The 9 Best Castle Tours To Take In Germany

Germany has about 25,000 castles, so it’s not so difficult to find one. What is harder, is finding one that has something genuinely interesting to look at and also someone on hand to explain what everything is. Here are our nine best picks for castle tours in Germany.

1. Wernigerode Castle

Historical Landmark

Originally a 12th century hunting lodge for the local assortment of princes, dukes and noblemen, the Wernigerode Castle was a fortress in the Middle Ages before being extended in the 19th century. The red-brick style is typical of northern Germany. Two guided tours show the insides off to great effect. The best part about this castle? You can reach it by steam train. A guided tour in English is €9. Costume, attic, and flashlight tours are also available for €12, but must be reserved ahead of time.

2. Schwerin Castle

Building, Museum

First things first: Schwerin Castle is on an island and that alone makes it 13 percent cooler than any of the other 25,000 castles in Germany. Finished in 1857, Schwerin is about an hour from Hamburg or two hours from Berlin, and is still used as the state seat of parliament. Guided tours give the lowdown about the building, but also the ghost Petermännchen and the real story of Buttocks Parade. Guided tours cost €3 and run twice a day from April to October. Enquire ahead of time about a tour in English.

3. Heidelberg Castle

Ruins

Though the castle was first built in the 13th century, its appearance is thanks largely to the castle craze that swept the nation in the late 19th century. Before that, the once-imposing edifice lay in ruins due to a lightning-caused fire in 1764. Some parts have been restored, but many sections have been left too long to do anything about. The standard tour is available in English several times a day. Special costume tours are also available. Reserve ahead, particularly if you need the tour in a language other than German.

4. Wartburg Castle

Historical Landmark

This Medieval castle became famous for offering refuge to Martin Luther after Pope Leo X excommunicated him. While there, Luther translated the New Testament from Ancient Greek to German, creating the first vernacular text. Like many old castles it fell into disrepair over the years only to be restored in the 19th century as part of the Romantic love affair with all things old and ruined. Guided tours in English are available each day at 1:30pm and cost €10.