The original Lichtenstein was not as elaborate as this more modern version. The main keep dates back to the 1800s, but the beginnings of the castle go back to the 1000s. The early castle was destroyed in 1310, and again in 1377 after the Duke of Wurttemberg was defeated by the town forces outside of Reutlingen. Rebuilt, the castle was the home of the Knights of Lichtenstein, the last who perished fighting the Turks in 1687. Despite its seemingly impregnable position, it was again destroyed during the Peasants War of 1524-26. The cousin of the King of Wurttemberg, Duke Wilhelm, bought the castle and had it rebuilt to reflect the romantic myth of medieval castles and knights. The current structure was completed in 1842 and furnished with numerous artworks and antiques. The restoration project started in 1980, and was completed in 1996. Today I believe it is owned by the von Urach family.
While I weary of tours, it is worth taking this tour, though you cannot take any photos within.
The entrance to the keep appears virtually impossible to cross. Nevertheless, Lichtenstein fell a number of times. Above, the view into the keep's entrance, and below, the dry moat that protects it.
To the left, part of the outlying fortification, with the walkway along the wall. Below left and right, a view of the outer fortification from without. This is the same structure, on the left in 2005, and on the other in 1978.
Left, more of the outlying fortification, this being restored in the 1980s and 90s. When I visited in the 1970s, I don't recall seeing this area, and I believe it was actually blocked off to visitors.
