With more than 20,000 castles in Germany why not make it extra special and stay in a German castle? The sheer number of castles dotted around Germany directly results from the nation’s feudal history, when warring factions constantly lay siege to their neighbors, hoping to conquer lands that belonged to a rival territory. Thankfully for us, many of these castles have been wonderfully preserved and beautifully restored, and now provide accommodation to curious travelers. Here are five examples of German castles you can sleep in to enjoy a genuinely royal experience.
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I. Burg Rabenstein – Ahorntal, Germany
There is so much to do in this Disney-esque stone castle!
With terracotta roofing, perched high above the Bavarian Alps the castle provides a stunning view down the rocky crag to the lush valleys below. Replete with twenty-two individually decorated rooms, a falconry with more than eighty birds, and a labyrinth of limestone caves that sit directly beneath the structure and are yours to explore; a night at Burg Rabenstein will transport you back to the days of the proud Bavarian dynasty under the stewardship of King Ludwig, and will make you extremely glad you visited.
Burg Rabenstein, located in Franconian Switzerland, Germany, has a rich medieval history dating back to the 12th century. It was originally constructed as a medieval fortress and served as a defensive stronghold for centuries. The castle witnessed various conflicts and sieges, with its strategic location offering protection to its inhabitants during turbulent times.
Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved medieval architecture, admire the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and even participate in medieval-themed events and festivals held within the castle grounds.
Booking.com Rating – 8.6 (403)
10 Star⭐Rating! “Staying in this castle was a highlight of our vacation. The food was amazing, the staff was very attentive, and the cast!”
10 Star⭐Rating! “Most fanstastic experience highly recommended! Liked everything, friendly professional staff, incredible dinner was amongst the best anywhere, highly recommended.”
II. Wartburg Castle – Eisenach, Germany
The first German castle to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wartburg castle in Eisenach, is best known for sheltering German church reformer Martin Luther after he was excommunicated by the Pope and sought refuge there in 1521 and translated the New Testament into German during his exile.
But, alluringly for some, Wartburg castle is also said to be haunted by a group of ghosts from the Napoleonic Wars, mainly soldiers who committed suicide within the stone prison and became trapped for eternity.
The five-star Romantik Hotel Auf Der Wartburg is situated within the castle walls, at the foot of the castle, located directly adjacent, which is the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring these eerie surroundings.
The Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg has strong connections to German literature and the arts. One of the most famous German composers, Richard Wagner, found inspiration at Wartburg Castle and composed some of his renowned works, including the opera “Tannhäuser.” Moreover, the hotel’s surroundings, including the picturesque Thuringian Forest, served as a muse for many German poets and writers, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller.



Booking.com Rating – 8.6 (672)
10 Star⭐Rating! “Historic castle with a view. Perfect castle stay, a lot of history, very good restaurant and breakfast, lots of hiking trails, historical city to visit nearby.”
9 Star⭐Rating! “A most memorable day! It was totally about the setting, which is in the shadow of the castle, up on a hill. Really, how romantic and unusual is that? The view from the dining room is seriously gorgeous. Worth taking the time to relax in the lounge (with a stone fireplace) after diner with a digestif of choice. Throws you back a century or so.”
III. Schloss Eckberg – Dresden, Germany
For a luxurious, pampered stay in a German castle, look no further than the palatial Neo-Gothic style that is Schloss Eckberg, overlooking the Elbe River in Dresden.
The castle, completed in 1861, is home to a luxurious spa retreat that consists of crackling open fires, saunas, and treatment rooms that prove to be the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the pressures of modern life. Schloss Eckberg sits directly on the grounds of the Eckberg Winery, offering you the ideal chance to enjoy a glass of something special with your evening meal.




Booking.com Rating – 8.5 (1,356)
10 Star⭐Rating “A hotel that a traveler could wish for. located in a park-like area, quiet, good connection to the city center, extremely good breakfast buffet, helpful and nice staff. All in all a pleasant stay.”
10 Star ⭐ Rating – “where do I start, where do I end… the view from the terrace over the Elbe is terrific. The castle itself, a dream, the park indescribably beautiful for me as a hobby gardener and this scent in June, when the many roses are blooming, just great ❤️❤️❤️”

IV. Burg Trendelburg – Trendelburg, Germany
Located in the quaint German district of Kassel, the 14th-century Trendelburg castle is home to a 40-meter-tall tower, which is said to be where Rapunzel let her hair down. The castle was originally built by the Counts of Schwalenberg as a defensive stronghold.
Whether you believe the fairy tale or not, you will likely enjoy the re-enactments put on by the owners, who frequently host dramatizations of the distressed damsel’s daring escape.
The rooms within Burg Trendelburg are decorated with a fourteenth-century charm, and the on-site spa and sauna encourage many couples to enjoy romantic retreats to this fairy-tale castle.
The surrounding landscape of the Weser Uplands adds to the castle’s charm, making it a desirable destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.



Booking.com Rating – 9.0 (264)
10 Star⭐Rating “Magical Place to Stay. This was a great place to stay. It’s in a little town and the place is beautiful with beautiful views. The entire staff is friendly and accommodating. It was a great stay and we’re really glad we chose this place.”
10 Star⭐Rating “We stayed at Rapunzel’s castle and we were just 15 minutes from Sleeping Beauty’s castle. LOCATION! The hotel/castle was an excellent place to stay. The staff made every effort to make sure we were served well in dining and the room had little extras that made our impression a good one.”
V. Schlosshotel Munchausen – Aerzen, Germany
Not far from the historic town of Hamelin, Schlosshotel Munchausen stands at the center of immaculate grounds and manicured gardens and is home to a challenging 18-hole golf course. You can also enjoy swimming, bicycling, and so much more!
The castle, dating back from the 16th century was originally constructed for the noble Munchausen family, who were prominent figures in the region.
The town of Hamelin is the inspiration for the legendary story of the Pied Piper of the Middle Ages. Supposedly, the Pied Piper was furious with the town’s residents in 1284 for not paying him for ridding their streets of rats. His revenge was taken on the town’s children, who he led away to their deaths with his piper.
Schlosshotel Munchausen and Hamelin have retained much of the charm and enchantment of the Middle Ages, and a stay here is indeed like stepping back in time!

Booking.com Rating – 9.0 (134)
10 Star⭐Rating “We had a wonderful relaxed stay with fantastic food and facilities. Everything was excellent from the front desk to restaurant. Beautiful grounds, superb room. Golf was great. We didn’t want to leave!”
9 Star⭐Rating “Calming retreat where you will feel at home. Very beautiful grounds, calming environment. Very clean, very kind staff. Loved the fireplace in the large knights room. Food is good but not exceptional. Cake was a treat though.”
Stay in a German castle
Above are just five of Germany’s wealth of historic castles that accommodate visitors. As you can see, many of them are riddled with intriguing and mystical tales of the past and add an exciting dimension to your stay. If you find yourself in one of the historic towns introduced, consider spending a night within the walls of one of these castles, and see if any spirits join you from years gone by!
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Great post!
Thank you, Kirsten!
Omg! Every single one looks so beautiful 😍 I want to visit them all. Adding to my travel bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Sara! The German countryside is amazing too!
I love architecture and these castles are impressive! I’m jealous of European people because they live in such beautiful historical cities. We will try to visit one of these castles during our next business trip to Germany.
Olga, I agree the architecture of these castles is impressive! The attention to detail! Thanks!
It’s always been a dream of mine to visit the Bavarian Alps. And staying in castle #1 would be the icing on the cake!
Yes! Burg Rabenstein is so cool, not only the castle and all the events that surround it, but also the caves that are underneath! Thanks!
So absolutely beautiful! Would love to go there!
Germany is incredibly beautiful. I hope you get a chance to go. Thanks for stopping by!
These look like a dream! I love the pictures. I really want to go to the Wartburg castle one day!
Wartburg – The first German castle to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site! Very special place! Thank you, Aubrey!
Well, this looks fun! I would love to stay in one of these German castles. I love how they are available to the common folk. What a great way to experience Germany.
I agree with you, it is a great way to experience Germany. You get a real feel for the times before. Thanks!
This is fantastic. Love the castle ambiance and all the history.
Yes, Nicholas, I love the history of these castles! I bet there are some good ghost stories too – LOL! Thank you!