I know that Heidelburg is partly in ruins. I also know that there are castles in the area such as Sigmarigen, Lichtenstein, and Hohenzollern, but those castles are not in ruins. Are there any castles in ruins near Stutgart? If so, what towns are they in and how would I reach them (via train if possible)?

hi there,
I guess, You are realy into castles ...
Let me answer both of Your topics in this. First: Lichtenstein (the castle) is south of Reutlingen near the little village Unterhausen. Do You know it is build after a desciption in a fairy tales (by Wilhelm Hauff).
A little (german) page You find at: http://www.urach.de/html/lichtenstein.htm
It is not that easy to reach via train, You have to take the train to Reutlingen, then the bus and the last is a taxi for I dont guess the bus will bring You up to the castle.
If You visit this castle don't forget to do a little sidestep into the museum (http://www.netmuseum.de/m-ausgabe.as...&strId=526) Only open on Sa and Su or on request.
Lichtenstein is not that big, so perhaps Hohenzollern is the better choise if You only do one.
Even it is better to reach by train (as said in the other topic via Hechingen). Even Hohenzollern has more "history".
The other question about castles first it a deffinition question. In German there are two meaning for a castle is - Schloss and Burg.
Ok, the difference somtimes is not that big, but I dont know Your intention that much.
So, as far as I know there is no (worthwhile) castle (Schloss) ruin near Stuttgart. But a lot of other castles that are very worth: Ludwigsburg: Highly recommanded baroque castle, easy to reach. Too more in Ludwigsburg, You can reach by walking: Favorite and Monrepos.
Solitide, a little out of Stuttgart, very nice place and view. Easy to go by local bus.
Stuttgart Centre - the old and the new castle.
Hohenheim, also easy to reach, but not that interessting (now university), but a nice botanical garden nearby. Also one of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in Germany (Speisemeisterei).
Nice ruins nearby Stuttgart: Esslingen, going 10 minutes by d-train. Even the town is worth to look at, the largest town not to be destroyed in WWII.
Hornberg: a beautiful place in the valley of the Neckar, Schillers "Goetz" takes place here.
Waldenburg, Bebenhausen, Tuebingen: In one line to reach by bus and go back by train. First is a nice castle with an interessting museum, second an old worthwhile monastier, last a nice town with old houses, castles, riverside ...
Ask if You need more details
Gar

www.schaebishealb.de/english/castles_palaces

correction,
www.schwaebishealb.de/english/castles_palaces

sorry, I finally have it right. I'm not awake yet!

www.schwaebischealb.de/english/castles_palaces

Yes I am very into castles indeed
I went to Ireland a few years back and was just amazed. I do realize though that the German castles are not going to be like the Irish ones, but I am still interested none the less. Thanks so much to all for the great info!! This site and its users have been a huge help!

Susies' schaebische oops Schwaebische Alb has heaps of castles some still upright, some in ruins.

This area, generally speaking, fans out east of Stgt beyond the town of Schwaebisch Gmuend. But accessibility to most castles without a car would be a problem.

Harzer

Go visit LUDWIGSBURG. We lived in Germany and got used to most of their castles being in good shape. The ruins did not appeal to us...other than Heidelberg...and it is in pretty good shape also.

Thanks to all!! I am back from my trip and enjoyed myself very much. All the input from people here on this site really helped.