As December approaches, we dive into all things Christmas here in Germany. We kicked off the holiday season by attending the Royal Winter Magic at Burg Hohenzollern. Burg Hohenzollern was first mentioned in 1267, with mention of the Hohenzollern House dating back to 1061. It was hailed as “The Crown of all Castles in Swabia” and “the most fortified House in Germany.” Despite this high praise, the Castle was destroyed in 1423.

*Royal Winter Magic at Burg Hohenzollern*

Construction on the second Hohenzollern Castle began in 1454, and during the Thirty Years War, it was converted into a fortress. Through a constant change of ownership, the Castle was eventually neglected and turned into ruins until 1819, when Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia decided to have it reconstructed. Reconstruction began in 1850, crafting the Castle complexes in a neo-Gothic style.

In 1952, Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia furnished the Castle with valuable works of art, all of which had ties to the history of Prussia and its Kings. Two earthquakes in 1970 and 1978 caused great damage to the Castle. To cover the costs of repairs, preservation, and maintenance, an admission fee was started to tour the Castle and grounds.

Today, you can view Hohenzollern Castle in almost pristine condition. Our trip to the Castle was our second visit, and it was even better the second time for the Royal Winter Magic. The Castle is illuminated with red lights, and as you walk to the entrance, you are met with Christmas displays of lights. Located in the courtyard are quaint little wooden huts decorated for Christmas and available to rent for small groups to enjoy winter beverages and desserts (you must inquire on-site about rentals; they are not available to reserve beforehand).

*Jesters on stilts at the Royal Winter Magic*

As we approached the entrance to the Castle, we were met by two jesters on stilts performing quite the balancing act. Walking through the Castle, you will see that each room is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and décor, all of varying themes. In the small chapel, a local artisan hand-blows ornaments that are available for purchase via donation. If you’re lucky, you will also see Saint Nick and his helper wandering around the grounds, and you can grab that holiday photo.

Seasonal treats and holiday favorites, such as glühwein, are available for sale from the courtyard vendors. As dusk approaches, enjoy a beautiful sunset and watch the Castle brilliantly light up in a kaleidoscope of colors. If you are looking for something to do other than a Christmas market near Stuttgart, make sure you grab your tickets now. The Royal Winter Magic is happening until January 6, just under a one-hour drive from Stuttgart, Germany.

Adults: €23

Children: 11 and under free, ages 12-17 €11

Notes: This is not a stroller-friendly facility. The 15-minute hike is through a nature path with wooden stairs and some gravel. You can also opt to take the shuttle up, but we found the line was extremely long, so it was quicker to walk up. For reference, it took us 15 minutes with a three-year-old and a two-year-old. Once on the Castle grounds, much of it is cobblestone and not conducive for strollers.

Tickets: https://www.burg-hohenzollern.com/#/convious

Select Events, then the Royal Winter Magic 2024. The ticket is for a one hour time slot, if you arrive after your time slot you will not be admitted. You can stay longer than the one hour, you just must arrive according to your ticket time.

Parking: If you have a later evening ticket, chances are you will be directed to park at one of the lower lots. The shuttle does pick up from those lots. The walk up to the Castle is 15 minutes from the top parking lot.

Royal Winter Magic at Burg Hohenzollern

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