Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle, near Hechingen in southwestern Germany, is the ancestral seat of the dynasty that produced the kings of Prussia and the last German emperors. Perched on a 2,805-foot (855 m) mountain at the edge of the Swabian Jura, its towers and battlements look like something from a fairy tale. It is one of Germany's most popular castles and an easy day trip from Stuttgart.

Where it is and how to get there

The castle stands on Mount Hohenzollern in Baden-Württemberg, south of Tübingen and roughly an hour's drive from Stuttgart. By car, take the A81 to the Empfingen exit or the B27 highway to the Burg Hohenzollern exit, then follow the forest road to the visitor parking lot.

By public transportation, take a regional train to Hechingen, then a local bus to the castle parking lot (route 306 runs until November 18, 2026). Regional day passes such as the Baden-Württemberg-Ticket cover the bus as well. From the parking lot, a shuttle bus runs about every 15 minutes to the Eagle Gate; walking takes 20 to 25 minutes uphill.

History in brief

The current castle is the third on this summit. The first was recorded in 1267 and destroyed in 1423 after a long siege. A second castle followed from 1454; its St. Michael's Chapel survives. King Frederick William IV of Prussia then built today's neo-Gothic castle between 1850 and 1867, designed by architect Friedrich August Stüler, as a monument to his family's roots. The castle remains private property of the House of Hohenzollern. From 1952 to 1991 it even held the coffins of Frederick the Great and his father, before they were returned to Potsdam.

What to see

• Treasury: home to the Prussian royal crown, plus Frederick the Great's snuffboxes and a uniform coat pierced by a bullet
• State rooms: the family tree hall, the Counts' Hall and the royal apartments
• St. Michael's Chapel: the oldest building on the site
• Ramparts: sweeping views over the Swabian Jura

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the official website:

• March 28 to November 1, 2026: castle grounds open daily 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.), state rooms until 6 p.m.
• Online tickets: adults 26 EUR, reduced 16 EUR, children 4–11 6 EUR; at the ticket office each costs 3 EUR more
• Parking and the shuttle bus are included
• The winter season, Royal Winter Magic, begins on November 20, 2026, with slightly higher prices

Online tickets are for a set date and a one-hour entry window, and they cannot be canceled or changed.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are interested in Prussian and German history or want one of the most photogenic castle views in the country. Plan at least two hours, more if you add a hike, and book online on weekends and holidays to secure your preferred entry time. Note that strollers are not allowed in the museum rooms, which are reached by 25 steps, though an elevator near the gate helps with the climb to the courtyard. Dogs on a short leash are welcome on the grounds. On misty autumn mornings, the castle often appears to float above the clouds. For a full day out, combine your visit with the historic university town of Tübingen, a short drive to the north.