[caption id="attachment_37603" align="aligncenter" width="414" caption="Right out of a grim fairy tale."][/caption]

Germany’s huge number of imposing castles and fortresses are remarkable for their history of violence, romanticism and nationalism. In the Middle Ages these chilly royal strongholds were built for protection and housing, and then devastated by the series of wars that swept Europe. By 1800, many were (re)built to glorify the age of the Germanic knight – before being damaged again by another round of wars caused by the same jingoism that breathed them back to life.

Eltzberg: This Romanesque/Late Gothic beauty, situated on a 70-foot rock spur, is surrounded by hilly lush forests and the Eltzbach River. One of the few medieval castles in the Rhine to never be damaged, it was conceived as a Ganerbenburg- a kind of luxury condo complex for different branches of an economically practical ruling family. It is comprised of three separate compounds built at different times in unique styles. Today, two are open to the public and one is still inhabited by the family of Eltz.

Hohenschwangau: In the spring of 1829, Maximilian, future king of the Bavarians, was on walkabout in the breathtaking Alpine foothills of Southern Germany when he came upon the dreamy ruins of the medieval fortress of Schwanstein. Bewitched by its history and setting, he had this bright, imposing Neo-Gothic hunting lodge constructed on the site for his summertime residence. One of a series of 19th century recreations, this comfortable family home is now a popular tourist destination.

Neuschwanstein: King Ludwig the Mad, the tragically histrionic son of Maximilian, soon outdid his dad. Inspired by the xenophobic historical operas of Richard Wagner, this towering wonderland has served in turn as the inspiration for the castles at each Disney theme park. The ornate Neo-gothic structure is as theatrical inside as out, with a collection of fantasy rooms including an artificial grotto (which once included a “rainbow machine”), a throne hall, and the “hall of singers” featuring tableaus venerating the courtly culture of the Middle Ages. Open to the public since Ludwig’s mysterious death, the views are magnificent – with Maximilian’s beloved Hohenschwangau among them.

Konigstein: A massive mountaintop fortress near Dresden with awe inspiring views of the Elbe river, this sinister stronghold was for many centuries considered unassailable. First built in the 12th century, it was owned by the royal houses Bohemia and Saxony who used it as a safe-haven during times of war. In 1922, it became a prison for important inmates including Allied POWs during both world wars.

Heidelberg: Seemingly cursed to inspire brooding romantic-era writer likes Victor Hugo and landscape painters like J.M.W. Turner, this Renaissance-era structure has been a celebrated ruin almost as long as it was a functioning castle. Its history starts in the 12th century as the seat of the Counts of the Palatinate. Over the centuries it was damaged or destroyed repeatedly by sieges, fires (set by Napoleon and lightning), and finally neglect. Now picturesquely overtaken by nature, it is a popular wedding destination for those who are not fearful of the weight of its doomed history.