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There’s something about the south of Germany, it has a thing for castles…

In the state of Baden-Württemberg not too far from Neuschwanstein Castle, the most famous castle in all of Germany, some 250 meters above the Echaz River on ruins of its own medieval predecessor, Burg Alt-Lichtenstein in a Neo-Gothic style overlooking Honau and the Swabian Alps proudly stands Lichtenstein Castle (Schloss Lichtenstein in German).

This architectural beauty castle it’s not much famous outside of Germany but it is a local pride of the citizens of southwest state of Baden-Württemberg.As a result it has two nicknames,the first is Neuschwanstein’s Little Brother, after Neuschwanstein Castle and the second is the Fairytale Castle of Baden-Württemberg the Fairytale Castle of Baden-Württemberg.

It’s a relatively young castle having built between 1840 – 1842, but the grounds have much older history back to 1200.After being twice destroyed the castle finally fell into ruins.

One of the interesting fact is that Count Wilhelm of Württemberg, Duke of Urach, was Inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s romantic novel “Lichtenstein” and after that he

had Lichtenstein Castle constructed on the historical foundation walls of a medieval knights’ castle.

Even it’s a young castle and not to big like classical dark age castles don’t think that it has nothing to offer, with great attention to detail, Lichtenstein Castle and its neo-Gothic architecture is nothing short of an homage to the middle ages.

The site around the neo-Gothic castle is composed of other buildings from the 19th century, a chapel, an ample garden and the romantic courtyard. In the bedchambers of the count, the opulent grandeur of late romanticism’s domestic culture appears at its best.

Lichtenstein Castle is one of the smallest castles in Germany, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive.When you consider that it was built like a haunting castle it starts to seem rather large.It was reconstructed to feel like a medieval knight’s castle though, so it feels older than it actually is.

some history…

“…In the course of the so-called “Wars of the Cities,” the Masters of Lichtenstein was attacked by the citizens of Reutlingen time and again. The latter conquered and destroyed the fortress in 1377. It has not been rebuilt ever since. Instead of reconstructing the fortress the lordship of Württemberg had another Lichtenstein Fortress built – 15 minutes off “Old Lichtenstein”.

The new Lichtenstein Fortress, built in 1390, was considered to be one of the best-fortified fortresses of the Middle Ages and withstood every single attack. In 1567, however, it lost its status as a ducal seat and deteriorated. In 1802 the building was dismantled to its foundation walls and replaced by a rather unpretentious hunting lodge.

In 1837 Count Wilhelm of Württemberg bought the hunting lodge and the surrounding estate from his cousin King Wilhelm of Württemberg…”

travel tips:

If you plan a visit it’s good to know that there are 30 min.guided tours but as a result, that castle is not on the radar of most international tourists tours are only available in German, but English-speaking guests can ask a handout in English on the tour. It may also be possible to arrange a tour in English or French. However, it’s only available for groups. Arrangements must be made ahead of time.

Admission charges

Castle Courtyard

Adults: 2 €

Children: 1 €

Basic Guided Tour

Duration: ca 30 min.

Children: 3,50 €

Adults: 8 €

Reduced: 7 €

Groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants: 7 €

Renting

Prices on request

Also is good to know that It is allowed to take your dog with you in the castle’s garden. If you are able to handle the dog on your arms for about half an hour the dog can even come with you into the castle.

Because of the steep steps try to wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels as they could damage the wooden floors.

There is a couple of things you can enjoy it when you visiting the Lichtenstein Castle:

Ropes Course – Walking, climbing, swinging and sliding – the ropes course is an adventure that will make your day at Lichtenstein Castle unforgettable

Castle’s Tavern

The inviting beer garden of the castle´s tavern is the perfect place to have a cup of coffee or a snack in a beautiful ambiance.

Old Forester’s Lodge

Next to Lichtenstein Castle stands „Old Forester´s Lodge“ (Altes Forsthaus), a restaurant and café, offering a magnificent view of Echaz Valley.

Hiking routes

Here you can find some hiking routes in different length…

As a conclusion, Lichtenstein Castle is definitely worth a day trip, even on the way to get there you will enjoy in the rolling hills, beautiful villages and breathtaking scenery of the Swabian Alps

source&photo credit:link

If you like German Castles check the:

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