Castles in Germany: Hohenzollern Castle

Taking a break with Hohenzollern Castle in the distance

What better way to see Hohenzollern Castle than hike to it?  And hike we did, over 15km in total.  I've done a lot of hiking, but I've never had a castle as a rest stop and Hohenzollern Castle is beautiful and historic.  We could see it in the distance as we were hiking the Swabian Alps (Schwäbische Alb in German) and it certainly motivated us on this very hot day (28C).

Road less traveled leading to Hohenzollern Castle

View from Hohenzollern Castle

There are much easier ways to get to Hohenzollern Castle, i.e. drive, then take a shuttle bus from the parking lot as most people do.  I'm quite sure the people we went on the tour of Hohenzollern Castle with wished we had done this as well from the disgusted looks on their faces as they tried to move away from us in the cramped corners of the castle.  I can't say I blame them, two sweaty hikers don't exactly smell like roses.  I offer my profuse apologies but in all likelihood will do it again, as hiking to a castle is an experience to be repeated at every opportunity I get.  Fortunately for me, there are a lot of castles in Germany!
More info on Hohenzollern Castle.  (limited tours in English)