There is something about castles that inspires awe and at the same time touches a gentler, more romantic side in each of us. And if you want to visit some of the best castles in the world, then Europe should be your destination as this continent certainly has more than its share. Here are the top 25 castles in Europe, in no particular order.
1. Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle
For many of those that see this castle for the first time, they get a niggling feeling that Castle Neuschwanstein looks so familiar. The reason for this is that the castle looks so much like the Disney castle in Florida! Indeed, some have speculated that that castle was modeled after the “real thing” in Germany. One thing is for sure, this massive castle is quite breathtaking! Built in the 1800s, the castle can be found in Schwangau, in the Bavarian Alps.
Photo: visbeek
2. Peles Castle in Romania
Peles Castle
Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Peles Castle can be discovered in the majestic Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia, Romania. There are 168 rooms in the castle and only 35 are accessible to the public. Recommended rooms include Holul de Onoare, Sala Mare De Arme, Sala De Teatru and Salonul Turcesc . Unfortunately, guided tours are only available of the ground and first floors. Peles Castle is a must-see destination in Romania.
Photo: Nice2Beat
3. Bojnice Castle in Slovakia
Bojnice Castle
Bojnice Castle is located in Bojnice, Slovakia and is one of the most delightful romantic castles in Europe. The castle dates back to the 12th century and hosts one of the most popular museums in Slovakia. The castle also offers other interesting attractions and hosts many festivals. It is also possible to get married at Bojnice Castle.
Photo: gaga_hifi_nutter
4. Castle of Coco in Spain
Castillo de Coca
Built in the 15th century by the Archbishop of Seville, the incredible Castle of Coca or Castillo de Coca is considered to be one of the best castles in Spain. An excellent example of the Gothic and Mudéjar styles, Coca Castle can be found in the town of Coca in the Segovia province in Spain. Guided tours of the interior, exterior and museum are available and highly recommended.
Photo: karaco1971
5. Brodick Castle in Scotland
Brodick Castle
Situated in the Isle of Arran in Scotland, this castle is one of the oldest. Its roots can be traced back to the time of the Vikings and was in fact built as protection against them. It was the English Dukes of Hamilton that had the fortress built, and over the centuries, generations of the family added on the castle. In 1957, the last Hamilton heir gave up the castle, and visitors can now tour this historic site. Aside from the art collection, there is a rhododendron collection in the garden, which is famous worldwide.
Photo: ayrshireroots
6. Veliki Tabor Castle in Croatia
Veliki Tabor Castle
Built in the 12th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site member, Veliki Tabor Castle is located in beautiful region of Zagorje, Croatia. The castle was once owned by the noble Ratkaj family and the painter Oton Iveković. The castle is now owned by the state and is used as a tourist site, museum, the venue for the Tabor film festival and other cultural and leisure events.
Photo: Tracey & Doug
7. Ksiaz Castle in Poland
Ksiaz Castle
Also known as the Pearl of Lower Silesia, Ksiaz Castle was built in the 13th century by Bolko I the Strict. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. It was once confiscated by the Nazis and then occupied by the Red army. Guided tours of the castle for tour groups and individual tourists are available in the spring and summer between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday.
Photo: ukaszSie^back
8. Bran Castle in Romania
Bran Castle
Originally built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212, Bran Castle is located just outside of Bran, in the Eastern European country of Romania. Set in the hills, this picturesque castle has close ties to the legend of Dracula, and has been converted into a museum popular with tourists visiting the area.
Photo: bugaboy00
9. Lincoln Castle in England
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle is in Lincolnshire and was built in 1068. As with many other European castles, Lincoln Castle is steeped in history, but it has the additional distinction of being one of only two castles in the country that were originally built on two mottes. More than this, Lincoln Castle used to be the home of William the Conqueror.
Photo: ricklus
10. Eltz Castle in Germany
Burg Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is situated in the hills between Koblenz and Trier in West Germany. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Germany and has been owned by the same branch of family for over 800 years. Guided tours of the castle are recommended and cost € 8.00 for adults and € 5.50 for children. Eltz Castle is open from April to November and can be visited daily between 9.30am and 5.30pm.
Photo: estebanl
11. Mont Saint-Michel in France
Mont Saint-Michel
Another striking European castle, Mont Saint-Michel near Normandy never fails to impress. It is actually considered to be a medieval wonder, because of the fact that it is built on a rocky peak. Mont Saint-Michel was originally an abbey and served as a popular destination for pilgrims. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.
Photo: mbell1975
12. Malbork Castle in Poland
Malbork Castle
Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997, Malbork castle was founded in Prussia in 1274 by the Teutonic Order. Today, this beautiful Gothic brick castle complex can be visited by taking a short 60 minute trip from Gdansk, Poland. Malbork Castle offers excellent guided tours, permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as archival exhibits.
Photo: Kittroid
13. Castle Frankenstein in Germany
Castle Frankenstein
This castle is so famous because of it’s the myths and stories surrounding in. More than these legends, Frankenstein’s Castle has its own real history. Discover this mysterious castle on your own, and enjoy Frankenstein come to real life.
Photo: fluffisch
14. Castle of Eger in Hungary
Castle of Eger
Castle Eger is one of Hungary’s most popular tourist attractions and is well worth a visit. The castle is about a 90 minute train ride from Budapest. The castle dates back to 13th century and is famous for fending off the massive Turkish army invasion in 1552. There are four excellent museums in the castle as well as other interesting exhibitions for you to see.
Photo: Azulao
15. Windsor Castle in England
Windsor Castle
Who has not heard of Windsor Castle? Located in the English county of Berkshire, Windsor Castle is one of the most perfectly maintained castles in the world. Of course, the renowned guards who do not flinch are also present here. Even better, the castle is in a quaint little town with everything “English-quaint” to be found here.
Photo: gaga_hifi_nutter
16. Trakai Castle in Lithuania
Trakai Castle
Situated in the town of Trakai in Lithuania, Trakai Castle is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. There are actually two castles to see at Trakai – one on an island, and one on the shore of Lake Galvė. The castle hosts an excellent museum that is filled with Lithuanian artifacts and other interesting objects that were discovered on the castle grounds. A day trip from Vilnius to Trakai castle is recommended.
Photo: AnyMotion
17. Spis Castle in Slovakia
Spis Castle
Dating back to the 12th century, Spis Castle is one of largest medieval castles in the Central Europe and is situated above the town of Spišské Podhradie. The castle was declared a national monument in 1961 and was once owned by the Royal Family. Spis Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: nikkaa
18. Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria
Hohensalzburg Castle
Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, Hohensalzburg Castle is located in the picturesque Austrian town of Salzburg and is Salzburg’s most popular tourist attraction. This massive fortress sits over the city on Festungsberg hill and is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Guided tours with audio in eight languages are available or you can tour the castle at your own leisure.
Photo: kjoch
19. Canterbury Castle in England
Canterbury Castle
Another really really old castle, the Canterbury Castle was built in the 3rd century. As with other castles, Canterbury Castle was added on to over the centuries. And while the castle is not intact anymore, it still is a wonder to behold.
Photo: john stanbridge
20. Predjama Castle in Slovenia
Predjama Castle
Built into a natural rock formation in Slovenia, Predjama Castle is a popular destination for visitors of the area. Now a museum showcasing the life of various medieval lords, Predjama Castle has been rebuilt twice, after experiencing war and natural disaster. This remarkable Renaissance castle is unassuming in its beauty, but is a must-see for enthusiasts
Photo: JumpinJack
21. Pembroke Castle in Wales
Pembroke Castle
Situated on the banks of the River Estuary, Pembroke Castle has tunnels, passageways, and stairways that one can explore. Tudor buffs will also love the fact that Henry Tudor was born here. Another plus: the castle is mostly intact.
Photo: richpix
22. Hunyad Castle in Romania
Hunyad Castle
Said to be the home of lingering spirits, Hunyad Castle is a relic of the Hunyad dynasty, and situated in Romania. Also known as Hunedora Castle, this magnificent structure was built in the 14th Century in Gothic style, and is famous for supposedly being the home of imprisoned Vlad III for 7 years, before he was dethroned in 1462.
23. Chateau de Versailles in France
Chateau de Versailles
Chateau de Versailles was built as a hunting lodge by Louis the XIII. Soon after, the lodge was upgraded to a castle and became the official residence of the Court of France. Over the years, and many monarchs later, the castle evolved into what it is today.
Photo: Girardon
24. Kyrenia Castle in Cyprus
Kyrenia Castle
Located on the picturesque northern coast of Cyprus, Kyrenia Castle was built on the eastern side of the village’s harbour. Surviving several small sieges, and a four year long war, this 16th Century castle is one of the main tourist attractions for the area, rich in diverse history.
Photo: Jungle_Boy
25. Prague Castle in the Czech Republic
Prague Castle
This castle is the pride of the Czech Republic’s capital. Prague Castle has been at the center of the country’s history for the longest time, and continues to be a symbol of its struggles. The castle, which is known as one of the largest in the world, was built in the ninth century and stands majestic till today. You can take a guided tour of the Prague Castle every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are offered in six languages: Czech, English, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
Photo: Captain Chaos
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been to Mont Saint Michel in France and it is amazing
One other reason Castle Neuschwanstein looks familiar to some of us. In the computer games SimCity 3000 and SimCity4, Neuschwanstein is one of the landmark buildings featured in the game.
Wow, Romania has 2 castles in the top ten + another one! I’m so proud
wow they are beautiful.. its official.. i want to live in a castle!
Thanks for sharing:)
it would be more difficult, if you would have listed europes most unpopular castles…that are situated mostly in Ghana: Elmina, Princesstown and Cape Coast.
Where’s Burg Eltz?
great list, I would put this bad boy at 26.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himeji_Castle
What, no Carcassonne?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcasonne
It might qualify more as a “palace” than a “castle,” but Dolmabahce Sarayi in Istanbul, Turkey is STUNNING.
http://users.rowan.edu/~polikar/GIFS/dolmabahce.jpg
Being Romanian I’m excited that you put three Romanian castles in this top 25 of Europe. However I feel that the Kronborg castle in Denmark should have also been included! It’s an amazing place to visit, and it’s Hamlet’s castle. Yeah, THAT Hamlet.
Check it out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kronborg
I’m really disappointed to see that you haven’t included any Portuguese castles. There are amazing castles in Portugal.
What a wonderful and informative post. It is incredible to think that these architectural wonders survived through centuries of war and turmoil. I only hope that they will be preserved for the generations to come.
breathtaking!
Prague Castle truly is magnificent, as is the part of Prague it’s located in, it really has a fairytaley feeling to it… I miss the Czech Republic
What a beautiful panorama. they are well-maintained.
Oh, Burg Eltz is number ten. Oops
Crac des Chevaliers of the Crusades period in Syria is also pretty impressive (not to mention old and seeped in history).
Now I want to go traveling. Maybe with a really good-looking History major . . .
Funny how the narrator says Neuschwanstein is reminiscent of Disneyland rather than the other way round.
I wonder what continent he lives on.
What a great spread of castles through Europe. Maybe Denmark should have an entry or two for its extensive collection but an inspiring set to try to visit.
Nice ones…but mine is missing.
i think you’ve forgotten cinderella’s castle.
I have been in Czech Republic’s capital, and very beautifully.
Portugal has also a nice little colection of Castles such as:
Guimarães: “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guimar%C3%A3es”
Obidos: “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%93bidos,_Portugal”
S. Jorge: “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Jorge_Castle”
and many more…
HUNGARY,
HUNYAD (VAJDAHUNYAD VÁR)
you know the first castle is also the castle in chitty chitty bang bang.
I think Arundel castle in West Sussex deserves more of a mention than Canterbury castle as far as England goes. Nice to see Trakai, Lithuania on the list!
As for Prague castle, it’s very difficult to know where it begins and where it ends when you’re actually there! I thought it was more a collection of buildings than a castle. Great views of the city though.
There are 25 better castles in Scotland alone……………
I cannot believe you did not mention the alcazar in Segovia !
Please consider.
I can’t say I have ever had much of an interest in castles, but after seeing these pictures you have converted me! They are incredible!
Aaron
Bran Castle… there has been a mistake. It wasn’t built by the teutonic order in 1212, but in 1377 on the order of Ladislav the 1st of Hungary the sachs begin to build the castle, so that the romanian Voievod’s would not invade transilvania, and to foresee an important trading route.
Hunyad vara was also not of romanian origin, but of Hungarian. It was built by the father of one of the greatest kings of Hungary, by Hunyadi Janos, who defeated the turks in 1496 in Bratislava, and he is the reason that the cathlic churches ring their bells at 12:00 a clock.
how many of them are officially haunted?
Only one Scottish castle in there, and it’s not Eilean Donan?
Fail.
Good list, but no Edinburgh Castle? It’s a great one–and not just because I proposed to my wife in front of it.
Brodick Castle is indeed a castle worth visiting, but I would have expected to have seen Edinburgh Castle on the list…..
Amazing list and spectacular photos! From the comments it seems you could make a top 50 castles post. I’d like to add this citadel in Besancon to be considered: Citadelle de Besançon
Hohenzollern castle should be on the list too.
you are missing key castles:
Carcossone : largest free standing castle there is 2 hotel in it -cars drive through it.
also the one in spain that walt disney copied
the dammes castle in southern france
wow whats nice Castles. i like to visit once
i have been “Windsor Castle in England” with my family 3 years ago. its one of the best one but i did not know. i know with your blog. thanks for sharing best Castles in europe . i have plan to visit after 1 year for my business promotion at that time definately i will visit. thanks for sharing
Best regard
Nepal travel
U folks should read a little more attentive,it was not written that Bran and Hunyadi castle were built roumanian,it’s only listed that they are today roumanian,so better post your revanchistic literature to other forums… i personally think Mont Saint Michel should habe been number two; after all the Burg in Budapest was build by germans in the time the city was ruled german with the name of Ofen but no german wants to remind u that: this seems to be really subjektive posted by amateurs,i think the brits ,spaniards and portuguese,danish and swedes too are too low represented,so thi is only a turist guide to be enjoyed . so enjoy!!!
i really think i just left my comment ,so enjoy everybody; in Mecklenburg -Vorpommern in germany there are so many water sited castles u ,can’t even count,or let;s say the valle de loire in france.
5 hungarian castle
Törcsvár(Bran-Transylvania-Romania) “King Sigismund of Hungary ordered the construction of a stone castle in 1377…”
Hunyad Castle (Romania) Until 1541 it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary..,The castle is a relic of the hungarian Hunyadi dynasty and Matthias Corvinus of Hungary
Szepes vára(Spis Castle-Slovakia) Spiš Castle was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier castle. It was the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Szepes County of Hungary. Before 1464, it was owned by the kings of Hungary, afterwards (until 1528) by the Szapolyai family, the Thurzo family (1531-1635), the Csáky family (1638-1945)
Bajmóc (Bojnice Castle-Slovakia) Its first owner was Máté Csák, who received it in 1302 from the King Ladislaus V of Hungary. Later, in the 15th century, it was owned by King Matthias Corvinus, who gave it to his illegitimate son John Corvinus in 1489…
Eger Castle
+info
Treaty of Trianon on June 4, 1920,
Hungary lost 72% of its territory, and lost its sea ports in Croatia, 3,425,000 ethnic Hungarians found themselves separated from their motherland. Hungary lost 8 of its 10 biggest Hungarian cities.
” after all the Burg in Budapest was build by germans in the time the city was ruled german with the name of Ofen”
The first royal residence on the Castle Hill was built by King Béla IV of Hungary between 1247 and 1265 .
The Gothic palace of King Louis I of Hungary was arranged around a narrow courtyard next to Stephen’s Tower.
The last phase of grand-scale building activity happened under King Matthias Corvinus, when Italian humanists, artists and craftsmen arrived at Buda. The Hungarian capital became the first centre of Renaissance north of the Alps.
In 1791 the palace became the residence of the Habsburg Palatines of the Kingdom of Hungary. The palatinal court in Buda Castle was the centre of fashionable life and high society in the Hungarian capital…….so what?