No one knows exactly how many German castles there are in Deutschland, but the number is estimated to be around 25,000. One theory as to why there are so many: Germany shares borders with nine neighboring countries (the most of any European nation), and during the Holy Roman Empire, it was divided into many more independent states—which necessitated border defenses and fortifications.
The sheer number and diversity of castles in Germany makes it somewhat of a pilgrimage destination among castle-loving travelers. There are hillside fortresses, grand art-filled palaces, and island castles smack dab in the middle of the Rhine River. And if you’re willing to lace up your hiking shoes, Germany even has trails for ticking off several castles in one go.
While you’ll probably need more than one trip to see the country’s best castles, the good news is that many of these landmarks are set amid spectacular landscapes—the Swabian Alps, the majestic Rhine River, the largest English-style park in central Europe—serving as jumping off points for discovering beyond the big cities. Here are 10 must-see castles to add to your list.