Hohenzollern Castle

Whe Hohenzollern Castle sits enthroned on the Zollerberg hill between Stuttgart and Lake Constance, visible from afar. It is the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family, from which Swabian counts and princes, Brandenburg margraves and electors, Prussian kings and even German emperors have emerged over the past 1000 years. Today’s castle is the third fortification. After the destruction and decay of the two previous buildings from the 11th and 15th centuries, it was rebuilt between 1850 and 1867 and is still privately owned by the Hohenzollern family. And the castle flag is still hoisted when the head of the house – currently Georg Friedrich Prince of Prussia – is staying at the castle. From time to time, he also travels from Potsdam with his family. It is then quite possible for visitors to encounter a real prince or princess in the castle courtyard.

From its bastion, the castle offers a fantastic view of up to 100 kilometers and provides daily insights into its magnificent interior. For example, the Count’s Hall, the Blue Salon or the prince’s apartment, which was previously part of the private wing but can now also be visited. And, of course, the treasury. In addition to the Prussian royal crown and other treasures made of gold and silver, curious memorabilia can also be seen here, such as the famous tobacco tin that once saved Frederick the Great’s life. Visitors can stroll through the chambers and the grounds at their leisure. The free castle app provides information and staff are on hand to answer any questions. The castle also offers various events, such as castle experience days, concerts, falconry weekends and royal winter magic. The castle thus presents itself as a museum complex that combines a certain liveliness with deceleration.

Art and culture can certainly make you hungry. That’s why the castle’s own gastronomy serves hearty, vegetarian and vegan delicacies in the restaurant or in the summer castle garden. Visitors should allow a good two to three hours to fully enjoy all aspects of Hohenzollern Castle.