Highlights of Visiting Lichtenstein Castle + What to Expect

Did you know? The castle you see today was actually built on top of the ruins of an old medieval castle!

The design and the way it looks inside were inspired by a book called ‘Lichtenstein’ by Wilhelm Hauff. That’s also where the castle got its name! You can see that it has a Gothic style, but it also has some Romantic touches in its design and furniture.

You can take a guided tour of the castle, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. Although, you can’t take pictures during the tour.

Basically, the tour takes you through the first and second floors of the castle.

On the first floor, you’ll see the armory, the chapel, and the room where they used to drink. They’re all decorated with cool old paintings and murals from way back in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Upstairs, you’ll find rooms with fancy decorations, a hall for knights, and a famous painting called ‘The Archer of Lichtenstein’ on the staircase.

There are seven parts of Lichtenstein Castle that are particularly noteworthy: The Royal Chamber, The Heraldic Room, The Corner-Room, The Knights’ Room, the Armory, the Taproom, and the Chapel.

Let me tell you more about each part.

• The Castle’s Armory houses a fascinating collection of medieval weapons, including a harquebus, guns, pistols, a sword from 1540, helmets, gunpowder horns, a bronze rifle from the 19th century, and armors that are over 400 years old. The room also features the summit of the Lichtenstein Rock, a white rock that adds to the room’s unique charm.
• The Taproom, used to celebrate the return from hunting, features a wooden clock and a large champagne glass gifted by Princess Theodolinde from Lauchtenberg to her husband, Duke Wilhelm. The room is adorned with hunting scenes, and a secret passage leads to the dungeons, providing a thrilling glimpse into the castle’s past.
• The Chapel is perhaps the most beautiful part of the castle, with stunning 14th-century stained-glass windows and paintings by Michael Wohlgemuth, Albrecht Dürer’s teacher. It also houses a beautiful Pietà and a painting depicting the death of the Virgin, surrounded by the twelve apostles. The gilded medallions adorning the vault add to the chapel’s grandeur.
• The Royal Chamber, where King Friedrich used to rest, houses sixteen portraits, including those of the donor, Count Ulrich, and Duke Ludwig. The room also features a mirror with a hole, a reminder of the damage caused by a bombshell during the Second World War.
• The Heraldic Room is adorned with shields painted near the ceiling and four malachite objects gifted by Tsar Alexander II. The room also displays paintings by the famous painter Zeitblom, adding to its artistic appeal.
• The Corner-Room houses mortuary masks of Napoleon I, Duke Wilhelm, and poets Goethe, Schiller, and Uhland, as well as a precious sewing machine. These artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these historical figures.
• The Knights’ Room, formerly a dining room, features two portraits of Duke Wilhelm and a carefully crafted marble table that appears to be covered with a glass sheet due to its meticulous polishing.