12 Unique Castle Hotels in Europe To Stay Once in Your Lifetime
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Live like a king or queen from a children’s fairytale by booking into one of Europe’s finest castle hotels. Historic piles are scattered throughout the continent, offering plush accommodation in character-packed buildings. From a Bavarian fortress to a French château, which of these will you stay in first?
Hotel Burg Wernberg, Germany
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This hilltop pile should suffice if staying in a Bavarian castle would fulfill your dreams. It’s been a hotel since 1953, and the restaurant serves fresh, modern cuisine made using ingredients from the surrounding area. Expect thick stone walls, turrets, and four poster beds.
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Château Gütsch, Switzerland
Château Gütsch in Switzerland is one of the newer European castle hotels on this list, dating back to the 19th century. It’s perched atop a hill overlooking Lucerne, offering panoramic views of this historic, romantic city. The castle offers 37 five-star rooms and a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
Read also: European Fairytale Towns
Ashford Castle, Republic of Ireland
Ashford Castle’s history goes back to 1228, and it was once called home by the Guinness Brewing family. If staying in a castle isn’t enough, you also get views over Lough Corrib. There’s a sumptuous spa here and castle fittings such as turrets, armor, wooden paneling, and Waterford crystal chandeliers.
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Chateau Zbiroh, Czech Republic
Stay at Chateau Zbiroh and experience the Czech Republic’s largest privately owned castle. With a commanding hilltop position, you also get sweeping views over the local landscape. The Neo-Classical fortress is charming in its traditionalism, with classic rooms and a restaurant serving authentic Czech dishes.
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Karpniki Castle, Poland
The 15th-century Karpniki Castle in Poland has been inhabited by a series of notaries such as counts, dukes and princes. It’s also played host to various celebrity guests. The magical castle is snugly situated at the base of the Sokole Mountains and has a sauna and hot spring bath.
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Château de Bagnols, France
Château de Bagnols boasts an idyllic setting among the Beaujolais vineyards. It’s a five-star property with over 800 years of history. This one has it all – a moat and drawbridge, arrow slits in the walls, and a range of individually decorated rooms that are packed with character.
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Oscarsborg Fortress, Norway
Oscarsborg Fortress is now home to the Oscarsborg Hotel, the setting of which is both dramatic and beautiful. The castle is on Oscarsborg island, in Oslo Fjord, just 30 minutes from the city. This is one where you can truly get away from it all. Much of the accommodation has fjord views, and there’s a choice of two restaurants on site.
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Glenapp Castle, Scotland
Head to Ayrshire in southwest Scotland to stay at Glenapp Castle. There’s a dramatic drive-in entrance, and the honey-toned structure is dotted with turrets. Over 35 acres of gardens and woodland are yours to explore while staying here, and some rooms offer sea views towards Ailsa Craig.
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Hotel Schloss Thannegg, Austria
Schloss Thannegg, Austria, is situated in the Austrian Alps. It’s got a wine cellar that dates back more than 850 years and offers a free ski shuttle service in winter. The castle is set within the Unesco World Heritage site of Schladming-Dachstein and offers hotel rooms and vacation apartments.
Read also: European Cities With Rich Cultural Heritage
Kasteel Sterkenburg, The Netherlands
Kasteel Sterkenburg is a castle in the Netherlands with original features and oozing character. Under half an hour by car from Utrecht, it’s set among spacious gardens with a barbecue area and is surrounded by a moat. Stay here, and you can also enjoy fabulous views over the local countryside.
Read also: European Cities With Rich Architecture
Castello di Rivalta, Italy
Castello di Rivalta has counted British royals among its guests and is even said to have a resident ghost. The chef Guiseppe was murdered during the 1700s by a jealous husband, and the ghost reportedly switches lights on and off. This Italian castle lies by the River Trebia south of Milan and has a lovely spa with a wooden hot tub and steam bath.
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BOTANIQ Castle of Tura, Hungary
Once known as Schossberger Castle, this historic Hungarian pile required extensive renovation before opening as a hotel a few years ago. The exterior is straight from a fairytale, and you’ll find elegant, boutique-style bedrooms inside. On-site, you’ll also find an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a spa.
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