Hohenzollern Castle is one of the prettiest castles in Germany (like Neuschwanstein). It is also one of the least well-known (unlike Neuschwanstein), which makes it a bit challenging to get to.
But no fear, because I am going to tell you exactly how to visit Hohenzollern Castle, if it’s worth visiting, other things to do, and even where to get the best pictures of the castle.
Year visited: 2025
Time of Year: December
What’s in this Article:
- About Hohenzollern Castle
- How to Get to Hohenzollern Castle
- Hohenzollern Castle Tour
- Christmas at Hohenzollern Castle
- Zellerhorn Viewpoint
- Other Things to Do Nearby
About Hohenzollern Castle
History of Hohenzollern Castle
The current castle was built in the mid 1800s, the second replacement to the original one built in the 11th century. It was rebuilt by Prince Frederick William IV of Prussia, who wanted to connect with his family’s history, and found the location stunning (it is!).
The current castle was mostly constructed as a showpiece, rather than a fortress (and it is beautiful!).
Though the castle is open to the public, it is still owned by the Prussian royal family (Prussia was a royal state in Germany that existed until the end of WWI).
Where is Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is about 1 hour south of Stuttgart, in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. The closest train station is Hechingen Station.
Where to Stay for a Visit to Hohenzollern Castle
The best place to base yourself to visit Hohenzollern Castle is either Stuttgart (if you want to be in a larger city), or Tübingen (if you want a cute, smaller town feel). We stayed in Stuttgart.
- Adina Apartment Hotel in Stuttgart (where we stayed; absolutely loved it!)
- Premier Inn Stuttgart City Europaviertel in Stuttgart
- Hotel Am Schloss in Tübingen
- ibis Styles in Tübingen
How to Get to Hohenzollern Castle
The unfortunate thing about planning to visit Hohenzollern Castle is that it can be tricky to get to via public transportation. But it can be done, and I’m here to tell you exactly how to do it!
- Good to Know: The closest big city is Stuttgart, and the best place to base yourself for a visit to Hohenzollern is either Stuttgart or Tübingen.
Train to Hechingen
The first thing to do is take a train to the tiny Hechingen Station. You can get a direct train here from Stuttgart (it will also stop at Tübingen on the way).
- Search for train tickets on the Deutschbahn website.
- You can book a regional Baden-Württemberg ticket for the day, and take any regional transportation at any time that day.
- Learn more about train travel in Germany.
306 Bus to Hohenzollern Castle
Once you arrive at the station in Hechingen, just go around the building to the bus stops. The very first stop (next to the bike rack) includes Bus 306, which goes to Hohenzollern Castle.
The biggest issue with the bus, is that it doesn’t run on the most regular schedule. It only runs between the train station and castle (with other stops in between) a few times a day, and the schedule changes by season.
Our Experience: When we visited in December, the bus was only running on a special evening schedule for the Christmas event at the castle. We actually had to get to Hechingen an hour early, to make sure we were there on time for one of the three bus runs (at 5, 6 and 7ish). Then we had to make sure we left the castle on time to get one of the three buses back.
- Good to Know: You can check the current bus schedule on the Naldo website. Type “306” into the search bar and it will give you a current timetable of the bus between Hechingen and Hohenzollern Castle.
- Hechingen Bahnhofstr is the train station.
- Alternative Option: You can take a cab or an Uber between the castle parking lot and the train station. We met another couple at the station who had taken a cab from the castle to get there.
Shuttle to the Castle
The bus (or cab) will drop you off in the parking lot for Hohenzollern Castle. There is a gift shop and bathrooms at the far end of the parking lot.
At the near end of the parking lot is another bus stop, where the shuttle will pick you up and drive you up the hill to the castle. If you’re not sure where to wait, just ask in the gift shop. There were a bunch of us waiting in the wrong spot, until someone finally pointed us across the street.
There is no cost for the shuttle up to the castle, as it is “included” in your castle ticket.
You can also walk up the hill on the walking path. However, it is very steep, and takes about 20-30 minutes.
Hohenzollern Castle Tour
You don’t get a guided tour of the castle; you can just wander through at your own pace. There are staff throughout the castle to answer questions, though it should be noted that not many people spoke English when we visited.
- Good to Know: There is an app you can download with an audio guide in German, French and English.
- If you have a large bag or backpack, you will have to wear it on your front.
Hours & Cost
The hours of the castle vary greatly throughout the year. When we visited at Christmas, it was only open in the evening for the special holiday event.
Check the castle website for current hours.
Prices also vary greatly by season and day. Week days are cheaper than weekends, and of course, special events cost more. Check the current prices here.
- Good to Know: Tickets are cheaper if you book them online ahead of time, rather than at the door.
- You do have to book a specific arrival time slot. Or you can get a “flex ticket,” which is good for any time, but is significantly more expensive.
Castle Restaurant & Amenities
There are two entrances to the main castle building. The second one is the main entrance to the show rooms. The first entrance you’ll come to is for the “visitor area.”
There are bathrooms downstairs, a gift shop on the main level, and a restaurant upstairs. We took a look at the restaurant when we were there, but it looked fancy and overwhelming to us, so we just ate at the Christmas market stand selling sausages in the courtyard.
The View from the Castle
The castle is way up on the top of a hill, so you can get some really nice views of the surrounding area. At least, you can if you are there during the day… We couldn’t see a thing!
It is very windy at the top, though! I felt like I was going to get blown off the hill several times as we walked around the grounds.
Christmas at Hohenzollern Castle
I originally planned to visit Hohenzollern Castle because they used to host a Christmas market in the castle!! But… since Covid, they stopped doing that.
They do have quite an extensive Christmas event, however, and I do think it was worth the hassle it took to get to the castle. It was so magical, seeing it all lit up and watching kids chase the giant bubbles in the courtyard while whimsical music played. It felt just like being in Disney World!
Royal Winter Magic runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from the end of November to the beginning of January. It features beautiful decorations and themed Christmas trees throughout the castle, as well as food stands and entertainment in the courtyard. There is even an epic light show and story (I told you, just like Disney!), which was very cool despite the fact I couldn’t understand a word of it.
- Pro Tip: If you’re visiting for Christmas, Hohenzollern Castle makes a good day trip from Stuttgart paired with the Tübingen Chocolate Festival (that’s what we did!).
Zeller Horn Viewpoint
If you’re able, the best place to get an epic view of Hohenzollern Castle is from Zeller Horn viewpoint. You won’t be able to access it via public transportation; you will either need a rental car or an Uber.
Apparently you can also hike from the Hohenzollern parking lot to the viewpoint, but it is a 4.5 mile hike that will take several hours.
Traditionally, the best way to reach the viewpoint is to start in the parking lot for the Berghotel Zollersteighof hotel. From there is a short 1.5 mile hike through the woods to the viewpoint.
- Good to Know: This article explains how to hike from the castle parking lot to the viewpoint, as well as the shorter hike from the hotel parking lot.
Other Things to Do
As I’ve said before, Stuttgart or Tübingen are the best places to base yourself for a visit to Hohenzollern Castle. Here are some other things to do in this region of Germany.
Explore Stuttgart
Stuttgart was one of my favorite places in Germany. It’s a good size city, but not too big, so it’s fun and easy to wander around:
- Lots of museums to check out in the city.
- Wander around the historic Schlossplatz square.
- Shop in the local Markthalle.
- Be sure to check out the public library! It’s often listed as one of the prettiest in the world.
Explore Tübingen
Tübingen is a small university town between Stuttgart and Hechingen (where the castle is). It is an adorable town and good for exploring (and picture taking!). During the holiday season, you can attend the Tübingen ChocolART Festival.
Visit Esslingen
Esslingen is another good medieval town to visit, and just a short train ride outside of Stuttgart. It’s especially good during the holiday season, because they have a medieval themed Christmas market! It was my favorite market from our whole trip!
Lichtenstein Castle
Lichtenstein Castle is just about 40 minutes’ drive from Hohenzollern Castle, and it looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. It is easiest to visit if you have your own car, but if you have the time, you can get there via public transportation. It is one of the prettiest castles in Germany!
Heidelberg
Probably the most well-known town of the area is Heidelberg (it even has its own Hallmark movie). Heidelberg is to the north of Stuttgart, while Hohenzollern Castle is to the south.
Any more questions?
If you have any more questions planning a visit to Hohenzollern Castle, or any tips from your own trip, be sure to share them in the comments below, or send me an email.
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Julia is a travel blogger with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked as a professional photo-retoucher for seven and a half years, before leaving the company to work in the travel industry. She now works at a historic 1800’s hotel. When she’s not working, she’s reading fantasy novels or classic literature, and planning trips to magical destinations.
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