State-of-the-art technology within ancient walls: 9 palaces and castles

Hohenzollern Castle: 3D models in the museum and on the cycle path

Hechingen: Count`s Hall in Hohenzollern Castle ©DZT (Florian Trykowski)

The castle perched on Zollerberg looks back on more than a thousand years of history – and surprises visitors with innovative digital offerings. The Castle-App guides visitors through the Count's Hall, the treasury and other museum rooms. Thanks to GPS recognition, it automatically launches explanations, audio texts and background stories. Keen for more? On this 95-kilometre-long adventure cycle route , the history of the Hohenzollern family is also brought to life elsewhere via augmented reality figures and 3D models.

Zwinger: history meets high tech

Dresden: The Dresden Zwinger ©DDPIX (Marcel Quietzsch)

This Dresden landmark is one of Europe's most important late Baroque buildings. The multimedia exhibition 'Zwinger Xperience' vividly illustrates the transformation of power, splendour and palace gardens. VR stations, 360-degree projections and touch media points convey content in multiple languages. The virtual balloon flight through the building's history and the immersive depiction of the wedding of Frederick Augustus II are particularly fascinating.

Wilhelmsburg Castle: videos with depth

This ensemble in Schmalkalden combines three strong components: its location in the half-timbered town, its almost-original Renaissance buildings and its compelling digital storytelling. In addition to professional videos on the Schmalkaldic League in its permanent exhibition, it also offers YouTube explanatory episodes that can be played via QR code, as well as audio guides for schoolchildren and interactive stations that engage all target groups – ideal even for those new to museums.

Marksburg: the future is digital

Braubach: Aerial view of the Marksburg with a view of the Rhine ©Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley, St. Goar (Mahlow Media, Winningen)

The Marksburg in Braubach is the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. A visit vividly conveys this special state of preservation. However, the large-scale 3D digitisation project also opens up new possibilities and a contemporary approach, creating the basis for virtual tours and interactive learning modules. The future display of its armoury, with life-size knight figures from the Gimbel Collection, promises exciting insights.

Herrenhausen Palace: explore the garden through an app!

Hanover: Herrenhausen Palace with Herrenhausen Gardens, Great Garden with fountain ©HMTG (Lars Gerhardts)

The Baroque gardens of Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover are world-famous. With the 'Actionbound' app, their splendour also unfolds digitally. A GPS-assisted garden tour takes you through all the stations while offering botanical insights. In addition to this, 360-degree tours allow visitors to explore the garden and palace virtually. In the museum, digital media and interactive elements enrich its exhibition on the history of the House of Welf.

Veste Oberhaus: an adventure trip for all ages

Fascination of the Middle Ages exhibition at the Oberhausmuseum Passau ©Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH (Florian Trykowski)

The over 800-year-old Veste Oberhaus fortress towers high above Passau. Where prince-bishops once resided, one of Europe's largest preserved castle complexes now invites visitors to take a journey through time. It also entertains families with children – with puzzles, photo stations and an appthat tells entertaining stories featuring the falcon mascot Pilgrim. Interactive content enhances the exhibitions and provides information on viewpoints.

Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens: interactive excursion into the Baroque era

Schwetzingen: Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens ©Adobe Stock (rkbox)

The Baroque palace gardens are unique in Europe and feature ponds, arbours, an orangery, a temple of Apollo, a bathhouse and the palace itself. The app 'Erlebnistour Schlossgarten inklusiv' (English: Inclusive palace gardens adventure tour) also reliably leads visitors with limited mobility through the facility – thanks to 360-degree images and clear route guidance. Digital information pillars and online tours round off the selection.

Mannheim Baroque Palace: where even your ears become eyes

Mannheim: Baroque palace along the Burgenstraße ©Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH (Achim Mende)

With the free app 'Monument BW' , visitors can explore one of Europe's largest Baroque palaces on their own and gain fascinating insights into this electoral residence. The 'Erlebnisraum Hofmusik' experience room brings the musical heyday of the Mannheim school to life in sound and sight. Another highlight is the virtually-reconstructed state bedroom, which visitors can explore using VR glasses.

Albrechtsburg Meissen: travel through time with the 'HistoPad'

Meissen: Albrechtsburg Castle ©Adobe Stock (foto_tech)

Germany's oldest castle impresses with its Gothic architecture and striking murals – and with digital innovation. The tablet guide, called 'HistoPad' and available at no extra charge, uses augmented reality to guide visitors through eight rooms and nine time periods back to the 15th century in 3D. Interactive features such as maps, treasure hunts and 'historical selfies' are also included. Top tip: HistoPad tours are also available at the nearby castles of Moritzburg and Colditz.