Secret castles in Germany which you didn’t know about!

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Although it’s unknown how many castles in Germany exist in total, the estimated number is around 25,000. However, there are plenty of secret castles in Germany which you may have never heard of before! In this post I will show you eight secret castles in Germany, specifically located in North-Rhein Westphalia, which you need to add to your bucket list. The following castles are all accessible via public transport from major cities Cologne and Düsseldorf, so don’t forget to add these locations to your travel bucket list for your next trip to Germany!

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Secret castles in Germany – Düsseldorf

Popular locations to visit in Düsseldorf include the Altstadt (old town), the Hafen (harbour) and of course the beautiful parks and gardens the city has to offer. Once you’re done exploring the Japanese Garden in Nordpark, discover the history of Düsseldorf. The city has multiple secret castles – some of which you may have never heard of before! So here are three to add to your bucket list:

Schloss Benrath- the pink palace

  • Located in the south of Düsseldorf in the region ‘Benrath’
  • Pink palace built during the time period 1755-1773
  • Visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1965
  • In November and December a Christmas market takes place
  • FREE entry to the palace gardens
  • Paid entry to explore the inside of the castle & museum
  • Direct arrival with the U72, running from Heinrich Heine Allee to Schloss Benrath
A picture of the entrance to Schloss Benrath, the pink palace in Düsseldorf. The ground is covered and treetops are covered in a thin layer of white snow. Benrath is one of the best secret castles in Germany to visit during the winter .
A picture of myself standing in-front of the lake at the pink palace in Benrath, Düsseldorf. The sky is blue with streaky white clouds and the lake is frozen over and covered in a thin layer of white snow.

Schloss Linnep- a private secret castle and beautiful walk

Looking for a beautiful region of Düsseldorf to walk around? Then head to Linnep, just North of Ratingen and close to Düsseldorf airport. Here you will discover the beautiful Schloss Linnep, which can be rented out for private events or you can explore the surrounding area of the castle for free.

A picture of Schloss Linnep in Düsseldorf from above. Multiple cars are parked on the courtyard of the castle and the pointed defensive tower is surrounded by green gardens and also a lake.
  • A moated castle in Düsseldorf covered in beautiful vine
  • Defensive tower of the castle is 1000 years old
  • Arrival with the S1 to Angermund and bus 751 to Linneper Weg.
  • You will find a further castle (with grounds open at weekends) in Angermund.

Schloss Eller- park and gardens

Perfect for a spring walk, the park and gardens at Schloss Eller are completely free to visit. The build of the castle itself is relatively new and used often for private events.

A picture of Schloss Eller in Düsseldorf from above. The castle has a grey roof and cream coloured walls. The castle is surrounded by green trees and a beautiful gardens and lake.
  • During the spring the gardens feel like a fairytale
  • The roots of the castle date back to 1309
  • The current build of the castle was built in the 19th century
  • Castle was restored in 2010
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife such as beavers, birds and ducks.
  • Arrival with the U75 to district Eller or take the bus 731/735 from Südpark to Vennhauser Allee

The best day trips from Cologne to castles

If you’re looking for day trips from the city of Cologne/Köln, then here are a few great suggestions for you:

Schloss Paffendorf- a castle out of the movies

Arguably one of Germany’s most beautiful and romantic castles, Paffendorf allows you to explore the beautiful 7,5 hectares of gardens for free, as well as visit a restaurant inside the castle itself.

A picture of Schloss Paffendorf, near to Cologne. The picture is taken through one of the arches of the castle and the the turrets, spires and orange-red brick walls and detailing of the castle contrast to the grey clouds in the sky. Paffendorf belongs to the hidden gems surrounding Cologne and the most fairytale-like secret castles in Germany
  • 16th century build
  • Discover the beautiful nature of the castle gardens, ponds and wildlife
  • Explore the architecture of the castle including the towers and balconies which surround the castle
  • Located approximately 30 minutes from the city of Cologne, direct arrival to Paffendorf with the RB38 from Köln HBF/Messe Deutz

Drachenfels & Schloss Drachenburg

Hiking near to Cologne and the city of Bonn couldn’t be easier. Discover the seven peaks in Königswinter near Bonn and explore the ruins of the Drachenfels. The beautiful palace of Drachenburg additionally overlooks the Rhein and onto the city of Bonn.

A picture of the fairytale Schloss Drachenburg, taken from Drachenfels. The beautiful orange and cream coloured walls of the castle contrast to the grey spires and turrets and on the left hand side of the photo you can see onto the river Rhein and onto the city of Bonn in the distance. This is one of the most beautiful secret castles in Germany
  • 321m peak at Drachenfels
  • One of the most beautiful hikes in North-Rhein Westphalia, Germany
  • Tram ride from Königswinter to Drachenfels costs 12euros return, alternatively 45 minute walk each way. Difficulty: medium – contains some steep sections through the forest!
  • Schloss Drachenburg was built in 1882 and you can discover the inside of the castle for a small entry fee

Schloss Burg, Solingen

f you’re looking for one of the most unique secret castles in Germany, Schloss Burg in Solingen needs to be on your bucket list. Here you will not only find a unique castle, with free entry to the grounds and rich in history, but also Germany’s oldest double seater cable car. Solingen is accessible via public transport (S-Bahn) from cities of Cologne or Düsseldorf.

A picture of myself sitting on a bench, in a red checkered jacket and jeans, looking out from a bench at Schloss Burg in Solingen. Behind me is part of the castle and next to me a red flower bush.
A picture of the oldest double seater cable car in Germany, with a green metal structure. In front of the cable car is a sign for 'Cafe zum Rittersturz', advertising homemade cakes and Bergische Waffeln. Not only is Schloss Burg one of the most historic secret castles in Germany, but the cable car is one of the most unqiue too
  • S1 takes you directly to Solingen from Wuppertal, Essen or Düsseldorf. Bus 683 will take you to the cable car and castle.
  • Germany’s oldest double seater cable car has been running since 1952
  • Cable car runs to a total height of 91m, where you will be able to explore Schloss Burg
  • Schloss Burg dates back to the 19th century, built on foundations from the 12th century
  • Try the speciality Waffles (Bergische Waffeln)- available in vegan too from the kiosk at the castle

Exploring secret castles in the Ruhrgebiet and beyond – North-Rhein Westphalia

Schloss Berge, Gelsenkirchen

This secret Baroque palace is located in the heart of the Ruhrgebiet and has a FREE entry French garden.

A picture of Schloss Berge in Gelsenkirchen. The red tiled roof of the hotel contrasts to the cream coloured walls and the white windows are decorated with dark blue shutters. There are white canopies on the front of the castle and the bridge is decorated with bright red flowers.
  • The castle has been converted into a hotel with restaurant and entertainment venue
  • Originally built in the 1400s, the castle was converted with the addition of the French Gardens in the early 1900s
  • In total there are over 73 hectares of gardens surrounding the castle
  • Opposite the castle you can discover the Berger See – an expansive lake with opportunities for relaxing, renting a pedal boat and more.
  • Enjoy the ‘Sommerfestival Schloss Berge’ inn July every year

Schloss Moyland, Kleve

Just outside the city of Kleve, near the border with the Netherlands, you can discover the beautiful Schloss Moyland in Bedburg-Hau.

An aerial photo of Schloss Moyland. The castle has four spires with red brick, the roof has grey tiles and there is one large spire with a silver coloured turret. The castle is surrounded by a moat, green and orange trees and wind turbines in the distance.
  • This fairytale moated castle dates all the way back to the 14th century
  • Inside the castle you will find multiple exhibitions including: Alice Springs Retrospektive (until 2nd Februrary 2025) and The earth does not need us (until 5th January 2025)
  • Entry price to the gardens is 3 euos and for the castle and gardens the entry is 9 euros. Students can enter for a discounted price of 6 euros
  • Arrival is direct from Düsseldorf to Kleve with the RE10 and the Bus 44 to Schloss Moyland

Burg Altena- a medieval castle with fascinating views

Just outside of the Ruhrgebiet, you will find the small town of Altena. The beauty of this small town will chant you as soon as you arrive at the small station. The best news of all is that entry to the grounds and the museum are completely FREE (since summer 2024).

A close up picture of the architecture of Burg Altena, a medieval castle in Altena, Germany. The sky is blue and contrasts to the sandstone coloured brick of the castle. The traditional styling of German half timbered houses is reflected in the architecture of the castle.
  • Step back into the middle ages at this 12th century castle
  • The castle was rebuilt from 1907 and converted to the world’s first youth hostel
  • The original rooms of the Youth Hostel form the museum but you can also stay in the DJH youth hostel on site.
  • Arrival with the regional train to Altena from Hagen/Siegen HBF.
  • You can walk to the castle or take the experience lift , which costs 4,80 euros per person.

Want to discover more secret locations around Germany? Then make sure you are following me on my social media pages, Instagram and Tiktok for all the best travel-tips and secret spots around the country! Alternatively, click here to discover more travel destinations around Germany.

1 thought on “Secret castles in Germany which you didn’t know about!”

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