Explore 12 Historic European Castles Straight Out of a Storybook
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From the east to the west, you can find historic castles all over Europe. If you’ll be taking a vacation on the continent in the future, then be sure to step into one of the following storybook fortresses at some time during your visit. Whether heading to Austria, France, Spain, Slovakia or the UK, there’s a splendid fairytale castle to see. Not to mention the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania or Slovenia…
Château de Chambord, France
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Whether you’re planning to visit the Loire Valley anyway or would like an excuse to do so, add Château De Chambord to your list. Built during the 16th century in the classic French Renaissance style, it has more than 400 rooms. The spires, courtyards, turrets, and double-helix staircase of this castle have inspired numerous artists and writers.
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Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle in Romania has some darker associations than other fairytale castles: the storybook is Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The history of this castle goes back to the 14th century, and it features a blend of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. Queen Marie of Romania once called this red-roofed castle home.
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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
The capital of Scotland is dominated by one of Europe’s most iconic castles. Edinburgh Castle is perched on a rock overlooking the city and was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The one o’clock gun salute still takes place daily, with rare exceptions. This honey-toned, medieval castle is packed with history and interesting artifacts, including the oldest Crown Jewels in the UK.
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Miramare Castle, Italy
This Italian castle is far more modern than appearances suggest. It was constructed during the mid-19th century but resembles something from centuries before. The castle is enclosed in glorious gardens and also offers superlative views over the Adriatic Sea.
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Predjama Castle, Slovenia
There aren’t too many castles anywhere on earth, let alone in Europe, built seamlessly into a cave. However, Predjama Castle in Slovenia combines a man-made structure with a natural cavern. The castle is shrouded in legend and is said to have been used by Erasmus of Lueg, a 15th-century knight who robbed the rich to help the poor, just like Robin Hood.
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Hohensalzburg Fortress, Austria
If you’d like to see one of the continent’s best-preserved and biggest medieval castles, head to Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg. As it’s more than 500 meters above sea level, the structure towers over the city, offering visitors unparalleled views. The castle is still used as a concert venue and features chapels, courtyards, and museums.
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Pena Palace, Portugal
Portugal’s Pena Palace is incredibly colorful, with elements of pastel lilac, rich red, vibrant orange, and sunny yellow. This fantasy castle was home to King Ferdinand II in the 19th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site today. Sitting atop a hill among the Sintra Mountains not far from Lisbon, this castle certainly has the wow factor in spades.
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Trakai Castle, Lithuania
Trakai Castle in Lithuania is Eastern Europe’s sole island castle. The castle is situated on one of a series of 21 islands on Lake Galvė. You can expect superb views over the water and forest from here, and learn about Lithuanian history in the on-site museum. The castle ranges from pastel peach to terracotta in color, which adds to the fairytale feel.
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Prague Castle, Czech Republic
This is one of the most accessible castles on the list, as it’s easy to visit while taking a city break in Prague. It’s also worth adding to your itinerary because of the panoramic views from the hilltop location, meaning you can see the entire city spread out before you. This is the largest castle in Europe and comprises a cluster of Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque buildings.
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle is the quintessential fairytale castle. Backed by the Bavarian Alps and Lake Alpsee, and surrounded by evergreen trees, the setting is just as spectacular as the building. The turrets, towers, and blue roof are said to have inspired Disney’s Magic Kingdom castle.
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Spiš Castle, Slovakia
Spiš Castle in Slovakia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the archetypal old, stone castle perched on a hilltop. Not only is this one of Europe’s most appealing castles, it’s also set among the Tatra Mountains and Slovakian countryside. During your visit, you can also learn about this castle’s important role in local and national history.
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Alcázar Of Segovia, Spain
This Spanish castle, featuring a blue roof and spiraling turrets, could also have inspired Walt Disney. The setting is special, with sweeping views over the city of Segovia and the surrounding mountains. This storybook castle seamlessly blends Gothic, Moorish, and Romanesque elements. It’s worth taking a day trip to this UNESCO-listed destination while visiting Spain.
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