Schloss Lichtenstein Audio Guide
Explore Schloss Lichtenstein with Stanza's GPS-triggered offline audio guide.
About the Tour
A 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built on historic medieval foundations overlooking the Echaz valley. It is renowned for its dramatic cliffside position and its architectural homage to Wilhelm Hauff's novel 'Lichtenstein'.
What you will hear
The Fairy Tale Facade
The first stop establishes the castle's identity as the 'Märchenschloss Württembergs' (Fairy Tale Castle) and its 19th-century Neo-Gothic design inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's novel.
The Gatehouse Drawbridge
This entrance was inspired by a work of fiction, rebuilt by Count Wilhelm von Urach after he was moved by a popular historical novel about the castle's ruins.
The Artillery Bastion
Focuses on Duke Wilhelm's role as an artillery officer and his efforts to create a functional, symbolic fortress in the mid-19th century.
Augusta Bastion
The Augusta Bastion reflects Duke Wilhelm's military expertise, featuring functional gun ports and a rugged stone base integrated directly into the cliffside.
The Master of Lichtenstein Gallery
This area highlights the castle's role as a museum for rare Gothic art, specifically the works of the unknown 'Master of Lichtenstein'.
The Baptism of Christ
This 15th-century panel depicts a castle in the background that may have influenced the modern building's design, linking real history with romantic reconstruction.
The Messkirch Altarpiece
A collection of 16th-century panels by the Master of Messkirch, representing the high quality of the castle's religious art collection.
Saint Cyprian of Carthage
This finely detailed panel features Saint Cyprian, showcasing the sophisticated oil painting techniques used to capture the intricate textures of his vestments.
The Ruins of Alt-Lichtenstein
A short walk from the modern castle leads to the original medieval site, providing the historical foundation for the site's romantic reconstruction.
The Medieval Staircase
These ancient stone steps bridge the gap between the real medieval history of the ruins and the romantic vision of the modern castle.
Want to hear the rest?
Download the Stanza app to unlock all 24 stops and full GPS-guided navigation.