Hohenzollern Castle

German Castle Hohenzollern over the Clouds

Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the imperial House of Hohenzollern. Located atop Mount Hohenzollern, above and south of Hechingen, on the edge of the Swabian Jura of central Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The castle was completely destroyed in 1423 after a ten-month siege by the free imperial cities of Swabia. A larger and sturdier structure was constructed from 1454 to 1461, which served as a refuge for the Catholic Swabian Hohenzollerns, including during the Thirty Years' War. By the end of the 18th century it was thought to have lost its strategic importance and gradually fell into disrepair, leading to the demolition of several dilapidated buildings.

The final castle was built between 1846 and 1867 as a family memorial by Hohenzollern scion King Frederick William IV of Prussia. Architect Friedrich August Stüler based his design on English Gothic Revival architecture and the Châteaux of the Loire Valley. In 1945 it briefly became the home of the former Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany, son of the last Hohenzollern monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Visit Hohenzollern Castle

Activities

Bisingen travel guide

Popular places to visit

Hohenzollerische Landesmuseum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Hohenzollerische Landesmuseum during your travels in Gemarkung Hechingen. Wander the forests and riverfront while you're in the area.

St. Luzen Kirche

Find out about the history of Gemarkung Hechingen when you take a trip to St. Luzen Kirche. Amble around the area's forests or visit its spas.

Märchenpfad Hiking Trail

You can take time to visit Märchenpfad Hiking Trail during your travels to Gemarkung Hechingen. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Seerosengarten

Bring your family to Seerosengarten and enjoy this exciting theme park in Balingen.

Roman Open-Air Museum Hechingen-Stein

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Roman Open-Air Museum Hechingen-Stein in Hechingen. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's jazz scene.

Muhlenplatz Malsch

Enjoy an outing to Muhlenplatz Malsch during your stay in Gemarkung Tailfingen. Discover the area's mountain views and monuments.