Tree-lined path leading to Marienburg Castle

Marienburg: In Search of The Sleeping Beauty

One hour’s driving from Hanover will bring you to Marienburg – the Neuschwanstein of the North. Together with Schwerin Castle, it is counted as one of the most well-preserved monuments and a fairytale castle in Northern Germany.

Hiding in the Schulenburg Mountain in Lower Saxony, the appearance of the Gothic-style castle with its many battlements, towers, and turrets reminds me a lot of the castle where Princess Aurora slept in Walt Disney’s famous movie – The Sleeping Beauty.

The castle was the token of true love, which dwells between King George V, the Last King of Hanover, and Queen Marie of Saxe-Altenburg. It was the gift of His Majesty to his wife on her 39th birthday. The Queen loved this place and resided here until the exile of King George V in 1866.

A token of true love.

After the Queen’s departure, Marienburg Castle was fallen into sleep for almost 140 years. Up until 2004, signs of life have returned to the castle for the first time under the guidance of the successor of the royal family and its former glory has been finally recovered. Today, Marienburg Castle has become a must-see when visiting Hanover.

Marienburg Castle
View from the top of the castle

Tips for visitng Marienburg Castle

  • In order to get to Marienburg, take the bus 300 or 310 from Hanover Central Station. The bus departs every two hours on Saturday and Sunday. During the week, there are only two buses departing at 9:00 and 10:44
  • As private property, the castle’s interior (including the treasury) is only accessible as part of a guided tour. The tour can be booked directly at the castle’s entrance and costs around 12.50€.

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27 thoughts on “Marienburg: In Search of The Sleeping Beauty”

    1. You welcome 🙂 Except for the slate grey sky, it was a nice trip. I was also surprised to know that this German royal family has connection to the UK. There is even a twin of the crown of Queen Elizabeth in the castle’s vault!

  1. Mel & Suan – Singapore – Mel works his day job for a living, but lives for antiquities, history and geography at all other times. He enjoys writing and thought sharing and obviously traveling. Suan is a homey person, who like girlie stuff such as cross stitching etc. Enjoys shopping & modeling for Mel. What a match!
    Mel & Suan says:

    Wow, how a man professes his love for a woman.
    It is sad that the castle was abandoned for such a long time but it is now open for us to see! Good sharing!

      1. Mel & Suan – Singapore – Mel works his day job for a living, but lives for antiquities, history and geography at all other times. He enjoys writing and thought sharing and obviously traveling. Suan is a homey person, who like girlie stuff such as cross stitching etc. Enjoys shopping & modeling for Mel. What a match!
        Mel & Suan says:

        Not sure if the King would give it to man though…

      2. Haha probably not in this scale. But I guess he might gift a mansion or a small residence to other royal family members or his followers.

  2. Jolene – Sydney, Australia – Jolene is a banker by trade, a writer at heart, and is a contributor to Thought Catalog. You are welcome to peek into her adventures and reflections on films and life at "SoMuchToTellYou", her ultimate love affair with words.
    Jolene says:

    Finally saw a couple of humans in your shots!! 😂😂

      1. Jolene – Sydney, Australia – Jolene is a banker by trade, a writer at heart, and is a contributor to Thought Catalog. You are welcome to peek into her adventures and reflections on films and life at "SoMuchToTellYou", her ultimate love affair with words.
        Jolene says:

        I have terrible eyesight! But I’ve gathered that you must have great patience in waiting for the perfect shots. That’s why you must share them!

  3. vinneve – I believe in this quote "Life is a JOURNEY, travel it well." Wherever we may end up so long as there is LOVE we will be happy!
    vinneve says:

    Wow it’s beautiful post and blog. You have a nice theme and easy navigation too!

  4. Agness | the Adventure Traveler – Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
    Agness of Fit Travelling says:

    The gothic castle definitely won my heart. I will have to visit Marienburg as soon as possible!

    1. Highly recommended 😉 It is easily accessible from Hanover, in case you don’t own a car. There are buses that run directly from the Hauptbahnhof to the castle’s car park (around 1 hour)

  5. You are embarassing me again here… I just checked, I live maybe 90 minutes away from this place and I have never heard of it before. Thanks for the great day trip idea!

    1. My pleasure! I think the fame of Neuschwanstein is too large. It has overwhelmed other castles in Germany. Besides, northern Germany has never been popular in term of castles 🙂

  6. Great pictures! We visited Marienburg this year, while on a trip in Lowe Saxony. Liked it really much and the guided tour was also very informative.
    I also recommend if you get in the area to check the towns of : Hamelin, Celle, Weingerode;)

    Julia

  7. I live that you included the history along with the photos. Nice post. A favorite place to visit from my childhood.

  8. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell says:

    A wonderful story and a beautiful place – don’t we all love a love story?!

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