Munich Castles are the best examples of Bavarian culture and are the most popular tourist attractions of Munich. It is the capital city of Bavaria in Germany. This city is home to several cathedrals, churches, museums, cafes, Bavarian cuisines, and so on, and is an ideal place for tourists.
15 Amazing Castles in Munich
Here are some of the best castles in Munich:
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is the most popular and visited castle in the world. This fairy-tale castle has a charismatic appearance, like a Medieval fortress. This Munich castle is admired by its viewers and is worth visiting.
King Ludwig II built this castle in the 19th century. It was opened to the public after the death of the king. The Romanesque revival inspired this Munich castle. The castle’s interiors have mural artworks on walls, mosaic flooring, huge chandeliers, and beautiful portraits, too.
The most splendid parts are the King’s bedroom and the colorful hall of the singers. Schloss Neuschwanstein is also famous as the Disney castle in Munich because Walt Disney used the design of this castle as an inspiration for its Disney castles.
This beautiful castle is located between the hills in the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria. Hike to the Marienbrucke to get the classic panoramic view of the castle. Entrance tickets are available at the ticket center.
2. Linderhof Castle
Linderhof Castle is one of the most famous castles in Munich. This castle is located near Oberammergau town, 100km southwest of Munich.
This Munich castle is the smallest of all the castles built by King Ludwig II and the only one where the king stayed during construction. This Linderhof palace is a beautifully designed palace of that era inspired by French design.
Mountains surround the unique Linderhof Castle, with a considerable front spreading lawn divided into five sections. The front face of the building is Baroque, and the interiors are Rococo, which are heavy textiles, embellishments, and abundant materials.
The Hall of The Mirrors, a kind of living room used for reading by the king, is a famous section of this Munich castle. The Moorish pavilion with a peacock throne in the front is also an area to admire. Linderhof Castle is one of the few palaces the king finished and used.
3. Nuremberg Castle
Nuremberg Castle was first constructed around 1000 AD and reflects the importance and effect of the Holy Roman Empire in that place in the Middle Ages.
Nuremberg Castle is in Nuremberg, famous for its criminal and military trials during World War II. Almost all the German emperors stayed in this palace, which was considered an essential imperial Munich castle.
This Nuremberg Castle is divided into three prominent sections: Burgrave’s castle, the Imperial Castle, and the buildings by the Imperial City. The most visited part of the palace is the Romanesque double chapel and the Well (the primary water source of the castle at that time).
4. Prunn Castle
Prunn Castle was built in the early 13th century in Gothic-style architecture. This beautiful castle is located 120 km north of Munich on a vertical outcrop above the Altmühl river valley with mesmerizing scenery.
This castle is nestled between the cliffs. The Prunn Castle was first possessed by Werner of Prunn, then by Adalbert of Prunn, and finally by Heer Von Laaber of Praiteneck.
This Royal castle still has the essence of the Medieval period. The Large Hall on the ground floor has a similar Gothic style decoration of the 13th century.
White horses painted on the sides of the palace walls depicting the Teutonic Knights of Frauenberg highlight this Munich castle.
5. Herrenchiemsee Castle
Schloss Herrenchiemsee Castle is located in Southern Bavaria, 60 km south of Munich. The beautiful Royal complex is situated on an island in the center of Lake Chiemsee.
King Ludwig II built this castle; its construction started in 1878. This was the most ambitious and expensive project of that time, but it remains incomplete. Only staterooms and a central staircase were built then, and the king lived there for only nine days.
King Ludwig XIV influenced King Ludwig; hence, this Munich castle replicates the Palace of Versailles and has collections of classic art pieces, porcelain, and famous paintings.
Phenomenal lush lawns inspired by Versailles are a must-visit; walk through the English and French-inspired lawns. The administration of Bavaria maintains this palace. The premises of the old castle are used as a residential area.
6. Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle was built in the 19th century by King Maximilian II, father of King Ludwig. This was the childhood living place of King Ludwig II.
Hohenschwangau Castle is located in southern Germany near the Austrian border. This palace is near Neuschwanstein Castle but gets less recognition than it deserves.
Schloss Hohenschwangau is standing on a rock, offering captivating night views. Beautiful salons and ballrooms and the Swan fountain outside are the highlights of this Munich castle. It would help to visit this beautiful castle on your trip to Munich castles.
7. Burghausen Castle
Burghausen Castle was built in the 11th century, inspired by Gothic-style architecture. Several lower Bavarian Dukes lived in this castle from 1255 to 1503 since it was an excellent military location.
This huge castle is located in east Munich; it has the longest castle complex as declared by the Guinness World Record.
This colossal castle has one central castle with one interior courtyard and five exterior courtyards. You will see mesmerizing views of the Salzach River from the viewing platform on the roof of this castle.
This palace is a perfect place for capturing such beautiful moments. You can reach her by taking a regional train to Markt Schwaben and then to Muhldorf.
8. Trausnitz Castle
Trausnitz Castle was constructed in 1204 by Duke Ludwig I. It is located in Landshut town, 74km northeast of Munich. Trausnitz Castle was home to the Wittelsbach dynasty, which served as the residence for lower Bavaria from 1255 to 1503. The area of the palace has remained the same since the period of Louis I of Bavaria, but many modifications have been made till now.
The most popular places at the Trausnitz Castle are the Tower Terrace or Soller; climb over these to get an admirable view of the town below. Others are the White Hall (the unfinished room) and Knights Hall, which is still used as banquets.
9. Residence Museum
Munich Residenz is stated as one of the most remarkable palace museums in Europe. This palace was opened to the public in 1920.
The palace is in Munich city and is a very accessible, convenient option for people or tourists. It is also near Munich airport. This was the seat of Bavarian kings and prince-electors in the early period. It has almost 130 official staterooms of all periods and apartments.
Visit the treasury museum on the ground floor and Cuvilliés Theatre with authentic Rococo art). Combination tickets are available for the treasury and theatre.
Self-guided tours with audio guides for the museum and treasure are available to let you enjoy the palace in your own way.
10. Nymphenburg Palace
The beautiful Nymphenburg Palace is among the famous Munich castles. This marvelous baroque palace was the summer palace of the Bavarian kings and prince-electors during that era.
This palace has beautiful staterooms and a vast central festive hall decorated with frescos and stucco. The vast lawn area around the Schloss Nymphenburg is soothing. The palace has four more small castles hidden in the forest area, which are a little gem in themselves. These are-
- The Badenburg– the bathing palace
- The Pagodenburg– China-inspired palace
- The Amalienburg– palace with silver interiors
- Magdalenenklause– the secluded palace.
Mainly, Marstallmuseum is famous for golden fairy tale carriages or the Porcelain Museum.
11. Blutenburg Castle
Schloss Blutenburg, located on the outskirts of Munich, is a fantastic palace. This small castle has a vast water moat around it, making it unique.
The palace has a Gothic chapel and library from the 15th century, but other interiors have changed. The small beer garden and annual Christmas market in the courtyard are good to see. This palace is a less famous Munich castle but worth visiting.
12. Salzburg Fortress
Salzburg Fortress is situated in the city of Salzburg and is the most popular day trip from Munich. This Medieval fortress is the main tourist attraction of this city.
The Hohensalzburg Castle was the power seat of the mighty bishops of Salzburg in the late Medieval ages. Till the 17th century, this palace served its main military function and was expanded continuously.
Salzburg Fortress is one of the biggest castles in Europe and has beautiful Medieval state apartments. Prince’s chamber is a must-visit area in this fortress, although it has expensive tickets.
13. Castles in Regensberg
Thurn und Taxis and Schloss Höfling in Regensberg are among Germany’s most significant castles. The original family owned them and are still in use by royal members to date. The Princess Thurn and Taxis palace and old staterooms are open for tourists; private apartments have restricted entry. The House of Thurn and Taxis played a significant role in the postal services in Europe during the 16th century until the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, and they are known to be one of the wealthiest families in Germany.
The Holy Roman emperor’s perpetual diet sat in Regensburg castle from 1663 to 1806. Later, the Principal Commissioner and the House of Thurn and Taxis ran the office from 1741 to 1806.
Hence, an imperial throne room is inside the Thurn and Taxis palace. You can reach Regensburg via train from Munich, then walk to the castle.
14. Würzburg Residence
Würzburg Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a massively decorated palace in Würzburg. There are numerous frescos by Tiepolo (the Italian genius), staterooms, and Palace rooms.
The ceiling fresco of the main stairhouse is the largest in the world. You must visit the emperor’s apartment to see the popular mirror cabinet. A beautiful chapel decorated with mesmerizing oil paintings is present in the courtyard of the palace.
This is a day trip from Munich. Take a fast express train from Munich central station and then a bus to reach here.
15. Alter Hof Castle
Bavarian Dukes lived in Alter Hof Castle in the 16th century and then moved into the Residence Palace. Most of this Alter Hof Castle was destroyed in the 19th century, but the Gothic west wing is still there. The palace was renovated in 2007.
Conclusion
Munich castles are the best examples of fairy tale castles. You can opt for a guided tour or explore these Bavarian castles at your own pace. Visit other castles in Germany or nearby areas and admire their beauty.
Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Apeksha Soni
