Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

Hohenzollern Castle is one of Germany’s most impressive hilltop fortresses, located atop Mount Hohenzollern near the town of Hechingen in the Baden-Württemberg region. Perched at an elevation of about 855 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Swabian Alps and surrounding countryside. The castle is the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty, which produced the kings of Prussia and the emperors of Germany. Known for its romantic architecture and dramatic setting, it attracts visitors from around the world.

History and Significance

The history of Hohenzollern Castle dates back to the early 11th century, when the first fortress was constructed on the mountain by the Hohenzollern family. This medieval structure was largely destroyed in 1423 after a ten-month siege. A second, more fortified version was built in the mid-15th century but eventually fell into disrepair over time.

The present castle, the third on the site, was built between 1850 and 1867 for King Frederick William IV of Prussia as a memorial to the family’s origins. It is still privately owned by the two branches of the House of Hohenzollern, the Prussian and the Swabian line.

Architecture

The castle’s architecture is a blend of Neo-Gothic and Romantic styles, designed by architect Friedrich August Stüler. Built primarily from sandstone, it features towers, turrets, battlements, and a commanding central courtyard that evoke the image of a storybook fortress.

Key highlights include:

• The Courtyard, surrounded by impressive towers and gateways.
• The Chapel of St. Michael, dating back to the 15th century, which survived earlier destruction.
• The Count’s Hall, the library and the royal apartments, with portraits, furnishings and family heirlooms.
• The Treasury, which holds a collection of royal artifacts, including the Prussian royal crown and personal belongings of Frederick the Great.

From its terraces, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the rolling hills, forests, and villages of the Swabian Jura.

Visiting the Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is open to visitors throughout the year. The ticket covers the castle grounds and the showrooms, which can be visited on your own or on a guided tour. Special events, such as concerts and the Royal Winter Magic Christmas season from late November, take place during the year.

Opening hours:
In the 2026 summer season (28 March to 1 November) the castle is open daily from 10:00 to 18:30, with last admission at 17:00; the showrooms close at 18:00. Opening times are shorter in winter, and the rooms may close for a few weeks in November.

Admission fees:
In summer 2026 an adult ticket costs €26 online or €29 at the cash desk, and children aged 4–11 pay €6 online. The price already includes parking and the shuttle bus between the car park and the castle.

How to Get There

By car:
Hohenzollern Castle is located about 70 kilometers south of Stuttgart. Visitors can reach it via the A81 motorway (exit Empfingen or Hechingen). Parking is available at the base of the mountain, with shuttle buses and walking paths leading up to the castle.

By train:
The nearest railway station is Hechingen, served by regional trains from Stuttgart or Tübingen. From Hechingen station, a shuttle bus or taxi connects visitors to the castle parking area.

By organized tour:
Numerous guided day trips operate from Stuttgart, Tübingen, or Lake Constance, often including transportation, entrance tickets, and commentary on the castle’s history.

What Makes It Famous

Hohenzollern Castle is renowned for its spectacular hilltop location, romantic architecture, and historical ties to the Prussian royal family. Its fairy-tale appearance has made it one of the most photographed castles in Germany.