The Haunted Castle of Hohenzollern: Kings and Phantoms
Rising majestically above the forests of the Swabian Alps in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Hohenzollern Castle appears as though conjured from the pages of a gothic fairytale. Perched upon Mount Hohenzollern at an elevation of over 850 metres, the castle is one of Germany’s most iconic and romanticised landmarks. But beneath its turrets and towers, the ancestral seat of Prussian kings and German emperors harbours tales not just of regal splendour, but also of spectral inhabitants — phantoms who refuse to leave the halls of power behind.
From ghostly white ladies to the lingering spirits of Prussian royalty, the haunted legacy of Hohenzollern Castle blends historical grandeur with chilling folklore. It is a place where the veil between past and present seems especially thin.
A Fortress of Dynasties
The current Hohenzollern Castle, the third built on this sacred mountaintop, was constructed between 1850 and 1867 under King Frederick William IV of Prussia, whose romantic vision of medieval architecture inspired the Neo-Gothic splendour of the castle we see today. But the site’s history stretches far deeper.
The original castle, likely built in the early 11th century, was destroyed in 1423 after a lengthy siege. A second version was built shortly after, which served as a refuge during times of conflict. By the time of the 19th-century reconstruction, the Hohenzollerns had already become a central European power, producing emperors, kings, and princes whose influence shaped German and European history.
Today, the castle remains privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern, and despite being partially open to the public, it remains imbued with centuries of personal and political resonance. And, some would say, supernatural presence.
The White Lady of Hohenzollern
Among the most enduring ghost stories tied to the castle is that of the Weiße Frau, or White Lady, a spectral figure common to many aristocratic hauntings across Europe. But in the case of Hohenzollern, the White Lady’s tale is intimately tied to historical record.
She is widely believed to be Countess Kunigunde von Orlamünde, a 14th-century noblewoman who, legend claims, murdered her two children to marry into the Hohenzollern family. The tale goes that she misunderstood a comment from her lover — a Hohenzollern noble — who had said he could only marry her ”when four eyes no longer stood between them.” Believing he referred to her children, she killed them, only to be rejected anyway. Overcome with guilt, she entered a convent, where she died in penance.
Since then, her ghost is said to wander various Hohenzollern properties — including the Berlin City Palace, Plassenburg Castle, and Hohenzollern Castle itself. Dressed in flowing white, she reportedly appears before deaths or tragedies within the royal family, a grim omen that has made her a deeply feared — and revered — presence.
One documented sighting occurred in 1848, just before the death of Princess Frederica of Prussia, and again before the death of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Guards and staff at Hohenzollern Castle have since claimed to see her figure gliding silently through the halls, particularly near the chapel and crypt.
The Phantom of King Frederick I
Another figure said to haunt the castle is King Frederick I of Prussia, the first King in Prussia, crowned in 1701. Though he died long before the current castle was built, his spirit is rumoured to have returned to the ancestral home in times of turmoil.
Witnesses have reported hearing the sound of booted footsteps in empty corridors, accompanied by the soft clinking of ceremonial medals. Others have described the strong scent of pipe smoke — a known habit of Frederick — wafting through closed rooms. In one particularly vivid account from the 1930s, a caretaker described seeing a man in 18th-century military uniform standing at a window, staring out at the valley below. When approached, the figure simply vanished.
Some paranormal investigators believe Frederick’s ghost guards the legacy of the Hohenzollerns, watching over the ancestral home and its royal bloodline, even in death.
Echoes in the Chapel and Crypt
The castle chapel, with its intricate stained glass and solemn silence, is often described as the most spiritually charged part of the castle. Visitors have reported feeling unexplained cold spots, strange sensations of being watched, and even sudden waves of nausea or dizziness near the altar — all classic hallmarks of paranormal phenomena.
The crypt below the chapel holds the tombs of various Hohenzollern royals. Local legend insists that any disturbance of the tombs results in bad luck or tragedy. During one restoration effort in the early 20th century, a workman who disturbed one of the coffins reportedly died in a freak accident just days later.
There are also reports of whispering voices, often in archaic German, echoing in the underground corridors even when the castle is closed to visitors. Paranormal teams have attempted EVP recordings here, claiming to capture faint names and disjointed phrases, often tied to historical figures interred within the crypt.
Night Watchmen and Modern-Day Sightings
Though much of Hohenzollern Castle’s haunting lore dates back centuries, modern experiences continue to fuel its reputation. Night watchmen and security personnel have spoken of phantom footsteps, flickering lights, and strange shadows in surveillance footage. Some even refuse to enter certain wings alone after dark.
One particularly unnerving tale comes from a guide who claimed to hear the distinct voice of a woman humming a lullaby in a locked, unoccupied guest room. When the door was unlocked minutes later, the room was completely empty — but the scent of lavender, once used in noblewomen’s perfumes, lingered in the air.
The staff often report doors opening and closing unaided, or objects moving between shifts. Despite increased technological monitoring, explanations remain elusive.
Rational Voices and Spiritual Belief
Of course, sceptics argue that many of these experiences are rooted in suggestion, historical romanticism, or architectural acoustics. Hohenzollern Castle, with its looming halls, candlelit chapels, and imposing portraits, certainly offers an atmospheric backdrop for the imagination to wander.
But for those who have experienced the uncanny within its walls, belief often requires no proof. The stories, passed down through generations of nobility and locals, are part of the castle’s identity. And even the current descendants of the Hohenzollerns have spoken cautiously about the ”presence” that lingers within the family’s ancestral seat.
A Castle of Kings and Shadows
Hohenzollern Castle stands as a testament not only to the architectural ambitions of 19th-century monarchs, but also to the lingering spirits of dynastic power. Whether as a regal relic or a haunted stronghold, the castle continues to draw visitors eager to glimpse both the majesty of Prussian history and the ghosts that may still walk its halls.
To stand on the ramparts of Hohenzollern at dusk, mist curling through the forest below, is to understand the deep pull of a place where power, legacy, and mystery converge. Here, in the heart of Germany, kings may rest — but perhaps not in peace.
Visiting Hohenzollern Castle
For those intrigued by both history and the supernatural, visiting Hohenzollern Castle offers a rich and unforgettable experience. Open to the public for much of the year, the castle invites guests to explore its dramatic architecture, richly furnished chambers, and breathtaking views of the Swabian Alps. Highlights include the opulent King’s Hall, the family tree gallery, and the beautifully restored chapel — a focal point not only of religious significance but also of reported paranormal activity.
The crypt, while not always open to casual visitors, is often included in guided tours, offering a solemn glimpse into the royal legacy buried beneath the castle’s stone floors. Those sensitive to atmosphere may find the chapel and crypt particularly stirring, as many have reported strange sensations or chills in these areas.
While there is no officially sanctioned ghost tour, seasonal events sometimes highlight the castle’s haunted lore, particularly around Halloween or during special night tours. These twilight visits offer a more atmospheric journey through the dim corridors and candlelit halls, allowing visitors to walk the same paths where watchmen and nobles once stood — and where whispers from the past are still said to echo.
Practical considerations include wearing comfortable shoes for the uphill approach and layered clothing, as temperatures can shift quickly, especially in the higher elevations. Audio guides and printed materials are available in multiple languages, helping guests understand the castle’s layered history and legends.
Whether you come for the history, the haunting stories, or simply the stunning panorama, Hohenzollern Castle leaves a powerful impression. It is a place where beauty and melancholy, grandeur and ghostliness, exist side by side — a living monument to Germany’s imperial past and its lingering mysteries.