Located on the edge of the Swabian Alps in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg lies the Lichtenstein Castle. This gothic-style castle is perched on a beautiful exposed cliff overlooking a wooded valley, you can also see the southern part of the town of Lichtenstein from the castle.
Lichtenstein Castle is often considered one of the most fairytale-esque castles to visit in all of Germany. During the spring and summer the surrounding landscape is very green and lush, during autumn, however, is when Lichtenstein Castle is at its best.
The surrounding hills and valleys, all filled with trees, turn a beautiful orange and yellow as the leaves begin to change. Even amongst snow-capped hills in the winter the castle holds a certain elegance, however, the castle is closed during some of the winter months, details on when the castle is open are below.
Schloss Lichtenstein Castle History
The origins of Schloss Lichtenstein date back to 1100, when the castle belonged to the lords of Liechtenstein. The original castle was destroyed twice between then and around 1400 when it was rebuilt on a site nearby the current location.
The castle belonged to the Lichtenstein family until 1687, when the last member of the line died. In 1802, King Frederick I came into possession of the then out of commission castle and rebuilt it into a hunting lodge.
The current castle that exists today was built by King Frederick’s cousin, Wilhelm von Urach. Like many wealthy folks of the time, Wilhelm purchased the property from the king in 1837 to restore it to its medieval glory.
The castle was finished in 1842, and even the king attended the ceremony. Lichtenstein Castle was damaged in WWII, but reconstruction began immediately after the war. The castle is still owned by the dukes of Urach.
How to Get To Lichtenstein Castle (Schloss Lichtenstein)
Lichtenstein Castle Address: Schloß Lichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein, Germany
The easiest way to get to the castle is by using the Google Map above. If you have no cellular data service, then start the navigation while on wifi before you leave your hotel and the navigation will continue using GPS even without data. Just don’t get too far off track because the maps only load around the main route.
Drive time to Lichtenstein Castle:
- Stuttgart: 50 mins
- Heidelburg: 1 h 45 mins
- Nuremberg: 2 h 45 mins
- Frankfurt 3 h 2 mins
Renting a car in Germany is the best way to see the country and visit some of the best castles in Germany. We have rented a car five times in Germany and can’t imagine not having that freedom. Often cars are less than $25 a day. We book on Discovercars.com. They have the best prices and free cancelation. Click here to check rates.
Related Article: Ultimate Guide To Driving The Romantic Road in Germany
Things To Know When Visiting Lichtenstein Castle
PARKING: There is a paid parking lot available for the price of 2 euros
GUIDED CASTLE TOURS: The only way into the castle is through a guided tour of the castle that costs 8 euros per person. The guide will not speak English on tour, but there is a brochure covering the tour in English. Children are allowed on tour, and pictures are not allowed
OPEN GROUNDS: The courtyard of the castle is open to explore at the price of 2 euros during open hours and offers great views, and you can see the gun emplacements on the wall.
STROLLERS: Strollers are OK to bring to this castle. However, you have to carry your child during the guided tour, which is only 30 mins long.
GREAT FOR CHILDREN: Due to how the castle serves as a medieval museum with a fully fitted armory and suits of armor, it is a popular place to bring youngsters.
LICHTENSTEIN CASTLE HOURS: The castle is open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm from April to October. In February, March, and November, the castle is closed during the week, and open 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Open Hours:
- April-October: Monday-Sunday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- February, March, November: Saturday & Sunday Only 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- December & January: Closed
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*
Lichtenstein Castle Tour
The only way to get inside the castle is through a guided tour run by the castle proprietors. The tour takes 30 minutes and takes you through the first and second floors.
On the first floor, you stop in an armory lined with suits of armor and hanging weapons. Then into a chapel with stained glass paintings. Upstairs there are two rooms you enter lined with medieval furniture and coats of arms leading you into the knight’s hall.
The knight’s hall features gothic style paintings on the ceiling and other medieval furniture and art on display. The tour ends in the staircase where the famous painting “Archer of Lichtenstein” by Schutze vom Lichtenstein is displayed. The tour is German-speaking only with a provided English brochure.
Lichtenstein Castle Interior and Features
Castle Lichtenstein is most known for its stunning looks. The castle itself was rebuilt by a restorative architect in the gothic style and looks just that. Not a huge castle, the castle’s turret towers above the courtyard and castle itself.
This castle is great for taking pictures, there are many bridges that connect the castle structures and elevate it from the courtyard.
Nearby Things to Do
Being located in the Alps and surrounded by parkland Castle Lichtenstein makes a great place for a day trip. There are countless trails in the area that lead through the hills and beautiful landscape.
Many of these trails offer different views of Castle Lichtenstein, and it’s towering turret. Others lead you towards nearby towns making the castle a great hiker’s destination. Be sure to check out the castle’s website for info on hiking routes.
There is a restaurant on the grounds, right by the car park. The Castle Tavern is a cute little German Biergarten for a beer, coffee, or snack. So don’t worry about packing a lunch if you don’t want, however, the nearby parks make a great place to have a picnic if you so wish.
Related Article: The Perfect Berlin Itinerary
Other Castles Nearby Lichtenstein Castle
If you’re on a German castle road trip trying to visit as many castles as possible make sure to check out the following nearby castles.
- Hohenzollern Castle | 25 miles | Address: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany
- Burg Hohenneuffen | 27 miles | Address: K1244, 72639 Neuffen, Germany
- Sigmaringen Castle | 29 miles | Address: Karl-Anton-Platz 8, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany
Other castles you can’t miss in Germany but are slightly further away.
- Eltz Castle – Germany’s picturesque castle
- Cochem Castle – One of our personal favorite castles in Germany
- Mespelbrunn Castle – Germany’s water castle
- Burg Satzvey – One of Germany’s castle hotels that really affordable
If you have time after, consider taking a road trip to the country Liechtenstein, which is only 2.5 hours away from Lichtenstein Castle. Liechtenstein is one of the smallest & wealthiest countries in the world and worth the trip. Here are some of the best Liechstein attractions to visit.
Where to Stay Near Lichtenstein Castle
While you may not need a whole day to visit and tour the castle, there is a whole day’s worth of activities in the surrounding area, including hiking and a ropes course if you’re feeling adventurous. You may want to start your day right in town to get an early sunrise view of the castle while on a hike.
There are two hotels located right in Honau that cost under $150 a night, depending on availability.
- Akzent Hotel Restaurant Forellenhof Rössle | Check Rates On Hotels.com | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
- Hotel Adler | Check Rates On Booking.com | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
Also check Vrbo, as there are tons of really cute German houses and even castles for rent. On our last trip to Germany, we only stayed in Vrbos.
More On Germany
We narrow down 20,000 castles in Germany to a list of the 10 best to help you plan your next German Castle Road Trip! Germany’s Romantic Road takes you on a historical path through Southern Germany. The Romantic Road, or Romantische Straße as the Germans call it, is a journey from Wurzburg to Füssen…. Hip and trendy, Berlin has it all! If you’re looking for a fun city full of history and culture; this is the perfect place for you! Formerly divided into East…10 Best Castles In Germany You Need to Visit – 2024 Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Germany’s Romantic Road
3 Days in Berlin: From Berghain to the Brandenburg Gate
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Sarah
Wednesday 5th of August 2020
Thank you for the great post! lots of great information! To get the photo on the bridge with castle in the background, do you need to do the tour? or would a ticket for the grounds be sufficient?
Thanks!
Adam
Thursday 11th of February 2021
To get on the bridge you would need a castle tour ticket.
Connie Brown
Sunday 28th of October 2018
My friend, Mary and I visited the castle 18 yrs ago. Absolutely beautiful interior, and breath-taking views. Nearby B&B; very clean, inexpensive, and the people are cordial. Wish we had seen more, but drove from Paris, through Germany, and to visit family in Peymeinade, France.
Adam
Monday 29th of October 2018
There is so much to see along that route, sounds like a great drive! We love this castle too, so many good ones in Germany!
shweta
Friday 16th of March 2018
Nice and detailed post. Would love to visit one day.
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Friday 16th of March 2018
If you're planning a trip to Germany def add Lichtenstein Castle to your route.