They awaken dreams of heroic deeds, sumptuous feasts and splendid celebrations. Lower Saxony's castles and stately homes are wrapped in history, with many sagas and fairytales woven around these splendid buildings - such as Bodenwerder House, where Baron Hieronymus von Münchhausen, better known as the cannon-ball flying, tall-tale telling Baron von Munchhausen, once lived.

The oldest royal house in Europe originates from the Hanoverians. The Guelphs were the descendants of Henry the Lion and, in the shape of Marienburg, built themselves a truly defiant home. It seems to watch over the whole of the surrounding flat countryside, its towers rising majestically over the woods.

Whilst it used to be considered a privilege to be able to set foot in the castle, most of these splendid buildings are now in public hands and open to visitors. Many have become venues for art or cultural exhibitions as well as events and concerts.

Famous castles in Lower Saxony:

• Bückeburg Castle
• Celle Castle
• Clemenswerth Castle
• Marienburg Castle