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! :)