Pentecost holidays 2025: Lichtenstein Castle – Discover the fairytale castle!

Pentecost holidays 2025: Lichtenstein Castle – Discover the fairytale castle!

The Pentecost holidays in Baden-Württemberg are a welcome opportunity for a short break or a one-day excursion. A very special destination has secured its place in the sun on the list of the best excursion destinations: the impressive Lichtenstein Castle, which is often referred to as “Württemberg’s fairytale castle” due to its fairytale setting. Between Lichtenstein and Engstingen, near Reutlingen, the castle sits at a height of 817 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alb.

The castle was built between 1840 and 1842 on the foundations of an old knight's castle and is the only castle in the world that was built based on a novel. Inspired by the novel “Lichtenstein” by the storyteller Wilhelm Hauff, it is a homage to the Middle Ages. The builder, Wilhelm Graf von Württemberg, who later became known as the Duke of Urach, gave the building a romantic style that still attracts numerous visitors today. In addition to the impressive castle chapel, the neo-Gothic building also includes a castle garden and a castle courtyard, which invite you to explore.

Special features and offers

The interior tour promotes immersion in the history of the castle with restored chambers, armor and works of art. Guides explain the special features of the castle - mostly in German, but English and French tours are available for groups on request. In addition to the castle itself, visitors can enjoy the castle itself Climbing forest an active break. The adventure park offers 11 courses and more than 230 stations for all levels of difficulty, with heights varying between 3 and 18 meters.

Another highlight for hiking enthusiasts is the “Hochgehenräumet” circular hiking trail, which leads to picturesque viewpoints and the fog cave. The path from Sonnenbühl to the castle takes about 1-2 hours and rewards hikers with wonderful views of the Swabian Alb. Lichtenstein Castle, less crowded than e.g. B. Neuschwanstein, is a real gem that offers ideal conditions for a relaxed family trip.

Opening times and promotions

If you would like to visit the castle, please note the following opening times: From March to October, visitors can enter the magnificent rooms daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.). Special opening hours also apply in November and December. Particularly noteworthy is a fundraising campaign that will take place in 2025 for the outpatient hospice service Reutlingen e.V. in favor of the outpatient children's and youth hospice service.

For anyone who wants to experience the beauty of nature and the fascination of history up close, Lichtenstein Castle is an absolute must in Baden-Württemberg. With the opportunity to enjoy both cultural and sporting activities, it offers something for everyone - making it one of Germany's great excursion destinations this Whitsun holidays. So pack your backpacks and set off to discover this magical castle!