Perched atop Mount Hohenzollern in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the majestic Hohenzollern Castle is known for its medieval grandeur and royal legacy. This stunning fortress, with its towering spires and imposing walls, has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the castle has been rebuilt twice, with its current incarnation dating back to the 19th century. As the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern family, who once ruled Prussia and later became German Emperors, the castle is steeped in history. Today, Hohenzollern Castle continues to enchant tourists with its breathtaking architecture, priceless artefacts, and panoramic views of the surrounding Swabian Alps.
About Hohenzollern Castle
Image Credit: Nucomu for Wikimedia Commons
Hohenzollern Castle is the castle of the imperial House of Hohenzollern. It is situated on Mount Hohenzollern in the Baden Wurttemberg region of Germany and is actually the third castle to be constructed at this place. The first castle was built in the early part of the 11th century and was burnt down in 1423. The second castle was constructed between 1454 and 1461, but by the 18th century the castle had deteriorated.
The existing castle was constructed between 1846 and 1867 by Friedrich August Stüler and is in the Gothic Revival style of the English castles and the Loire castles. It also contains the Crown of Wilhelm II and the personal belongings of King Frederick the Great, among other historical items.
Also Read: Berlin Street Food
History Of Hohenzollern Castle
Image Credit: Zollernalb for Wikimedia Commons
Hohenzollern Castle has a rich history that dates back to the High Middle Ages. The original castle, built by the Counts of Zollern, was first mentioned in 1267 and praised as the “crown of all castles in Swabia.” However, it was destroyed in 1423 after a siege by the Swabian League of Cities. A second, stronger castle was constructed in 1454 but faced numerous challenges, including capture by Württemberger troops during the Thirty Years’ War and occupation by French soldiers in the mid-18th century.
By the 19th century, it had fallen into ruin. The current castle, built by Crown Prince Frederick William IV of Prussia, was inspired by English Gothic Revival architecture and the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Construction began in 1850 and was completed in 1867. Although it was primarily used as a showpiece, it played a role during World War II when Crown Prince William and his wife stayed there.
Later, Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia added valuable artwork and memorabilia to the castle. Despite being heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1978, it was repaired and remains one of the most visited castles in Germany. Today, it is privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern and hosts annual summer camps for children. It also serves as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
Architecture Of Hohenzollern Castle
Image Credit: Zairon for Wikimedia Commons
Hohenzollern Castle, perched atop Mount Hohenzollern, is a magnificent structure divided into four main parts: military architecture, stately buildings, chapels, and gardens.
Military Architecture: The entrance to the castle is marked by the Eagle Gate (Adlertor) and its drawbridge. The castle’s winding Zwinger (a defensive corridor) turns four times and ends at the bastions, from where the palatial buildings can be accessed through the square upper gate.
Palatial Buildings: The palace, an open-air museum arranged in a U-shape, ends with Protestant and Catholic chapels. The Gothic Revival buildings, designed by Friedrich August Stüler, are adorned with towers and pinnacles. The four towers of the palace align with the bastions: Emperor’s Tower with Fuchsloch bastion, Bishop’s Tower with Spitz bastion, Markgraf Tower with Scharfeck bastion, and Michael’s Tower with garden bastion. The Watch Tower (Wartturm) serves as a staircase to the library and a flag pole when the Hohenzollern family resides in the castle.
Interiors: Leading to the ancestry hall and the Count’s Hall (Grafensaal), which covers the southern wing. The rib-vaulted hall, adorned with grisailles depicting the history of the House of Hohenzollern, is supported by eight red marble columns. Below the Count’s Hall is the old castle kitchen, now a treasure chamber. The library, decorated with murals by Wilhelm Peters, follows the Bishop’s Niche and the Emperor’s Tower. The Margrave’s Tower contains the King’s parlour, also known as the Margrave’s room. Hohenzollern Castle is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, blending military fortifications with elegant palatial structures and rich historical interiors.
Related Post: Munich Lakes
Things To Do At Hohenzollern Castle
Image Credit: CatalpaSpirit for Wikimedia Commons
Hohenzollern Castle is a stunning hilltop fortress with a rich history and captivating views. Here’s a list of things you can enjoy during your visit:
Guided Tours: Explore the castle’s rich history and architecture with a guided tour. Learn about the Hohenzollern dynasty and the castle’s significance through detailed narratives.
Museum Visit: The castle houses a museum showcasing artefacts, including the Prussian King’s crown and personal items of the Hohenzollern family. It’s a fascinating glimpse into royal life.
Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Swabian Alps and surrounding countryside from the castle’s vantage points. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Castle Grounds: Wander through the beautifully maintained castle grounds and gardens. The serene environment is ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Events and Festivals: Depending on the time of your visit, you might catch special events or festivals, such as the Christmas market, which adds a magical touch to the castle experience.
Dining: Relish local cuisine at the castle’s restaurant. Enjoy a meal with a view, making your visit even more memorable.
Opening Hours And Entrance Fees
Image Credit: Kohout Jelník z Uničova for Wikimedia Commons
Hohenzollern Castle is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. The entrance fees are €14 for adults, €13 for students and disabled visitors, and €7 for children aged 4-17 years.
The castle is closed on January 1st, from the Monday after Epiphany to March 9th, and on December 24th, 25th, and 31st. Additionally, family tickets are available, offering discounted rates for groups. Visitors are encouraged to check for special events or temporary closures before planning their visit.
Related Post: Munich In January
Best Time To Visit
Image Credit: Jörg Wendland for Wikimedia Commons
The ideal time to visit Hohenzollern Castle is during the spring months of April to June and the autumn months of September to October when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are relatively smaller. These seasons offer a more enjoyable experience with comfortable temperatures and scenic views. To avoid the peak tourist rush, it is advisable to visit early in the morning.
Additionally, avoiding school holidays is recommended, especially around Easter, Christmas, and during most of July and August, as the castle tends to be much busier during these periods. This way, you can explore the castle more peacefully and without long wait times.
How To Reach?
Hohenzollern Castle, perched atop Mount Hohenzollern is located near the town of Hechingen in Baden-Württemberg. Below are the ways to reach the castle:
By Air
The two nearby international airports are the Stuttgart Airport and the Zurich Airport, which are slightly more than two hours’ drive from the castle. If you arrive at the Stuttgart Airport, you will be able to take a train to the main station in Stuttgart, generally referred to as the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, and then follow the rail transport directions to Hechingen station. If you are arriving at Zurich airport, take the train to Zurich Hauptbahnhof and then the train to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. After that, the turning directions on the rail to get to Hechingen station will be given to the clients.
By Rail
By rail, one has to go to Hechingen station, which is the nearest station to the castle in Hohenzollern. Information on train connections can be obtained on the Deutsche Bahn website. After arriving at Hechingen station, one should take a bus to the parking lot of Hohenzollern Castle. The transportation from the Hechingen station to the castle parking lot is provided by HVB Wiest & Schürmann.
By Bus
After arriving at Hechingen station, one can take bus no 306 or Traufbus no 344 to the castle parking area. The bus ride is said to take about 20 minutes. When you reach the parking lot, you can either have a 20-minute hike to the castle or use the shuttle that is provided at no extra cost.
You May Also Like To Read: Hindu Temples In Germany
Hohenzollern Castle is famous for its history and the architectural design that was put into its construction. Its unique location on the hill, elaborate Gothic Revival architecture, and royal history make it an important place of interest for history lovers and culture vultures. Are you ready for a fairy tale? It is a great opportunity to visit this beautiful fortress. Book your trip to Germany and make sure to include Hohenzollern Castle in your list of places to visit and you will not regret it!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : A. Kniesel for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Hohenzollern Castle
Why is Hohenzollern Castle famous?
Hohenzollern Castle is renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture and its role as the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern family, who became German Emperors and Kings of Prussia.
Is Hohenzollern Castle worth visiting?
Yes, Hohenzollern Castle is definitely worth visiting. It provides breathtaking views of the Black Forest, features striking Gothic Revival architecture, and holds historical significance as the ancestral home of Prussian Kings and German Emperors.
How long does it take to visit Hohenzollern Castle?
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours exploring Hohenzollern Castle, including the castle grounds, museum, and guided tours.
What is the closest city to Hohenzollern Castle?
The closest city to Hohenzollern Castle is Hechingen, which is located about 50 kilometres south of Stuttgart.
How much does Hohenzollern Castle cost?
Entry to Hohenzollern Castle costs €14 for adults, €13 for reduced tickets, and €7 for children aged 4-17, covering access to the grounds, showrooms, parking, and shuttle bus.
People Also Read:
Castles In Bulgaria Castles In San Francisco Castles In Estonia
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
