Lichtenstein Castle in Germany 2024

Lichtenstein Castle (Schloß Lichtenstein) is one of the major attractions of the Swabian Jura of southern Germany. It was designed by Carl Alexander Heideloff and built in 1840-1842. The ruins of the medieval Burg Alt-Lichtenstein that has existed since 1100 can be seen nearby. The castle is located at an altitude of 817m (2,680 ft). It sits about 250 m (820 ft) above the Echaz river. The outer wall of the castle is built on the edge of a cliff and offers truly breathtaking views. The castle is open every day from March to December, except for the Christmas holidays.

The castle served as a hunting lodge and was built in a pseudo-medieval style, which was popular in the 19th century. Author Wilhelm Hauff had described medieval life in the original castle in his novel Lichtenstein. Then a local ruler, Wilhelm Graf von Württemberg became inspired to build a real one.