Lichtenstein Castle in Germany is a unique historical site built in picturesque Baden-Württemberg. The southwest of the state is famous for its beautiful landscapes, medieval buildings and magnificent castles. Lichtenstein (Schloss Lichtenstein) has a special place in every excursion route. People who want to spend a few hours in the atmosphere of a real fairy tale must visit Lichtenstein, located on an 817-meter cliff in a small town called Honau.
Castle history
The first mentions of the castle are associated with the Dukes of Liechtenstein, who lived in Germany in 1100. Unfortunately, the building did not survive in its original form - it was destroyed and restored several times, until by 1837 only the forester's hut remained in this place.
Perhaps the world would never have seen Lichtenstein Castle if not for Wilhelm Hauf, raving about the legends of knights, ancient castles and romantic love stories.
He wrote his fairy tales about this, transferring the heroes to the places that he considered family - to Baden-Württemberg. In 1826, Hauf wrote the novel Lichtenstein, on the pages of which the old castle and the mysterious caves in its depths came to life. In them, according to legend, the young Duke Ulrich was hiding in order to meet with the daughter of the knight von Lichtenstein.
Count von Württemberg (cousin of King Wilhelm) loved Hauff's novel so much that he planned to build a new castle on the site of Lichtenstein. According to other sources, the count pursued a different goal - the construction of a small castle on the foundations of an old fortress next to his lands made practical sense.
Anyway, Karl Alexander Heideloff took over the project and the fairytale castle was built in two years.
Castle architecture
Visitors unanimously insist that the building looks like a dollhouse, so all lovers of fairy tales and Disney love stories are advised to visit Liechtenstein. Those wishing to get inside pass along a small bridge.
The complex itself consists of several components: the territory of Liechtenstein is fenced, and the main entrance is equipped with a gate decorated with turrets and battlements.
The palace is gradually "gaining height": first two-storey buildings open before visitors, then a three-storey palace with lancet windows. They are also decorated with tongs and bay windows. The main keep - the main tower - is adorned with a crown.
The style of the building is attributed to the Gothic with some neo-gothic and romantic elements. It is noteworthy that the lower floors are carved directly into the rock, which supports the structure.
Castle inside
The interior of a modern castle is not much like an old fortress. However, some elements still remain, for example, the Gothic altar and medieval windows.
On the ground floor there is a small chapel, glass paintings in it were made approximately in the 15th-16th centuries. Newlyweds, by appointment, can get married in this room.
In addition, you can see medieval images on the walls of other rooms of the castle and visit a small drinking room. On the second floor there is a luxurious room with coats of arms and ancient furniture, as well as the largest and most beautiful room of the castle - the knights' hall. Its walls are decorated with wood, the ceiling is gracefully and effectively painted. Previously, the hall was used for large celebrations.
Rich displays of historical weapons, knight armor and other valuable items are on display in the armory room.
Fascinating facts
Interesting to know about Lichtenstein Castle:
- The castle still belongs to the Dukes of Urakh. The owner lives with his family in the northern wing of the castle, and visitors are not allowed there.
- From the observation platforms of the castle, a magnificent view of the Swabian Alb, rocks, small villages scattered across the plains, and even a farm near the forest opens.
- The novel "Lichtenstein" made the castle very popular: what are only the entries in the guest book, testifying to the fact that Lichtenstein was visited by members of the royal family of Württemberg, Queen Mary of the United Kingdom, Prince Albert I of Monaco, Ferdinand Count von Zepellin and many other famous people.
- Lichtenstein Castle is located on a mountain and it is quite difficult to climb it. To facilitate the ascent, at the beginning of the 20th century, a cable car was almost built near the castle. But in the end, environmentalists triumphed over businessmen interested in increasing the flow of tourists.
- Lichtenstein is a real castle of the sleeping beauty, it can be seen in the film adaptation of the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" by the Brothers Grimm in 2009.
Opening hours, entrance fees and excursions
Liechtenstein accepts guests from February to December, tourists can always find the current schedule on the official website.
Traditionally, the castle is closed to visitors in January, as well as on 24, 25 and 26 December. In February, the doors for tourists remain open from 10.00 to 16.00, from March to October, the excursion time is extended by three hours - you can get inside from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From November, the castle switches to a "winter" mode and schedule, as in February.
You can book tickets by calling 0049 7129 4102, fax 0049 7129 5259 or by email verwaltung @ schloss-lichtenstein. However, the lion's share of tourists uses the ticket office located outside the walls and the moat of the castle.
Several types of excursions are offered - take a walk around the castle courtyard or take a full 30-minute guided tour of Liechtenstein with a guide in German.
The cost of the ticket is 2 and 1 euros for adults and children who want to see the castle from the outside, 8 and 3.5 euros - for adults and children who have chosen the main tour. Groups of 20 people or more pay 7 euros for an entrance ticket.
Russian-speaking visitors can rent (the deposit is usually 1-2 euros) information leaflets that will help them understand the arrangement of the castle. The guides are fluent in English, if necessary, they can be asked a question of interest.
Guided tours in English are only available for groups of 20 or more and are subject to prior reservation.
The administration is asking tourists to wear comfortable shoes and replace shoes with heels, as they damage the wooden floor. Dogs are allowed to enter the park, and small animals, which the owners will hold in their arms, even into Lichtenstein itself. Restrooms and parking are located 150 meters from the castle.
Lichtenstein Castle is a private property, this is why the ban on filming with video and photographic equipment of the internal apartments of the building is connected.
How to get there
The castle is located at 72805 Liechtenstein, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. For any questions, the administration asks to contact by phone +49 7129 4102.
Since the castle is located in the outback, it is rather difficult to get to it by car. A train connection is suitable - trains leave from any nearby city to the Reutlingen station. At the station, change to a bus and get off to the stop "Lichtenstein Castle".
If you get this way, for example, from Munich, then the road will have to spend 2 hours and 30 minutes (2 hours will take a train ride and 30 minutes - by bus).
It is possible to use a taxi service at the Reutlingen station.
Other sights of the city
Before visiting Lichtenstein Castle, you can visit the Wilhelm Hauff Museum in Honau, dedicated to the writer, whose history is closely intertwined with the castle. Nearby are also the Church of St. Blasius in Holzenfingen and the Church of Johannes Kirche in Unterhausen.
Even Honau station is considered an architectural monument.The region is also rich in natural monuments, for example, the famous Nebelhele gorge 380 meters in length.
Conclusion
A trip to Lichtenstein Castle can be an exciting adventure for lovers of the medieval era. The building is the main attraction of the city and continues to serve as a home for the owners of the estate - the family of Count Urakhsky. The permanent exhibition includes an exhibition of ancient weapons; the wall and ceiling paintings in many of the castle's living rooms are of particular value.
Tours for tourists are held every day, but we advise you to check the schedule on the official website.
