5 Bavarian castles to add to your bucket list
I’ve visited Bavaria 5 times now, and each time I’ve made a habit of visiting at least 1 castle - how could I not when there are so many? Some of my favourites include the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Bamberg’s Altenburg and Veste Coburg. Each castle has its own history and unique features, from the spectacular alpine backdrop of Neuschwanstein, to the panoramic views of Bamberg from the top of Altenburg’s 33m high tower.
Learn about Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Veste Coburg, Nuremberg and Altenburg below!
Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Bavaria. February 2024.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Known as the real life ‘Disney castle’, Neuschwanstein Castle was built under King Louis II, also known as ‘Mad King Ludwig’, with works starting in 1868. Visiting this castle, I had to keep reminding myself that it was built in the 19th century - the mediaeval influences transporting you to a time much further back, amidst the dreamy backdrop of the Bavarian Alps and the Alpsee lake.
Louis II wanted Neuschwanstein to be a symbol of his idealistic and fairy-tale-like visions of a monarchic system in Bavaria, opting for a mediaeval style that was to be grander than Hohenschwangau Castle, its neighbour.
Despite its reminiscence of traditional mediaeval castles, Neuschwanstein Castle was actually built with modern features, under Louis’ instruction. This meant that there was running water, flushable toilets, a central heating system and telephone lines.
The room that stood out to me the most was the throne room. This room is designed in the style of a Byzantine basilica, adorned with gold, blue and red and a huge four metre high chandelier. With illustrations of Christ, the Twelve Apostles and the six holy kings, the throne room feels like you’re in a church, symbolising Louis’ perception of himself as ‘mediator between God and the whole world’.
Photos inside the castle are not permitted, and the only way you’ll see the interior is by booking a guided tour (English or German, or an audio guide tour for other languages). The tour lasts around half an hour, and you’ll be shown around the 3rd and 4th floors of the castle, walking through rooms such as the throne hall, the bedroom, the grotto, the upper hall and the singers’ hall (14 rooms in total). We finished our tour on the 2nd floor by the gift shop, where you can purchase a whole range of souvenirs featuring the castle’s iconic motif.
My favourite part about visiting Neuschwanstein Castle was the amazing view from Marienbrücke, a slightly wobbly bridge suspended by a forest and waterfall that overlooks the castle (I would not recommend this for anyone scared of heights…). The view from here is spectacular and likely where you’ll get the best pictures of the castle too.
2. Hohenschwangau
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau is a 19th century castle built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria, the father of Ludwig II. Ludwig spent his childhood at Hohenschwangau and it formed part of his inspiration behind his vision for Neuschwansein.
I visited in February this year, and the frostiness really adds to the proto-Gothic and medieval feel of the residence. The castle is much older than Neuschwanstein and was first mentioned in the 12th century. Over the centuries, it was partially destroyed in various wars, and it was in the early 19th century that it was acquired by King Maximilian II.
Hohenschwangau was used as a royal residence, and festivals, hunting and jousting tournaments were hosted there. Maximilian’s wife, Queen Marie, would also hike and fish in the area and Marienbrucke (the bridge overlooking the castles), was named after her.
To visit, you can book tickets on the official website.
3. Veste Coburg
Coburg Castle, or Veste Coburg, is one of the largest castles in Germany. I visited this huge castle complex last October while on a long weekend in Coburg, walking from the centre of Coburg up to the castle, surrounded by a beautiful autumnal forest. This castle feels very mediaeval, from the woodland surrounding it and the hill on which it stands. Veste Coburg was first mentioned in 1056, and was enlarged over the next couple of centuries, becoming a state fortress.
Veste Coburg, Coburg, Bavaria. October 2023.
Over the centuries, Veste Coburg has undergone renovations, and in the 18th century it became much more neo-Gothic and highly ornamental in style. Today, Coburg Castle is home to some of Germany’s most important art collections. The museum also contains a copper engraving collection, hunting weapons, and carriages and sleighs.
The walk up to the castle was perfect in October - mild and dry, with leaves touched by autumn falling from the trees. The court garden is called Hofgarten, and contains many species of tree and is great for bird watching too. I’d imagine it’s beautiful in the spring too when all the flowers start to bloom.
Veste Coburg is also known for being an important place during the Reformation. Martin Luther resided here in 1530, and you’ll find a sculpture dedicated to him here.
4. Nuremberg Castle
Since the 13th century, Nuremberg was an important trade and financial centre, gaining status as an independent imperial city in 1254. Fast forward to 1806 and the city was incorporated into the kingdom of Bavaria, and the castle became an important German building again like it had been in the Middle Ages. King Ludwig had the castle restored in 1833 so he could live there.
In 1934, the castle went under more changes, and the neo-Gothic style was replaced with its original interior, the aim being to hold future party conferences of the NSDAP there, with apartments for important guests of the Reich.
Some of the Romanesque and late Gothic sections of Nuremberg Castle survived after the Second World War and today you can visit the castle, including the Deep Well (47 metres) and the observation platform of the Sinwell Tower (385 metres!).
5. Altenburg Castle
Altenburg might be my favourite castle I’ve visited in Bavaria. Perched on top of Bamberg’s highest hill, you can walk to Altenburg from Bamberg - just be prepared for some steep climbing!
At the time Altenburg Castle was first mentioned in the early 12th century, it was used as a refuge by local residents during war, and this type of castle was known as a ‘’Fliehburg’’ in German. It was then used as a residence for Bamberg’s bishops in the 14th and 15th centuries. Having been almost completely destroyed in the second margrave war in 1553, the only remains of the original structure are the 33 metre keep and some parts of the surrounding wall.
While the castle and grounds are quite small, the walk up to Altenburg is lovely in the autumn as you’ll walk through wooded areas until you reach the top of the hill (it’s also accessible by car). The views were especially stunning from the top of the tower, where you’ll get a panoramic view of beautiful Bamberg and the hills.
There was a restaurant here that had a great, traditional Bavarian menu, although this was closed when I visited (I believe it’s permanently closed now).
Look out for the stuffed bear in the ‘Zwinger’ - he’s a tribute to a brown bear called Poldi who lived at Altenburg Castle from 1952 to 1982!
Have you visited any Bavarian castles or are any of these on your bucket list?
