Burg Hohenzollern

Burg Hohenzollern is a castle approximately 65 KM outside of Stuttgart. Getting to know our area despite leaving it shortly has been wonderful. This castle is wonderful and full of enough adventure the whole family can enjoy a day spent here. There are tours in English they vary in time and relationship to the season. There are German language tours every 15 minutes however and despite the language barrier the tour will take you though the rooms of the castle that are open to the public. The rooms of the castle have been preserved beautifully and the intricate details are fascinating. You have to wear large felt "slippers" over your shoes and seeing a large group of people shuffle though a building is comical enough to warrant going on the tour.... I have to admit the ceiling so delicately painted caught my eye again and I found myself gazing up often. I couldn't believe how detailed the painting on the ceiling were, and the patterns were gorgeous. I am so glad Sam was able to get a few pictures. there ae no pictures allowed due to flashes. Sam didn't use a flash of course.

You start by hiking up a series of trails and stairs to the fortress it's self. This is vigorous exercise and up hill the entire time, an excellent way to wear children out. For those not able to walk far or up a steep hill there are shuttle buses available at the parking area ( I wanted to take the shuttle but the boys said no) I have to admit despite the steep incline the views of the surrounding area are gorgeous ..especially because we are now in spring and the fields are green. The small villages in the surrounding area stand out against the green with their bright orange roof tops. This mountain can be seen for miles and the view is unobstructed, this is especially rewarding considering the uphill walk. Once you reach the top the adventure begins...

This fortress begins with the customary draw bridge entrance complete with carved stone work and formidable spires. You journey in a spiral movement up the cobble stone pathway..as horses or carriages would have when the castle was in use. Each turn of the spiral brings new views of the castle and the surrounding countryside. I can see why this location was perfect for a fortress you can see for miles and the steep spiral to the inner courtyard seems to go on for a mile. The kids loved to look in every nook and cranny out every window and peer into stone alcoves (which they were convinced the dungeons were) Once you leave the spiral entry way fit for any kings carriage you come to the main courtyard. Here the castle and the chapel and all of the buildings of the grounds are laid out before you in a spectacular view. The stone work and sculptures are so interesting. The chapel holds a sculpture of a figure on a horse, which the kids find to be very "knight like" in their words. There is a cannon where everyone gathers for pictures, a restaurant and a gift store.... and of course the tour through the actual "home" portion of the castle.

Each room had a theme, including a room where the family tree was painted on the walls going back hundreds of years. There was a blue room and a green room, this one was especially nice with green velvet everywhere. There is a room of portraits, and a room with the most artistic Stain glass windows. The kids love being in a "real" castle, I enjoyed the artwork and the sunshine..and Sam was happy for the walk so it was an ideal family outing. I would recommend this to anyone living in the area or visiting. The castle isn't as famous as others but the history is rich and the stories exciting and the walk beautiful....