Lichtenstein
History
Schloss Lichtenstein, the "Fairy Tale Castle of Württemberg," dramatically crowns a rugged cliff above the Echaz Valley near Honau in the Swabian Alps, Germany. Built in striking Gothic Revival style between 1840 and 1842 by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg, the castle was inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's romantic novel "Lichtenstein."
The original castle, dating to around 1100, was home to the Knights of Lichtenstein. Constructed roughly 500 meters from the current castle, now referred to as "Old Lichtenstein," it served as a stronghold for these knights, who were loyal retainers first to the Counts of Achalm, then to the Counts of Württemberg.
The Lords of Lichtenstein, who resided in the imposing castle, displayed open hostility toward the Free Imperial City of Reutlingen, leading to frequent sieges and battles.
Twice the castle was destroyed: the first time during the Imperial Civil War of 1311, and the second between 1377 and 1381, when citizens of Reutlingen attacked during the "Wars of the Cities." At the Battle of Reutlingen, Kraft von Lichtenstein died.
In 1390, a formidable new castle rose on today's site. It stood as a dominant stronghold of the Late Middle Ages, with early, thick-walled casemates that rendered it nearly impregnable.
In 1567, the castle stopped serving as the duke's official residence. Duke Christoph replaced the castellan with a forest warden, and the castle began to fall into ruin.
After the last member of the Lichtenstein family line died in 1687 during the Great Turkish War, the Tyrolean line of the Habsburgs took over the castle.
In 1802, Duke Frederick of Württemberg acquired the castle; he then dismantled it to the foundations and built a modest hunting lodge in its place.
In the 19th century, Romanticism and medieval virtues, such as chivalry, became popular among elites. At the same time, Gothic Revival architecture began at Cologne Cathedral. Later, in 1826, Wilhelm Hauff published "Lichtenstein," making the castle central to the story. This inspired Count Wilhelm von Urach, the King's cousin, who bought the estate from the King in 1837.
Construction of the new castle began in 1840, led by architect Carl Alexander Heideloff and managed by Johann Georg Rupp. Count Wilhelm influenced the design, using the foundations of the 1390 castle. The new castle stands three stories tall, with a courtyard surrounded by curtain walls. It was completed in 1842, with the King in attendance at the inauguration.
After the Revolution of 1848, Count Wilhelm became Duke of Urach and began building outwork caponiers in the style of the Fortress of Ulm. Later, he added cannons to the bastions.
In 1857, a formidable barbican and outer bailey, featuring imposing corner bastions and slender turrets, were added. The castle became the official residence of the Dukes of Urach in 1869.
In April of 1945, during World War II, the castle came under artillery fire from advancing U.S. forces who suspected German soldier positions nearby. Almost all windows were shattered; only the chapel's stained glass suffered minor damage. The tower took serious structural damage.
Repairs to the tower began in 1945-1946, while restoration inside the castle continued for decades. Finally, in 2002, the upper floor and roof were restored.
Castle Highlights
Schloss Lichtenstein sits high above the Echaz Valley, resembling a castle in the sky. Guided tours of the interior last about 30 minutes, with new tours starting roughly every 20 minutes.
The tour covers the castle's first and second floors. The first floor includes the armory, a chapel with 15th and 16th century glass paintings, and a cozy drinking room.
On the second floor, visitors see a richly painted room with coats of arms. Next, they enter the bay room, furnished in medieval style, and finally arrive at the Knights' Hall, the grandest room.
Half a day suffices to explore Lichtenstein Castle. The nearby Swabian Alps castle, Schloss Hohenzollern, can also be visited on the same day.
