When you think of Europe, images of cobbled streets, colorful Old Towns, and majestic cathedrals that took centuries to build probably come to mind. However, the continent’s ancient history, shaped by royal dynasties, also gave rise to some of the most notable castles in the world.
Like pages out of a storybook, some of the famous castles in Europe are set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains, while others are perched on a hill overlooking popular cities, bodies of water, or regions that were once part of royal kingdoms.
The Most Famous Castles in Europe
If you’re looking for your next European travel destination and you want to visit somewhere that will whisk you back to a time when knights in shields of armor rescued princesses held captive in stone towers, we’ve compiled a list of the most beautiful castles in Europe that will surely have you daydreaming of a bygone age.
Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, Prague Castle was once the seat of Czech royalty and remains the official residence and workplace of the president of Czech Republic.
Established in the 9th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is more than just a castle, it is an entire complex with multiple buildings, including a massive cathedral with a spiraling bell tower, a basilica, an old royal palace, and even a lane of tiny, restored medieval homes.
While the grounds of the castle complex are free to visit, you’ll need to purchase tickets to enter any of the accessible buildings. Also, some of the buildings are closed to the public because of their official purposes.
The castle spans 70,000 square meters and is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Prague.
A landmark that can be seen from all across the capital city, the castle complex sits on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and the Mala Strana district, which is home to the famous John Lennon Wall and some really quirky public sculptures.
Windsor Castle
Buckingham Palace may be the official residence of the British royal family, but Windsor Castle is still one of the most important royal buildings in the United Kingdom.
Located in the town of Windsor, about 25 miles west of central London, the remarkable castle was founded in the 11th century and has been the home of 40 monarchs.
You can tour the luxurious state apartments, watch the changing of the guard, and visit St. George’s Chapel – which was the site of numerous royal weddings including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It is also the burial place of numerous monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II.
If you have more than just a day in London and are planning to visit Stonehenge or the beautiful villages in the Cotswolds like Bibury or Castle Combe, Windsor Castle is a great stop along the way.
Pena Palace
One of the more colorful castles in Europe, Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal looks like something out of a Disney movie. It’s understandable why this picturesque, vibrantly colored palace on a hill is such a popular place to visit.
The bright yellow and red castle is stunning.
Also known as the National Palace of Pena, the castle as it stands today wasn’t constructed until the mid-1800s. Prior to that, a small chapel and monastery stood on the site dating all the way back to the 12th century.
In the 1800s, King Ferdinand of Portugal acquired the old monastery and chapel and began restoring it and constructing the impressive Pena Palace, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Although occasionally used for state purposes by the President and other Portuguese government officials, the colorful Pena Palace now serves as a museum and is one of the most visited attractions in the country and one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon.
During a day trip to Sintra, you can choose to visit the grounds of the palace or for an extra fee you can tour the inside, as well. One of the most popular day trips include visits to Regaleira, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca, along with Pena Palace.
Wawel Castle
One of the many reasons to visit Krakow, Poland, Wawel Castle is not only one of the most notable places to visit in Poland, but also one of the most famous castles in all of Europe.
Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is a sprawling complex. Plan to dedicate at least half a day on your Krakow itinerary to explore its grand chambers, chapels, and museums – filled with priceless art, grand Turkish tents, and age-old relics.
The castle grounds also have breathtaking manicured gardens and even small cafes on site where you can enjoy an afternoon coffee and pastry.
Kids will also love seeing the Wawel Dragon near the exit of the castle. The statue breathes real fire every few minutes.
Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle is the largest cave castle in the world. It is literally built inside the mouth of the cave, halfway up a cliff. Located just an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, this 800-year-old renaissance castle is a must-visit on any itinerary to Slovenia.
The Slovenian name for the Predjama Castle is Predjamski Grad, which translates to “the castle in front of the cave.” Inside the castle, which is now a museum, there is a fascinating exhibition about what life was once like in this impenetrable fortress.
Allow two to three hours to explore Predjama Castle and be sure to bring a light jacket with you, as parts of the castle will feel considerably cooler because the karst rock of the cliff forms part of the wall.
Considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia, you can easily join a tour from Ljubljana which also includes Postojna Cave.
Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps one of the most famous castles in all of Europe if not the entire world.
Often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty Castle” this 19th-century castle is located near Fussen, Germany, and was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s iconic logo.
Framing the castle in the distance, you have magnificent views of Alpsee Lake.
An easy day trip from Munich, Germany, Innsbruck, Austria, or even Zurich, Switzerland, is well worth the trip to tour the palace which was commissioned by ‘Mad King Ludwig” as his personal retreat to try to withdraw from public life.
Known as the “castle of the fairy-tale king”, it is so famous that approximately 1.4 million people journey to Neuschwanstein each year.
Bran Castle
While Neuschwanstein may be more of a Disney fairytale castle, Romania’s Bran Castle is famous for a much darker tale. Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” this striking fortress in Transylvania near the city of Brasov, is a must-visit in Romania.
The castle and national monument dates back to the 14th century. Although it is associated with Bram Stoker’s fictional character Count Dracula, aside from its slightly eerie appearance, there is really nothing really villainous about the castle. And while the legend of Dracula was inspired by Romania’s infamous ruler Vlad the Impaler, the ruthless ruler never lived in Bran Castle.
Instead, it was built by King Louis the Great of Hungary, and was the home of only a couple monarchs, most recently Queen Maria of Romania. Although it was once a royal residence, Bran Castle is now a museum containing historic art, royal furnishings, and Romanian artifacts.
Castle of the Christian Monarchs
One of the best things to do in Cordoba, Spain is to visit the Castle of the Christian Monarchs, or Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Not only is it the perfect photography spot in Cordoba, but this medieval fortress is also where the Spanish monarchs commissioned Christopher Columbus for his voyage to the Americas.
The historic fortress, with its prominent defensive towers, served as one of the primary residences for Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Arago.
Our favorite part of the castle is the inner garden, which is blooming with flowers, manicured plants, and beautiful fountains, creating a peaceful environment amid the busy historic center of Cordoba.
Blarney Castle
One of the things Ireland is famous for is its castles. There are so many ancient castles that dot the green landscape of the country. Among the most notable, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. People journey from all over the world to the castle, located just outside the city of Cork, to kiss the castle.
Legend has it that anyone who kisses a particular stone in the Blarney Castle is given the “gift of gab.” Kissing the Blarney Stone requires laying down on your back and leaning over backwards to kiss the wall.
Aside from this peculiar, likely touristy, practice, visiting the ancient castle also includes a visit to the surrounding gardens which are both beautiful and fascinating as they are also steeped in tales of witches, druids and fairies.
Muiden Castle
One of the coolest day trips from Amsterdam, Muiden Castle, also known locally as Muiderslot, is one of the best castles in Europe.
It is a 13th-century castle that fell into disrepair and was almost demolished. But it has since been restored and its history preserved.
It was one of the first museums established in the Netherlands and contains collections of artifacts from the Middle Ages as well as the 17th century. Situated opposite the castle is the ‘Kasteeltuin’, the castle gardens, which are peaceful to stroll around.
While there are a lot of unique places to visit in the Netherlands, if time permits, Muiden Castle is worth adding to your itinerary.
Gravensteen
Belgium is a wonderful country to visit with kids, thanks in part to the medieval castles like Gravensteen in Ghent. With towers and dungeons and an actual moat, kids will love this European castle.
Also known as the “Castle of the Counts,” Gravensteen was constructed by the Counts of Flanders as a defense against invaders. Initially the castle was built of wood and later rebuilt with stone.
Over the centuries, Gravensteen served as a royal residence, a courthouse, prison, and even a factory, before finally becoming a museum and tourist attraction. Inside the castle museum, you can learn about the harshness of medieval life. There are weapons, armor, and even torture devices on display that will even make adults squirm at the thought of them.
ALSO READ: WHAT IS BELGIUM KNOWN FOR
Vianden Castle
One of the largest castles west of the River Rhine, Vianden Castle is located in northern Luxembourg near the German border. An easy day trip if you are visiting Luxembourg City, the castle has been ranked among the world’s most beautiful.
The castle overlooks the town of Vianden and was home to the counts of Vianden until the beginning of the 15th century. Like many ancient castles in Europe, Vianden eventually fell into a state of ruin, until the government took ownership of it in 1977 and restored it to its former glory.
Burg Eltz
Germany is famous for being home to some of the most beautiful castles in Europe. While you’ve already read about one of them on our list, Burg Eltz is equally as stunning.
This fairytale castle is tucked away in a valley and nature reserve in western Germany, just a couple hours from some of the best cities to visit in Germany. Surrounded by green forests, the remote castle is closed during the winter months but is a popular day trip from Frankfurt or Cologne during the spring, summer, and fall.
One of the most fascinating things about this amazing castle is that it has been in the ownership of the same family, the Eltz family, for 34 generations and 900 years!
Built in the 12th century, the castle has eight half-timbered towers and multiple rooms inside containing antique furniture, heavy tapestries, and painting from the Middle Ages.
Bled Castle
Bled Castle towers above Lake Bled, Slovenia sitting on the edge of a cliff looking like it could fall from its rocky position at any moment.
The centuries-old castle has been fully restored and is now a small museum. While the museum is somewhat underwhelming, the views from the castle are worth the admission to enter.
There are two ways to get to the castle. You can drive up to it. There is a small parking lot just below the castle. However, a fun alternative for those who don’t mind a moderately challenging climb, is to hike up to the castle. In fact, I think it’s one of the best activities in Lake Bled.
If coming from the east, you can hike up a series of switchbacks to the main entrance. If coming from the west, there is a less laid-out path through a wooded area that takes you around the back side of the castle.
Edinburgh Castle
Yet another castle that stands perched high above a city dominating the skyline, Edinburgh Castle is the crown on top of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The fortress dates all the way back to Queen Margaret who died in the castle in 1093. While the castle is strong and fortified it has come under siege multiple times. In fact, during World War II, the Crown of Scotland was buried under a medieval bathroom in the castle to prevent it from being stolen.
You can tour the castle and see highlights like the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, The Half Moon Battery and the defensive canons, and the prison where pirates, criminals, and prisoners of war were kept in dark, cramped spaces.
Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland has a lot of picturesque settings, but the Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most postcard-worthy landmarks in the country. Situated on a small island where Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh meet, the castle is a must-see when visiting the Scottish Highlands.
It is believed a small community may have inhabited the island all the back in the 7th century, but the first fortified castle wasn’t built until the 13th century. The defensive structure was intended to protect the region from Vikings.
The castle was destroyed in 1719 during the Jacobite rising and it remained in ruins for nearly 200 years. Like many of the famous castles in Europe that had also fallen into disrepair, the castle was restored in the early 1900s.
Today, Eilean Donan Castle is a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years. Just across the pedestrian bridge to the castle, you can even stay at cozy cottages and apartments overlooking the ancient fortress.
Alcázar de Segovia
The Alcázar de Segovia is worthy of any Spain bucket list.
On the outer edge of Segovia overlooking the point where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet, the castle is one of the most striking castles in Spain, if not all of Europe.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar also has a Disney-esque appearance with turreted towers and a unique shape that resembles the bow of a shop. If Neuschwanstein Castle is said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle, the Alcazar of Segovia is believed to have inspired Snow White’s castle.
Believed to date back to the early 1100s – if not earlier, the castle went from a military fortress, toa royal archive, and even a state prison. Today, it is mostly a Palace Museum. Like most castles, it is filled with tapestries and set up to look like an ancient royal residence inside.
Hohenzollern
Another German architectural masterpiece, Hohenzollern Castle is located south of Stuttgart, dramatically perched on top of a small mountain that will make you question how hard it must have been to build so many centuries ago.
It is believed that the castle was built in the first half of the 11th century but was destroyed in the 1400s and later reconstructed and restored in the 19th century. It is the ancestral seat of the Prussian royal family.
You can visit the castle with or without a tour guide. The castle’s complex includes the grounds, museum rooms, chapels and casemates. Additionally, the views of the Swabian region and the surrounding villages are worth the trip to visit this incredible castle.
Rosenborg
One of the smaller castles in Europe, Rosenborg Castle is located in Copenhagen’s King’s Garden. The 17th century castle is well-preserved and houses the Danish crown jewels.
This renaissance castle built in 1606 was originally constructed as a country summer home for Denmark’s kings and queens by order of Christian IV. It now serves as an interesting museum showcasing the royal history of Denmark.
Rosenborg Palace doesn’t take very long to tour which is good if visiting Copenhagen with kids who have a short attention span.
Castelo de São Jorge
In the heart of Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood, Castelo de Sao Jorge is an unexpected castle on a hill.
Easy to see from a distance, Castelo de St. Jorge sits high above Lisbon, Portugal and offers beautiful views of the city. The walk up to the castle is steep but doable. If visiting Lisbon with kids a stroller might come in handy on the walk up, but keep in mind there are parts of the castle you won’t be able to bring a stroller.
Castelo de St. Jorge, also known as São Jorge Castle or St. George Castle, is one of Lisbon’s top attractions. The castle dates back to 200 BC. It changed from Roman, to Moorish, to Christian rule over the years before finally being destroyed in an earthquake in the 1700s. It sat in ruins for a couple centuries before the castle was restored in the 1940s.
Hohensalzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the most prominent landmark in Salzburg, Austria. Sitting at the top of Festungsberg hill, the 11th century castle is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.
You can either walk up to the fortress which will take about 20 minutes or take the funicular which takes only a few minutes. Especially if visiting Salzburg with kids, a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress can be an exciting adventure. Among other things, you can marvel at the original knight’s armor as well as the old canons that used to secure the fortress.
The castle has undergone several expansions and renovations over the centuries, making it the sprawling fortress you see today – towering over the Mirabell Gardens and Salzburg skyline.
Kronborg
Helsingør, Denmark is one of the best cities to visit in Scandinavia, primarily because it is home to one of Europe’s most famous Renaissance castles. Kronborg Slot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits at the narrowest point of the Øresund Strait controlling access to the Baltic Sea.
Built in the late 1500s, Kronborg is often referred to as Hamlet’s Castle, thanks to its association with William Shakespeare’s play. It is widely believed that Kronborg was the inspiration for Elsinore, the setting of Hamlet.
While touring the castle, you’ll find opulent royal rooms and dance halls, a chapel, and underground casemates.
Ljubljana Castle
You can’t walk around Old Town Ljubljana without seeing the city’s famous castle towering above the Slovenian capital city.
Ljubljana Castle is definitely one of the top attractions in Ljubljana and a must-visit on any Ljubljana itinerary.
Don’t expect to find king’s chambers or other rooms you might find in a royal castle or palace. Ljubljana Castle is a museum where you’ll find ancient relics and learn about the history of the castle and the city. With a large central courtyard, it also serves as a cultural center that routinely hosts events and temporary exhibitions.
You can get to the castle one of two ways. You can either walk the path from the ticket office up to the castle. The climb will take approximately 15 minutes. Or the easier alternative to the castle is to take the funicular, which is located in Krek Square across from Ljubljana Central Market.
The modern, glass car climbs straight up the rail line, taking just 60 seconds to reach the top. During rain or shine, you’ll get great views of the city through the glass as the funicular ascends or descends.
Along the route, you’ll see ruins of a medieval defensive wall and moat that were unearthed during construction of the railway in the early 2000s.
Hunedoara Castle
Perhaps not as famous as Bran Castle, Romania’s Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvin Castle, is equally majestic. The fortress is located in Hunedoara, Romania and is an easy day trip from Cluj-Napoca.
Built in the 15th century, the castle is one of the largest and most impressive in Europe. Its dramatic design is notable for its towering spires and wooden drawbridge that have become key elements in just about all fairytale castles.
A few interesting things to see at Covin Castle include the Knights’ Hall, the castle fountain which is shrouded in legend, the chapel, and the Diet Hall.
Warwick Castle
Last but certainly not least, Warwick Castle, located along the River Avon in Warwick, England, is believed to be over 1,100 years old.
Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a wooden fort, it was eventually reconstructed using stone.
A visit to Warwick Castle is much more than just touring an ancient fortress with an audio guide. The castle hosts numerous events and live shows throughout the year like historical reenactments, a bird of prey display, jousting shows, and even holiday festivities.
You can even stay on the property in their hotel, lodge, glamping accommodations, or even one of two special suites within one of the castle’s towers.
But back to the castle itself, inside Warwick Castle, you’ll find the Great Hall and other grand rooms, different towers that you can climb, gardens to explore, and dungeons with torture devices use to torment prisoners.
Other European Castles
There are honestly so many famous castles in Europe that it was hard to narrow down this list to just 25. There are probably at least 25 incredible castles in Germany alone, or in the UK or Ireland for that matter. But we wanted to include castles from a range of different countries and European regions. So, if we left out a must-visit castle, please let us know in the comments below.
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