Hohenzollern Castle
Ancestral seat of the Prussian royal house in the Swabian Alps, Baden-Württemberg.
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Hohenzollern Castle
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Historical site
Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian royal house and the Princes of Hohenzollern, perched on the prominent 855-meter summit of Mount Hohenzollern on the edge of the Swabian Jura. The current structure is the third castle at this site; the first was destroyed in 1423 after a siege, while the second fell into ruin in the 18th century. The present castle was built between 1850 and 1867 under King Frederick William IV of Prussia in the Neo-Gothic style, based on designs by Friedrich August Stüler. With its numerous towers and defensive fortifications, the architecture is considered a masterpiece of German Romantic Historicism. The treasury houses significant artifacts, including the Prussian royal crown and personal belongings of Frederick the Great. Offering a panoramic view over the Swabian landscape, the castle remains privately owned by the Hohenzollern family to this day but is extensively used as a premier tourist destination.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: Hohenzollern Castle · Hohenzollern · Christuskapelle
- Nearby: Balingen (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 61 | 68 | 59 | 100 | 87 | 96 | 92 | 66 | 77 | 72 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Address
72379 Burg Hohenzollern
Hours
Daily 10:00-18:30 (summer), 10:00-17:30 (winter)
Entry
€22 adults (tickets only available online)
Website
Transit
Shuttle bus 300 from Hechingen station to the castle
Parking
Visitor parking below the castle (~4 €), including shuttle service.
Accessibility
The shuttle bus is accessible, but the castle grounds are partly very steep.
Photos
Permitted outdoors, indoor photography only in designated zones.
Best time
On a clear day for the panoramic view over the Swabian Jura.
Audio guide
yes (via the castle app for smartphones)
Geography
Facts
- The castle is situated at an elevation of 855 meters above sea level.
- The foundation stone for the third castle was laid on September 3, 1850.
- Architect Friedrich August Stüler was a prominent student of Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
- The Prussian royal crown, created in 1889, is a highlight of the treasury.
- Several Prussian kings and princes are buried in the castle's chapel.
- Over 350,000 people visit the castle grounds every year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
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Sights in the town Hohenzollern Castle (10)
Zollerhalde
Nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Protects the landscape of Mount Zoller.
Maria Zell
Church building in Hechingen, Germany. Catholic church.
Zellerhornwiese
Nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Protected meadow area.
Zeller Horn
Mountain. Viewpoint with a view of the surroundings.
Backofenfelsen
Viewpoint. Rock formation with a panoramic view.
Trauffelsen Ost
Viewpoint. Rock ledge with a view.
Erlebnis- und Barfusspfad
Barefoot path in nature. Sensory experience trail.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the castle without a guided tour?
Yes, the staterooms can be visited independently, but staff members are available in the halls to answer questions.
How do you get from the parking lot to the castle?
A shuttle bus runs regularly, or you can take the steep 20-minute walk through the forest.
Is photography allowed inside the castle?
Photography for private purposes without flash is generally allowed in the interior rooms.
Is the castle accessible for wheelchair users?
The outdoor areas are accessible; for the interior, a stairlift is available (prior notification at the kiosk is required).
Does the Hohenzollern family still live in the castle?
The castle is not a permanent residence, but it is used regularly for family events and visits.
Hohenzollern Castle: where is it located?
Hohenzollern Castle is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Hohenzollern Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hohenzollern Castle, Hohenzollern, Christuskapelle.
Hohenzollern Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hohenzollern Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian royal house and the Princes of Hohenzollern, perched on the prominent 855-meter summit of Mount Hohenzollern on the edge of the Swabian Jura.
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