When you think of castles, Texas probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Yet, nestled in the rolling hills of Burnet County, you’ll find a castle that looks like it belongs in the heart of Bavaria rather than the Lone Star State. Falkenstein Castle is a breathtaking estate that combines European elegance with Texas charm, and its story is every bit as magical as its design.

The origins of Falkenstein Castle trace back to 1995, when Terry and Kim Young visited Germany’s world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. While exploring, they discovered that King Ludwig II had also planned another castle—Falkenstein—which was never built during his lifetime. Intrigued by this unfulfilled vision, the Youngs managed to locate copies of the original architectural drawings.

Inspired, they decided to bring King Ludwig’s dream to life… not in Europe, but in the Texas Hill Country. Construction began in 1996, and by 1998, Falkenstein Castle stood proudly atop its hill, overlooking the Highland Lakes region.

At more than 14,000 square feet and sitting on 110 acres, Falkenstein Castle is truly a Texas-sized fairytale. The castle includes:

• Seven bedrooms, four full baths, and four half baths

• Six guest cottages plus an additional apartment above the garage

• Soaring ceilings, balconies, and grand archways reminiscent of medieval Bavaria

• Luxurious touches such as soaking tubs, a game room, and spacious living areas

The grounds are just as enchanting as the castle itself. Visitors will find a 40,000-gallon koi pond complete with a waterfall, a whimsical gazebo with a grill, and even a bubbling stream dotted with crystals. Every detail is designed to transport you into another world.

Over the years, Falkenstein Castle has hosted countless weddings, celebrations, and even vacation stays. For a time, it was listed on Airbnb, giving travelers the chance to live out their royal fantasies for a weekend. With its panoramic views, spacious design, and storybook charm, it quickly became a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.

If you’re driving along Park Road 4 toward Inks Lake or Longhorn Cavern State Park, you can catch a glimpse of the castle from a distance. Perched high on its hill, Falkenstein looks like it’s floating above the Texas Hill Country.

In 2025, Falkenstein Castle went on the market for the first time with a price tag of $15 million. More than just a home, it’s a landmark property that carries with it an incredible story. Whoever the next owner may be, they won’t just be purchasing real estate—they’ll be stepping into a dream that began with a king in Bavaria and came to life in Texas.

What makes Falkenstein Castle so special isn’t just its architecture, but the vision behind it. It represents persistence, imagination, and the power of bringing a dream to life, no matter how unlikely it might seem. It’s proof that fairy tales aren’t confined to storybooks or faraway lands—they can rise from the hills of Texas too.

From its German-inspired design to its Texas-sized presence, Falkenstein Castle is one of the most unique places in the United States. Whether admired from afar, visited for a special occasion, or possibly even purchased by someone ready to embrace castle living, Falkenstein continues to inspire and enchant all who see it.

A little piece of Bavaria lives right here in the Texas Hill Country—and it’s a fairytale you won’t soon forget.

👉 Be sure to follow me on Facebook for #CastleTuesday, where I highlight a new castle each week from around the world (and sometimes right here in the USA)!

 Until Next Time!

Susan