Enchanting ‘Lichtenstein Castle’ Is a Real Life Fairy Tale You Can Visit

Lichtenstein Castle

Photo source: iam4real

Fairy tales aren’t just for story books—there are plenty of them that seemingly exist in the real world, too. The enchanting Lichtenstein Castle, located in southern Germany, is one place that looks like it could be a dramatic setting for knights and fair maidens. First built in the 12th century and added onto in the 19th century, the palace sits on a cliff in the Swabian Alps and overlooks picturesque rolling hills below.

If the Lichtenstein Castle looks like two separate entities, it's because of its two distinct eras of construction. The structure was originally built—and reconstructed—multiple times between 1100 and 1390 thanks to various wars. With each iteration, former ruins would inform the building of the new castle.

In 1802, King Frederick I of Württemberg dismantled part of the structure and rebuilt it as a hunting lodge. It was later purchased from Frederick I in 1837 from his cousin Count Wilhelm von Urach, who took a special interest in medieval history, art, and architecture. Wanting to live in his own medieval castle, he commissioned architect Carl Alexander Heideloff to design it near the lodge. The Gothic-Revival architectural style was inspired by the 1826 novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff, to which the castle owes its name. Completed in 1842, its interior was decorated with medieval-style paintings and boasted a courtyard among its bastions and turrets.

The castle was used as a residence throughout the late 19th century and into the 20th. It was, however, damaged during World War II, with efforts to repair it starting shortly after. With the help of local non-profits, it was restored and is now a popular tourist destination. If you’d like to enjoy this piece of history—and imagine yourself as royalty—the Lichtenstein Castle is open 10 months out of the year. They offer guided tours where you can view the historical artwork, stained glass, and armory. And, as these photos show, amazing  panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Lichtenstein Castle is located in southern Germany and looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Originally built in the 12th century, it sits atop a cliff in the Swabian Alps.

Lichtenstein Castle tour

Photo credit: Leoks / Shutterstock

Lichtenstein Castle

Photo credit: Steve Swope

Its Gothic-Revival architecture was commissioned by Count Wilhelm von Urach. He loved medieval art and architecture and wanted to live in a castle of that style.

Lichtenstein Castle

Photo credit: Siegfried Heinrich

Lichtenstein Castle tour

Photo credit: Schloss Lichtenstein

In addition the architecture, the interior is clad with medieval decor. As a visitor, you can admire all of its opulent details.

Lichtenstein Castle inside

Photo credit: Schloss Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle inside

Photo credit: Schloss Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle inside

Photo credit: Schloss Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle inside

Photo credit: Schloss Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle inside

Photo credit: Schloss Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle: Website | Facebook

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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