Planning a holiday in Germany? Do not miss out Baden-Wurttemberg on the top of your agenda. Ideally located in the southwestern part of Germany to the east of Upper Rhine, it is the third largest of the 16 German federal states in terms of both area and population with much to offer its visitors. Blessed with spectacularly beautiful natural landscapes, vast tracts of pine forests, captivating medieval towns and pretty villages, historical castles, add to this an amazing variety of sports and leisure opportunities, Baden-Wurttemberg has all the ingredients of a unique and memorable holiday destination. Explore! Experience! Enjoy!
Lichtenstein Castle
While in Baden-Wurttemberg, a visit to the fantastic historical Lichtenstein Castle (or Schloss Lichtenstein in German) is an absolute must. Perched on a rock high above the Echaz Valley hill, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the country built in 1840 by Duke Wilhelm of Urach, which, without any exaggeration, can be described as the ‘fairy tale castle of Wurttemberg,’ as it adheres to romanticism in style and furnishing. Its self-descriptive name in English means “light stone.”
The story goes that the castle was initially built in 1,200 as a fortress, which was successfully demolished at least twice: once in the Reichskriegs wars of 1311 and again by the city-state of Reutlingen in 1381, when it completely fell to ruin. However, in 1802 the land was owned by the King Frederic I of Wurttemberg, who turned it into a hunting lodge for its royal owners, the dukes of Wurttemberg. By 1837, the land had passed to his nephew, Wilhelm of Urach, who, inspired by the German writer Wilhelm Hauff’s historical novel about Lichtenstein, constructed the current castle from 1840 to 1842 using references from the original castle described in the novel.
The current building is built in a Romantic fantasy style and contains a large collection of historic weapons and armor. The lower rooms of the castle were carved directly into the rock formation that supports it. In the immediate vicinity of the castle, visitors will find a children’s playground with barbeque area and a restaurant that will accommodate up to 45 guests.
The castle is picturesque especially in fall and springs when the forest-covered mountain slopes that surround it, change color with the seasons.
The Lichtenstein Castle is open every day between April and October, only at weekends in November, February and March, while during the holidays, in January and December it is closed. There is a car park approximately 200 meters from the castle.
Guided tours for groups are also available by prior appointment, giving the unique chance to learn more about weapons hall, castle’s Gothic chapel, knights hall, drinking room, royal room and bay window room. The view from the castle is majestic: you can see the ditch around it and the cliff, the village below and more…
Lichtenstein Castle should not be confused with Liechtenstein Castle – one of the most remarkable medieval fortified buildings throughout Austria.
