Looking to step into a storybook outside of Frankfurt? Check out this post for 10 castles near Frankfurt, Germany you can visit!
Known as Germany’s financial hotspot, Frankfurt isn’t the first city that comes to mind when you think about castles. For most people, the city conjures up images of drugs, prostitution, skyscrapers, and busy streets.
However, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to see beyond Frankfurt than most people think. Many fascinating, storybook castles await you beyond the city limits, waiting to be discovered. From Gothic castles to private residences, each one is a portal to a perfect storybook place.
So, if you’re looking for the best castles to visit near the Frankfurt area and beyond, you’ve come to the right place! This post alone highlights 10 castles near Frankfurt, Germany you should visit for the perfect storybook trip.
Germany Travel Series
P.S. This is a post in my Germany Travel series. Here is the complete series:
Cologne Restaurants: Where To Find the Best Restaurants in Cologne Germany
Prettiest Cities: The Top 8 Prettiest Cities in Germany You Need To Visit
Uber: Is There Uber in Germany?
Beer Festivals: 10 Top German Beer Festivals in Germany Other Than Oktoberfest
Castles Near Frankfurt, Germany Map
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Cochem Castle
Known as Reichsburg Cochem or Imperial Cochem Castle, Cochem Castle is a great medieval castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you’re looking to step into a storybook. Located on a hilltop, the castle offers views of the surrounding region which include but are not limited to the Moselle River and the vineyards.
On the outside, the castle’s architecture blends styles from different eras which include the neo-gothic one that was used in the 19th-century restoration. On the inside, the ceilings and the rooms like the Knight’s Hall, Dining Hall, Trophy Room, and Bower are painted well.
Lastly, there are even tours available if you would like to learn more about its history since the castle has been damaged multiple times throughout its lifetime. So, if you’re looking for a castle to take you back in time, I highly recommend this one.
Wartburg Castle
Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich history and architecture, Wartburg Castle is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook. The castle, for one thing, dates back to the Middle Ages and has been associated with a lot of historical events.
For example, Martin Luther sought refuge in this castle during the 16th-century Reformation, where he translated the bible. That event led to the formation of the Lutheran church and it made the castle known as Martin Luther’s place of exile.
In addition, this castle was also home to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, who was the wife of a Thuringian landgrave. She became a saint because of her charitable works so people visit the castle as a way to commemorate her.
Burg Eltz
Also known as Eltz Castle, Burg Eltz is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook. The castle is from the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful ones in Europe. Many people see it for its unique architecture, original furnishings, and location in the Eltz Forest nature reserve.
For example, when it comes to its architecture, some people consider it to be incomparable and call it the epitome of a knight’s castle. Furthermore, the castle still has some of its original furnishings from the past 800 years. Lastly, when it comes to the location, the castle sits on a rock spur in the middle of the forest, making it a great place for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Mespelbrunn Castle
Known as Schloss Mespelbrunn to Germans, Mespelbrunn Castle is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook. Many people see it for its unique architecture, gardens, and location.
For example, the castle’s architecture is very intricate in terms of style and there’s a confession above a side portal that was written by Peter Echter von Mespelbrunn and his wife Gertraud von Adelsheim, who reconstructed the castle. The confession said the following:
Marital love in God and faith so true,
Brings happiness and blessings anew.
We trusted in God with diligence and might,
To build this house for our own delight
In reference to building this castle for their own delight, they reconstructed it for 18 years until 1569. This brought them together as a couple but also as a family.
Furthermore, the gardens surrounding the castle are immaculate, especially with its neatly clipped box hedges. They blow visitors away every time, so it’s worth it to walk through them.
Lastly, the castle is situated in the middle of a lake in the Spessart forest. This forest is famous in the fairytales and myths of the Brothers Grimm so it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to pretend you’re a princess.
Heidelberg Castle
Located on the Neckar River, Heidelberg Castle is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook! Many people find it intriguing due to its history, architecture, and gardens.
For example, historically, the castle has a rich history that spans 700 years and some people take a guided tour to learn more. There’s even a Saturday tour called “Life at Court” that shows visitors a glimpse of what it’s like to be a castle resident.
Furthermore, the castle has Renaissance buildings that are considered to be masterpieces. These buildings include but are not limited to the Gläserner Saalbau, Ottheinrichsbau, Friedrichsbau, and Englischer Bau.
Lastly, its gardens were once considered the eighth wonder of the world since so many people found them fascinating. Visitors can even have a picnic there if the weather permits it.
Castle Steinau
Located in Steinau an der Straße, Castle Steinau is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook. Many people know it for being one of the best-preserved early Renaissance castle complexes in Hesse and its architecture and Brothers Grimm Exhibition make it worth visiting.
For example, when it comes to the castle’s architecture, it was built between 1525 and 1560 for the Counts of Hanau. The complex has a medieval castle keep, a fortress, a tower, and a dry moat. Its half-timbered construction even contrasts with the masonry with the towers and roofs covered in slate.
Furthermore, the castle’s Brothers Grimm Exhibition was created as a dedication to the Grimm family since their life is closely tied to the town of Steinau. The exhibition shows the various life stages of the Brothers Grimm and where their fairytales are sourced, giving you a clear insight as to how their tales came to fruition. So, if you want to learn more about how your favorite fairytales came about, I highly recommend visiting this castle.
Schloss Johannisburg
Located in Aschaffenberg, Germany, Schloss Johannisburg is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook. The castle is from the 17th century and many people see it for its museums and cork architectural models.
The museums at the castle include but are not limited to the Staatsgalerie Aschaffenburg and the Municipal Palace Museum. The Staatsgalerie Aschaffenburg is a painting gallery that includes art by Lucas Cranach the Elder while the Municipal Palace Museum is a museum that features various arts and crafts.
As for the cork architectural models, Schloss Johannisburg has the world’s largest collection called Bringing Rome across the Alps and it includes 45 detailed reproductions of ancient Roman buildings like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Pyramid of Cestius for you to check out.
Marburg Castle
Also known as Marburger Schloss or Landgrafenschloss Marburg, the Marburg Castle is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook! Marburg Castle is technically now a museum and a historical site for all to see but the castle is still intact. Many people know the castle/museum for its exhibits and its history.
The castle, for example, has a Wilhelmsbau that features permanent exhibitions on topics like “Church Art”, “State Rulership”, and “Bourgeois Living”. Many people find them very interesting since it gives them some insight into the living culture back then.
Historically, the castle has also been the center of many historical events. One significant historical event it’s particularly known for is the Marburg Religious Discussion in 1529 between Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and other reformers.
Hohenzollern Castle
Also known as Burg Hohenzollern, Hohenzollern Castle is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook! Many people see it for its history as well as the architecture, and the views.
Historically, the castle was the home of the Prussian Kings, German Emperors, and Princes of Hohenzollern, who ruled for 500 years there. Inside the castle, you can even find Kaiser Wilhelm II’s famous “Hohenzollern Crown” as well as other historical exhibits.
Architecturally, the castle has amazing interior features such as gilded ceilings, marquetry floors, and portraits of Prussian royals. It even has several works by renowned artists on display as well as works by 17th–19th century gold- and silversmiths.
When it comes to the views, you can see the Swabian Mountains from the castle which are worth the trip. The viewpoint, however, is very rocky with no railing so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Höchster Schloss
Also known as Höchst Castle, Höchster Schloss is another castle near Frankfurt you can visit if you want to step into a storybook! Many people see it for its history as well as for the architecture, and the museums.
Historically, the castle complex includes the Alten Schloß (Old Castle) and the Neuen Schloß (New Castle). The Alten Schloß was built between the 14th and the 16th century while the Neuen Schloß was built in the late 16th century. The Alten Schloß was even used as a customs building once for the Archbishop of Mainz during the Middle Ages.
Architecturally, the castle has a watchtower, a drawbridge, and a garden that’s great for taking photos. Some people even say that the older parts of the castle make it look more historic.
Lastly, when it comes to the museums, the Höchster Schloss has the history museums of Höchst and Hoechst AG for you to explore. So, there’s always something to do!
Overall, I hope you enjoyed this post on the 10 castles near Frankfurt, Germany you can visit to step into a storybook. Please let me know in the comments below which castle intrigued you the most. I would love to hear from you! 🙂
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