Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment
Germany must be the country with the highest number of breathtaking castles. These historical treasures are scattered on mountain tops throughout the German countryside. Instead of visiting Berlin or Munich, consider taking a trip through the Rhine Valley to find the hidden spots where the royals built their luxurious hideaways. You'll find a new side to the country's rich architectural history.
Click through to get a glorious glimpse.
Neuschwanstein is the most beautiful of Germany's castles. It was built by the "mad" King Ludwig in the mid-1800s. He was famous for his grand projects and rampant over-spending.
The current owner is Dr. Karl Graf von und zu Eltz-Kempenich.
Lichtenstein Castle clings to a narrow clifftop, not far from the town of Stuttgart.
There has been some kind of structure in that spot since the Middle Ages, but it was transformed into its current magical state by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg in the 19th century.
Hohenzollern began as a hilltop home for the Prussian Royal Family in 1061 AD.
The castle sits 855 meters (2,805 ft) above sea level. It is still the home of the Prince of Prussia and his wife.
Hohenaschau is one of the largest castles in Bavaria, built in the 12th century.
Wernigerode Castle began as a fort in the 12th century and has been rebuilt many times since then.
Its final fairytale form was complete in 1893. Today you can visit 50 of the castle's preserved rooms.
Heidelberg Castle was the German palace of the Holy Roman Emperor Rupert III during the 13th century. It was struck by lightning and badly damaged by fire in 1764.
The 'Lion's Castle' was built at the end of the 18th century in a pseudo-medieval style.
Burghausen is the largest castle in the world! History of the castle can be traced back to the Bronze Age.
Also known as the Reichsburg Castle, this structure dates back to 1000 AD. It has been the home to many emperors and kings, but today you can visit to experience a medieval feast or a ghost tour.
This castle was home to an alchemist called Johann Conrad Dippel who set up a lab there.
It's believed that the castle and rumors surrounding Dippel were the inspiration for Mary Shelley's book 'Frankenstein.'
Stolzenfels is a 13th-century fortified castle. It's situated in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Hohenschwangau Castle began as a knight's fortress but was later the family home of King Maximilian of Bavaria.
He raised his son Ludwig there, who would come to be known as the "Mad King Ludwig" and commission many stunning buildings such as the Neuschwanstein Castle.
Veste Coburg is one of the largest castle complexes in Germany. Today it houses an incredible art collection acquired by the Dukes of Coburg.
The beautiful Drachenburg Castle overlooks the Rhine Valley. They hold a light festival between January and March every year where the castle and its grounds are illuminated in different colors.
The Marksburg Castle is a true medieval fortress, virtually unaltered since its creation between the 13th and 15th centuries.
This 12th-century castle which looms over the Rhine Valley is now an incredibly unique youth hostel!
This incredible 12th-century house overlooks the Danube Valley. It's currently inhabited by Prince Maximilian Joachim zu Fürstenberg and is not open to the public.
This castle is perched on top of the highest point in Marburg. It took 52 years to build, and was completed in 1300.
This medieval knight's castle is over 600 years old and fully preserved. It is situated overlooking the Zschopau River.
The castle was first built in 1246 to protect the village of Braunfels, but changed hands countless times since then and had many new features added.
This medieval castle was restored by a German-American family 1914. They then sold it back to the city who lease it as a family run hotel.
Follow this link to found out which British castles will let you spend the night.
Sources: (Big Boy Travel) (Rest Expert) (Location Scout) (The Culture Trip) (Lonely Planet)
The magical hilltop castles of Germany
Discover the fairytale homes of European royals
TRAVEL Castles
Germany must be the country with the highest number of breathtaking castles. These historical treasures are scattered on mountain tops throughout the German countryside. Instead of visiting Berlin or Munich, consider taking a trip through the Rhine Valley to find the hidden spots where the royals built their luxurious hideaways. You'll find a new side to the country's rich architectural history.
Click through to get a glorious glimpse.