5 of the most beautiful castles in Germany you should visit
The Netherlands is home to plenty of beautiful castles, but Germany is filled with impressive castles too. Some attract millions of visitors every year, while others remain relatively undiscovered despite being just as beautiful. We've taken two road trips through Germany to visit some of its most stunning castles, and we were amazed by just how many incredible places there are to explore.
Here are our favorite castles in Germany.
Burg Eltz
One of Germany's most iconic castles is Burg Eltz, located about a 3.5-hour drive from Utrecht, southwest of Koblenz. A large parking area is available, followed by an easy 15-minute walk through the forest to reach the castle. Along the way, you'll find several fantastic viewpoints, both from the trail and near the entrance gate, offering incredible views of this fairytale castle, famous for its unique medieval architecture.
The castle itself can only be visited during the summer season, usually from late March or early April until the end of October. In 2026, Burg Eltz is open from 29 March until 1 November, between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM. If you have some extra time, there's also a longer hiking trail above the castle. Although it doesn't lead directly to the entrance, it offers spectacular panoramic views.
Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is located farther south and sits dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Echaz Valley. Built in 1840, it's much smaller than many other German castles, but its location makes it one of the most picturesque.
There's plenty of parking available, costing around €2. During the high season it can get quite busy, so arriving early is recommended. The castle is closed during January and February.
Entrance to the courtyard costs €5 per person, while for approximately €9 extra, you can join a guided tour inside the castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Without a doubt, Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany's most famous castle and perhaps even one of the most famous castles in the world. The castle famously inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, making it a must-visit for many travelers. Located in southern Germany, close to the Austrian border, Neuschwanstein is about a 7.5-hour drive from Utrecht. Although it's farther away than many other castles on this list, it's absolutely worth the journey.
Several parking lots (P1 to P4) are available, but arriving early is highly recommended to avoid the crowds. From the parking area, it's a 1.5-kilometer uphill walk to the castle, taking around 30 to 45 minutes. If you'd rather not walk, you can also take the shuttle bus.
Once you've arrived at the castle, we highly recommend continuing to Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge). This is where you'll find the most famous and breathtaking view of Neuschwanstein Castle.
The castle interior can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Tickets cost approximately €45 per person. Apart from a short closure around New Year's, the castle is open throughout most of the year.
Marienburg Castle
Marienburg Castle is located in central Germany, just south of Hanover, making it a great stop if you're driving towards Berlin. Even from the road, you'll already have beautiful views of the castle rising above the surrounding forest. Inside the castle grounds you'll find a charming courtyard where you can relax with a drink.
Unfortunately, the castle is currently undergoing extensive restoration work, so it's not possible to visit the interior. Renovations are expected to be completed in 2031.
Drachenburg Castle
Although we absolutely loved Neuschwanstein Castle, Drachenburg Castle is actually our personal favorite. It's much less famous, considerably smaller, but every bit as beautiful. Located just south of Bonn, it's also the closest castle on this list to the Netherlands and can be reached from Utrecht in approximately three hours.
You can park close to the castle and enjoy a walk through its beautiful gardens before exploring the interior. Admission costs around €10 per person, and you can visit the castle at your own pace. We definitely think it's worth it!
