Did you know there are two Lichtensteins in Germany? Once the Lichtenstein in Saxony, twice the Lichtenstein in the fantastic Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg. And this page is dedicated to the latter. :-)
So, if castles and caves excite you, you’ll be talking about Lichtenstein (Württemberg) long after you’ve read this page, or long after you’ve visited.
The biggest site in this Lichtenstein is Schloss Lichtenstein. Built in 1390, the only way you’re going to see this castle is by guided tour. I don’t think German romance author Wilhelm Hauff had to take a tour, though. So inspired by this castle, Herr Hauff wrote about it in one of his first stories.
The castle returned the favor and erected a monument to the writer nearby. There’s even a museum (known as the Wilhelm Hauff Museum) in town, too.
Also nearby are the ruins of the first Castle Lichtenstein, known around here as Alt-Lichtenstein. This one predates the other one by a few hundred years and destroyed for good around the end of the 1370’s. I guess its strategic location 800 meters above sea level on a craggy steep cliff didn’t keep it from getting sacked. ;-)
The other castles ruins to see here is Castle Greifenstein. This one stood only for about 200 years before it was leveled in 1311.
From castles on high steep cliffs to the dark recesses of caves is next up in Lichtenstein. Three of the most popular are the Nebelhöhle (Fog Cave), the Olgahöhle (Olga Cave), and the Goldloch Cave. Come about six weeks after Easter for the Nebelhöhlenfest (Olga Cave Festival) around the Christian Ascension. The Fog Cave holds its around Pentecost.
But, I kind of like the Rockbierfest held on/around April 30. Yes, that’s right, a Beer Festival! However, you folks out there might prefer the Beach Party at the town’s pool that kicks off the Summer Holidays, or the Christmas Market that takes place on the second weekend of Advent. Right after that is the annual New Years Handball Tournament.
Stick with me here in this Lichtenstein (Württemberg) and you might just forget entirely that there’s even a third one!
