Driving Germany with the Family: Best Fairy Tale Castles to Visit

[rohny jones]

Visiting the castles of Germany is a wonderful experience for children. And of course many adults love it at least as much! You'll feel like you've stepped into a magical fairy tale. There are a number of scenic driving routes which will allow you to include many of the country's most famous and dramatic, such as the north-south Romantische Strasse and the east-east Burgenstrasse. While the former is more popular and you'll find a greater number of fellow tourists also following it, the latter is less trodden. You should spend a minimum of seven days exploring the castles of Germany. There are 365 miles of road to travel, and they are found in some of the loveliest parts of Germany.

Following are some of the highlights along the way. And keep in mind that renting a van instead of a car would probably be the best decision, as it will give the family more leg room and give you more space for luggage.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Built in 1869, one of Europe's most famous castles is truly a magical place, built as the private summer retreat of Bavaria's "mad King Ludwig." It's perched in a beautiful place, overlooking the gorges of southern Bavaria and the Alps.


Hohenzollern Castle


The third castle on Mount Hohenzollern, in southern Germany's Baden-Württemberg state, this Gothic-Revival fantasy dates back to the mid-19th century and offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

Marksburg Castle

Seven hundred years old, Marksburg is the only medieval fortress in the Middle Rhine that has never fallen prey to destruction. Situated atop a high cliff outside Braubach in Rhineland-Palatinate state, it's one of the main fortresses of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's truly a sight to behold.

Lichtenstein Castle

Also perched at the edge lofty cliff, near the Baden-Württemberg town of Honau, "Neuschwanstein's little brother" is also Gothic Revival and dates from the 1840s.


Heidelberg Castle

The picturesque ruins of another of the world's most famous castles has the added advantage of being located in a university city boasting its own storybook medieval old quarter.


Schweriner Castle

On a small island in Lake Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the dramatic "Neuschwanstein of the north" dates back to 973, with major sections added in the mid-19th century. It's now used as the seat of the state parliament, and parts are open to visitors.

You can find more online. Have a magical time exploring Germany's fairy tale castles!