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Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian Royal House and the Princes of Hohenzollern, situated atop the 855-meter Mount Hohenzollern on the edge of the Swabian Jura. The current structure is the third castle built on this site; the first was mentioned in the 11th century and completely destroyed in 1423. The second castle fell into decay following the Thirty Years' War. The present neogothic edifice was constructed between 1850 and 1867 under King Frederick William IV of Prussia and is regarded as one of the most significant examples of Romantic architecture in Germany. The castle houses invaluable art treasures, including the Prussian royal crown and personal belongings of Frederick the Great. With its towers, ramparts, and striking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, it serves as a major cultural monument attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. To this day, the castle remains the private property of the Hohenzollern family.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: Christuskapelle · Hohenzollern Castle · Hohenzollern
- Nearby: Balingen (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 61 | 68 | 59 | 100 | 87 | 96 | 92 | 66 | 77 | 72 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
middle-ages
1061
Geography
Facts
- The castle is situated at an elevation of 855 meters above sea level.
- Construction of the current neogothic castle lasted from 1850 to 1867.
- The Prussian royal crown is kept in the castle's treasury.
- The original castle was destroyed in 1423 following a major siege.
- The castle contains the burial sites of two former Prussian kings.
- The entire complex includes a total of 140 rooms and state halls.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hohenzollern Castle (10)
Hohenzollern Castle
Ancestral seat of the imperial House of Hohenzollern in the Swabian Alps, Baden-Württemberg.
Maria Zell
Church building in Hechingen, a Catholic place of worship with baroque features.
Zellerhornwiese
Nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, protecting rare plants and animals.
Zollerhalde
Nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, characterized by wooded slopes and heathland.
Zeller Horn
Mountain viewpoint offering panoramic views of Hohenzollern Castle and the Alb.
Backofenfelsen
Rock formation on the Zoller peninsula, a popular hiking spot.
Trauffelsen Ost
Eastern rock ledge on the Albtrauf escarpment with distant views.
Raichberg
Forested peak in the Zollernalb district, quiet and natural.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the castle inhabited?
Is there a shuttle bus to the castle?
What can you see in the treasury?
Do I have to pay admission?
Can you get married at the castle?
Hohenzollern Castle: where is it located?
Hohenzollern Castle: what is there to see?
Hohenzollern Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Hohenzollern Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
