The 26 most beautiful castles in Europe
What is it about castles that are so alluring to travellers? Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world’s best architecture, most stunning landscapes, and maybe even a ghost story or two.
There’s perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can’t visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal dwelling. Here you’ll find medieval stone walls, sky-high towers, and bridges arching over glittering moats, everywhere from the Bavarian Alps to the Mediterranean coast. Check out this list of the 26 most beautiful castles in Europe, and get ready to feel like the true royalty you are.
GettyNeuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, but it is also one of the most recognisable castles on the planet – thanks in large part to the fact that it served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Originally built at the behest of reclusive King Ludwig II as a private retreat in 1886, the majestic structure boasts a clifftop location and ornate rooms; today, it attracts some 1.4 million visitors every year.
AlamyPena Palace, Portugal
Inspired by German Romantic architecture, Pena Palace – situated on top of a hill in Sintra – looks like a Disney castle with its pink and yellow towers, ornamental buttresses, and cartoonish gargoyles. The interiors are equally dramatic. Don’t miss the intricately carved ceilings and walls of Queen Amelia’s apartments and the striking all-white reception room. (Bonus: Sintra is only 40 minutes from Lisbon, meaning you really have no excuse not to visit.)
GettyGuaita Tower, San Marino
San Marino may be tiny – under 62 square kilometres, and completely surrounded by Italy – but it still has some pretty impressive sites. The capital city is known for its three hilltop towers (you can even spot them on the country’s coat of arms), the prettiest of which is Guaita Tower. It was constructed atop Monte Titano in the 10th century, and it is now open year-round to visitors.
Jeremy Bezanger/UnsplashPalace of Versailles, France
You can’t talk about European castles without immediately mentioning the Palace of Versailles, the picture-perfect definition of French grandeur and opulence. The 17th-century gilded palace and 1,977-acre estate are the lasting legacies of King Louis XIV, and even French citizens consider it a bucket-list-worthy marvel. Set aside at least a full day to explore the Royal Stables, Hall of Mirrors, and endlessly mesmerising gardens.
GettyHohenwerfen Fortress, Austria
Another medieval, mountaintop castle, Hohenwerfen Fortress is one of the most stunning sites in all of Austria – and that’s saying something. The 11th-century castle overlooks the scenic Salzach River Valley (about 35 miles south of Salzburg), offering Christmas markets and falconry demonstrations along with its daily tours.
GettyAlcázar of Segovia, Spain
The Alcázar de Segovia was once a medieval fortress, but it was rebuilt in its current, castle-like style following a fire in 1862. Today, visitors can explore its museum, multiple halls and secret passageways, and towers overlooking Segovia’s town square. Then, be prepared for some equally impressive interiors. They’re marked by stained glass windows, polished suits of armour, lavish dining and dancing halls, and so many canopied beds.
Douglas McGilviray/GettyCulzean Castle, Scotland
This clifftop castle sits off the western coast of Scotland, surrounded by water on one side and opulent gardens on the other. Culzean Castle was built in the late 1700s by the 10th Earl of Cassilis, who reportedly wanted the structure to be an open sign of his wealth and class – just check out the flamboyant landscaping, extensive collection of paintings, and dramatic central staircase for proof. The castle’s top-floor apartment once served as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s holiday home (a thank-you gift from Scotland following his efforts during WWII); today, it serves as a six-bedroom vacation rental that you can book online.
Jay Kay/GettyBamburgh Castle, England
Bamburgh Castle rises like a mirage over the white-sand beaches of Northumberland. The medieval castle dates as far back as the 5th century, and it has appeared in many stories and poems over the past several centuries. (Some scholars believe it even served as inspiration for Sir Lancelot’s castle in Arthurian legend.) More recently, it has appeared as a backdrop in films like Elizabeth (1998) and Macbeth (the Michael Fassbender version from 2015).
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GettyCastello di Miramare, Italy
Just a 30-minute drive north of Trieste – the photogenic heart of Friuli Venezia-Giulia – Castello di Miramare has one of the most scenic locations of all the castles on this list. Formerly home to Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the 10th-century structure sits above the blue Adriatic on a lush, 54-acre park. It’s certainly not your average beachside attraction.
GettyCorvin Castle, Romania
It may not have inspired any vampiric novels, but this 15th-century Gothic fortress has enough nightmarish features to rival Bran Castle. Ogle at the exterior of doubly thick impenetrable walls, a colossal drawbridge, and countless rectangular and circular towers once used to keep watch and house prisoners. Inside, view the massive dungeon and torture chamber, plus the remains of the “bear pit,” where human remains were fed to the castle’s resident bears. Fun times all around.
GettyBled Castle, Slovenia
There’s a reason (well, many reasons) why Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular sites, featuring emerald waters, a church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and, of course, a Disney-like castle on a hill. Climb your way up the forest trail to see Bled Castle’s orange-roofed towers and 11th-century walls up close, then turn around to be afforded some of the most picture-perfect views of the lake you’ll ever find.
Martin Katler/UnsplashBojnice Castle, Slovakia
Bojnice is two hours away from Bratislava, and it’s certainly worth the drive to be able to see the town’s towering, amusement park-esque castle. The neo-Gothic palace was originally built in the 12th century (although it was rebuilt several times to reach its current design), and it is now part of the Slovak National Museum, meaning it is open to public tours nearly every day of the year. Be sure to check out the creepy-but-cool travertine caves hidden under the castle.
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GettyFrederiksborg Castle, Denmark
Built in the early 17th century, this stunning Renaissance castle sits on three lake islets in Hillerød, just north of Copenhagen. The castle complex is known for its exquisite gardens and for housing the Danish Museum of National History.
GettyHohenzollern Castle, Germany
Situated atop a 768-foot bluff in the foothills of the Swabian Alps, this picturesque castle is more than just nice to look at: With its many towers and fortifications, it’s considered a relic of 19th-century military architecture. It’s perhaps most exceptional on overcast days when it sticks out above the fog – a literal castle on a cloud. When you visit, take one of the guided tours (they get crowded) or explore on your own. There’s a pretty beer garden inside the castle that’s perfect for a German-style rest, too.
GettyAlhambra Palace, Spain
Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, thanks in large part to the mighty Alhambra that overlooks the town’s historic buildings and cobblestone streets from its hilltop location. The Moorish palace complex was constructed starting in 1228, and it now serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s top tourist attractions.
GettyChâteau de Chenonceau, France
The entire Loire Valley is a treasure trove of beautiful castles, but Château de Chenonceau easily rises to the top of the pack – both in terms of beauty and popularity. The current château was built on top of an old mill starting in 1514, while the trademark bridge and gallery were added about 60 years later. Today, the river-spanning structure and surrounding gardens are one of the most-visited attractions in the entire country.
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GettyCastel del Monte, Italy
Proving that castles don’t need moats and pointed turrets to be beautiful, Castel del Monte sits pretty on a rocky hill in southern Italy (about three hours from Naples). The citadel and castle were built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, whose culture and creative vision shine through the merging of classical and Muslim architectural influences, and the complex’s perfectly octagonal towers.
GettyKylemore Abbey, Ireland
Mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams all combine to make Connemara one of the loveliest regions in Ireland. See: Kylemore Abbey, in the heart of the Connemara mountains. This impressive structure was built in 1868 as one of the great neo-Gothic castles of the period. It is now a Benedictine abbey run by nuns, and the church and gardens have been completely restored.
GettyPredjama Castle, Slovenia
The Gothic-style Predjama Castle is easily one of Slovenia’s most dramatic structures, built directly into the side of a 404-foot cliff that hides a network of cave passages. Tours of the castle are available year-round, although hibernating bats in the caves restrict underground tours from May through September.
AlamyChâteau de Chambord, France
While it’s not one of the best-known French palaces (hello, Versailles), Château de Chambord is certainly one of the loveliest. Located inside a wooded park in the Loire Valley, the majestic building brings plenty of drama to the landscape – and that’s before you have a chance to see the swirled staircase, intricate ceilings, and 17th- and 18th-century furnishings inside.
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Mary Anne Alejandro/UnsplashEilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Scotland practically overflows with ancient stone castles and ruins, but there’s something extra special about Eilean Donan Castle. Perhaps it’s the castle’s charming bridge and moss-covered walls, or its spectacular location among the lochs of the Highlands. Or perhaps it’s because it served as inspiration for DunBroch Castle in the movie Brave. Whatever the reason, we’re here for it.
GettyEgeskov Castle, Denmark
Constructed in 1554, Egeskov Castle is known as the best-preserved moat castle in all of Europe. The Gothic-style castle complex comprises 280-year-old hedge mazes, and two buildings with 200 windows and 66 rooms (sadly, only six bathrooms).
GettyBran Castle, Romania
Romania has its fair share of beautiful castles, but none are quite as legendary as Bran Castle. The former residence of Queen Marie of Romania and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula, the national landmark sits high up on a hill along the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, with prime views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
GettyAlcázar of Seville, Spain
Moorish influences can be seen all over the city of Seville, but the UNESCO-listed Alcázar of Seville is one of its best-known landmarks – and not just because it was used as the royal palace of the House Martell in Game of Thrones. Built and rebuilt starting in the early Middle Ages, the complex consists of palatial buildings (expect arched windows, gilded domes, and intricate tilework) and meticulously maintained gardens.
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GettyTrakai Island Castle, Lithuania
Reconstructed in the second half of the 14th century, Trakai Island Castle sits on a postcard-perfect island in Lithuania’s Lake Galvė. The town of Trakai is only 14 miles west of Vilnius, meaning you can easily make the day trip out to see the castle’s Gothic-style architecture, brick-and-stone chapel, and gorgeous surroundings for yourself.
Alexander Spatari/GettyConwy Castle, Wales
The Welsh town of Conwy is defined by its 21-tower medieval fortress, which features a gorgeous castle surrounded by fortified walls stretching three-quarters of a mile. The structure was commissioned by King Edward I back in the 13th century, which makes its well-preserved state all the more impressive. Visitors are welcome to visit the castle and walk a complete circle around the battlements, including venturing up the towers via spiral staircases.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.S.