Wartburg Castle remains a repository of almost one thousand years of turbulent German history. It was the setting of the fabled Battle of the Bards that involved, among others, the medieval poets Wolfram von Eschenbach and Walther von der Vogelweide. The tale is immortalised in the music of Richard Wagner's opera “Tannhäuser” and the mural painted by Moritz von Schwindt. Wartburg Castle was also where Elisabeth of Thuringia renounced courtly splendour and was canonised for her charitable work in 1235. The fascinating lords of the castle have included the crusader and minnesinger Heinrich, and Albrecht the “degenerate” who fought wars against his own family. In stark contrast, the castle is also associated with the famous reformer Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament here and is said to have hurled his ink pot at the devil. The great poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was also fascinated by Wartburg Castle as a monument of medieval culture.

Sitting in splendour high above Eisenach on a steep 200-metre cliff, Wartburg Castle is synonymous with romance and religion, poetry and the fight for freedom. It is thought to have been founded by the Ludowingian dynasty in 1073. After wars of succession, it was held by the Wettin dynasty for 650 years. In terms of its architecture, it is a conglomeration of various styles and periods. The oldest part is the main building, a three-storey hall with the richly ornamented banqueting hall as its pièce de résistance. In addition to the architecture, which was restored after the 19th century, other impressive highlights at the castle include a collection of 9,000 historical objects including traditional crafts, coins, a Lutheran bible, and pictures from the studio of Lucas Cranach. Wartburg Castle was designated a national monument in 1817 when the German student fraternities made the first declaration of German unity there. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999.
Show on map »

Anholt moated castle in the western part of Münsterland is one of Germany's few privately owned castles. The “fat tower” dating from the 12th century is still a characteristic feature of the castle, which was originally built on oak pillars with stone foundations and was later turned into a baroque residence in the 14th century. Today, the moated castle is used as a museum set up by Prince Nickolaus of Salm-Salm (1906-1988), where visitors can admire a private collection of art.
Show on map »

Hidden away in a tributary valley of the river Moselle and surrounded by unspoilt countryside, Eltz Castle is one of the finest and best preserved in Germany. It has been owned for more than 800 years by the Lords and Counts of Eltz. The castle's remarkable features include its rambling layout of buildings with the high residential towers nestling close together. Inside, you can visit the authentically furnished historical rooms including the flag room and banqueting hall.
Show on map »

Large sections of the magnificent Marksburg Castle perched high above the Rhine date from the 13th to 15th century. Consisting of several buildings, including a keep, outer wards and ramparts, this impressive fortress takes you on a romantic journey into the Middle Ages. Inside, you can explore a number of typical rooms including the banqueting hall, chapel and armoury. According to legend, Markus the Evangelist turned up to save the castle and its residents, and that is why the castle was named after him.
Show on map »

The discovery of veins of silver led the Saxon and Salian emperors to build their largest and most secure castle here on the edge of the Harz mountains. For centuries, it was the preferred seat of government in the north of Germany. The numerous spires of 47 churches and chapels give the town its remarkable silhouette. Together with Goslar's old quarter, the palace is part of the town's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Built under Heinrich III between 1040 and 1050, it is the largest, oldest and best-preserved imperial residence in Germany.
Show on map »