Have you ever wanted to live out a real-life fairytale? Or perhaps a darker Brothers Grimm story is more to your liking? Maybe you just love medieval history and heritage and would love to stay in an authentic castle hotel in Germany! 

Germany’s medieval traditions are still strong, and you’ll find the country’s unique history and heritage are reflected in the many fantastic castle hotels waiting to be discovered all over the country. Ancient Germanic strongholds still stand tall above riverside towns, while crumbling fortresses have been repurposed into luxury spa hotels with fine dining restaurants.

You can delve deep into folklore and legend, exploring the countryside where famous tales (such as the Pied Piper) were made or staying in the very castle tower where Rapunzel is said to have been held. 

Many of Germany’s castles date back centuries, and many were destroyed and rebuilt countless times during the brutal medieval period. Many more of the best castle hotels in Germany were restored or completely built from scratch in romantic styles that were popular with the European elite in the 19th century. 

The German Schlosshotel is a unique style of accommodation, and you’ll have trouble choosing between boutique family-run hotels, extravagant castle retreats still owned by royalty, and restored castle hotels that inspired some of the world’s most popular fairy tales. If you’re interested in a historic stay in Germany, then keep reading, as we explain where to find the best castle hotels across the country.

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Where are the best castle hotels in Germany?

You can find castle hotels all over Germany. During the middle ages, though, the country we know today as Germany didn’t really exist. Instead, there was a patchwork of medieval feudal states. Towns were ruled over by dukes and barons, and every one of these small kingdoms needed castles, towers, and fortresses to defend themselves. 

For travelers, that means there’s a lot of castles waiting to be explored. There are so many that the German tourism board has even put together a useful road trip route, known as the Castle Road! The road travels from Mannheim in the west, all the way east to the border with Czechia, taking in some of the best castle hotels on the way. 

But there’s also the incredible Romantic Road, another tourist trail that travels north to south instead. The two routes cross, and the Romantic Road allows you to explore the best of Bavaria’s fairytale castles and towers, many of which were the setting for folkloric tales made famous by the Brothers Grimm. 

Wherever you look, there are castle hotels. Dramatic fortresses line old trading routes, including the Rhine River and the Moselle Valley, while modern cities like Frankfurt and Wurzburg sit in the shadows of ancient castles. To inspire your next European getaway, here are the 12 best castle hotels in Germany!

The 12 Best Castle Hotels in Germany

1. Schlosshotel Kronberg

From the terrace of the Schlosshotel Kronberg, you’ll have views of beautiful, landscaped gardens and an unbeatable panoramic vista of the Frankfurt skyline. You’re super close to the city, but don’t worry, you’ll still feel like you’re a world away.

This is one of the best castle hotels in Germany, and it’s found in the peaceful spa town of Kronberg, where relaxation has always been a tradition. You’ll be following in the footsteps of royalty when you stay at this luxurious spa retreat because Schlosshotel Kronberg was originally built in the late 19th century for Empress Victoria, the wife of German Emperor Frederik III. Although it’s now a hotel, the castle and the surrounding grounds are still owned by the regal House of Hesse.

There are 62 rooms and suites at Schlosshotel Kronberg, each of which features genuine 19th and early 20^th-century period features, including portraits of German nobility and antique furnishings. The corridors, lobby, and dining areas at the castle are designed to impress. Wood bookshelves are stacked to the rafters with old tomes, velvet drapes hang from the oversized windows, and chandeliers dangle from vaulted ceilings.

You can play a game of golf on an 18-hole course supposedly designed by Dwight D. Eisenhower when he stayed here during WWII, or you can enjoy massages and spa treatments at the Beauty Cottage. At the hotel’s restaurant, Head Chef Christophe Hesse serves up an unusual mixture of healthy Buddha-style bowls and hummus alongside gamey dishes such as guinea fowl breast with spinach leaves. 

2. Schlosshotel Munchhausen

Medieval legends flourish in Germany, and one of the most enduring is the fable of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Book a stay at Schlosshotel Munchhausen, and you’ll be staying in the same countryside where the tale was set. Plus, you’ll be an easy 10-minute drive from the town of Hamelin.

This is Saxony at its finest, and you can immerse yourself in folklore and romance as you stay in a 5-star castle that dates back to the 16th century. Schlosshotel Munchhausen was originally designed more as a palace than a defensive castle. The most recent renovations have added to this tradition of luxury by upgrading the hotel with modern spa facilities. 

Check into your contemporary, bright, and individually styled room before spending an afternoon lounging around the heated indoor swimming pool, soaking up the humidity in the steam rooms, or shocking the system in the ice fountain. 

The Schlosskeller Restaurant serves up a unique menu of German classics prepared with French cooking techniques. You’ll be dining in the preserved surroundings of the 16th-century palace cellars, complete with many antiques and period furnishings. 

We also know that you’ll love how the hotel is surrounded by acres of woodlands, parks, and gardens. There are biking and hiking trails into the woods, or you can spend the day playing golf on the hotel’s 18-hole course. 

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3. Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg

For a seriously romantic stay at one of the most unique castle hotels in Germany, book a luxury room at the Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg. This 5-star hotel is located in the shadow of Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that towers over the town of Eisenach in Thuringia. 

This is historic Germany, and Wartburg Castle dates back to 1067 when it was built on top of the most prominent hilltop in the region. Eisenach, far below, would in later centuries become famous as the place where Martin Luther first translated the Bible into German as well as the birthplace of the famous German composer Bach. 

Immerse yourself in the local heritage, but save time to enjoy the luxuries at the hotel. Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg isn’t quite as old as the castle it’s next to, but it has still been welcoming guests since 1914. 

There are 37 individually decorated rooms, and couples can opt for the plush Romantic Room or Castle Room. If you want to go big, upgrade to the spacious Wartburg Suite!

You’ll have views over Wartburg Castle and the Thuringia Forest from your luxury room, but the best views are from the restaurant terrace. At Landgrafenstube Restaurant, you’ll find an intriguing menu that serves up history alongside fresh, seasonal produce. Local Head Chef Annett Reinhardt focuses on traditional Thuringian dishes, and you’ll be able to order Thuringian sausages, Thuringian dumplings, wild stew, smoked catfish, and more. 

4. Burghotel auf Schönburg

You’ll find one of the most unique castle hotels in Germany overlooking the banks of the mighty River Rhine. Burghotel auf Schonberg is one of the most romantic, historic, and beautiful castle hotels you can book, and we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!

This boutique hotel is located within the medieval walls of Schonburg Castle, which can trace its origins all the way back to at least 911 AD. The castle was destroyed countless times, rebuilt, and destroyed again, as it occupied a strategic location above the important Rhine town of Oberwesel. 

You’ll appreciate how the castle was lovingly restored again in the 20th century, with 27 boutique rooms drawing on the wealth of heritage within the towers, gatehouses, and keeps of Schonburg Castle. The best rooms have balconies that extend over the River Rhine, and all of the rooms have individual antique furnishings, such as wood four-poster beds or wrought iron fireplaces. 

Dining areas are full of character at the Burghotel auf Schönburg, and you can enjoy views of the river as you gorge on an ever-changing menu of roasted meats, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables. 

5. Burg Colmberg Hotel

A short detour to the east of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful castle stays in Germany. The Burg Colmberg Hotel is perched on a hilltop and surrounded by lush, green forests in a secluded part of Bavaria. It’s just waiting for you to spend the night there!

The castle is thought to date back to the 13th century, and many of the original features and masonry still remain. History courses through the stonework and many of Germany’s royal lines and noble families can trace their lineage in some way back to Colmberg Castle.

You’ll love how the rooms at Burg Colmberg Hotel emulate this distinguished history with their regal decor and faux-medieval styles. Rooms are definitely modern, though, with contemporary furnishings and updated bathrooms offering all the comfort you need.

The castle’s restaurant is a mixture of old and new, as medieval stone walls have been upgraded with modern skylights and a wonderful terrace overlooking the surrounding landscapes. You can try the best local dishes at the Burgstuben restaurant, where the castle cooks serve up a medieval feast. The menu primarily features locally sourced game, including deer, venison, wild boar, and plenty of seasonal vegetables. 

After eating like a German knight, work off the feast by exploring the surrounding hiking and biking trails that lead through the Frankenhohe nature reserve!

6. Schlosshotel Wendorf

Schlosshotel Wendorf features a unique mixture of traditional luxury rooms alongside modern, contemporary chalets, all set within the extensive grounds of a historic castle in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. 

There are nine luxury suites within the restored castle building, and each has been lovingly designed to feature rare period furnishings and classical decor. The suites are brimming with character, and each one has been named in honor of a duke or duchess with connections to the castle. 

Around the castle, you can find a collection of individually designed chalets and apartments designed to cater to families and larger groups. While undeniably modern, stylish, and contemporary on the outside, the new chalets still make a nod to the past on the inside, with faux-medieval furnishings, period portraits of German nobles, and antique furnishings and fireplaces. 

Regardless of the type of accommodation you go for, guests can enjoy fine dining meals in the castle’s Cheval Blanc Restaurant. The chefs cook up traditional Mecklenburg cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Your gourmet meals are all served in traditional, castle-like surroundings.

During your stay, you’ll also be able to make use of the castle hotel’s spa facilities. You’ll love how the spa is located within a repurposed castle cellar, where you can try out bio saunas, enjoy a Finnish-style sauna session, or opt for traditional massages and treatments. 

7. Schloss Lieser

If you’re a wine lover, then Schloss Lieser could be the perfect choice for your next trip to Germany. This is one of the best boutique castle hotels in Germany, and you’ll love how Schloss Lieser is surrounded by vineyards and set right in the heart of the beautiful Moselle wine-growing region.

If that’s not enough, this 19th-century country castle has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. Constructed in the popular romantic style of the time, the hotel’s 50 rooms and suites have been redesigned with the past in mind. Beds feature comfy mattresses and wood headboards, while the rooms are furnished with antique wardrobes, chairs, and tables and then decorated with original portraits of German nobility. 

The best rooms in the castle have views over the Moselle River below, while the second-best rooms still have gorgeous views over the vineyards on the hillside. Once you’ve checked in, take a stroll through the elegant castle grounds or enjoy a local wine tasting session on the terrace. You are welcome to enjoy the relaxing spa treatments on offer at the wellness center, or you can have afternoon tea in the castle’s magnificent library. 

Dinner is served at the Puricelli Bar, Restaurant & Winery, a fine-dining establishment named for the castle’s founder and former owner, Eduard Puricelli. Choose from a three, four, or five-course menu that includes fresh fish, local meats, and plenty of wine pairings from the castle’s dedicated wine cellar. 

8. Schlosshotel Steinburg

Beautifully perched on the banks of the River Main, Schlosshotel Steinburg is a modern castle-style hotel that overlooks the wonderful vineyards of one of Bavaria’s richest wine-growing regions. 

Schlosshotel Steinberg is modern and chic, but it’s inspired by the region’s long history and the medieval heritage of the city of Wurzburg below. Choose a room in the traditional Castle Manor wing, and you’ll be staying in the oldest part of the original castle building. Rooms here are stylishly designed and boast contemporary amenities blending seamlessly with traditional decor. 

Book a room in the Country Manor section of the castle, and you’ll be staying in the most modern wing of Schlosshotel Steinburg. The rooms here are just as elegant, but the style is inspired by the Mediterranean. They are less traditional and more flamboyant than the Castle Manor rooms. 

You’ll love all of the other modern upgrades at Schlosshotel Steinburg. From the swimming pool, you’ll have gorgeous views over Wurzburg, while the sauna is the perfect place to sweat it out for an afternoon of relaxation. 

Steinburgs Restaurant fuses tradition with a dash of Mediterranean flair – just like the rooms in the Country Manor – and you can enjoy the ever-changing but delightfully titled Gourmet Set Menu every evening. 

9. Hotel Burg Hornberg

The Hornberg Fortress has stood guard over the Neckertal Valley for centuries, and while the days of feuding knights and medieval barons might be long gone, the castle is still the most prominent landmark in the valley. 

Today, this ancient fortress has been repurposed into the boutique Hotel Burg Hornberg, and from the towers and terraces, you can look out over the beautiful vineyards that fill the surrounding slopes. The Neckar River flows below the hotel rooms, and you can enjoy a glass of local wine as you soak up the scenery. 

The castle dates back to at least the 16th century, but there’s likely been some form of stronghold here for much longer. The rooms are rather stylish and modern, and if you book a Tower Room, you’ll have supreme views from the windows. 

The restaurant serves traditional local dishes, including Hornberg wild stew with dumplings and pork tenderloin with potato noodles. But there are also some modern delights on the menu, including the vegan BBQ plate that’s served with stuffed portobello mushrooms and a soy and sour cream baked potato. 

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10. Villa Rothschild

You’ll instantly love how Villa Rothschild is perched up high on the beautiful slopes of Mount Taunus, offering supreme views of Frankfurt far below. Villa Rothschild is by no means a medieval castle, but it was designed in a unique art nouveau style intended to emulate the castles of old. 

You’ll have access to acres of gorgeous, landscaped gardens during your stay at this boutique hotel. There are only 22 rooms at Villa Rothschild, so there’s no doubt you’ll be treated like royalty by the hotel’s attentive staff. Each of the rooms has been individually designed, in keeping with the creative style of the Marriott Autograph Collection team, who designed the updated property. 

Rooms are romantically cozy, and in the summer, you can throw open the windows and relax in the gardens, while in the winter, you can snuggle up next to the in-room fireplaces. You’ll love the food at the Grill and Health Restaurant, where the chefs focus on serving tantalizingly tasty yet deliciously healthy dishes. You can even organize a personal cooking session with Marcus Zillmann, the restaurant’s head chef!

11. Hotel Burg Trendelburg

If you’ve ever dreamed of living out the life of a fairytale princess, then the Hotel Burg Trendelburg is the one for you. This historic, medieval castle is said to have been the inspiration for Rapunzel, and the tall tower is where the princess lets down her long hair in order to be rescued. 

Whether the story is true or not, the castle certainly looks like it should be the star of a fairytale. The original features date back to the 1300s, and the castle’s rooms are adorned with four-poster beds and medieval decor. 

Suits of armor line the corridors, tapestries hang from the walls, and the atmosphere is very much meant to invoke the spirit of the middle ages. You’ll be surprised to find that there’s also a modern sauna and massage chairs in one of the towers!

One of the castle’s original towers can also be reserved as a romantic dining room, with a candlelit ambiance, views through the arrow-slits, and a fine dining menu making for a unique dinner date. For everyone else, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the extravagant banquet hall, where local dishes are the focus of the menu. 

12. Burg Rabenstein

One of our favorite boutique castle hotels in Germany is the Burg Rabenstein, a popular stop on the iconic Castle Road route through Bavaria. Burg Rabenstein dates back to the 12th century, but much of it was ruined and then updated again in the 19th century. 

You’ll feel like medieval royalty during your stay, as many of the original features – although majorly restored – still remain in the halls, corridors, and rooms of the castle. Coats of arms are still displayed above stone fireplaces, tapestries hang above plush canopy beds, and unique portraits are dotted around the castle.

You’ll love how the castle is perched above dramatic limestone cliffs. You can even go down into the rocks and explore the castle’s private network of caves and tunnels. 

There’s medieval-style falconry that puts on regular displays on the castle grounds, while a Bavarian beer garden serves up authentic ales to quench your thirst. The castle restaurant is guaranteed to keep you well-fed with its hearty menu of Franconian dishes. 

That completes our list of the 12 best castle hotels in Germany! Did we miss any cool castle hotels in Germany? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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