crucial role in the nation’s history due to its strategic location. However, after the 18th century it lost most of its strategic importance and eventually fell into disrepair.

As a result of this disrepair, many of the buildings have been demolished over the years. The only part of the original castle that still remains today is that of the chapel. However, in 1846 construction was underway once again to rebuild the Hohenzollern Castle. Under the rule of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, a third version of the castle was constructed as a memorial to the family.

The last person to ever call the Hohenzollern Castle home, was Prince Wilhelm the Prussian Crown as well as his wife. Both the Prince and the Princess were buried on the grounds. Today, the castle stands as a museum to the history of Prussia. Many important historical artefacts are currently housed within the castle grounds.

Hohenzollern Castle and surroundings, Germany
Hohenzollern Castle and surroundings, Germany by Rainer Zenz

The Hohenzollern Castle is a very popular destination in Germany. Each year countless individuals make their way to the castle in order to experience one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the country. There are so many historical artefacts that are still housed within the castle including a letter from US President George Washington which had been addressed to the Crown Prince for his effort and assistance during the US Revolutionary war.

The Hohenzollern Castle is open daily (with just few exceptions) all year round and the opening times depend on the season. The basic adult admission is €10 for both castle grounds and rooms.

For further information visit the official site of Hohenzollern Castle.

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Neuschwanstein Castle – one of the most photographed sights in all of Germany https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/05/neuschwanstein-castle-in-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/05/neuschwanstein-castle-in-germany/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:43:01 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=603 You will find the Neuschwanstein Castle in the southernmost portion of Bavaria. The castle is considered to be one of the most photographed destinations in all of Germany. The castle and the surrounding grounds offers some of the most picturesque views imaginable. It was back in 1869 when Ludwig II commissioned the construction of Neuschwanstein […]

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You will find the Neuschwanstein Castle in the southernmost portion of Bavaria. The castle is considered to be one of the most photographed destinations in all of Germany. The castle and the surrounding grounds offers some of the most picturesque views imaginable.

It was back in 1869 when Ludwig II commissioned the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle. The destination was to become a retreat for the royal who had only just handed over power of the area to the Prussians inspired by the Wartburg Castle and the stories of Arthur, he began construction on this beautiful castle in the German countryside.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany by Nite Dan

There are two amazing halls that can be found within the Neuschwanstein Castle. The largest of these two halls is known as Singers’ Hall and it is modeled after the main hall found in Wartburg Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle also features a two-story tall throne room. With a ceiling that is more than 15 meters tall, there are two galleries that encircle the throne room on separate floors. The entire room is adorned with gold and blue decorations. Needless to say, the throne room is one of the most popular sites within the Castle.

However, the absolute most popular part within Neuschwanstein Castle is the Hall of the Holy Grail. After Ludwig lost his throne, he became infatuated with myths and legends. The Holy Grail was one of his infatuations.

Another view of Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Another view of Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany by Reisen aus Leidenschaft

There are just so many great places within Neuschwanstein Castle that are worth checking out and exploring. One of these such places is the grotto which can be found within the castle grounds and features its very own waterfall. And if you find yourself bored with visiting the Castle, you can always make your way to the 12th century Hohenschwangau Castle which can be found nearby. There is also an ancient Roman bath that can be found along the edges of the nearby Mount Tegelberg.

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