Hexenlinde
Enchanting Hexenlinde: A Must-Visit Tourist Attraction
Hohenzollern Castle: A Majestic Mountaintop Fortress
Discover the majestic Hohenzollern Castle, a mountaintop fortress with royal history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views of the Swabian Jura.
Perched atop Mount Hohenzollern, this iconic castle is the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern, the former Prussian Royal Family. Rebuilt in the 19th century in the Gothic Revival style, it boasts stunning architecture, panoramic views, and a rich collection of artifacts.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Hohenzollern Castle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-5 pm
Tuesday
10 am-5 pm
Wednesday
10 am-5 pm
Thursday
10 am-5 pm
Friday
10 am-5 pm
Saturday
10 am-5 pm
Sunday
10 am-5 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Hohenzollern Castle
Getting There
Car
From the A81 highway (Stuttgart-Singen), take the Empfingen exit. Follow B463 towards Balingen, then B27 towards Hechingen. In Hechingen, follow signs for 'Burg Hohenzollern'. The road leads directly to the castle parking lot. Parking is included in the castle ticket. During peak season, parking space reservations may be required online. From the parking lot, you can either walk uphill for about 20 minutes or take the shuttle bus to the castle entrance. The shuttle bus is included in the price of the entry ticket.
Public Transport
Take a train to Hechingen station. From the station, connect to bus line 306 or 344 towards the castle. These buses will drop you off at the Burg Hohenzollern car park. Bus connections from Hechingen station to the castle are managed by HVB Wiest & Schürmann. A MetropolTicket Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg-Ticket, or Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket can cover the train and bus transfer. From the parking lot, you can either walk uphill for about 20 minutes or take the shuttle bus to the castle entrance. The shuttle bus is included in the price of the entry ticket. Bus tickets cannot be purchased on the bus.
Local tips
✓
Purchase tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
✓
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a steep, 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the castle entrance, or take the shuttle bus.
✓
Check the castle's event calendar for special events, such as open-air cinema, festivals, and the Royal Winter Magic Christmas market.
✓
Be aware that the museum rooms are not heated, so dress warmly, especially during the colder months.
✓
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the castle grounds, museum, and enjoy the panoramic views.
Discover more about Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle, located near Hechingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a breathtaking testament to German history and architecture. Situated atop Mount Hohenzollern, the castle stands 855 meters (2,805 ft) above sea level, offering commanding views of the surrounding Swabian Jura. The name 'Hohenzollern' derives from 'Söller' (terrace) from the Latin 'solarium'.
Originally constructed in the 11th century, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current structure, the third castle on the site, was built between 1850 and 1867 by King Frederick William IV of Prussia, inspired by English Gothic Revival architecture. Although primarily a showpiece, it briefly housed Crown Prince William during World War II.
Today, Hohenzollern Castle is privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern and attracts nearly 350,000 visitors annually. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, museum, and attend guided tours to learn about the Hohenzollern dynasty and view artifacts such as the Prussian King's crown and personal items of Frederick the Great. The castle also hosts various events throughout the year, including open-air cinema, festivals, and a Christmas market.
A brief summary to Hohenzollern Castle
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Baden
Discover Baden: A serene escape in the heart of Germany's Black Forest, renowned for its healing thermal baths, historic charm, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Tell me more about Baden