Germany
Fairytale Castles and Scenic Views in NRW, Germany: 10 Spots You’ll Love
1. Schloss Drachenburg (Königswinter)
Built in the late 19th century by Baron Stephan von Sarter, this private villa was designed in a romantic historicist style, mimicking a medieval castle.
Best View: Head to the terrace or the nearby Drachenfels plateau for sweeping views over the Rhine River.
Entry: ~€7 adults.
Getting there: From Bonn or Cologne, take a train to Königswinter and ride the Drachenfelsbahn funicular.
2. Burg Eltz (near Moselle)
This fairy-tale castle has been owned by the Eltz family for over 850 years and has survived all wars untouched.
Best View: The iconic photo is from the hiking trail before reaching the castle – perfect for sunrise.
Entry: ~€14 adults (includes guided tour).
Getting there: From the parking lot, it’s a 15–20 min forest walk or a shuttle bus ride.
3. Burg Altena (Altena, Sauerland)
Built in the 12th century, it’s famous for hosting the first-ever youth hostel. The castle showcases medieval life and knight armor.
Best View: Walk the ramparts or take in views from the Lenne River valley below.
Entry: ~€7 adults.
Bonus: There’s a cool elevator inside the mountain up to the castle from the town.
4. Schloss Brühl (Augustusburg & Falkenlust, Brühl)
This UNESCO site was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Cologne Archbishop Clemens August.
Best View: The baroque garden behind Schloss Augustusburg gives a perfect symmetrical view of the palace.
Entry: ~€9 adults for Augustusburg.
Getting there: 25-minute train from Cologne to Brühl.
5. Burg Stolberg (Stolberg, near Aachen)
Built in the 12th century, this hilltop castle overlooks the charming medieval old town. It was expanded in the Renaissance and used by various nobles.
Best View: Climb to the upper courtyard or tower for views of Stolberg’s slate-roofed houses and hills.
Entry: Free to wander courtyard and ramparts; small fee for tower access.
Parking: Around Altstadt or below the castle.
6. Schloss Nordkirchen (Münsterland)
Known as the “Versailles of Westphalia,” this 18th-century palace was built by Prince-Bishop Ferdinand von Plettenberg.
Best View: From the formal French-style gardens or the bridge at the front gate.
Entry: Free to walk around the park; guided tours inside are ~€6.
Note: The castle now houses a public finance university.
7. Burg Linn (Krefeld)
Originally from the 12th century, this moated castle served as a noble seat and was restored after damage in WWII.
Best View: From the castle towers or across the moat during spring when the fields bloom.
Entry: ~€5 adults for museum & castle.
Includes: Archaeological Museum nearby in the same ticket.
8. Schloss Benrath (Düsseldorf)
Built in the 18th century for Elector Carl Theodor, this pink palace is a fine example of Rococo architecture.
Best View: The back gardens, perfectly symmetrical with a reflecting pond.
Entry: Gardens are free; museum and palace tours ~€10.
Getting there: S-Bahn Benrath station is nearby.
9. Burg Hengebach (Heimbach, Eifel National Park)
First mentioned in the 11th century, this strategic castle was heavily damaged but has been beautifully restored.
Best View: From the tower over Rur valley and Heimbach village.
Entry: Free to enter courtyard, exhibitions around €4.
Nearby: Excellent starting point for Eifel hikes.
10. Schloss Paffendorf (Bergheim)
Neo-Gothic moated castle from the 16th century, rebuilt in the 19th century and today used as an exhibition center.
Best View: The romantic bridge entrance and the tranquil park around the moat.
Entry: Free to visit the park and café.
Tip: Come during golden hour for beautiful lighting through the trees.
