From Disney’s castle to The Kashish Castle, we all have grown up dreaming about fairytale castles. To appreciate your imagination, we have listed the best European Castles in the world. This post talks about the most antiquated castles in Europe/
Whether it’s about a mermaid or fairytale castle, you can plan an itinerary that goes to your dreamy world with these seven impressive European castles.
Castles usually relate to the middle ages, encircled with thick walls designed to defend the royal family. But, time changes and all the medieval period buildings as castles and palaces have become the preferred choice of most travelers. From architecture to rich history, we have shortlisted the best castles in Europe based on their legacy. The antique design and traditional art and the construction technique of these European castles reflect the multiple levels of the progress of our civilization.
Apart from taking you a step closer to your imaginary fairytale world, these European castles showcase the world’s most spectacular architecture, picturesque landscapes, and of course, a or maybe two ghost stories. Here, we’ve put together a list of the top 7 most beautiful castles in the world, featuring antique stone walls, sky-high safety towers, splendid old-age bridges arching over stunning moats. Check out the list of the best castles in Europe.
1- Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This is an impressive piece of imposing architecture, designed for the recreation of King Ludwig II; Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps the most renowned castle on the planet, which is famous for its magnificent design and engrossing scenery and landscapes around the hilltop it lies on. This 19th-century Romanesque Revival creation has been serving as an inspiration for Disneyland’s exemplary castles and ranked first among the best castles in Europe.
Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
2- Hohenwerfen Fortress, Austria
Another hilltop castle from the list of the most splendid European castles of the medieval period, Honhenwerfen castle is a medieval rock castle situated at a high altitude of 623-metre overlooking old-school Austrian market town lies amid Salzach Valley. This glorious 900-year old fortress is bordered by the Berchtesgaden Alps and Tennen mountains. Regarded as one of the best castles in Europe, it offers a range of picturesque landscapes and lush green meadows to capture.
Address: Burgstraße 2, 5450 Werfen, Austria
3- Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania
This grand spectacular castle is an Island castle situated on a postcard island in Lake Gave, Lithuania. The construction of the magnificent stone castle was started at the starting of the 14th century by King Kęstutis and completed in the Mid-14th century. Labeled as one of the best castles in Europe, its Gothic-style architecture is constructed of brick-and-stone chapels and the compelling beauty of medieval art.
Address: Trakai 21142, Lithuania
4- Castello di Miramare Castle, Italy
This 19th-century stone castle is just 30-minutes away from the northern Trieste—the heart of picturesque Friuli Venezia-Giulia—Castello Di Miramare is one of the most beautifully designed castles in Europe, encircling with enrapturing landscapes and scenic places. Home of former Austrian Duke Ferdinand Maximilian, this 10th-century magnificent structure reflects period art and exemplary architecture among other European castles on the list.
Address: Viale Miramare, 34151 Trieste, TS, Italy
5- Bled Castle, Slovenia
The stunning and majestic, this architectural masterpiece is regarded as one of the best European castles. Bled Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Slovenia. This medieval castle sits on a clifftop, overlooking the most iconic city of Bled in Slovenia, setting it apart from other castles in Europe. Encircled by the Alps and Bled river, this beautiful castle showcases some of the most impressive and picturesque scenery in Slovenia’s rich history. Orange-colored castle walls and roof towers were designed in the middle of the 11th century. It’s perhaps the oldest and most visited tourist site in Europe.
Address: Grajska cesta, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
6- Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
This magnolia castle was built in the early 17th-century as a new royal residence for King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway. Counted among the best European castles, it seems like an illustration and popular among the tourists for its picturesque gardens and flowers. It became the largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia. In addition, it houses the most beautiful museum in Denmark’s History.
Address: Frederiksborg Slot 10, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
7- Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
The one and only ancestral seat of the Imperial House of Hohenzollern, Hohenzollern Castle surely deserves a place among the best castles in Europe. This is the second most visited place after Neuschwanstein Castle. It is a hilltop castle situated at a high altitude of 768-foot lies in the foothills of the Swabian Alps, setting it apart from other European castles. This impressive castle has several towers and fortifications that showcase well-preserved military architecture. This kingly place seems like a fairytale castle when wrapped in the blanket of fog. Located atop Mount Hohenzollern, this castle-on-cloud also has a beer garden just perfect for a German-style recreation. What else do you need to rank it among the best castles in Europe?
Address: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany
These are some of the most splendid castles in the world. Some of these are listed on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. With well-preserved architecture and traditional art, you can explore a whole new world of delights that opens into an imaginary fairytale world. Get ready with your group to walk through these most luxurious dazzling princely castles in Europe to explore the glorious grace of beautiful Europe.