Introduction
Perched majestically atop Mount Hohenzollern at an elevation of 855 metres, Hohenzollern Castle stands as one of Germany's most impressive and iconic fortresses. This ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty, who later became Kings of Prussia and German Emperors, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into German royal history while providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Swabian Alps. The castle's strategic position not only served defensive purposes throughout history but also creates a picturesque silhouette against the sky that has captivated visitors for generations. Emperor William II himself claimed the view from the castle was "truly worth a journey," and indeed, on clear days, visitors can see all the way to the Alps. The golden-hued bricks of this neo-Gothic masterpiece shimmer in the sunlight, creating an almost mystical appearance that seems to belong more in a fairy tale than in reality. Today, the castle remains in the ownership of Prince George Frederick, the current head of the Prussian branch of the Hohenzollern family, and when he visits, the royal family flag flies proudly from the Watch Tower.
Interesting Facts about Hohenzollern Castle
- Hohenzollern Castle sits atop Mount Hohenzollern at an elevation of 900 metres, offering panoramic views of the Swabian Jura.
- The current neo-Gothic structure was built between 1846 and 1867 under King Frederick William IV of Prussia as a romanticised homage to medieval architecture.
- It houses Kaiser Wilhelm II’s crown and a letter from George Washington thanking a Hohenzollern family member for service in the American Revolutionary War.
- The castle features a unique on-site brewery producing a beer called PREUSSENS, continuing centuries-old traditions.
- Its military architecture includes an Eagle Gate entrance with a drawbridge and a labyrinthine zwinger defensive passageway.
- Despite being privately owned by the Hohenzollern dynasty for nearly 1,000 years, it was only briefly inhabited by Crown Prince Wilhelm in 1945 after World War II.
- The castle’s treasure room holds Frederick the Great’s personal effects, including his tobacco box and death mask.
- Two devastating earthquakes in 1970 and 1978 required extensive repairs funded entirely by visitor admission fees.
- Beneath the castle lie historic casemates originally used to store gunpowder, with an extra protective layer carved directly into the mountain rock.
- It incorporates architectural elements from English Gothic Revival and French châteaux, blending defensive features with palatial grandeur.
History
The history of Hohenzollern Castle spans over a millennium, with the first personal reference to the Hohenzollern House dating back to 1061 with the mention of "Wezil et Burchardus de Zolorin." The castle itself was first directly referenced in 1267 as "Castro Zolre." What visitors see today is actually the third castle built on this site, each with its own fascinating story. The original castle, constructed in the early 11th century, was an artistically valuable and vast complex that contemporary sources praised as the "Crown of all Castles in Swabia" and "the most fortified House in Germany." Despite its grandeur, this first castle was completely destroyed in 1423, leaving little trace of its appearance or structure.
From 1454 to 1461, the second Hohenzollern Castle was constructed, larger and even more fortified than its predecessor. This version played a significant role during the tumultuous Thirty Years' War, changing hands repeatedly between opposing forces. Unfortunately, as the maintenance of the building was neglected over time, it gradually fell into disrepair and eventually became ruins by the beginning of the 19th century, another chapter in the castle's history seemingly closed.
The castle's modern history began in 1819 when Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia, inspired by a sunset he witnessed from one of the castle bastions, decided to reconstruct the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern House. In 1844, now as King Frederick William IV, he wrote that his "adolescent dream turned into the wish to make the Hohenzollern Castle habitable again." From 1850, he began to realise this dream, commissioning architect Friedrich August Stüler to design the magnificent neo-Gothic structure we see today. Construction was completed in 1867, creating one of Germany's most imposing castle complexes. Since 1952, Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia initiated efforts to furnish the castle with valuable works of art and historically significant items pertaining to the history of Prussia and its kings. In more recent times, earthquakes in 1970 and 1978 caused immense damage to the castle, necessitating extensive renovations that continue to be financed through admission fees.
Description
Architectural Splendour
Hohenzollern Castle is a masterpiece of 19th-century military and civil architecture, designed in the Gothic Revival style with influences from English Gothic Revival architecture and the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. The castle complex, covering almost all of Mount Hohenzollern's summit, consists of four main parts: military architecture, palatial buildings, chapels, and gardens, each contributing to its harmonious and captivating aesthetic.
The military architecture begins with the impressive Eagle Gate (Adlertor) and its attached drawbridge, forming the entrance to the castle. Visitors then pass through the castle's winding defensive corridor (Zwinger) which turns four times before terminating at the bastions. This ingenious design provided multiple layers of defence against potential attackers. From the bastions, the palatial buildings can be accessed through the square upper gate, showcasing the strategic planning that went into the castle's construction.
The palatial buildings, arranged in a U-shape upon the outline of the second castle, function as an open-air museum that ends with Protestant and Catholic chapels. The three-story Gothic Revival buildings designed by Friedrich August Stüler are decorated with towers and pinnacles, creating a silhouette that dominates the skyline. The four towers of the palace align perfectly with the bastions: the Emperor's Tower corresponds to the Fuchsloch bastion, the Bishop's Tower to the Spitz bastion, the Markgraf Tower to the Scharfeck bastion, and Michael's Tower to the garden bastion. Attached to the main residential building is the Watch Tower (Wartturm), which serves both as a staircase to the library and as the flagpole whenever the Hohenzollern family is in residence.
Magnificent Interiors
Stepping inside Hohenzollern Castle reveals interiors as magnificent as the exterior suggests, with 140 rooms showcasing the opulence of Prussian royalty. A perron leads up to the Ancestry Hall, where visitors can view the royal family tree and crests displayed in a colour-coded and organised fashion. This room serves as an introduction to the illustrious history of the Hohenzollern dynasty, setting the stage for the grandeur that follows.
The Count's Hall (Grafensaal) covers the entirety of the southern wing and stands as one of the most impressive spaces within the castle. Its rib vaulting, adorned with grisailles by Stüler depicting the history of the House of Hohenzollern, is supported by eight free-standing red marble columns. The pointed-arch windows allow natural light to illuminate the original wood flooring, which is so precious that visitors must don special slippers to protect it. The hall's grand scale and ornate decorations reflect the power and prestige of the Hohenzollern family throughout German history.
Below the Count's Hall lies the old castle kitchen, which today serves as a treasure chamber housing valuable artefacts. Adjacent to the Count's Hall is the Emperor's Tower and the Bishop's Niche, followed by the library decorated with stunning murals of Hohenzollern history painted by Wilhelm Peters. These murals bring to life the significant events and personalities that shaped the dynasty's legacy, providing a visual narrative that complements the architectural splendour.
The Margrave's Tower contains the King's parlour, also referred to as the Margrave's room. This intimate space offers a glimpse into the private life of Prussian royalty, with furnishings and decorations that reflect the tastes and preferences of its noble occupants. The king's bed-chamber, somewhat modest in comparison to other rooms, was reconstructed more as a memorial than an actual sleeping chamber, preserving the memory of past monarchs.
In contrast, the queen's bed-chamber is one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, featuring gilded ceilings that exemplify the ornate craftsmanship prevalent throughout the castle. The Blue Salon, another highlight of the interior, showcases the elegant taste and refined aesthetics that defined royal living spaces. Throughout the castle, gilded coffered ceilings, stunning marquetry flooring, and portraits of Prussian royals adorn the walls, creating an atmosphere of regal splendour that transports visitors back to the height of Prussian power.
The Treasury and Art Collection
The Treasury of Hohenzollern Castle houses an impressive collection of royal artefacts and historical treasures that offer insight into the wealth and cultural significance of the Hohenzollern dynasty. The undisputed centrepiece of this collection is the Prussian royal crown, a symbol of the monarchy's power and prestige. This magnificent piece of craftsmanship represents the culmination of Prussian royal authority and serves as a tangible link to the kingdom's illustrious past.
Among the Treasury's most fascinating items are the personal belongings of Frederick the Great, including his famous snuffboxes. One of these boxes has a particularly remarkable history, as it reportedly saved the king's life by stopping a bullet—a small object with great historical significance. The collection also includes knight's armour, royal garments, and various other historical artefacts that paint a vivid picture of life in the Prussian court.
Beyond the Treasury, Hohenzollern Castle boasts a valuable art collection featuring works from renowned artists including Honthorst, Pesne, von Werner, von Lenbach, and Laszlo. These paintings, many of which are portraits of Hohenzollern family members, provide a visual record of the dynasty's history and its prominent figures. The collection also includes exquisite gold and silversmith works from the 17th to the 19th century, showcasing the fine craftsmanship and artistic tastes of the era.
The display of table silver and other valuable items demonstrates the opulence of royal dining and entertainment, while the wardrobe items of sovereigns offer a glimpse into royal fashion and personal style. Together, these collections transform Hohenzollern Castle from a mere architectural marvel into a comprehensive museum of Prussian royal history, preserving the cultural heritage of one of Germany's most influential dynasties.
The Castle Chapels
Hohenzollern Castle is unique in featuring chapels of three different religions, reflecting the complex religious history of the region and the Hohenzollern family. The Protestant and Catholic chapels, positioned at the end of the U-shaped palatial buildings, represent the primary religious divisions within German Christianity. These sacred spaces were essential components of royal life, providing places for private worship and religious ceremonies within the castle grounds.
The Protestant Chapel, with its austere yet dignified design, reflects the Lutheran influence that became significant in parts of Germany following the Reformation. Its architecture and decoration emphasise simplicity and focus on scripture, in keeping with Protestant theological principles. Despite its relative plainness compared to the Catholic Chapel, it maintains an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual significance.
In contrast, the Catholic Chapel showcases more ornate decorations and religious imagery, consistent with Catholic traditions. Its breathtaking stained glass windows filter light into the space, creating a mystical atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection. The rich symbolism and artistic elements within this chapel demonstrate the importance of visual representation in Catholic worship and the Hohenzollern family's connection to this tradition.
Perhaps most surprising is the presence of a Russian Orthodox chapel within the castle grounds, an unusual feature for a German castle. This chapel represents the international connections of the Hohenzollern family through marriage and diplomacy, particularly with the Russian imperial family. Together, these three chapels illustrate the religious diversity and tolerance that developed within the Hohenzollern dynasty over centuries, as well as the important role that faith played in royal life and governance.
The Castle Gardens and Grounds
The gardens and grounds of Hohenzollern Castle complement its architectural grandeur, providing both aesthetic beauty and strategic advantages. The castle's position atop Mount Hohenzollern offers panoramic views that extend over the Swabian Alb, surrounding hills, and on clear days, all the way to the Alps. This vantage point not only creates breathtaking vistas for visitors but also explains the castle's historical importance as a defensive structure with commanding views of the surrounding territory.
The castle gardens, though not as extensive as those of some other European palaces due to the mountaintop location, are nonetheless designed with careful attention to detail. These green spaces provide a pleasant contrast to the stone fortifications and create peaceful areas for contemplation and leisure. The garden bastion, aligned with Michael's Tower, integrates defensive architecture with horticultural design, demonstrating how even the castle's gardens served multiple purposes.
Surrounding the castle is a forested area that enhances its mystical quality, especially when mist envelops the mountain. These woods historically provided natural protection for the castle and today offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature walks with spectacular views. The transition from forest to castle creates a dramatic approach that heightens the visitor's sense of discovery and wonder upon reaching the fortress.
The castle grounds also include the extensive military architecture that forms the outer defences. Walking along the battlements and bastions allows visitors to appreciate the strategic design of the fortress while enjoying unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. These fortifications, though built in the 19th century, faithfully recreate medieval defensive principles, providing insight into historical military architecture while creating a romantic silhouette against the sky.
Cultural Significance and Events
Beyond its historical and architectural importance, Hohenzollern Castle serves as a vibrant cultural centre that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The castle's atmospheric setting provides a unique backdrop for concerts that range from classical performances to more contemporary music, allowing visitors to experience the acoustic qualities of spaces like the Count's Hall while enjoying exceptional musical talent. These concerts transform the historical spaces into living venues where past and present merge through the universal language of music.
During summer months, the castle grounds become an enchanting venue for open-air cinema screenings. Watching films against the backdrop of this historical fortress creates a magical experience that combines entertainment with architectural splendour. As darkness falls and the castle is illuminated, viewers are transported to another world where the boundaries between fiction and reality seem to blur beneath the starry sky.
Special exhibitions regularly take place within the castle, focusing on various aspects of Prussian history, royal life, or artistic movements relevant to the Hohenzollern legacy. These exhibitions often display items from the castle's collections that are not normally accessible to the public, providing deeper insights into specific historical periods or themes. Through careful curation and informative presentations, these exhibitions enhance the educational value of the castle while attracting visitors with specialised interests.
Perhaps the most beloved event at Hohenzollern Castle is its Christmas market, held on the first and second weekend of Advent. Considered one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets, it transforms the castle into a winter wonderland illuminated by countless lanterns and candles. The magical atmosphere, enhanced by the historical setting, attracts visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and the unique experience of celebrating this festive season within a royal castle.
The castle also houses the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation, which offers socially disadvantaged children recreational holidays at the castle. This charitable initiative connects the historical legacy of the Hohenzollern family with contemporary social responsibility, ensuring that the castle continues to serve a meaningful purpose beyond tourism and historical preservation.
The Brewery and Culinary Offerings
A unique feature of Hohenzollern Castle that often surprises visitors is its own brewery, producing a custom brew named "Preussens" (Prussia's). This connection between the castle and brewing traditions reflects the historical importance of beer in German culture and provides a taste of history that visitors can literally savour. The brewery represents a living tradition that connects past and present, allowing modern visitors to experience an aspect of historical life through all their senses.
During summer months, the castle's idyllic beer garden offers a perfect setting to enjoy this special brew while taking in the spectacular views of Baden-Württemberg. Few experiences can match the pleasure of sipping a locally brewed beer while gazing out over the landscapes that have inspired poets, artists, and kings throughout the centuries. The combination of historical atmosphere, natural beauty, and traditional brewing creates a multisensory experience that enhances the visitor's connection to both the castle and the broader cultural heritage of the region.
The castle's café-restaurant complements the brewery by serving regional specialties that showcase the culinary traditions of Swabia. These dishes, prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes, offer another dimension to the visitor's experience of regional culture and history. From hearty meat dishes to delicate pastries, the menu reflects the rich gastronomic heritage of Baden-Württemberg, allowing visitors to literally taste the local culture.
Together, the brewery and culinary offerings at Hohenzollern Castle create opportunities for rest and refreshment during a visit while also enriching the cultural experience. They demonstrate how historical sites can engage all the senses, making history not just something to be observed but something to be experienced in a holistic and memorable way. This approach to heritage tourism recognises that understanding the past involves more than viewing artefacts—it includes experiencing the flavours, aromas, and convivial atmospheres that shaped daily life throughout history.
Conclusion
Hohenzollern Castle stands as a testament to Germany's rich royal heritage, architectural ingenuity, and romantic vision. From its strategic position atop Mount Hohenzollern to its meticulously designed interiors, every aspect of the castle tells a story of power, artistic achievement, and historical continuity. The current structure, though
Getting There
To reach Hohenzollern Castle, perched majestically on Mount Hohenzollern in Baden-Württemberg, you have several convenient options. If travelling by car, take the A81 motorway (Stuttgart-Singen) and exit at Empfingen, following the B463 towards Balingen, then the B27 towards Hechingen, where signposts will direct you to the castle. Alternatively, from the B27 federal highway, simply take the exit marked Burg Hohenzollern. For those using GPS, enter the coordinates N 48.32570 | E 8.96390. If you prefer public transport, take a train to Hechingen station and then catch bus line 306 or 344 to the castle's car park. From the car park, you can either enjoy a 25-minute uphill walk to the Eagle's Gate entrance or take the shuttle bus for a more comfortable ascent. The shuttle bus service is included in your castle admission ticket, making it excellent value whilst saving your energy for exploring this magnificent ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hohenzollern Castle is during the summer months, from May to September, when the days are longer and the weather is generally more pleasant. This period allows visitors to fully appreciate the castle's stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. The castle operates extended hours during this time, typically from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing ample opportunity to explore its grand halls and gardens. Visitors can enjoy guided tours or audio guides in multiple languages, making it an ideal destination for both families and solo travellers. Additionally, the summer season offers a more vibrant atmosphere, with lush greenery and clearer skies, enhancing the overall experience of this historic site.
