German Palaces That Will Make Your Jaw Drop: 12 Hidden, Lush Locations

There’s one German castle that almost any traveler would recognize: Neuschwanstein.

Recently inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s likely to draw even more tourists to the small Bavarian town of Hohenschwangau in Germany’s south.

But should you bother with a castle that was built in the late 1800s to mimic earlier models?

If you haven’t heard, Neuschwanstein isn’t typically considered a historic castle. It was built as a passion project (similar to a folly) by King Ludwig II in a style known as castle romanticism.

That should tell you what you need to know—the castle, though wholly impressive, was designed and built to mimic the stately, grand castles and keeps of the Middle Ages, mostly for fun, for grandeur, for the chance to display a great sum of wealth.

But if you’re on the hunt for German palaces, churches, and buildings that are actually historic, moody, atmospheric, and even slightly spooky, then you need to look beyond the purview of Neuschwanstein.

Here’s where to go to find German palaces that will have you transfixed and staring for hours.

Quick note: The locations below are listed with the terms palace and schloss, interchangeably. Schloss is German for palace and castle, depending on the context.

German palaces that will make your jaw drop

Schloss Weissenstein or Weißenstein (Pommersfelden)
Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam)
Schloss Moritzburg (Moritzburg)
Nymphenburg Palace (Munich)
Munich Residence or The Residenz (Munich)
Schloss Pillnitz (Dresden)
Schloss Veitshöchheim (Veitshöchheim)
New Castle or Neues Schloss (Bayreuth)
Würzburg Residenz (Wurzberg)
Charlottenburg Palace (Berlin)
Schloss Schleissheim (Oberschleissheim)
Schloss Johannisburg (Aschaffenburg)

The most lush, opulent German palaces

Schloss Weissenstein or Weißenstein (Pommersfelden)

Let’s kick this list off with the coolest German palace of the bunch—and by cool, I mean its exclusive. Built in the early 1700s as a private residential palace for the noble Schönborn line, this unique Baroque masterpiece is still in the family.

In fact, it’s home to the family’s collection of Baroque art—which is the largest private collection in the world. Despite still being in the Schönborn family, this schloss is open to the public. And it’s easily my favorite of the bunch. If you’ve been watching Netflix’s The Empress, you might recognize the grounds—they’re Sisi’s main residence in the show.

Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam)

Potsdam, Germany – May 2019: Frederick the Great monument with Orangery at background in Sanssouci park (Getty)

Built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in 1747, Sanssouci Palace is often dubbed Germany’s Versailles. In fact, the name comes from the French ‘sans souci’, which translates to ‘witout worries’. The main difference, however, is the palace’s size—it has one floor sat atop a terraced hill. The Rococo design is endlessly lush and detail-oriented, drawing the eye. There are also temples and follies dotting a grand, almost endless garden.

Schloss Moritzburg (Moritzburg)

Of all the German palaces listed here, Moritzburg is the cutest—it almost looks like a Studio Ghibli creation. It’s also one of the oldest, having first been constructed in the mid-1500s for the Duke Moritz of Saxony as a private hunting lodge. Over the centuries, it was slowly expanded and continually inhabited by royals and nobles. And that only ended when the Soviets showed up to repo the palace in 1945.

Nymphenburg Palace (Munich)

Hall of Mirrors in Amalienburg, on the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace or Nymph’s Castle) (Getty)

Nymphenburg Palace wins the name of games—it translates to Palace of the Nymphs. Built in the late 1600s by the noble House of Wittelsbach, the Palace of the Nymphs has a larger main edifice than even the Palace of Versailles. Like you might expect, you can expect to see mythological motifs and themes through the palace murals, textiles, architecture, and more.

Munich Residence or The Residenz (Munich)

The same Wittelsbach royals who constructed the Nymphenburg Palace also built the Residenz in Munich. As one of the most powerful families in Bavaria that ruled from Munich, The Residenz includes multiple buildings, courtyards, and plazas that served their needs. There are residential wings, a theatre, treasury, coin collection, Egyptian art collection, and more.

Schloss Pillnitz (Dresden)

Castle Pillnitz, Dresden, Saxony, Germany (Getty)

This restored Baroque castle is a riverside palace with three unique buildings that have an Eastern influence. The castle was built in a Neoclassical style with many ‘Chinoiserie’ elements, which is a European take on traditional Chinese architecture. Fun fact: the original grounds held a fortress, which was purchased and expanded into a palace by a powerful local official as a gift for his favorite mistress.

Schloss Veitshöchheim (Veitshöchheim)

Schloss Veitshoechheim, Bayern, Deutschland / Veitshöchheim (Photo by Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

This is one of the more modest German palaces on this list, created as a summer getaway spot for a local noble family in the 1680s. The gardens are particularly beautiful, offering grand sculptures in the Rococo and Baroque styles.

New Castle or Neues Schloss (Bayreuth)

Bayreuth, Germany – May 18, 2023: Fountain at the New Palace, Neues Schloss in the park of historical Hermitage (Getty)

Carefully reconstructed after a devastating fire in the mid-1700s, New Castle (which replaced Old Castle) is a master class in Baroque style in the local style. There’s a lavish ballroom with tons of gold stucco, for example, along with a grand palm room that’s home to emerald fronds. Though a bit out of the way, it’s a hot spot for architectural and design buffs, as its considered a crown jewel in Europe’s Baroque tradition.

Pro tip: New Castle is on the grounds of the Hermitage or Eremitage (in German) of Bayreuth. The complex includes other must-see sites, including remnants of the Old Palace.

Würzburg Residenz (Wurzberg)

Like the Munich Residenz, this isn’t a traditional schloss—it’s a grand palace that served as the private residence and administrative hub for local nobility and royals of the Schönburg family. (That’s the same noble family behind Schloss Weissenstein.)

It’s considered one of the premier spots in Europe to experience Rococo and Baroque master paintings and murals. Frescoes were completed by famous Venetian painters, which is partly the reason the Würzburg Residenz was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Charlottenburg Palace (Berlin)

Though certainly not off the beaten path, Charlottenburg is a can’t-miss for any fans of truly opulent German palaces. The grounds, which were built in the late 1600s for the royals, offer one of the most lavish Baroque and Rococo interiors in Europe. (Fun fact: Charlottenburg Palace, which was refurbished extensively post-WWII, was also the seat of the German presidency from 2004-06.)

Schloss Schleissheim (Oberschleissheim)

This three-for-one palace includes three massive residences that were built by the noble Wittelsbach family in the late 1500s. That makes the original Old Palace a Renaissance-style country home, with further projects edging into the Rococo and Baroque eras.

However, you’ll notice quite a few recent restorations, as much of the complex was destroyed during World War II. If you visit, don’t miss the gallery of Baroque paintings—it’s one of the world’s most extensive collections.

Schloss Johannisburg (Aschaffenburg)

Chapel at Schloss Johannisburg in Aschaffenburg, Germany, 14 May 2015 (Photo by Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)

Built in the iconic red sandstone common to the area, this is a hard palace to forget. Built in the early 1600s for a local Prince-Bishop, it sits on the site of a historic keep from a castle dating back to the 1300s, which had been destroyed in the 1500s. It’s a little different from the other German palaces listed here, as the interior was fully converted in the early 1800s to a more modern Classic and Neo-Classic style.

Meet the Only 5 All-Inclusive US Virgin Island Resorts

The US Virgin Islands are some of the most accessible and exotic escapes for Americans.

First, because we don’t need a passport to visit, as the US Virgin Islands are an American territory. Second, the islands are some of the more affordable Caribbean escapes. Third, resorts come in all shapes and sizes, from family-friendly hotels to holiday-ready resorts that are chock-full of Christmas spirit.

Aside from the all-inclusive variety, unfortunately.

While all-inclusive resorts are common around the Caribbean, from the Riviera Maya to Jamaica, they’re far and few between in the USVI.

In fact, there are only five all-inclusive US Virgin Island resorts, as far as I can tell, spread across the three main islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The good news is that small number makes it easy for you to pick a winner for your all-inclusive vacation needs.

If you’re new to the USVI, then keep it simple by staying on St. Thomas—it’s where the main international airport is located.

Or, if you want a more adventurous vacation, head all the way out to St. Croix. It’s the largest island, and also the least populated. St. John is a great compromise. It’s less commercial and popular than St. Thomas, but a lot easier to reach compared to St. Croix.

Now onto the fun stuff. If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical, Caribbean escape at an all-inclusive US Virgin Islands resort, take a shortcut here. These are the best (and only) picks across all three islands.

All-inclusive US Virgin Islands resorts on St Thomas

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

With an outdoor pool, direct beach access, and nightly entertainment, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a perfect choice for anyone who likes a more high-energy escape.

While you can take it easy during the day by lounging on the beach, enjoying beach activities like snorkeling and kayaking, or heading out on a day trip, the nights come alive. Expect to make friends during the nightly entertainment events—and bring your dancing shoes.

Margaritaville Vacation Club

Even if you’re not really a Margaritaville person and have never visited one of its resorts, this vacation club is worth exploring. It’s modern, has tons of amenities (including a rooftop swimming pool), and is overwhelmingly family-friendly and laidback. Plus, it has some of the prettiest grounds out of this entire list. The gardens are lush and manicured, providing the perfect backdrop to soak up the Caribbean sun.

All-inclusive US Virgin Islands resorts on St Croix

Carina Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Casino

Want an adults-only, all-inclusive US Virgin Islands escape? Carina Bay is the only place you’ll find it. This adults-only boutique resort has three bars, several dining options, two pools, and direct beach access. Plus, you can enjoy activities like tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, and—of course—the on-site casino.

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort

Though not a true all-inclusive, this massive and well-known resort offers multiple packages that you can use to put together a mostly-inclusive trip. (There are also packages for romance and popping the question, if you’re looking for a romantic escape.) The Buccaneer is famous for its 340-acre property, which includes a large golf course, multiple tennis courts, a massive event venue, and more.

All-inclusive USVI resort on St John

The Westin St. John Resort Villas

You’ve got the option to create an all-inclusive vacation package at The Westin—and if you’ve got money saved up for a next-level vacation, this is a great place to funnel it. The Westin is perfectly designed for beach days (it has 400 yards of private, white sand beach), hours spent poolside, and even boating adventures via nearby Mangrove Bay.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 10—The Frenchies

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / Costa Rica

Still in Costa Rica for my first year of Global Studies, I was ready to strike out on my first independent study. Like you might remember, my college was a little experimental (see: Ch. 9) and didn’t fit into a traditional mold.

Instead of tests and midterms, we conducted field interviews and independent studies.

During my freshman year, I decided to go all-in on investigating the spirituality of surfing. Part of my study involved researching the origins and evolution of surfing as a hobby and sport. Another element was studying the psychology of sports and movement, mostly the concept of the flow state, created by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. (He’s called The Father of Flow—very cool guy.)

Lastly, I would be doing on-the-ground research by interviewing and observing real-life surfers along Costa Rica’s most popular (and surfable) coastline, mostly around Samara and Nosara in the country’s northwest.

Now that I’m writing this, I’m wondering if it would have been cooler to write about the conclusions of that study and the relationship between surfing, spirituality, and biology. Instead, I’m writing about a group of young French men (the Frenchies). Alas.

Part II / Samara

There are French people everywhere; they’re the group I most often meet in hostels, airports, and around the farthest reaches of civilization. So, it wasn’t a shock when a classmate and I rolled up to our treehouse hostel in Samara and found that we’d be sharing the bungalow-style setup with three French travelers and surfers.

It worked out perfectly; we met in the communal kitchen and introduced ourselves. That’s when the Frenchies offered to help us learn the basics of surfing. I only remember one of their names: Louis. He would be my chief surfing instructor.

Part III / Surfing

Heading to Samara to learn about the spirituality of surfing put me smack in the middle of one of Costa Rica’s most surfable beaches. That being said, it’s not an ideal spot for beginners—it’s a place with respectable swells where experienced surfers can catch the perfect barrel.

Cut to me being thrown every which way as Louis helped me learn the ropes. I was good at some parts of surfing, like picking up on the sets and having the patience to pick the right wave.

I was bad at everything else, like paddling and popping up, and staying up. I was mediocre at holding my breath as wave after wave crashed down over me.

But Louis was a great teacher. He was patient, and I remember sitting on our surfboards and chatting. He talked about the ocean, about how surfing is done with nature; surfing only happens when Mother Nature sends in a good set.

Other times, we didn’t talk much. In those moments, we were just enjoying the scenery, the cool water, and the warm sunlight. That was another important part of surfing: patience, intuition, and connection with the outdoors.

And then there was Louis. Looking back, it’s hard to separate him from the study. He was a living encapsulation of the spirituality of surfing, distilled into a human form.

Part IV / I can’t run fast

For around ten days, my classmate and I conducted our independent study from the treehouse hostel in Samara. Toward the end, the Frenchies packed their bags and prepared to head to another hostel in search of wilder beaches. They had a huge off-road jeep, perfect for loading up colorful surfboards.

I remember the afternoon my classmate and I were heading back to the hostel with plans to say goodbye. Instead, we saw the back of their Jeep as it cruised down the dirt road, away from Samara. We took off running and shouting, but they didn’t hear us; and we didn’t make it far because we had our surfboards with us.

I have never seen or heard of the Frenchies again, but I’d like to meet Louis again before I die. I would recognize him.

TL; DR my world tour of travel stories: At some point in your travels, you will benefit from befriending a group of Frenchies.

New Zealand Introduces New Tourists-Only Fees for Natural Landmarks

If you’ve been keeping track of hiked tourist fees and prices, you’ve had a busy year.

Off the top of my head, I can list a few new charges that tourists heading to popular destinations will face.

There’s the UK’s new flat ETA fee for all tourists entering the country. Then, there’s the new fee and time slot system at Peru’s famous Machu Picchu. Last are new green initiatives like Hawaii’s green tourist tax, which will start in 2026.

Now comes New Zealand. The country’s conservation minister recently announced plans to levy fees on tourists who visit the most famous landmarks around Aotearoa.

New fees for tourists in New Zealand—and controversy for local groups

New fees for some of New Zealand’s top landmarks haven’t yet been approved by national authorities, but the proposal would charge between NZ$20-40 for major sites, around USD 12-25. That’s per site.

Currently, the scheme only applies to Te Whanganui-a-Hei or Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Aoraki Mount Cook, and Milford Sound. However, additional sites could be added in the future.

There’s just one caveat: locals won’t be paying. These fees are exclusively for out-of-country visitors, who make up around 80% of the total number of site visitors at these locations annually.

The goal is to raise funds that can be used to transform New Zealand’s wildest corridors, literally by ‘unleashing growth’ —but some are calling foul. The proposed fees for these four natural landmarks are piggybacking on a larger reform of conservation law in New Zealand. Around 30% of the country is ‘conservation land’, meaning it’s publicly owned and protected.

However, new reforms to national law have made it easier for companies and individuals to purchase conservation land and/or open the land up to economic activity.

In short, though New Zealand’s proposed fees for visitors to natural landmarks might seem adjacent to sustainability-focused initiatives (like Hawaii’s green tax), it’s stirred controversy amongst the country’s environmental protection groups.

What’s the Difference Between the UK and Britain? Your Guide to the British Isles

The United Kingdom and Ireland are two of the most popular international destinations for Americans. In 2024, over 40 million Americans flew over to the UK, while another 1.5 million headed to the Emerald Isle.

There’s just one catch.

Though we love to visit the British Isles, not many of us are well-versed in the difference between the UK and Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland, or Scotland, Wales, and England.

Similar to the Scandinavian and Nordic countries, it’s an overlapping and complex topic that’s driven by centuries of history.

Looking for a little guide to the British Isles? Consider this your one-stop introduction to the UK and Britain, along with the other geographic, national, and cultural differences you need to know before visiting.

Just one thing before we start: I’m not delving into historical topics like the Battle of Culloden in Scotland or The Great Hunger in Ireland. If you want to learn about the centuries-long and deeply political exchanges across the British Isles, I recommend starting that very heady journey with this guide from Oxford.

And I recommend keeping that history in mind if you happen to get involved in a discussion about identity across the British Isles. (More on this below.)

Guide to the British Isles: geography

Let’s start with the most basic way that you can tell the difference between the UK and Britain, along with all other countries on the British Isles. Use the handy image above for reference.

The British Isles refer to all the islands in this region. The largest are Great Britain (usually called Britain) and Ireland. But there are many other important islands in the mix, like the Isle of Man, the Isle of Jersey, and Anglesey in Wales.

Great Britain refers to the largest island, which is home to England, Wales, and Scotland.

Irelandrefers to the second-largest island, which is home to the nation of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a territory of the United Kingdom, but it is still on the island of Ireland.

So, if you’re talking about all the islands, you say British Isles. If you’re just talking about the largest island, home to England and Scotland and Wales, that’s Great Britain. And if you’re talking about the nation of Ireland or Northern Ireland, they’re both in Ireland.

You’re still with me, right?

Guide to the British Isles: countries

If you were paying attention to the last section, you might already know the difference between the UK and Britain. The UK is a country, while Britain is the island it’s located on.

Remember: Britain and Great Britain are used interchangeably.

The UK consists of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

A good way to think about their countries-within-a-country is the US’s relationship to federally recognized tribal reservations, which are run as sovereign nations. It’s not an identical setup, but it’s similar in that England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all retain special rights as part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland, by contrast, is unified as a single republic with various counties. Ireland is also part of the European Union, meaning it uses the euro. The UK, by contrast, famously exited the EU and uses the pound.

Guide to the British Isles: culture and language

The British Isles are small, but they have a long, larger-than-life history. That’s a delicate way of saying that the overlap between culture, language, and tradition is a hot topic.

You’ll hear many different opinions—so if you happen to be discussing identity in the British Isles with a Scot, Welsh, English, or Irish person, listen and don’t assume.

For example, a Scot might consider themselves both Scottish and British. That element of British identity comes from sharing the island with England and Wales.

The same is true in Ireland; many citizens of Northern Ireland identify more strongly with Ireland than Britain, though they’re technically part of the UK.

Language diversity is also prevalent. English is the most common tongue, followed by Irish. (The Irish call their language Irish, not Gaelic.) But Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Cornish are still spoken. Welsh, for example, is still the official language of Wales.

There are also many cultural and linguistic distinctions within each nation.

For example, England is often split informally between North and South. Northerners, from cities like Liverpool and Manchester, don’t always consider themselves English.

That being said, I feel fairly confident saying that residents across the British Isles do share one thing in common: pub culture.

Ranking the Best Beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego: Top 10 Views

San Diego—a SoCal gem known for its gorgeous beaches, mild weather, indie breweries, great attractions, and that one unforgettable shout-out from Anchorman. (Did you know that San Diego means a whale’s vagina in Spanish?)

Toss in sites like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and the Gaslamp Quarter, and it’s not hard to see how San Diego has become one of the US’s most visitable (and re-visitable) destinations.

The big question is… where should you stay?

If you’re heading to San Diego, I vote you find a rental that showcases the very best of the city. And, in most estimations, the best of the city can be found along its stunning coast and bay.

If you’re looking for a ranking of the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego, start here.

I’ve rounded up the best of the bunch for your next Pacific Coast adventure, then ranked them according to their top features.

And by the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego, I mean you can see the ocean from a balcony, from a patio, or from the back door. You might even get sandy just by stepping out the door.

Ranking the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego

Great vibes, better view: Bayside Retreat in Mission Bay
Total beach access: Rustic Oceanfront Beach Pad
Energetic Boardwalk spot: Boardwalk Stay Shared Hot Tub and Patio
Sexy & chic beachfront: Rooftop Beach Views – Liquid Blue 2
Affordable & laidback: Mission Beach Ocean Front 2 Bedroom
Great views + space to roam: Ocean View with Massive Private Deck
Bay views with room for the whole fam: Bayfront with Large Private Patio
Small-but-mighty studio escape: Ocean Beach Surfside Cottage 17
Total views with lux amenities (1): Capri Coastal Haven
Total views with lux amenities (2): Beach Front Condo – Capri by the Sea

Best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego: a closer look

Bayside Retreat in Mission Bay

Enjoy a 180-degree view of Sail bay from the private rooftop deck whenever you like, then head to the beach. In just a few steps, your toes will be sinking into the sand. This guesthouse sleeps four between a bedroom and a sofa pullout in the living room.

Rustic Oceanfront Beach Pad

You’ve got unobstructed ocean views straight from this quaint studio rental. It also has super-groovy and tasteful wood paneling on the walls and roof, adding a dash of hippie-beachy vibes. Best of all, you can soak up those ocean views straight from the bed thanks to the large window.

Boardwalk Stay Shared Hot Tub and Patio

This two-bedroom stay comes with a shared hot tub and patio, the latter of which opens straight onto the beach. If you’re looking to be right in the action on the Boardwalk or have a front-row seat to those West Coast sunsets, look no further.

Rooftop Beach Views – Liquid Blue 2

This chic (dare I say sexy?) condo comes with two bedrooms and another couch setup that sleeps a total of five. Ultramodern and designed to showcase those endless ocean views, you have unprecedented access to the Pacific Ocean straight from this rental. Did I mention there’s a rooftop deck with a fire pit?

Mission Beach Ocean Front 2 Bedroom

This cozy two-bedroom rental showcases San Diego’s beachy vibe thanks to its cute interior design. But the real treat is the view of Mission Bay, which you can see from many rooms in the apartment. Or it could be that California King bedroom—which has a window overlooking the beach, too.

Ocean View with Massive Private Deck

Looking to go big, and possibly over the top at the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego? Rent this two-bedroom home near Belmont Park. You’ve got a massive private deck, garage, and grill with gorgeous views of the park and ocean. Though you don’t have direct access to the beach, the views and OTT amenities are hard to beat.

Bayfront with Large Private Patio

You’ve got unprecedented access to South Mission Beach with this rental, with stunning views of Mission Bay (Sunrise). Not only are you steps from the water, but you also get to soak up the calming breeze and view far from San Diego’s busier areas. (As a perk, it’s also pet friendly!)

Ocean Beach Surfside Cottage 17

With a back door that opens onto one of the city’s coolest cliffs that overlooks the pier, this Airbnb is hard to top for beach-lovers. While you need to walk a short distance to reach the beach, I like this pick because of the views of the pier. It’s romantic, cozy, and quiet.

Capri Coastal Haven

This condo comes with oceanfront views and a few luxury amenities that you’ll actually want to use. That includes 24-hour security, along with a spa, sauna, and pool. But the real champion is the oceanfront views from the balcony and the large floor-to-ceiling windows, which showcase the Pacific.

Beach Front Condo – Capri by the Sea

Located in the same complex as the previous Airbnb (Capri Coastal Heaven), this condo offers a similar setup and view. The main difference is that it’s been recently remodeled, giving it a slightly more modern appearance and more contemporary appliances.