Another throwback to beautiful autumn travels around Germany.  Hohenzollern Castle is about an hour south of Stuttgart (about 4 hours from Grafenwoehr).  It was an easy trip out of Stuttgart (perfect if you are already there doing the Pumpkin Fest or the Cannstater Volksfest- also don't miss out on Lichtenstien Castle that's nearby!) This is my second time visiting and I loved it just as much this time... the amazing sunny day didn't hurt!  
It was such a beautiful day and we really enjoyed walking around the castle grounds. Last time I was here it was so foggy I couldn't see any of the castle until we got right up on it.  I had to stop and take pictures this time even though it looks so small in the distance!  There are some awesome shots of this castle online taken from an airplane or drone so you can see the whole complex... as a photographer I'm always sad when I can't get those shots too hahaha.
This Hohenzollern Castle dates back to 1454 (there was an earlier one that was destroyed by fire). It is the seat of House of Hohenzollern and it sits atop a mountain in the Swabian Alps.

You park at a lower level, buy your entrance tickets (there's also a ticket booth at the top) and then you can either hike up or take a shuttle bus for a small fee. The shuttle drops you off at the drawbridge of the castle and then you can wind your way up to the top.





There is a beer garden/restaurant in the interior of the grounds. Perfect 1st stop if you decided to hike up! :)

This castle was built about 1840 and is now privately owned but open to visitors.

Holy Cow! That was basically my reaction when I walked around the corner and saw this.... I probably took 100 pics in every different angle! The sky was perfect, it was the golden hour where every thing looks beautiful- a photographers dream! (That's how I get around the Eiffel Tower- even though I've taken so many pictures of it, it amazes me every time I and I try to get new shots, new lighting...)

I mean isn't this lighting just drool worthy!!!


There is a guided tour on the inside which looks pretty cool (medievel weapons and armor) but we missed out on it and barely got inside before they closed the gates! When the sun is shining and it's a beautiful fall day you can just kind of lose track of time but we were so glad we didn't drive that way for no reason! Nov-Mar the castle is closed or has really shortened hours so make sure to look at the times before you head there :)

There were lookout points where you could see the entire valley below.  Sorry for the excessive amount of shots but there were just so many amazing ones I couldn't choose! :)

I loved this one- the color is my favorite and it was just tucked right into the mountainside! I loved the art on this white one as well.
St. Sebastian Church




After you walk around town for a bit look for the "zur burg" sign near the church.  You walk up steps basically the whole way to the top and it's pretty steep but there are some great lookout points along the way to stop and take pictures (and catch your breath!)
I got up there just as the sun was setting and I was completely on my own so it made for some pretty cool shots.

This reminds me of Lord of the Rings when they were up in the castle ruins fighting the Nazgul (nerd alert! haha)

Amazing shots of the town of Kallmunz.



This little owl on the end of the bridge was a perfect end to a great day of exploring and hiking.
Kallmünz 93183 Germany

Access to the castle by the trailhead that is in between the yellow church & Apotheke. Follow the steps past the homes and gardens. You will see the railing & cobble stone like steps leading you onward to the castle on your left hand side.
Hours: EVERYDAY- Always open at your own risk.
Hike: 3/4 mile very steep (consisted of mostly steps)
Fee: FREE
Parking: FREE (in town)