The world's only Roman castle is in Germany

There is said to be only one castle in the world based on a novel – and that one is in Baden-Württemberg . It is called Lichtenstein Castle and is located in the small town of the same name, just 60 kilometers south of Stuttgart. Lichtenstein Castle sits atop an 817-meter-high cliff on the edge of the Swabian Alb and offers not only stunning views but also a variety of experiences inside.

Although the origins of Lichtenstein Castle date back to the 12th century (the first Lichtenstein Castle is said to have been built on this site between 1100 and 1150), it was rebuilt between 1840 and 1842. The idea for the romantic, neo-Gothic magnificent building came from the Württemberg Duke Wilhelm von Urach, supposedly inspired by the historical novel "Lichtenstein" by Wilhelm Hauff.

The 1826 book was a bestseller at the time, and the Duke was apparently so inspired by it that he turned the fictional castle from the novel into reality. The plans were drawn up by Nuremberg architect Carl Alexander Heideloff. We'll show you what to expect when you visit the world's only castle based on a novel.

The best way to get to know Lichtenstein Castle is on a guided tour. These take place several times a day and last approximately 30 minutes. Tickets for the castle courtyard and the tour are available at the ticket office at the entrance.

During your visit to Lichtenstein Castle, it is worth taking a guided tour of the interior.

Source: imago images / United Archives

During the tour, you'll see the most impressive rooms of this fairytale castle: On the ground floor, you'll find the armory with historical armor, a chapel with stained glass from the 15th and 16th centuries, and a drinking room with wood paneling, hunting scenes, and toasts. The upper floor, which can also be visited, houses the King's Room with colorful ceiling paintings, the Coat of Arms and Bay Window Room with medieval furnishings, and the absolute highlight: the magnificent Knight's Hall with its painted wooden ceiling.

Finally, in the stairwell, you'll encounter the legendary "Lichtenstein Marksman" – an optical puzzle in the form of a crossbowman. The gaze of the depicted figure always seems to be fixed on the viewer, no matter where they go.

Info: Lichtenstein Castle is open daily from March to December, but opening hours vary depending on the season and can be found on the website . General admission to the castle courtyard costs €5, and children (6-16 years) €3. The castle courtyard plus interior tour costs €14 for adults and €8 for children. Special tours for groups are also available, as are mystical lantern tours in the evenings during the winter.

Families with children are especially excited by the fact that Lichtenstein Castle is haunted. Alfons, the castle ghost, is said to be particularly friendly. He lives in the old wine cellar and watches over the valuable treasures and rooms. Alfons was supposedly a real castle ghost in the past, when a knight's castle still stood on the site of the present castle.

With a little luck, children can meet Alfons – and his clever castle mouse Kunigunde, who likes to hide, especially during guided tours.

Right next to the fairytale castle in the Swabian Alb is an adventure park for everyone ages eight and up (some even six and up). Swinging, climbing, balancing in the treetops, and many other adventures await visitors.

The park boasts 11 courses with more than 200 stations, some up to 18 meters high. These include wobbly planks, net bridges, slides, and much more. Each course lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. For safety, helmets, climbing harnesses, and safety hooks are provided free of charge, as is a mandatory briefing beforehand. A beginner's course ("Schlossschenke" and "Pagenweg") is recommended for beginners, while experienced climbers can choose challenging routes such as "Münchhausen's Flight," "Zum Schlossgespenst," or "Folterkammer."

Info: Adults pay €26 admission, youths €24, and children (6-15 years) €20. The adventure park is open daily from spring to fall.

If you enjoy combining cultural visits with a break in nature, here's the best news: There are various easy hiking trails around Lichtenstein Castle, ranging in length from two kilometers (from the castle to Honau) to seven kilometers (from the castle to Traifelberg). From some of the trails, you'll enjoy stunning views of the castle and the Swabian Alb.

Lichtenstein Castle is situated in a dream location on the edge of the Swabian Alb.

Source: IMAGO/Arnulf Hettrich

Our tip: The hiking route from Lichtenstein Castle to the Nebelhöhle cave via the Gießstein and Linsenbühl viewpoints. The so-called "Nebelhöhle" is an insider tip in the area and refers to a stalactite cave that is one of the oldest show caves in Germany.

Right at the foot of the Schlossberg, literature fans will find a little gem: the Wilhelm Hauff Museum . It's all about the author of the novel "Lichtenstein," thanks to whose work, Lichtenstein Castle is today the only castle in the world built based on a novel. Hauff wasn't just a novelist; he is also considered one of the great storytellers of German literature. His works include "Dwarf Nose," "Little Muck," "Caliph Stork," and "The Cold Heart."

You can explore the museum with a free audio guide, visit the special exhibition on "The Cold Heart" (a fairy tale about greed, morality, and humanity), or relax in the reading corner.

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