Fairytale castle: Hohenzollern!

Very close to Stuttgart, the Hohenzollern castle looks like it is out of a fairytale! This gorgeous castles history dates back to 11th Century. Germany is famous for its beautiful castles, but Hohenzollern Castle stands out with its size. The privately owned castle by the Prussian line and the Swabian Royal House of the Hohenzollern, was the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern dynasty, ruling Prussia from Middle Ages until the end of WWI. Swabian counts and princes, the kings of Prussia and even the German emperors stayed and ruled Germany from this gorgeous castle. The design of Hohenzollern was based on the chateaus of the Loire Valley in France. Surrounded by the magical Black Forest, this otherworldly castle is waiting for you to explore!

You can reach the castle by taking a train to Hechingen station and then taking the shuttle bus. From Stuttgart till Hechingen takes around an hour. You can enter the castle for 5 Euros but if you want to have a guided tour, you have to pay 5 Euro more. In here, you can learn more about entertaining facts about the lives of their Highnesses and Majesties. Interior is also amazing! You have to check out the beautiful Counts’ Hall, the Blue Salon and of course the Treasure Chamber! The shining knights’ armors, the Prussian royal crown, the silver-embroidered dress belonging to Queen Louise are the biggest highlights of the treasure! Let's not forget the famous snuff-box that once saved Frederick the Great’s life too!

If you are coming with your kids, it is also a fun time for them! Little princesses and knights can wear a red royal cloak and felt slippers while wandering around the castle! After exploring the whole castle, you can dine in the castle restaurant. You have to eat the braised beef cheeks in red wine sauce and the home-made potato salad in here! After the meal, you have to eat the famous deserts ! If you visit the castle in summer, you can enjoy your food and wine in one of the region’s most beautiful beer gardens set in the castle gardens. I have to say, the panoramic view is amazing in here. As Emperor William II said: “The views from Hohenzollern Castle are truly worth the journey”.

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