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Adventures in Germany on a Student Budget: Spending the Night in Medieval Castles
Did you know that Germany offers the unique opportunity to stay in hostels located in medieval castles? It's an incredible way to immerse yourself in history while enjoying modern amenities and meeting new friends from around the world.
These hostels offer activities such as guided tours, hiking, and exploring the surrounding area. Imagine waking up in a centuries-old tower, overlooking scenic landscapes and ancient walls with stories to tell.
If you're planning a trip to Germany, consider adding a stay at one of these exceptional hostels to your itinerary. It's a chance to step back in time and create lasting memories.
Burg Stahleck in Bacharach
Located in the picturesque Rhine Valley, this hostel offers stunning views of the river and surrounding vineyards.
The modern youth hostel in the historic 12th century Stahleck Castle is world famous and offers a unique and fascinating view over the Rhine Valley. The romantic town of Bacharach is one of the most beautiful places in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Beautiful half-timbered houses, romantic courtyards and cozy wine bars characterize the townscape.
Burg Monschau in North Rhine-Westphalia
Nestled in the charming town of Monschau, this hostel is perfect for those interested in history and nature.
Monschau Castle was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century. In the middle of the 14th century, the complex was extended and enclosed by mighty walls and battlement walkways.
Christo wrapped it in 1971. At night it becomes the highlight of Monschau when the castle and town are illuminated.
Burg Bilstein in North Rhine-Westphalia
Surrounded by lush forests, this hostel offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. It was built between 1202 and 1225.
Youth Hostel Bilstein-Burg
Copyright: picture alliance / imageBROKER | Barbara Boensch; picture alliance / blickwinkel/H. Blossey | H. Blossey; picture alliance / Zoonar | Dr. Lange
© picture alliance / blickwinkel/S. Ziese | S. Ziese
Burg Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia
Known as the world's first youth hostel, Burg Altena offers a rich history and a variety of cultural experiences.
The castle was built by the Counts of Berg in the early 12th century.
Situated in the beautiful Saxon Switzerland National Park, this castle hostel provides access to numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities.
Hohnstein Castle crowns a high, isolated rock, surrounded by deep ravines, with the romantic Polenz Valley and the small town of Hohnstein below. It was first mentioned in documents in 1317. Since then, Hohnstein Castle has had a varied history.
The very brave can also walk on a slack line from the church tower to the castle. Just kidding. This was an acrobatic act.
ARD Mediathek: Burg Hohnstein in der Sächsischen Schweiz (documentary in German)
Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, this hostel offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort.
Trausnitz Castle is a medieval castle situated in Landshut, Bavaria in Germany. It was the home of the Wittelsbach dynasty, and it served as their ducal residence for Lower Bavaria from 1255–1503, and later as the seat of the hereditary rulers of the whole of Bavaria. The castle was founded in 1204 by Duke Ludwig I.
Landshut is the location of the Landshut Wedding, one of the largest historical pageants in Europe, which takes place here every four years. More than 2,000 participants in medieval costumes bring the festival to life and recreate the late Middle Ages. It commemorates the wedding between Hedwig Jagiellon, the daughter of the King of Poland, and Georg, the son of the Duke of Bavaria in Landshut.
At this huge spectacle, everyone gets carried away for a short time by medieval jousting games, festivals, feasts and wedding parades.
Copyright: picture alliance / imageBROKER | Florian Kopp; picture alliance / imageBROKER | Heiner Heine
© picture alliance / imageBROKER | Birgit Koch
Located near Munich, this hostel combines historical charm with modern facilities and is a great base for exploring the region.
© Jugendherberge Burg Schwanek
This medieval castle offers a range of activities, including workshops and outdoor adventures, set in a beautiful landscape.
Rieneck Castle is a hill castle located in the town of Rieneck, in Bavaria, southern Germany. It was built by Ludwig I, Count of Loon and Rieneck, around the year 1150.
Located in the Odenwald region, this castle hostel is ideal for those looking to explore historic sites and scenic nature trails.
Built from red sandstone, the 12th century Staufer castle was constantly extended until the 17th century. It has withstood all the feuds and wars of its 800-year history. As it was never destroyed and was inhabited almost continuously, it has been authentically preserved. Today it is one of the best-preserved castles in southern Germany.