12 Unique Castle Hotels in Europe To Stay Once in Your Lifetime
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
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?
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
If you had to pick one castle for your next getaway, which of these 5 regal European spots would you check into for a royal slumber?
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© borisb17 / Adobe Stock
© Patryk Kosmider / Adobe Stock
© saiko3p / Adobe Stock
© peteri / Adobe Stock
© Rhodan / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
Hotel Burg Wernberg, Germany
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.
Read also: Historical Castles in Europe
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: Best Value All-Inclusive Resorts in Europe
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.
Read also: Charming Towns in Europe
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.
Read also: Classic Villages in Europe
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.
Read also: Cities in Europe With Great History
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.
Read also: Spectacular Small Towns in Europe
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
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.
Read also: European Hidden Gems
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.
Read also: Hidden Treasures of Southern Europe
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.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
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.
Read also: Heated Pools in Top European Resorts
Pin It Now, Read It Later
