germany's royal heritage

  • Hohenzollern Castle sits enthroned on the Zollern Mountain and offers majestic panoramic views.
    Hohenzollern Castle ©Roland Beck (Burg Hohenzollern)
  • Built by Henry the Lion between 1173 and 1195 as a three-aisled vaulted basilica. Henry the Lion chose this church as his tomb, and was buried here in 1195 next to his wife, Matilda. His son Otto IV, a German Kaiser and king, completed the construction of the cathedral.
    Cathedral of Saint Blasius © Stadt Braunschweig/Gisela Rothe
  • With its Residence Museum, Celle Castle (from 1292) is one of the most beautiful Hanoverian castles in Germany.
    Celle Castle (late summer) © www.celle-tourismus.de
  • Facilities at the Princely Equestrian Academy of Bückeburg: The riding master and grooms of the Princely Equestrian Academy present the Baroque equestrian centre at Bückeburg Castle
    Facilities at the Princely Equestrian Academy of Bückeburg © Fürstliche Hofreitschule/Gabrielle Boiselle
  • The Golden Gate probably dates from the seventeenth century It offers a clear a view of the gallery building built between 1694 and 1698 based on master builder Johan Peter Wachter's (from Electoral Palatinate) designs for Elector Ernst August and his wife Electress Sophie.
    Golden Gate © Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH/Hassan Mahramzadeh
  • Partial view of the inner courtyard of the Baroque palace in Osnabrück. Osnabrück Castle was built in 1667-1673 as a fourwing Baroque complex.
    Inner courtyard of the Baroque palace in Osnabrück © Tourismusverband Osnabrücker Land e.V.
  • Fürstenberg renaissance castle and porcellain manufactory upon the river Weser.
    Fürstenberg Courtyard © Porzellanmanufaktur FÜRSTENBERG, Fotograf Krukemeyer
  • King George V gave his wife Marienburg Castle for her 39th birthday in 1857 as a symbol of his abiding love.
    Marienburg Castle near Hanover © Schloss Marienburg, EAC GmbH (SMB)
  • Promenade Norderney. Norderney - the royal isalnd in the North Sea.
    Promenande Norderney © Staatsbad Norderney
  • With "Hanover's Rulers on the British Throne: 1714-1837", Lower Saxony's 2014 State Exhibition is dedicated to the time of the personal union.
    Hanover State Museum © Landesmuseum Hannover
  • Dresden. Pillnitz Palace
    Dresden. Pillnitz Palace © Dresden Marketing
  • North elevation of Sigmaringen Castle, standing majestic on the rock in the centre of Sigmaringen
    North elevation of Sigmaringen Castle © Schloss Sigmaringen
  • Veste Coburg Fortress: the Franconian Crown
    Veste Coburg Fortress: the Franconian Crown © Stadt Coburg
  • Callenberg Castle: Ducal Art Collection & German Shooting Sport Museum
    Callenberg Castle: Ducal Art Collection & German Shooting Sport Museum © Stadt Coburg
  • Ehrenburg Palace: former residence of the dukes of Coburg
    Ehrenburg Palace: former residence of the dukes of Coburg © Stadt Coburg
  • Rosenau Castle: Where Prince Albert was born
    Rosenau Castle: Where Prince Albert was born © Stadt Coburg
  • Island of Reichenau: Church in Mittelzell in the background and Hortulus herbal garden in the front
    Island of Reichenau: Church in Mittelzell & Hortulus herbal garden © Lake Constance Gardens
  • Sanssouci Palace
    Sanssouci Palace ©Stiftung Preussische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin - Brandenburg / Leo Seidel

British German Royal Heritage Route

Welcome to the Royal Castles, Parks and Gardens of Germany! The connections between Great Britain and Germany’s Royal Families go back to more than 300 years. The first Hanoverian King of England was only 52nd in line to the throne, but thanks to the Act of Settlement, George was the nearest Protestant eligible to take the crown. Not so long ago Germany was ruled by an astonishing 22 monarchies, including four kingdoms, eleven duchies and seven principalities.

Through this website, we aim to open the doors to Germany’s magnificent royal treasures and traditions. Our journey starts in Lower Saxony – the seat of the Hanoverian Kings of Germany, Great Britain and Ireland - and continues throughout the rest of Germany. Discover picturesque palaces, gorgeous gardens and experience extraordinary events. You will take home unforgettable memories from a country where the royal legacy is still alive and thriving.

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen in Hannover are among the most beautiful parks in Europe. Three styles of landscape art are represented here in a state of perfection.

Where to go – Your Royal Tour of Germany

Do you want to walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens? Take a journey through time and discover royal heritage in Germany. There are many fascinating and surprising connections to the British Royal Family. Your Royal Tour of Germany starts right here.

Common heritage

A large, ornate building with towers and a dome visible over a lake.

How to get there – Your Carriage Awaits

Why not undertake a ‘Royal Tour’ of your own? Travel like a King or Queen with one of our reputable tour operators, who will put your itinerary together from start to finish, take care of all the details, leaving you free to just relax and enjoy your trip of discovery into Britain and Germany’s royal associations.

Tour Operators and booking websites

Magnificently groomed stallions, sparkling harnesses and historic uniforms make the annual event at the Lower Saxony stud farm a special experience for young and old alike!

What to do – Festivities Fit for a King

Festivals and celebrations, exhibitions and illuminations, museums and concerts – you will be spoilt for choice when travelling in Germany. Discover hidden jewels, baroque splendour and superb entertainment – with a distinctly regal style.

Exhibitions and more

Outside view of Altenkamp Manor with a flower-bed of crocuses in the front.

More to explore – Picturesque Palaces and Gorgeous Gardens

Your royal journey does not end here. Germany is steeped in history and has a long and rich tradition which dates back to medieval times. Explore a country which is dotted with fairytale castles and heroic forts, royal palaces and garden treasures. There is royalty all over Germany – just waiting to be discovered.

More Castles, Parks and Tours

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