Two people are taking a selfie with Lichtenstein Castle in the background.

© TMBW; Foto: Christoph Düpper

Castles and Palaces in Baden-Württemberg

Historic Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg
12.11.20269 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif
Discover castles, palaces and ruins worth visiting in Baden-Württemberg – from famous cultural monuments to historic attractions in your region.

Castles, Palaces and Ruins in Baden-Württemberg

Great Stories Await Behind Ancient Walls
The world-famous ruins of Heidelberg Palace. The breathtaking views from fairytale Hohenzollern Castle, ancestral seat of the Prussian royal family. Baden-Württemberg is full of historic attractions waiting to be discovered. Medieval fortresses, Baroque palaces and magnificent gardens reveal how princesses and dukes once lived. If you are lucky, you may even meet a descendant of a former emperor or exiled king and hear fascinating stories about their famous ancestors. History does not get more authentic than this.Baden-Württemberg is home to castles, palaces and ruins dating from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods – from Heidelberg Palace and Hohenzollern Castle to the New Palace in Meersburg on Lake Constance. Use the filter below to find attractions nearby.
A castle on a green wooded mountain.

© DZT, Foto: Francesco-Carovillano

One of Germany’s Most Beautiful Castles
Hohenzollern Castle near Hechingen is one of Baden-Württemberg’s best-known attractions and reflects the region’s rich variety of castles, palaces and ruins.

Cultural Treasures in Baden-Württemberg

Echoes of the Past
1

Majestic Palaces

From the world-famous Heidelberg Palace to the New Palace in Meersburg on Lake Constance, Baden-Württemberg’s palaces tell stories of kings, dukes and magnificent royal residences.
2

Remnants of the Middle Ages

Formidable castles crown mountain peaks, rise above river valleys and perch on dramatic rocky outcrops. Places such as Hohenzollern Castle still bring the world of knights and rulers vividly to life today.
3

Historic Ruins

Von den Ruinen des Heidelberger Schlosses bis zu versteckten Burgruinen im Land: Baden-Württemberg bietet zahlreiche historische Orte, an denen sich Geschichte unter freiem Himmel entdecken lässt.

Medieval Castles in Baden-Württemberg

Where Knights, Nobles and Legends Left Their Mark
Hohenzollern Castle crowns the cone-shaped Zollerberg hill in the Swabian Jura. Following restoration work that began in 1967, the Hohenstaufen-era Katzenstein Castle is now considered one of Baden-Württemberg’s most significant castle complexes, while Hornberg Castle above the Neckar Valley was regarded as impregnable in the Middle Ages. Discover even more castles in stages along the Castle Road.
Hornberg Castle sits enthroned on a wooded hill with vineyards above the Neckar River, with a cargo ship sailing on the river in the foreground.

© TMBW, Foto: Ermano Wagner

Hornberg Castle Above the Neckar Valley
The former fortress is considered one of Baden-Württemberg’s most impressive medieval castles.

Medieval Castles in Baden-Württemberg

Palace Gardens, Lake Views and Regal Splendour
The former residence of the Electors Palatine in Heidelberg survives as a romantic ruin. Schwetzingen Palace is renowned for its palace gardens, while the park at the New Palace in Meersburg offers views across Lake Constance. State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg manages 63 historic monuments across the region.
Aerial view of Heidelberg Castle in autumn, surrounded by colorful foliage, with a view of the old town, the Neckar Bridge, and the river; wooded hills and residential buildings in the background.

© TMBW, Foto: Achim Mende

A Symbol of German Romanticism
Heidelberg Palace combines impressive Renaissance architecture with spectacular views.

Find Castles and Palaces Near You

From Hidden Gems to World-Famous Cultural Sites

Discover castles, palaces and ruins in Baden-Württemberg and find historic attractions near you. Use the filter to view results by location and distance, or search specifically for castles, palaces or ruins.

Filter results

Show 198 Experiences
  1. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Neues Schloss Kißlegg
    New Kißlegg Palace Baroque gemNo time left greater traces in our region than the Baroque period. To this day, the “Baroque triangle” of church, feudal courtyard (Walserhaus) and the new castle charact...
    Kißlegg
  2. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Meßkirch Castle Culture and Museum Centre
    Messkirch Castle is considered to be the earliest four-winged complex north of the Alps. The centrepiece is the Renaissance banqueting hall with its original coffered ceiling.
    Meßkirch
  3. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Reußenstein castle ruins
    Spectacular castle ruins on a rocky outcrop above the Neidlingen valley. Medieval complex from the 13th/14th century, breathtaking views and one of the most beautiful excursion destinations in the Swa...
    Wiesensteig
  4. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Wiesensteig Residential Palace
    Former residence of the Counts of Helfenstein—Wiesensteig Palace combines Renaissance architecture, a rich history, and cultural life in the heart of the Filstal Valley.
    Wiesensteig
  5. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Filseck Castle
    Situated high above the Filstal valley, Filseck Castle combines history, culture, nature and enjoyment. Today it is a cultural center, restaurant and popular excursion destination with a magnificent v...
    Uhingen
  6. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Ellwangen Castle with castle museum
    Schloss ob Ellwangen - the former residence of the abbots and prince provosts towers above the town. The elegant arcaded courtyard, the baroque staircase and the castle museum in the stately rooms are...
    Swabian Alb
  7. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Burg Rötteln
    The ruins of Rötteln Castle near Lörrach are enthroned high above the Wiesental valley. A marvellous view, imposing walls and the museum in the Landschreiberei await visitors.
    Black Forest
  8. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Katzenstein Castle with Geopark information center
    The Katzenstein castle towers impressively above the high rocks. Extensive restoration work has been carried out on the castle since 1967, restoring one of southern Germany's most valuable castle comp...
    Dischingen
  9. Go to article
    CulturePalaces & castles
    Jesuit Castle
    A historic castle on the Schönberg with a winery, restaurants, and impressive panoramic views of Freiburg, the Kaiserstuhl, and the Black Forest.
    Merzhausen

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FAQs About Castles and Palaces in Baden-Württemberg

From Fairytale Palaces to Medieval Fortresses

Cultural & Historic Days Out in Baden-Württemberg

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Parks and Gardens in Southwest Germany

Oases of Tranquillity
CultureParks & gardens

Monasteries Worth Visiting in Baden-Württemberg

Tips for Your Bucket List
CultureMonasteries

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southwest Germany

Seven Great Milestones
CultureWorld heritage sites

Historic Attractions in Baden-Württemberg

Far too Fabulous to Be True

Popular Places to Visit in Baden-Württemberg

Great Days Out!