Schloss Lichtenstein
Château in Württemberg, built in the 19th century on a rocky outcrop.
🌐 schloss-lichtenstein.de🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:30
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Lichtenstein Castle
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Landmark
Lichtenstein Castle, often referred to as the fairytale castle of Württemberg, rises spectacularly on a steep cliff on the edge of the Swabian Jura. The current structure was built between 1840 and 1842 at the behest of Count Wilhelm of Württemberg, who was inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's historical novel 'Lichtenstein.' Architect Carl Alexander Heideloff designed the castle in the Neo-Gothic style on the foundations of a 14th-century medieval fortress. Despite its relatively small size, the complex is captivating due to its exposed location above the Echaz Valley and its detailed furnishings. The castle houses a significant collection of historical weapons and armor, as well as valuable stained glass and paintings. It remains in the possession of the Dukes of Urach to this day and is considered one of the most prominent examples of Romantic Historicism in southern Germany, embodying the 19th-century longing for a chivalric past.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: Schloss Lichtenstein · Greuthau · Ruine Alt-Lichtenstein
- Nearby: Pfullingen (8 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 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 49 | 58 | 56 | 96 | 88 | 98 | 93 | 62 | 68 | 62 | 68 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Schloss Lichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein
Hours
Mon-Sun 09:00-17:30 (Apr-Oct)
Entry
€12.00 guided tour adults
Website
Transit
Bus from Reutlingen central station
Parking
Parking directly in front of the castle
Accessibility
Not accessible due to historic architecture
Photos
Allowed for private use, no flash
Best time
Autumn
Audio guide
German
Geography
Facts
- Built between 1840 and 1842 commissioned by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg.
- The design was inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's novel 'Lichtenstein.'
- It stands at an elevation of 817 meters on a steep rocky outcrop.
- Architect Carl Alexander Heideloff designed the Neo-Gothic complex.
- It remains the private property of the Dukes of Urach to this day.
- Houses an extensive collection of historical weapons and armor.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
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Sights in the town Lichtenstein Castle (10)
Föhnerquelle
Spring near Lichtenstein Castle.
Brunnensteinhöhle
Cave in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, located in the Echaz valley.
Honauer Schanze
Viewpoint overlooking the Echaz valley and the Swabian Alb.
Echazquelle
Spring of the Echaz river in Honau, Germany.
Galluskirche
Church in Honau, dedicated to Saint Gallus.
Benzenberg
Peak on the Swabian Alb.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the 'Fairytale Castle of Württemberg'?
Due to its romantic architecture and its location right on the edge of the Swabian Jura cliff.
Is the castle open all year round?
No, during the winter months (December/January), the castle is usually closed.
Can you enter the castle without a guided tour?
The castle courtyard can be visited freely, but the interiors only with a tour.
How do you get to the castle?
By car to the hikers' parking lot at the castle or by bus from Reutlingen.
Is there a restaurant there?
Yes, the 'Altes Forsthaus' right next to the castle features Swabian cuisine.
Lichtenstein Castle: where is it located?
Lichtenstein Castle is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Lichtenstein Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schloss Lichtenstein, Greuthau, Ruine Alt-Lichtenstein.
Lichtenstein Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lichtenstein Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Lichtenstein Castle, often referred to as the fairytale castle of Württemberg, rises spectacularly on a steep cliff on the edge of the Swabian Jura.
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