The Hohenzollern House of Prussia was the most powerful family in German history. It lost its throne when Kaiser William II abdicated after Germany's defeat in World War I. The Swabian branch of the family owns one-third of the castle, the Prussian branch two-thirds. Today's neo-Gothic structure, perched high on a conical wooded hill, is a successor of a castle dating from the 11th century. Its majestic silhouette is visible from miles away. On the fascinating castle tour you'll see the Prussian royal crown and beautiful period rooms -- splendid from floor to ceiling, with playful details, such as door handles carved to resemble peacocks and dogs. The royal tombs, once housed in the Christ Chapel, were returned to Potsdam in 1991 after German reunification. The restaurant on the castle grounds, Burgschänke (closed January and Monday in February and March), is catered by the talented chefs of Hotel Brielhof (which is at the foot of the hill where the ascent from the B-27 begins). You can enjoy a first-class meal at the Brielhof, then make the one-hour hike up to the castle. From the castle parking lot it's a 20-minute walk to the entrance, or take the shuttle bus (EUR 2.55 round-trip).