Updated on July 1, 2025 by Angelika
I rarely visit the same place two days in a row. But yesterday, I enjoyed a beautiful day trip around the Württemberg "fairytale castle", Lichtenstein Castle on the Swabian Alb. And as today is the 12th - my "12 of 12" day - I'm taking the opportunity to return and hike in a different direction. This time I’m on my own, with plenty of time to take photos and soak in the views.
Map overview: Lichtenstein Castle and surrounding highlights
To help you find your way around, here’s an interactive map showing all the key stops on this outing – from Lichtenstein Castle to the Gießstein viewpoint, the ruins of Alt-Lichtenstein, and the Nebelhöhle cave. Perfect for planning your own fairy-tale adventure in the Swabian Alb!
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Arrival at the castle: the perfect starting point for explorers
Despite it being Pentecost holidays, I easily find a parking spot right below the castle around midday. For a fair €2, I can leave my car there all day. From here, it’s just a short uphill walk to the castle entrance.
Lichtenstein Castle: fairytale castle on a rock
In the castle courtyard, I take plenty of time to capture different angles of the photogenic castle with its striking tower, dramatic location on a cliff on the Albtrauf and the picturesque landscape around it. I don't go inside, but for anyone who wants to: The castle can only be visited with a guided tour and costs €14. The view from the freely accessible vantage points in the castle grounds is priceless anyway.
- Location: On the Swabian Alb near Honau, Lichtenstein municipality (district of Reutlingen)
- Built: 1840 - 1842 in neo-Gothic style
- Special feature: Inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's novel Lichtenstein
- Opening hours: In summer (April to October) daily 9 am - 6 pm; March, November and December 10 am - 4 pm, January/February closed
- Admission: Castle grounds €5, guided interior tour €14 (cash only!)
- Parking: Parking lot directly below the castle (€2 all-day ticket)
- Website: www.schloss-lichtenstein.de
📸 Tip: Even without the interior tour, it’s well worth a visit – the outside view is spectacular and offers countless photo opportunities!
👉Read my article too Castle or Palace: What are the Differences?, in which I introduce you to other castles, palaces and palaces worth seeing in Germany.
Premium hiking trail "hochgehträumt": the name says it all
I quickly feel like hiking. I follow the green marked premium hiking trail "hochgehträumt" ("highly dreamed"), which starts right at the castle. The full circular route to Nebelhöhle is just under 11 km – doable, but I opt for a shorter version. My goal: the Gießstein viewpoint, 2.4 km away.
The hiking trails around Lichtenstein Castle are excellently signposted. The green square on the lower signs is the symbol for the "hochgehträumt" premium hiking trail.
Just beyond the castle, I pass the Altes Forsthaus ("old forester's lodge"), a beautiful old building that now houses a restaurant. The cozy beer garden invites you to enjoy Swabian specialties and homemade cake. It looks tempting, but I have plans and continue on.
- Start: Lichtenstein Castle
- Total loop: approx. 11 km
- My Tip: Section to the Gießstein viewpoint (approx. 2.4 km one way)
- Duration (there & back): approx. 3.5 hours pure walking time (my short version: 2 - 2.5 hours incl. photo stops)
- Paths: Partly narrow, natural paths - sturdy shoes needed (as always on the Alb)
- Marking: Green symbol “hochgehträumt”
- Highlights: Viewpoints Brunnenstein, Breitenstein, Gießstein, Nebelhöhle. Panoramic views, blooming meadows, peace & nature
🌿 Note: The path partly runs right along the Albtrauf cliff – stunning, but not stroller-friendly. Some sections – especially at the viewpoints – require a good head for heights.
Over roots and rocks along the Albtrauf
Good thing I brought my hiking poles! The path winds through open woodland, over roots, stones, and narrow tracks – sometimes right along the cliff edge. Time and again, views open out across the valley. With all my photo stops, I take over an hour to reach the Gießstein viewpoint - a little less on the way back because I already have my photos in the box.
Blooming meadows and sweeping views
At times, I walk through lush green meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. The softly rolling hills of the Swabian Alb stretch to the horizon — a peaceful sight that makes the effort in the midday heat worthwhile.
Gießstein viewpoint: Stunning panoramas
At the Gießstein, I’m rewarded with a magnificent view of the Alb. Lichtenstein Castle now lies far behind me and can only be seen clearly with a zoom lens. Instead, I look far into the valley and across the surrounding villages – the perfect place for a rest.
Wilhelm Hauff and Alt-Lichtenstein: On literary paths
Back at the castle, I take a short detour of around 500 meters to the Wilhelm Hauff monument and the ruins of Alt-Lichtenstein. Hauff’s romantic novel "Lichtenstein" inspired the Württemberg count and his architect to build the present-day castle. From the ruins, I enjoy a fantastic close-up view of the castle, framed by green foliage.
Coffee, cheese cream cake and a shady spot
To end the day, I relax in the shady beer garden of the Schlossschenke. A delicious slice of strawberry-topped cream cheese cake and a cappuccino round off my Lichtenstein experience perfectly.
One last stop at Nebelhöhle
Before heading home, I make a brief stop at nearby Nebelhöhle cave. I don’t go inside, but I do visit the “Maultaschenwirt,” where I pick up some Maultaschen (the larger Swabian version of ravioli) and potato salad for dinner. A perfect ending to a perfect day!
- Location: Near Sonnenbühl-Genkingen, about a 10-minute drive from Lichtenstein Castle
- Special feature: One of the oldest show caves in Germany
- Walkable length: Approx. 450 meters
- Duration of visit: Approx. 30 minutes
- Admission: Adults € 7, reduced € 6 (as of 2025)
- Opening hours: AApril to October daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM), closed during the winter months
- Parking: Free, just a few meters from the cave entrance
- Gastronomy: "Maultaschenwirt" serving regional Swabian dishes right next to the cave
💡 Tip: A great add-on to your castle visit – especially on hot days or in rainy weather (don’t forget a jacket – it stays chilly inside the cave, even in summer).
🏨 Tip for a restaurant & overnight stay in Honau: Forellenhof Rössle
Just a short drive below Lichtenstein Castle lies the charming Forellenhof Rössle in Honau - a traditional hotel with good regional cuisine, cozy rooms and its own trout farm. Especially nice: the terrace directly on the watercourse, where you can relax in good weather. Ideal as a starting point for a trip to the castle or a hike in the surrounding area.
Looking for more Swabian Alb travel tips?
Then take a look at my other articles on destinations in Baden-Württemberg - from castles and palaces to scenic hiking tours and historic towns, there’s something for every taste!
In my article about the most beautiful road trip routes in Germany I have a Tour across the Swabian Alb in three variants for you. Lichtenstein Castle is of course a highlight of the route!
12 of 12 info
If you liked this insight into my day and you have a blog yourself, why not join in? The photo project 12 of 12 was initiated by Caro from Draußen nur Kännchen. On the 12th of the month, take lots of photos throughout the day and choose 12 of them in the evening to use in a blog post. Under Caro's 12 out of 12 post you will find a list in which you can enter your own 12 of 12 blog article.
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What a beautiful destination in this brilliant weather, dear Angie!
Your pictures inspire me to visit Lichtenstein Castle as well ... with delicious cake, of course!
Best regards, Jutta