Hohenzollern Castle (Baden-Württemberg, Germany) - history, excursions, expositions. Exact address, telephone, cost of entrance tickets, Map. Local legends and ghosts.
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| Hohenzollern Castle |
Only 50 km separate the city of Stuttgart from this fairytale place. There is no other name for the Hohenzollern castle: it is so unusual and beautiful. Perhaps even the most skeptical tourist will appreciate this palace. "Castle in the clouds" - this is what the German castle of Hohenzollern is called because of its location. The fortress is located high in the mountains, and therefore it seems as if its top reaches the very sky.
For the first time, mention of the Hohenzollern is found in historical documents dating back to 1267. However, scientists suggest that the castle was built even earlier - in the 11th century.
"Castle in the clouds" - this is what the German castle of Hohenzollern is called because of its location. The fortress is located high in the mountains, and therefore it seems as if its top reaches the very sky.
It should be noted that modern Hohenzollern is already the third fortress. The first was completely destroyed during the war in the 15th century. A few years later, a second castle was built on the same site, which existed until the end of the 18th century.
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| Hohenzollern Castle |
Today only the chapel of St. Michael. In the middle of the 19th century, the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV erected the third Hohenzollern, which was created by the best architects and artists of that time. The appearance of the castles changed, only one thing remained unchanged - the fortress has always belonged to the famous Hohenzollern dynasty. It is worth noting that the palace was almost never used as the residence of the royal family. It wasn't until 1945 that it became home to the last Prussian Crown Prince Wilhelm at the end of World War II, when Soviet troops occupied their Brandenburg estate.
The castle can be called a work of art - it amazes not only with its architectural ensemble, but also with its interior decoration. Before you get to the fortress, you have to walk up the steep stairs. Of course, the palace offers a stunning view of the surroundings. In total, the complex includes 140 halls, each of which is interesting in its own way.
There is a so-called beer courtyard next to the castle, where guests can taste German beer brewed according to old recipes. By the way, the garden around the courtyard can be considered a separate attraction - it is so beautiful.
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| Hohenzollern Castle |
In the middle of the 20th century, the castle's collections were replenished with many personal belongings of the Hohenzollern family. The most famous of them are considered to be the crown of the Prussian kings and the clothes of Frederick the Great. You can see a large collection of paintings, antique furniture, tapestries, royal military uniforms. There are also absolutely unique things - here is kept the uniform of King Frederick, pierced by a bullet, and a snuffbox crumpled by the same bullet that saved its owner from death during the Battle of Kunersdorf in 1759. The armory hall is also worth a visit, which includes a huge collection of royal arms.
Hohenzollern Castle hosts a lot of interesting events. The main thing is to find out the schedule in advance and plan your trip. For example, there are fireworks nights in August, and falconry days in September. In the summer theater, you can see performances based on the works of Shakespeare.
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| Hohenzollern Castle |
Practical information
The castle is open daily. From November 1 to March 15, the Hohenzollern is open from 10:00 to 16:30. From March 16 to October 31 - from 10:00 to 17:30. Keep in mind that on May 30, the castle is open only until 3 pm, and on September 3 - until 2 pm; December 24 - day off; December 31 - opening hours until 15:00. On January 1, 2014, the castle is open from 11 am to 4:30 pm.
A visit to the castle complex without visiting the interior costs 7 EUR. Child ticket - 5 EUR (6-17 years old). Visiting the halls is possible only with a guided tour. In this case, an adult ticket will cost 12 EUR a reduced ticket - 10 EUR (seniors, students, disabled people), a child ticket - 6 EUR, a family ticket - 28 EUR (two adults and up to four children). By the way, if your child's birthday coincided with the excursion, then he is entitled to a ticket as a gift. Do not forget to bring documents confirming your date of birth.
The gift shop is open in winter from 11 am to 4:30 pm, in summer from 10 am to 6 pm. Here you can buy paintings, porcelain, jewelry, board games, books, small souvenirs, commemorative cards and toys. It is also worth purchasing the local wine.
Address: Burg Hohenzollern
Website: burg-hohenzollern.com.