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A Weekend of German Castles

08/12/19 | Bavaria, Castles, Europe, Germany, Travel

International adventures two weekends in a row with recaps the following day on the blog?  This must be a record!  This weekend I went a little bit nuts, if you were following me on Instagram.  I had to be in the South of Germany for work on Friday so instead of flying back that evening, I had my flight moved to Sunday night and planned two days to explore the castles!  Granted, there are more than 2,000 spread throughout the country so there is no way I could have seen them all but I was able to see four on my German castle road trip.  (And you know, I have a thing for castles). 

Kelly at Nueschwanstein

On Saturday I took a car from the Stuttgart airport and drove down to Hohenzollern castle.   I had done some research and instead of driving straight to the castle I headed up a nearby mountain, parked at a small hotel, and took a 20 minute walk through the woods (albeit on a nice path) to the castle overlook.  Perhaps it was because it was raining or it was 9am on a Saturday morning but I was the only person there and got some great shots with my Tripod.  Then I headed to the actual castle for it’s 10am opening and realised the walk from parking lot 2 was no joke – literally straight up hill.   A wander around the grounds and a tour later it was off to Lichtenstein castle.   Since I arrived after mid day the only tours left were in Germany and since you need a tour to go in, German it was.  Even though I did not understand much it was still enjoyable and they had an English brochure so I could follow along.  Then I drove two hours down to Füssen and though I was exhausted went out for a bite to eat and wander.  And was rewarded with most glorious sunset. 

 

German Castle Road Trip - Hohenzollern Castle in GermanyHohenzollern Castle on TripodKelly at Hohenzollern Castle in GermanyInside Hohenzollern Castle in GermanyGerman Castle Road Trip - Lichtenstein Castle in GermanyKelly at Lichtenstein CastleSunset in Fussen

On Sunday,  the holy grail, Nueschwanstein.   My visit to this castle was actually the reason I stayed in Füssen, it was only a six minute drive and I was able to arrive just past 7am.   I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to it’s hype but it was worth it and enjoyed a wander around the neighbouring Hohenschwangau Castle as an added bonus.  Then took the very long way (i.e through Austria and Switzerland) back to Stuttgart with a quick trip to the beautiful lake city of Konstanz and then back to the airport.  All in all that was close to 40,000 steps, 728 kilometres driven, 517 photos taken, 98 flights climbed, 4 castles toured, and 2 busy days resulting in a very tired but happy Kelly.

German Castle Road Trip - View of Nueschwanstein CastleGerman Castle Road Trip - Kelly at Neuschwanstein CastleGerman Castle Road Trip - Hohenschwangau Castle with GuardsSailboats in KonstanzIce Cream in Konstanz

Hope you enjoyed the few snapshots and get ready for a deep dive by castle with tips and recommendations on what I would have done differently! Let me know if there is anything from this German castle road trip summary you would like me to cover in more detail! 

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Comments

  1. Lucy says

    August 15, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    This looks like an incredible trip and I can not wait to read more about it!

    xx
    Lucy

  2. Lizza says

    August 12, 2019 at 10:59 pm

    Amazing castles!! Love the looks

    xx LL

    http://www.lalouuula.com

  3. Rory says

    August 12, 2019 at 10:52 pm

    My girlfriend just saw this post and wants to plan a trip and copy your travels exactly.

    It will make for a very romantic trip. Thanks for the leg work!

  4. Leslie says

    August 12, 2019 at 7:51 pm

    Seriously, I want your life.

    You travel to the best spots, take crazy good pictures and look fantastic while doing it.

    I have always wanted to see the Cinderella castle in person every since my first Disney movie with who I always think of as Tinkerbell flitting around the opening credits. Such a picturesque spot.

  5. Linda Hilliard says

    August 12, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    What a great post and photos. I also love castles and they have certainly been a highlight of my various trips around England and Europe. Neuschwanstein is definitely at the top of the list of my favorites. Also loved Heidelberg if you haven’t already been. So wonderful how much traveling you are getting to experience and the world has so much to offer those of us with a zest for adventure to explore both known and hidden gems. Certainly no moss grows on you and I appreciate you sharing your travels!

  6. Emma says

    August 12, 2019 at 9:25 am

    Can I please, please just be a little stow a way on your fabulous trips? How did you pack that all in in a weekend and such glorious spots.

    Keep them coming as I am living vicariously through your fantastic travels.

  7. Rosalie says

    August 12, 2019 at 8:23 am

    These photos are stunning. I wish I was there with you. It would be hard for me to choose which was my favorite.

    Sounds like it was a great weeend.

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles! 

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