23 European Castles You Must Visit in This Lifetime
Europe is home to some of the world’s most enchanting and historical castles. Each castle tells a unique story through its architecture, location, and cultural heritage. Here’s a guide to 23 must-visit castles across Europe, each offering breathtaking views, historical insight, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Pena Palace, Portugal
Located in Sintra, Portugal, Pena Palace is a vibrant mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish architecture. Perched on a hilltop, this 19th-century Romanticist castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its colorful facades, unique arches, and intricate tilework make it one of Europe’s most visually stunning castles.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Located in the Bavarian Alps near Füssen, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II. Known as the “Fairy Tale Castle,” it inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. The castle’s towering spires and majestic backdrop of mountain landscapes make it a must-visit for travelers.
3. Egeskov Castle, Denmark
Built in 1554, Egeskov Castle is located in Funen, Denmark and is one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles. Surrounded by a large moat and lush gardens, the castle offers attractions like a maze, vintage car museum, and extensive parklands, making it an excellent family destination.
4. Guaita Tower, San Marino
Guaita Tower, one of the Three Towers of San Marino, dates back to the 11th century and served as a fortress and prison. This medieval stone tower sits atop Mount Titano, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into San Marino’s defensive history.
5. Drottningholm Palace, Sweden
Located on Lovön Island near Stockholm, Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts lush gardens, a Baroque theater, and opulent interiors that reflect Sweden’s regal heritage.
6. Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
The Alcázar of Segovia is a stone fortification rising dramatically from a rocky cliff in Segovia, Spain. Its shape resembles a ship’s bow, and its history dates back to Roman times. The interior is richly decorated with medieval artifacts, tapestries, and stunning views over the Spanish countryside.
7. Hohenwerfen Fortress, Austria
Perched on a cliff in the Salzach Valley near Werfen, Austria, Hohenwerfen Fortress is a medieval stronghold dating back to the 11th century. The fortress is famous for its falconry displays, offering visitors an interactive glimpse into medieval life.
8. Castello di Miramare, Italy
Overlooking the Gulf of Trieste in northern Italy, Castello di Miramare is a 19th-century castle with lavish interiors and well-preserved grounds. It was built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and is renowned for its neoclassical design, stunning seafront location, and beautifully landscaped park.
9. Bled Castle, Slovenia
Located on a cliff above Lake Bled, Bled Castle is Slovenia’s oldest castle, dating back over a thousand years. With sweeping views over the lake and surrounding mountains, the castle features a museum, wine cellar, and a charming medieval courtyard.
10. Bran Castle, Romania
Often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle in Romania is a Gothic fortress associated with the Dracula legend. Located on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia, the castle has become a major tourist attraction, featuring exhibits on medieval life and the lore surrounding Vlad the Impaler.
11. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
With fairy-tale spires and a unique moat, Bojnice Castle in Slovakia is one of the country’s most beautiful castles. Originally a wooden fort, it was transformed over centuries into a Romantic-style palace, and today hosts cultural events, medieval festivals, and an annual fairy-tale festival.
12. Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
Situated in Hillerød, Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Surrounded by a moat and lush gardens, it houses the National Museum of Danish History, showcasing a rich collection of portraits, historical paintings, and furniture.
13. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Located atop Mount Hohenzollern in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Hohenzollern Castle is an impressive fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The castle features Gothic-style architecture and is still owned by the Prussian Royal family.
14. Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Built within a cave in Slovenia, Predjama Castle is one of the most unique castles in the world. Nestled into the cliffs, it offers a fascinating blend of natural and architectural beauty. The castle also has a hidden tunnel that leads to the top of the cliff, which was used in medieval times for supply runs during sieges.
15. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
Located in Connemara, Kylemore Abbey was originally a private home, later converted into a Benedictine monastery. The abbey is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, lakes, and gardens, and its Neo-Gothic architecture attracts visitors from all over the world.
16. Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania
Situated on Lake Galvė in Trakai, Lithuania, this medieval island castle is known for its distinctive red-brick design. The castle hosts a museum with exhibits on Lithuanian history, and its lakefront setting makes it a picturesque destination for visitors.
17. Conwy Castle, Wales
Built by King Edward I in Conwy, Wales, Conwy Castle is one of the finest medieval fortresses in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage site has well-preserved towers, walls, and dungeons, offering a glimpse into Wales’ storied past.
18. Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Known for its opulent Baroque architecture, vast gardens, and magnificent interiors, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone interested in European royal history.
19. Corvin Castle, Romania
Located in Hunedoara, Romania, Corvin Castle is a Gothic-Renaissance fortress known for its imposing architecture and medieval legends. The castle has a distinctive bridge entryway, towers, and dungeons, adding to its mysterious allure.
20. Eltz Castle, Germany
Nestled in the Moselle Valley, Eltz Castle is one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval castles, surrounded by lush forests and scenic hills. The castle has been owned by the same family for over 800 years and features well-preserved medieval interiors and art collections.
21. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle, France
Perched above the Loire River, Chaumont-sur-Loire in France is known for its Renaissance architecture and annual International Garden Festival, where artists create unique garden displays that complement the castle’s stunning architecture and grounds.
22. Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria
Located on a hilltop in Carinthia, Austria, Hochosterwitz Castle is a medieval fortress with 14 gates. Known for its striking defensive structure, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a marvel of medieval engineering.
23. Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
Perched on a cliff in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Lichtenstein Castle is a neo-Gothic marvel inspired by medieval Romanticism. With its stunning views and intricate design, it’s often referred to as the “Fairy Tale Castle of Württemberg.”