Porcelain Dresden
The 10 Greatest Castles of Germany
If you like castles, you'll love Germany, for Germany has castles the way Venice has canals, or Norway has fjords, or the Napa Valley has wineries. There are literally scores of them, virtually in every German state and seemingly on every other hilltop, especially along the river Rhine. There are schlosses, which are essentially castles or palaces, and there are burgs, which are castles or fortresses; and then there are festungs, quite simply, fortresses.
Here are ten of the most famous German castles, the must-sees, the "great castles" of Germany.
1. Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schloss Neuschwanstein is perhaps the most picturesque, the most recognizable of Germany's great castles. This is the one that inspired the magical castle at Disneyland, the one with interiors that resemble scenes from Wagnerian operas. Perched high on a hill in an alpine setting in Schwangau, along Northern Bavaria's Romantic Road, the castle follows a distinctly Romanesque style. It was originally built between 1869 and 1886 and was the ultimate fantasy of the Mad King Ludwig. Public tours of it are 9 euros each, not cheap, but worth it.
2. Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz, located in the lower Mosel Valley, high above the Rhine, is one of Germany's most beautiful medieval castles, 850 years old, and unscathed! It is still family owned and occupied, but can be seen on guided tours for 6 euros a pop. And it's worth it, offering the visitor a peek at not only the original period furniture and decor, but 20 flushable toilets that supposedly date back to the 15th century.
3. Meersburg Alte Burg
Meersburg Alte Burg, located in the Black Forest area in Baden-Württemberg, is another of the famous 'burgs'. It dates from the seventh century and offers superb views out to the Bodensee. This is also the oldest of Germany's castles that is inhabitable. A Merovingian king, Dagoberth, originally started it, and it served as the residence of the bishop of Konstanz for decades. For 8.00 euros you can take a self-guided tour of the castle that leads through 30 rooms that include the chambers used by famous German poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, who frequently sojourned here in the mid-19th century.
4. The Wartburg
The Wartburg, situated just outside Eisenach in the Thuringia region, has been described as the most German of the German castles. It was here that Martin Luther translated the New Testament from Greek into German while in hiding. This one is open to public tours for 5 euros per head.
5. The Marksburg
The Marksburg. Indeed, the Marksburg is perched on a hill on the shores of the Rhine, high above the town of Braubach in the Rhine Valley. And make no mistake, the Marksburg is not just another one of those 19th century imitations - and yes, there are several of those in Germany as well! - this is the real thing, boasting one of the most impressive armory collections anywhere, including one of the oldest cannons in Germany. For 4.50 euros you can see it all on a guided tour.
6. Schloss Sanssouci
Schloss Sanssouci: Now there's one you can't miss. Located in Potsdam in the Brandenberg region, not far from Berlin, this is a veritable masterpiece from the Baroque period. What's more, it has its associations with Frederick the Great. In this small but lively summer palace Frederick the Great entertained the thinkers and musicians of his time, including Voltaire. The Rococco residence can be toured for 8 euros, albeit with commentary in German.
7. Schloss Braunfels
Schloss Braunfels, an 800-year-old palace located in the Hesse region's Lahn Valley. While well worth touring, the unfortunate thing about this one is that it was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style. But don't let that deter you. A guided tour of the castle includes the interior, with rooms displaying medieval weaponry, porcelain, and paintings. And it's 4 euros for the tour.
8. Festung Königstein
Festung Königstein, located near Dresden in the Saxony region, is easily the largest fortress in Germany, and a triumph, if ever there was one, of fortress construction in Europe. Now more than 750 years old, it represents a confluence of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century architecture. During world War II, it housed senior French prisoners of war as well as Dresden's best artworks. Guided tours of fortress and its grounds are available year-round for 6 euros.
9. The Residenz
The Residenz, the principle address of the ruling Wittelsbach family for over 500 years, is located in Munich, Bavaria. It is a massive complex, lavishly decorated, constructed between 1720 and 1744 by Balthasar Neumann for the bishops of Würzburg. It is also one of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. And it's 4 euros for a guided tour.
10. Schloss Heidelberg
Schloss Heidelberg, located in Heidelberg of course, in the Baden-Würtemberg region, is perhaps Germany's most famous ruin, and possibly also one of its most romantic sights. For five centuries the principle residence of the Prince Electors of the Kurpfalz, it was destroyed by the French in the 17th century but continues to dominate Heidelberg's skyline. Photograph this for the memory.
About the Author
Baljeet Sangwan is a globetrotter, travel editor and travel writer who has published 12 travel guidebooks. He is a contributor to Great Castles of Germany, as well as articles on The Rhine Valley, Germany and The Mosel Valley, Germany.
Sorelle Dresden Rose 17-piece Porcelain Tea Set
 |
 Rare Antique German Dresden Porcelain Napoleon French Soldier Figurine Figure $595.00 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 20m Buy It Now for only: $595.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique German Porcelain Dresden Lace Ballerina Dancer Lady Figurine Figure $41.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 5m |
 Vintage Japanese Occupied Japan Dresden Porcelain Figure Group Figurine Lady $48.99 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 18h 20m |
 antique dresden lace ballerina porcelain figurine MV lreland Beautiful Rare $35.77 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 23m |
 Antique Vintage Dresden Cherub Angel Wall Pocket Vase Sculpture Porcelain $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 12m |
 Stunning Antique German Porcelain Dresden Lady Dancer Figurine Figure Figural $55.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 20h 10m |
 Rare Antique German Porcelain Volkstedt Dresden Boy Cherub Bird Figurine Figure $550.00 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 20m Buy It Now for only: $550.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique German DRESDEN ART DECO LADY CLOWN PIERRETTE Porcelain Figurine Figure $11.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 17h 26m |
 Beautiful Antique German Porcelain Dresden Cherub Angel Putti Figurine Figure $29.99 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 23m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique Porcelain Volkstedt Dancing Ballerinas Figurine Dresden Lace German $32.51 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 14h 37m |
 BEAUTIFUL GERMAN DRESDEN PORCELAIN LACE BALLERINA FIGURINE $56.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 27m |
 Antique German NYMPHENBURG BUSTELLI CHINOISERI Porcelain Figurine Figure $127.50 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 54m |
 Vtg Dresden Germany Figurine Victorian Dancing Couple Porcelain Lace TLC $48.00 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 21m Buy It Now for only: $48.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique Capodimonte Naples Dresden Lady Queen Porcelain Figurine Half Doll Italy $229.99 Time Remaining: 1d 19h |
 Antique Samson Dresden Victorian Porcelain Figurine Figure Girl In Dress Signed $13.39 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 16h 6m |
 Antique French Porcelain Sevres dresden Nude Lady Bathing Beauty Figure Figurine $495.00 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 4m Buy It Now for only: $795.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique Meissen German Porcelain Man Woman Flowers Gardener Dresden Figurine $83.00 (20 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 20h 33m |
 LARGE ANTIQUE VOLKSTEDT DRESDEN LACE PORCELAIN FIGURINE PIANO PLAYER DANCERS $1,995.00 Time Remaining: 14d 12h 34m Buy It Now for only: $1,995.00 Buy It Now |
 antique victorian lady man figurine playing cards porcelainDresden GER1890S $52.99 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 15h 14m |
 Antique Dresden Porcelain Figurine of Dancing Maiden AR Augustus Rex Mark $149.99 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 49m |
 Antique Parian Porcelain Figurine NAPOLEON Gilt Brass Base Dresden Saxony $100.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 20h 19m |
 Irish Dresden Trinket Jewelry Box Porcelain Lace China Yellow Roses $9.99 Time Remaining: 22h 13m |
 Irish Dresden Candle Holder Porcelain Lace China Yellow Roses $7.99 Time Remaining: 22h 14m |
 Antique Dresden Porcelain Fabris Capodimonte Mother Baby Breastfeeding Figurine $295.00 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 34m Buy It Now for only: $295.00 Buy It Now |
 Two Vintage Lacy Dresden Porcelain Ballerina Figurines NR $24.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 8m |
 Dresden Lace Porcelain Figurine Germany $250.00 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 52m Buy It Now for only: $275.00 Buy It Now |
 VTG DRESDEN GERMANY PORCELAIN VICTORIAN GENTLEMAN FIGURINE CAPODIMONTE $99.99 Time Remaining: 20h 11m |
 Pr Antique DRESDEN Porcelain LEAF Shaped Bowls HP FLOWERS Gilt Trim CARL THIEME $95.00 Time Remaining: 21h 13m |
 Set of 4 Dresden White Porcelain Angel Figurines w Musical Instruments Germany $29.99 Time Remaining: 17h 7m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Dresden Meissen Porcelain Court Couple on Sofa Figurine 1950s Very RARE $249.99 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 10m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 Buy It Now |
 DRESDEN PORCELAIN LACE BALLERINA FIGURINE $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 19h 22m |
 Fine Antique Dresden Hand Painted Porcelain Group Boy Girl Statue Figurine $35.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 15h 47m |
 Dresden Des Alka Germany Porcelain Angel Candle Holder As Found $0.99 Time Remaining: 9h 25m |
 Porcelain German Dresden Lady Lace Figurine $24.95 Time Remaining: 15h 57m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now |
 RARE ANTIQUE18C LUDWIGSBURG PORCELAIN FIGURINE PERFUME SELLER DRESDEN BARBER $345.00 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 24m Buy It Now for only: $345.00 Buy It Now |
 Dresden Porcelain Lace Dancing Lady Figurine Germany $125.00 Time Remaining: 1d 20m Buy It Now for only: $137.50 Buy It Now |
 Gorgeous Sitzendorf German Porcelain Dresden Lace Dancer Figurine $99.00 Time Remaining: 16h 1m |
 Paris Porcelain Ormolu and Brass Victorian Dresden Courting Couple Candleabra $79.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 20m |
 Dresden Bisque Porcelain Angel Musician Duo $11.00 Time Remaining: 9h 19m |
 Richard Klemm Dresden Porcelain Hand Painted Portrait Chocolate Pot $33.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 11h 33m |
 Antique Hand Painted German Porcelain BALLERINA Figurine JR Mark w Dresden Lace $29.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 18m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Antique Dresden Lace Type Porcelain Couple Figurine Lace and Gold trim $20.00 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 50m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE DRESDEN PORCELAIN VICTORIAN LADY GENTLEMEN FIGURINE $25.00 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 52m |
 Darling Antique English Derby Porcelain Child Girl Shoe Figurine Figure dresden $39.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 7m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique Dresden Porcelain Figurine $115.00 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 47m |
 ANTIQUE Germany Dresden Porcelain Lace Figurines ca 1940s Collection of 3 $199.00 Time Remaining: 21h 14m Buy It Now for only: $499.00 Buy It Now |
 Porcelain Figurine Couple Man Lady Germany Victorian Colonial Dresden Quality $34.50 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 39m Buy It Now for only: $34.50 Buy It Now |
 Antique German Dresden White Porcelain Centerpiece Bowl w 2 Cherub Putti Candles $195.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 23m Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy It Now |
 Rare Irish Dresden 25th Anniversary Colection Silver Serenade porcelain Figurine $250.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 52m |
 Darling Antique English Derby Porcelain Child Girl Prayer Figurine dresden $39.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 6m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique German DRESDEN Porcelain Figurines Man Woman Dancing Waltzing $199.00 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 56m |
 The Dresden Porcelain Collection: China, Japan, Meissen (Masterpieces) List Price: Sale Price: $27.55 You save: $12.40 (31%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 7 to 13 days See Reviews For This Product  |
 Miniature Porcelain Dresden Rose Dinner Set Sale Price: $12.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDresden Rose Dinner Set in porcelain designed for the 1:12 scale miniature setting. Measures: Large Platter - 1 1/4 in w x 3/4 in deep Salt & Pepper - 7/16 in tall x 3/16 base 4 Dinner Plates - 7/8 inch circumference 4 Salad Plates - 3/4 inch circumference Server with Lid - 1 3/16 wide x 3/4 in deep x 1/4 inch tall Server without Lid - 1 in wide x 3/4 There are 13 pieces to this set... |
 The Wedding Present Sale Price: $1.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 Thoroughly Modern Dresden: Quick & Easy Construction 13 Lively Quilt Projects for All Skill Levels List Price: See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNot your grandmother's Dresden Plate quilts! 13 lively quilts serve up a visual feast of up-to-the-minute colors and styles. |
 Dresden Dolls (Dig) List Price: Sale Price: $16.00 You save: $1.98 (11%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCombine the smoky cellars of a Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n’ roll fury of Joan Jett, PJ Harvey and The Violent Femmes and you have a remote idea of what to expect when experiencing The Dresden Dolls. |
 Meissen hand painted porcelain Monkey Band Trumpeter Sale Price: $1,862.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFrom the Meissen studio in Germany comes this intricately designed and hand paint sculpture from the Monkey Band series entitled "Trumpeter". |
 Dresden Porcelain Studios: Identification & Value Guide Sale Price: $196.04 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis pioneering book is dedicated to the many Dresden studios that were in business in Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Harrans, authors of two editions of Collectible Cups & Saucers, have researched the Dresden studios, which were mostly destroyed during World War II... |
 Meissen Dresden Porcelain Compote See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHere for your consideration is a truly unique and gorgeous quality porcelain compote by Meissen. You just can't find a piece like this anywhere.... It is Family Legend that my grandparents bought this compote at an auction during the Great Depression in the late 1920s or early 1930s... |
 Early Meissen Porcelain in Dresden See Reviews For This Product |
