Updated on December 16, 2024 by Angelika
I have planned a special Christmas experience for today. I'm going to the Königlicher Winterzauber (Royal Winter Magic) - in my opinion the most beautiful Christmas event in our region. Artistic illuminations accompanied by music transform the impressive castle grounds into a magical world and create a unique atmosphere. The princely chambers are magnificently decorated and open to visitors, as is the atmospheric chapel. Christmas stalls in the castle courtyard tempt visitors with mulled wine, waffles and regional specialties. I was there in 2021 - when there were no Christmas markets during the pandemic - and really enjoyed it. By the way, we owe this event to the pandemic when special events were allowed, but Christmas Markets were not.
My pre-Christmas plan: The royal winter magic
My plan for today is to park my car at the Zollersteighof and walk to the viewpoint at the Zeller Horn to take a few photos. I would have enough time for that because tickets for the castle were only available from 5pm. I booked online because the Royal Winter Magic is very popular and sells out days in advance - even during the week. My ticket cost 23 € and includes the shuttle service as well as a tour of the castle inside and out. You can find out why it's actually a palace rather than a castle in my article Castle or Palace: What are the Differences?
Hohenzollern Castle "Royal Winter Magic" info
Address: 72379 Hohenzollern Castle
Opening hours: until January 6, 2025, Sunday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., from December 25 daily 3 - 9 p.m. Last admission to the castle grounds 60 minutes before the end, last admission to the showrooms 30 minutes before the end. Attention: there are some rest days (see website)
Admission: All current prices and the option to book tickets online (recommended!) can be found at here.
For further information, see Website of Hohenzollern Castle.
Dull start: shopping instead of hiking
The weather is much worse than forecast. It's not raining, but it's dull and gray. In Bisingen, I realize that the Alb is covered in fog and I can forget about my little hike. There's nothing to see of the castle, so I can save myself the Zeller Horn. After a look at Google Maps, I decide on the Mey and Schiesser underwear outlets as an alternative. I pick up a few bargains, which have a positive effect on my mood.
A cozy stopover in Albstadt
Now it's only 2:30 p.m. and I decide to drive to Albstadt-Ebingen, have a coffee and see if I can find a few more Christmas presents in the stores.
I'm lucky with the café. In Josis Klausea cosy, festively decorated feel-good place with an adjoining guesthouse - the owner offers her appetizing-looking, home-baked cakes. I enjoy a speculoos and mandarin cream cake with my cappuccino. Afterwards, I stroll through the cozy but unspectacular pedestrian zone and buy a few sweet gifts at AlbstadtLiebe.
The first view of the majestic castle
By now it's after 4 p.m. and it's high time I made my way to the castle. The mighty castle emerges from the fog just before I climb the Zollerberg. I find a place to stop and take a photo.
With the shuttle bus to the Adlertor
There are parking lot attendants at parking lot 2 far below the castle. If you haven't booked online, you can make your way back straight away, because the Winterzauber is sold out. I join the queue at the shuttle bus stop. The first two buses leave without me because there are too many people waiting ahead of me. But it only takes about a quarter of an hour before I'm on the bus too. My ticket is scanned in front of the Adlertor and then it's a short uphill walk in serpentines.
There's plenty to see along the way - for example these wall niches with LED stars illuminated in different, changing colors.
In the castle courtyard: magical illuminations and an atmospheric ambience
When I arrive in the castle courtyard, the light show is in full swing. Stars, fairytale figures and the Hohenzollern coat of arms are projected onto the castle walls - simply magical!
Interior tour: Magnificent chambers and Christmas splendor
I'm already a bit chilled. Time to go inside. I'm allowed to take my rucksack inside, but I can't carry it on my back - I have to strap it to my stomach. Given the opulently furnished rooms, in which a lot can really get broken, this is understandable.
The first stop on the tour of the chambers is the Count's Hall with its richly decorated festive table and beautiful Christmas tree, on which baubles and lights twinkle in competition.
The tour continues through the chambers of the king and queen, princes and princesses. You can't help but be amazed at all the splendor and magnificence. There is at least one Christmas tree in every room, always color-coordinated with the interior.
Peace and contemplation in St. Michael's Chapel
After the tour, I take a look inside St. Michael's Chapel. In the anteroom of the chapel there is an exhibition on the history of Christmas decorations made of glass.
Culinary finale under the full moon
After watching the court juggler Klaus Klücklich produce gigantic soap bubbles, I get myself a portion of Maultaschen with potato salad at the food stand in the castle garden. The food is delicious, as is the mulled wine. Now I can make my way home feeling refreshed. It was nice!
Hohenzollern Castle at a glance
Hohenzollern Castle sits majestically on an 855-metre-high mountain cone. It is the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern, one of the most important German noble families, from which the kings of Prussia emerged from 1701, and the emperors of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918.
- Building history: Today's castle is the third castle to be built on this site. The first castle was built in the 11th century, but fell victim to a siege in 1423. The second castle was built in the 15th century, but fell into disrepair over time. Between 1850 and 1867, the present neo-Gothic castle was finally built under King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
- Architecture: Court architect Friedrich August Stüler combined elements of Romanticism with medieval fortifications. He designed today's castle as a monument to the Hohenzollern dynasty in a historicist style with towers, battlements and a magnificent interior.
- Significance: Today, Hohenzollern Castle is a symbol of the history and power of the Hohenzollern dynasty. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
The combination of history, architecture and unique location makes Hohenzollern Castle an unforgettable excursion destination.
12 of 12 info
If you enjoyed this glimpse into my day and have a blog yourself, join in the fun!
The photo project 12 of 12 was initiated by Caro from Draußen nur Kännchen. On the 12th of the month, you take lots of photos throughout the day, and in the evening, you pick 12 of them to write a short description about. Under Caro's 12 of 12 posting you will find a list in which you can enter your own 12 of 12 blog post.
You like this post and want to get the latest updates? Then subscribe to my newsletter!
If you are planning a vacation in Germany - whether a weekend trip, a city break or a trip lasting several weeks - then you will want to read more
Are you ready to discover Germany's magnificent landscapes? This comprehensive guide takes you to the 52 most beautiful areas of our country read more
Even if you're not a winter sports enthusiast, there are good reasons to travel through Germany in December: the Christmas markets. In fact read more
The weather is good again for today's 12 out of 12. The forecast is for a pleasant 15 to 18 degrees. Me read more
EN 
DE
Dear Angie,
I really enjoyed visiting Hohenzollern Castle with you. And all without cold feet, waiting for the shuttle bus and organizing the excursion!
I think your photo with the colorfully illuminated castle is phenomenal and reminded me that I've actually wanted to visit the castle for years, but perhaps not necessarily in winter.
I wish you a wonderful Advent Sunday.
Best regards
Ilka
Dear Ilka,
I'm really pleased that you like my post. Thank you for the lovely feedback! The castle is worth a visit at any time of year, but the Royal Winter Magic is a particularly nice event for the Christmas season that I can recommend to anyone. I only really had to wait at the shuttle bus station, and at 10 - 15 minutes I didn't think it was too bad. Apart from that, there are no crowds upstairs and everything is very relaxed - easy to enjoy. Of course, you only see the opulent Christmas decorations in the rooms during the "Winter Magic". I wish you happy holidays and a happy new year!
Cheers,
Angelika