Lichtenstein Castle — Attraction in Lichtenstein

Can a book inspire you enough to build a castle based on the book's description? I can clearly understand the feelings of Wilhelm von Urach who was mesmerized by Wilhelm Hauff's book "Lichtenstein" at the point that he ordered to build that castle. This is the essence of the era of German Romanticism – a dream of the times of medieval castles, knights and chivalry. The castle itself is magnificent: it rises directly from the cliff, immediately creating an atmosphere of medieval times. The suspension bridge can rise at any moment, blocking the path to the impregnable castle, while the princess has fallen in enchanted sleep... The exteriors are stunning, you might want to plan more than 3 hours for castle visiting. Don't miss the wooden sculpture of Wilhelm Albert von Urach on the road to the castle. The exteriors can be visited only with guided tour, which lasts around 30 minutes (on German or English, flyers provided). The entrance fee is now 14 euros (it was 12 in May 2024). Taking photos inside is strictly prohibited, which is very unfortunate, as the 193cm long champagne glass looks amazing, as well as the armory and weapons, wooden furniture, decorated walls and painted ceilings. The stained glass in the chapel is interesting, too. The other unfortunate thing is the transport communication. The bus goes to the castle only on Sundays, while on working days you will need to find your way to the castle and from it through the forest where no signs can be found (route from road L230). On the official website of the castle you can find the maps of the tracking paths, but there's no mention about the Honau track being unpassable because of numerous fallen trees. It's humid and slippery in the forest even on warm and dry weather. And again, no signs whatsoever. There is a parking area (2€ for the whole day) very close to the castle, so I strongly recommend reaching to the castle by car. TIP: Don't forget to visit the ruins of Alt Lichtenstein, they are close to the Lichtenstein castle and offer a beautiful view. P.S. Drones are prohibited...

Lichtenstein Castle in Germany is a striking example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, perched dramatically on a cliff edge above the Echaz valley near Honau in Baden-Württemberg.

Its location, at an elevation of about 817 meters on the Swabian Jura, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys, making it a favorite for both photographers and travelers seeking the quintessential “fairy-tale” castle experience.

The site’s history stretches back to at least the 12th century, with the original medieval fortress suffering multiple destructions and periods of abandonment. The current castle was inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s romantic novel "Lichtenstein" and constructed between 1840 and 1842 by Count Wilhelm of Urach, who sought to recreate the medieval spirit in a modern residence.

The architect Carl Alexander Heideloff designed the castle to blend seamlessly with its rocky foundation, resulting in a structure that appears almost organically rooted to the cliff.

Visitors today are captivated by the castle’s picturesque turrets, white tower, and the contrast between light stone and darker elements. The interiors are adorned with medieval arms, armor, and art collected by the founder, enhancing the sense of stepping into a bygone era.

The castle grounds, though modest in size, are pleasant for a stroll and provide excellent vantage points for panoramic views. Nearby, the ruins of the original medieval castle can be explored on foot, offering a tangible link to the site’s layered history.

Access to the castle is by guided tour only, preserving its intimate and authentic atmosphere. The surrounding area is tranquil, with wooded paths and occasional glimpses of wildlife, adding to the sense of escape from modern life.

Despite its popularity, Lichtenstein Castle retains a peaceful charm, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone in search of a...

It was raining so I didn't get to experience the hiking trails and the castle church was closed.

The castle itself is rather small but is a wonderful place to visit, filled with a lot of history and beauty. The view from the castle walls was also amazing, you felt so high above the buildings below.

My review is sadly marked down due to the castle tour which left me feeling disappointed. There is no English tour offered, so you have to read the pamphlet provided at the entrance. This honestly wouldn't be an issue usually but my group was rushed through the castle so quickly that even after I gave up trying to read about the room we were in, that I and my partner still weren't able to see items or rooms on display.

I was most disappointed about the last 2 rooms which both me and my partner weren't even allowed to look at the items on display due to being at the back and standing near the exit. Once the tour was "done" as in finished speaking, everyone else could walk around the room properly but since we were near the exit door, the tour guide told us no, to keep moving forward when we attempted to walk towards a display further into the room from us.

I really want to visit again and give the tour another chance to see the things I wasn't able to look at inside but I'm worried I'll run Into the same issue again.

Overall though, I would suggest visiting this place on a day with nice weather if you enjoy nature trails, good beer and beautiful...