The Most Beautiful Castles to Visit near Munich

The Most Beautiful Castles to Visit near Munich

Munich is the capital city of Germany’s lush and picturesque Bavaria region. Perhaps best known for its annual Oktoberfest, the city itself is actually quite lively all year round, boasting a vibrant art scene, prestigious universities and world-class dining. But what many first time visitors don’t know is that the region surrounding Munich is home to some of the world’s most beautiful castles. Really, visiting these palaces is like stepping into a fairy tale. And luckily, most of them can be seen in a day trip. Here are the ones worth visiting!

Schloss Linderhof

Photo courtesy of Schloss Linderhof – Sourced from their official website

The opulent Linderhof Palace is definitely one of the most beautiful castles to visit near Munich. Situated just 100 kilometers from the city, Linderhof is the perfect destination for a day or even an afternoon trip.

Built in the late 1800’s, Linderhof Palace was originally meant to resemble the Palace of Versailles, in opulence and in architecture. While Ludwig II’s vision for the castle didn’t go exactly according to plan, the end result is still very impressive. With an interior that rivals the outside in terms of decadence, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right into the Belle Epoque.

The palace itself is gorgeous, but the surrounding grounds are worth a visit as well. The densely wooded grounds highlight the white stone front Palace which overlooks a reflection pool – complete with the gold leaf statues reminiscent of Versailles. It wasn’t always glitz and glam here though. Before the palace was built, there was just a simple wood cabin on the property.  And in fact, the forested area surrounding the castle was only used as a royal hunting ground until the mid 1800s!

schloss linderhof – Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal, Germany

Schloss Herrenchiemsee

By R. Jones on Wikimedia Commons

This castle is one of the most unique in Bavaria, because it’s actually located on an island! Schloss Herrenchiemsee is just 60 kilometers from Munich, but visiting feels like you’re stepping into another world. The complex of royal buildings is located on Herrensil island, which is the largest in the expansive and picturesque Chiemsee lake.

The island was once an Augustinian monastery, but King Ludwig II had it transformed into a palace in 1878. Not a bad location for a summer castle if you ask me! The island complex is composed of the Old and New Palaces, and the immaculate grounds and gardens make up an extensive portion of the island. This royal complex is said to resemble Versailles, and you can see the similarities (though on a much smaller scale) in the gardens, hall of mirrors, and elegant façades.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

Photo courtesy of Thomas Wolf on Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps the most famous of all the German castles, Schloss Neuschwanstein is definitely the most popular one to visit near Munich. From Munich city center, you can reach the castle in less than two hours by car, or just under three hours via train. And from here Schloss Linderhof is also easily reachable!

In the early 1800s, King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned Neuschwanstein to be built. The King was known for nothing if not his eccentricity, which can be seen today in the castle and its grounds. Not to mention, he entrusted the task of castle design to a stage designer rather than an actual architect. The castle overlooks King Ludwig’s childhood home Schloss Hohenschwangau, which is coincidentally another beautiful castle to visit near Munich!

Perched high on a rocky outcrop Neuschwanstein Castle is easily recognizable by its white stone façades and spindly turrets. Not sure where you know it from? Other than becoming quite the Instafamous destination, the castle and specific architecture feature extensively in Walt Disney’s creations and branding. Some even say that Disneyland’s castle is a replica of Neuschwanstein!

schloss neuschwanstein – Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Hohenschwangau Castle

By Christa Eder – Sourced from Bavaria Tourism Official Website

Hohenschwangau Castle is actually located just next to the famous Neuschwanstein, but the latter often takes all the spotlight. They are so close that you can actually see Hohenschwangu from the balconies at Neuschwanstein!

But just because it’s less famous doesn’t mean this place isn’t worth a visit. Quite the opposite actually. Here you’ll be able to explore a classic Bavarian castle, without the enormous crowds of its neighbor. The 19th century Schloss Hohenschwangu was actually in ruins for nearly a hundred years. Maximilien II (King Ludwig’s father) was the one to restore the castle to its current Gothic and medieval style. Plus, this castle was in fact King Ludwig’s childhood home, and still has all of the royal touches fit for a king.

schloss hohenschwangu – Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Burg Prunn

Photo courtesy of Qflieger on Wikimedia Commons

Located just outside Reidenburg in southern Bavaria, Prunn Castle is just 175 kilometers from Munich. It’s easiest to visit by car, and having your own transportation is ideal if you want to do some castle hopping in the surrounding area.

The Burg Prunn is one of the oldest castles in all of Bavaria. Dating back to the 1200’s this magnificent Gothic style castle is perched high on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the picturesque Altmühl River valley below. And despite changing hands numerous time over the past thousands years, the castle managed to preserve its original medieval style, which you can see in the great halls, suits of armor, etc.

burg prunn – Schloßprunn 1, 93339 Riedenburg, Germany

Nuremberg Castle

Photo by Hajo Dietz on Wikimedia Commons

The ancient city of Nuremberg is mostly associated with the gruesome military trials after World War II, but Nuremberg has plenty more to offer. Namely, it’s home to one of the most beautiful castles near Munich you can visit in a day. The city is roughly 170 kilometers from Munich, and is easily accessible via car or train.

Today, Nuremberg castle is front and center in the city’s old town. Or rather, perhaps more realistically, the city was built up around the medieval castle. Nuremberg castle is actually an Imperial Palace, and was used to house Holy Roman Emperors during the Middle Ages, since there was no distinct capital. Eventually all German Kings and nobility passed through Nuremberg to stay at this castle. Today, you can tour the castle itself as well as the walled fortress which makes up the city center.

nuremberg castle – Burg 17, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Burg Trausnitz

Sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Trausnitz Castle is one of the lesser known but nevertheless most beautiful castles to visit near Munich. The castle itself is just 60 kilometers from the city center so the journey is less than an hour. And you can choose to go either by car or via a direct train, it’s around the same time.

Trausnitz Castle sits atop a forested hill, which overlooks the medieval style city below. This historical castle has been around since the 12th century and has been home to various dynasties and rulers over the years. The architecture is classically medieval, with tall stone towers, long, cryptic hallways and suites of armor.

After visiting the various rooms of the castle (and be sure to check out the view from the tower), you can head to the curiosity shop/museum which is located in one of the former bedrooms. Here you’ll find all kinds of historic treasures, rare artworks, and some bizarre artifacts that will make you look twice.

trausnitz castle – Burg Trausnitz 168, 84036 Landshut, Germany

Bonus: Burg Eltz

Sourced from Wikimedia Commons

While a little further away from Munich as the other castles on this list, Burg Eltz is still feasible for a day trip. And this is a true fairy tale castle. Tucked away in the green foothills overlooking the Moselle River, the setting is picturesque in and of itself. Add in a stunning medieval castle, and you’ve got yourself a truly dreamy spot.

Actually, Burg Eltz is one of the oldest castles in Germany. Construction started in the 9th century, and the castle took more than 200 years to complete. Since then, the castle has remained in the same Eltz family. Now it’s been 33 generations!

While the architecture and history here are impressive, this castle is not as well known as some of the other beautiful castles near Munich. Which means fewer crowds. It takes a lot of work to maintain a thousand year old castle, and it has been closed for renovations during the past couple years.  But if you’re hoping to visit Burg Eltz in 2020, you’re in luck. The castle is set to reopen to the public in April 2020. You can check their website for the latest updates and more travel information.

Well, now you know the most beautiful castles to visit near Munich! I hope you’ll enjoy your visit.