Hohenzollern Castle: Ancestral Seat of Prussian Kings
A neo-Gothic fortress perched on a mountain, home to one of Europe's most powerful dynasties
A Castle in the Clouds
Rising 855 meters above sea level on an isolated mountain in the Swabian Alps, Hohenzollern Castle seems to float above the surrounding landscape. On misty days, the castle's towers emerge from the clouds like something from a medieval legend. It's a fitting home for the Hohenzollern dynasty, which rose from minor Swabian nobles to become Kings of Prussia and Emperors of Germany.
The current castle is actually the third to stand on this site. The original medieval fortress was destroyed in 1423, and its replacement fell into ruins by the early 19th century. What visitors see today was built between 1846 and 1867 by King Frederick William IV of Prussia, who wanted to create a monument to his family's origins.
The Rise of the Hohenzollerns
The Hohenzollern family first appears in historical records in 1061, when Burkhard I was recorded as Count of Zollern. For centuries, they remained relatively minor nobles in the Holy Roman Empire. Their fortunes changed dramatically in 1415 when Frederick I became Margrave of Brandenburg, beginning the family's ascent to royal power.
By 1701, the Hohenzollerns had become Kings in Prussia. Under Frederick the Great in the 18th century, Prussia became a major European power. Finally, in 1871, Wilhelm I was proclaimed German Emperor, uniting Germany under Hohenzollern rule. This dynasty of Swabian counts had become one of Europe's most powerful families.
Neo-Gothic Grandeur
Frederick William IV was passionate about medieval architecture, and he engaged the architect Friedrich August StĂŒler to design a castle that would evoke the glory of the Middle Ages. The result is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic Romanticism, with pointed towers, battlements, and elaborate stonework that reimagine medieval fortress architecture through a 19th-century lens.
Unlike true medieval castles, Hohenzollern was never intended for defense. Its purpose was symbolicâa monument to Hohenzollern history and a statement of dynastic pride. The interior features lavish halls decorated with family portraits, historical artifacts, and reminders of the dynasty's journey from local lords to emperors.
Royal Treasures
Hohenzollern Castle houses an impressive collection of royal artifacts. The Prussian Crown Jewels, including the crown of Wilhelm II, are displayed here. Visitors can see Frederick the Great's personal effects, military decorations, and a letter written by George Washington thanking a Hohenzollern ancestor for his service during the American Revolution.
The castle also contains the tombs of Frederick the Great and his father, Frederick William I. Their remains were moved here in 1991 after German reunification, returning them to their ancestral castle from Potsdam where they had rested since the 18th century.
Still a Family Home
Unlike many European castles that have become solely museums or government properties, Hohenzollern remains owned and partly inhabited by the House of Hohenzollern. The current head of the family, Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia, uses portions of the castle for private events, though most of the structure is open to visitors.
This continued family ownership creates a living connection to history. The castle isn't just a monument to a defunct dynasty but the ancestral home of a family that, despite losing its throne in 1918, continues to maintain its heritage. Regular events including Christmas markets and concerts keep the castle active throughout the year.
Visiting the Mountain Fortress
Reaching Hohenzollern requires ascending the mountain by shuttle bus or on footâa climb that adds to the castle's dramatic impact. From the ramparts, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Swiss Alps. The castle's position above the clouds creates memorable photo opportunities throughout the year.
Inside, guided tours explore the royal apartments, treasury, and chapel. The castle's combination of romantic architecture, historical significance, and stunning location makes it one of Germany's most visited castles, second only to Neuschwanstein in popularity.
From Counts to Emperors
Hohenzollern Castle embodies one of European history's most remarkable family stories. From this Swabian hilltop, a family rose to rule Prussia and then all of Germany. Though the empire is long gone, the castle remainsâa monument to ambition, power, and the enduring appeal of dynastic history.