The Black Forest and Rhine Valley area of Germany are well known for their picturesque countryside, top-notch vineyards, and historic castles which dot the landscape. Some of these are in ruins, offering just a glimpse into centuries past, while others have been meticulously curated and restored so as to offer a more complete picture of life in the Middle Ages. Most castles in the Black Forest are easily accessible and encourage visitors -- some even operate today as hotels and event centers. Throughout Germany, their stones speak volumes to the visitor about the country's rich heritage and strength of spirit -- still standing for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Heidelberg Castle
- Tucked into the hills and against the backdrop of the forest, high above the city, the rambling Schloss Heidelberg sits triumphant after almost 900 years and at least two devastating lightning strikes. Made of red sandstone, the original castle keep was first built in 1214, with subsequent additions and reconstructions built over the centuries. It became a tourist attraction in the 19th century, and today welcomes over three million visitors and one million overnight stays each year to admire the gardens and tour the castle ruins -- each building offering an insight into several periods of German architecture. The Apothecary Museum displays several examples of medicine and pharmacology during the Middle Ages, giving visitors a unique look into the views and treatment of illness during that time. Visitors are permitted access to the palace interior only by guided tours; tours of the apothecary, grounds, and special exhibits are available daily for German- and English-speaking patrons. Group and special tours may also be arranged in advance. Bus transport is available from Heidelberg Central Station to the castle.
Hohenzollern Castle
- Perched atop the mountain called Zollerberg, Hohenzollern Castle served as the seat of the imperial family and a private home for their descendants for over a thousand years. Still a privately owned property, it sits over 2,800 feet above sea level, commanding impressive views of the countryside and in turn providing a stunning picture to visitors. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle was actually destroyed twice -- once through siege and once through neglect. Reconstruction was begun in the 19th century and completed in 1945; only the chapel remains of the medieval structure. The current castle design is in the same style as Neuschwanstein Castle, which in turn inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland -- highly representative of German Romanticism.Today, the castle serves as private home for the Prussian royal family line, as well as a summer retreat for underprivileged children. Over 300,000 visitors explore the grounds each year and are able to see the gem-encrusted Crown of Wilhelm II, personal belongings of Frederick the Great, and the fantastic art collection and historical artifacts. Guided tours are offered daily and year-round with the exceptions of Christmas and New Year's. For visitors preferring not to take on the 25-minute uphill hike, a shuttle bus makes round-trips from the castle proper to the parking lot every hour.
Karlsruhe Palace
- Originally built in 1715, partially with wood, this castle is the centerpiece of the city that grew and developed around it, Karlsruhe. When the Grand Duke Baden had it rebuilt in 1746, designer Balthasar Neumann replaced the wooden materials with stone. Schloss Karlsruhe served as both official residence and governmental seat for the Marquis and the Duke of Baden, and is now renowned for its grounds and its comprehensive museum, housing rare and priceless artwork and artifacts spanning from ancient to Middle Ages, through to the Baroque period and the 21st century. The palace is open to visitors daily, except on Mondays, for small exhibits and viewing of the permanent collection; special exhibits are scheduled for specific days and times. Public transport is available by taking the tram from the train station.
Castle Staufen
- In the picturesque village of Staufen, atop a cone-shaped hill surrounded by Rhine Valley vineyards and the Black Forest, the ruins of the Staufen castle are surprisingly beautiful and still representative of the original structure built in the 12th century. Originally a residence for local barons, it also served as a fortress and stronghold to protect the silver mines in the nearby Muenster Valley. Visible from almost every point in the surrounding countryside, it can easily be reached on foot within fifteen minutes from the village proper at any time of the day or night. There are no guided tours, but local villagers provide expert insight into the history of the castle, and it's well worth the climb to explore the ruins and take in the expansive views. On a clear day, you can even see France.
