Winter, spring, summer or fall, the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern is a destination for all ages. Beautiful wedding chapels, royal heritage, exquisite furnishings, incredible scenery, classy events, summer vacations for children, a local ghost and the crown jewels have endeared Burg Hohenzollern to neighbors and visitors alike and this year is no different. Burg Hohenzollern is truly a castle with a heart and a community.

Rising majestically out of the Swabian countryside with its castle courtyard and ramparts, the castle is a rich backdrop for events.  Starting this September 21 and 22, Burg Hohenzollern will be hosting a popular weekend of falconry when soaring eagles, arrow-fast falcons and huge vultures will swoop through the air on command between the turrets and courtyards. The soaring birds of prey are a wonderful sight and an activity that goes back centuries. On the same days, the castle is open for its “royal castle stroll” where visitors can walk through the castle rooms unaccompanied by guides although they are available for questions. The Golden Autumn Festival in October is when local farmers, food artisans and vintners bring their produce and visitors can experience the local fare in the castle courtyard.  

Another magical transformation takes place in Advent as the castle's rooms, courtyard and garden are turned into a beautiful Christmas market on November 28-30 and December 5-7. Next year, the events include the Spring Awakening, a flower festival around Easter time; the night of Shooting Stars in August; and the summer performances of Shakespeare in English; as well as coffee and cake on Mother's Day. Programs for children are on-going as are well-presented exhibitions about the family and its history. Closing on September 7 is a marvelous exhibition of photographs of the royal children portraying their families and costumes. An indoor restaurant, outdoor Biergarten and well-stocked gift shop make the visit complete.

The history of the Hohenzollern Castle goes back as far as the 11th century and was destroyed two times. It was not until the 19th century when Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia decided to rebuild the castle as a symbol of the origin and the importance of the Hohenzollern. Upon becoming King, he gave the order to start the reconstruction in neo-Gothic style. Today it is built as a military fortress with many towers and thick walls but thanks to the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation, it also serves as a royal and elegant summer vacation home for children who do not have homes to go to.  It is a spectacular experience to enter the massive gates and proceed through the tunnel and the circular ramps to the courtyards and gardens above. 

The details of the family history are complex with so many family members and ancestors, of which King Frederick (the Great) II is the most famous. And, to this day, the castle is still privately owned by both the Swabian and Prussian lines of the Hohenzollern family. A beautiful and extensive family tree adorns the walls of the entry foyer after the great staircase. Thereafter the paneled library has descriptive historical paintings, including one depicting the “White Lady Legend” as she walks through the enemy camp bringing food to the Hohenzollern army under siege. Outstanding portraits hang on all of the walls. The most beautiful room, the Blue Parlor, with its elaborate gilded ceiling and parquet floors has striking paintings of Empress Victoria as well as her own painting of her son Waldemar who died at 11 years old. The royal treasury is now in the former castle kitchen and is home to many precious objects, silver, china, armor, jewels and the crown of the Prussian kings. For further reading on the castle, please visit Burg Hohenzollern.