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Hohenzollern Castle CourtyardHohenzollern Castle Hohenzollern Castle is a photographer's wonderland.  The landscape offers panorama views of the countryside in every direction, and the excellent shape of the castle presents visitors with a variety of towers and castle courtyards.

I have visited Hohenzollern castle many times, and I have taken the tour twice.  I would only recommend the tour to those who 1) Speak German or 2) Are not going to visit any other castles and therefore will not be able to go on any other castles.  This is not to say that the tour is not informative and interesting (especially the Hohenzollern family tree at the start, and the museum of weapons and treasure at the end), but I have never been a fan of castle tours in general.  They tend to go slowly and drag on far longer than I would like.  But that is just a personal preference.

Hohenzollern Castle As for the courtyard and castle itself, Hohenzollern is a delight to visit.  In the winter, the whole setting is itself magical, with frosty treetops and a castle towering over the countryside.  You can also find German children sledding on the hill below the castle (where else but in Europe can you sled with such a picturesque background?).  But I think the best time to visit the castle is when it's warm.

There parking lot is just below the castle, just make sure you have a couple Euro handy to hand to the parking attendant.  From the parking lot, you can either hike up to the castle, or take the mini-bus.  I would definitely recommend taking the bus.  The bus only costs only a few Euro, otherwise it's about a 30 minute walk if you decide to rough it.


Hohenzollern Castle   Hohenzollern Castle   Hohenzollern Castle StatueHohenzollern Castle View  Hohenzollern Castle Courtyard  Hohenzollern Castle Courtyard


At the gate, you will have to pay for entrance into the castle, and for the tour (you can opt not to take the tour, and you will not be charged for it).  You then walk uphill through the several gates to the central courtyard.  In the summertime, it is quite pleasant to sit at the courtyard restaurant and have a beer or a meal.  If it's a nice day, you will undoubtedly be joined by Germans who are out to enjoy the weather and the scenery. 

Hohenzollern Castle Tower  Hohenzollern Castle Gate  Hohenzollern Castle Courtyard
Hohenzollern Castle Courtyard  Hohenzollern Castle Courtyard  Hohenzollern Castle Courtyard

If you are taking the tour, you will need to queue up at the top of the stairwell in the main courtyard.  In addition to the castle courtyard area, Hohenzollern also offers an outdoor snack bar, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, a small Hohenzollern family chapel, and a larger castle church.

Click Here for a map of Hohenzollern Castle!

 

Other European Castles

HohenschwangauHohenschwangau
Venture into the Bavarian Alps and visit the castle Bavaria's Mad King Ludwig grew up in.

 

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