Europe is the most visited continent when it comes to tourism, and it’s no secret that it has a deep-rooted history, tradition, culture, and culinary diversity. It satisfies your travel needs in ways no other continent possibly can. And one way to know the history and culture of a place is to look through its monuments, and castles are one place to start. European castles offer a glimpse into different eras, architectural styles, and stories that have shaped the continent’s history. To make you less confused about which castle to visit first, we have made a list of 10 castles in Europe that are breathtakingly beautiful.

• Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
• The Château de Chambord, France
• Edinburgh Castle, United Kingdom
• Bran Castle, Romania
• Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
• Thornbury Castle, Thornbury
• Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
• Hohenwerfen Fortress, Austria
• Kronborg Castle, Denmark
• Moszna Castle, Poland

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

With its magical appearance, this castle looks like a scene from a fairy tale. Neuschwanstein Castle owns snow-white limestone front and exotic towers that peak from the mountain tops of Hohenschwangau valley. Ludwig II built this palace as a private retreat away from public life. The palace wasn’t a royal representation but a place of relaxation for the king. Construction came to a halt after Ludwig II died in 1886, after which the palace was opened to visitors. Of its 200 rooms, only 15 are fully furnished.

The interesting fact about this palace and the king was that King Ludwig put money from his own pocket into the construction of the palace, and the debt became so great that the council decided to dispose of him. Tragically, he was found dead at Lake Starnberg just three days later.

This enchanting castle is believed to be one of the inspirations behind Disney’s classic Cinderella (1950). And the castle displayed in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty is also strikingly similar to Neuschwanstein Castle.

2. The Château de Chambord, France

Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance throughout Europe and the world. Located in the heart of the forest of Boulogne, this forest was built by King Francois I. The Chateau was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The true purpose of this place remains a mystery, as historians are unsure whether it was built for royal ceremonies or as a private retreat. But it’s still standing tall and hosting people from all over the world. 

This castle has a famous double spiral staircase, which is a significant architectural achievement. The château terrace offers a breathtaking panorama of its many windows, chimneys, spires, and charming rooftops. After being looted during the French Revolution, the palace was abandoned for some time before Napoleon gave it to Marshal Louis Alexandre Berthier. This palace tells the story of years, wars and changing rules; get mesmerised by the architecture and the scenic beauty around it. 

3. Edinburgh Castle, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction, perched upon a hill in Edinburgh. This is the oldest fortified castle in Scotland, made by Iron Age hands and saw many changing hands through the years. The palace fully represented the royal lineage and hosted many kings and queens. Queen Margaret is believed to die here in 1093. Wherever you go in Edinburgh, you can see the castle, as it towers over the whole city.

This castle was built in the 12th century and has been a place of conflict between England and Scotland. Over a million tourists visit Edinburgh Castle every year. One of the most fascinating facts about this palace is that it once served as a treasury, where precious jewels and wealth from across the world were kept.

So, if you are a history enthusiast, then this place is just right for you. You will not just find the architecture, but the walls who has held memories for years and saw the changing times. Even being so old, it still stands tall and look after Scotland with its head held high.

4. Bran Castle, Romania

Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s castle, is located in central Romania. First recorded in the 14th century, the castle was constructed as a defensive fortress to protect the region from the Ottoman Empire. Although the story of this castle being Dracula’s castle was just fictional, the Romanian people gladly embrace the legend. Because of that, this palace organises a multi-day Halloween event that transforms the grounds into the “Legend of Dracula”.

The castle was in disrepair from the 19th century to 1920, and Queen Marie of Greater Romania refurbished it as a summer residence. But after her death, her daughter, Princess Ileana, was driven out of the country by the communist party, and later the palace was opened to the public as a museum in 1956.

Although the legend of it being a Dracula castle is just part of fiction that appeared in the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, this place is not just about that. Once you visit the castle, you will find many interesting things from medieval period, that includes weapons, prisons, and torture rooms. The castle’s stunning architecture is sure to leave you impressed.

5. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

This castle sits on top of Mount Hohenzollern; it was built in 1850 when two castles that were constructed in the same place fell apart. This palace was the ancestral royal seat for the Prussian royal family and the Hohenzollern Princes. The castle is still held privately by the Hohenzollern family.

The impressive castle looks like something out of fiction; it has several towers and buildings that amount to so much to explore. It has military architecture, parks, and chapels. This castle is 855m above sea level, which gives you views of the surrounding landscape better than anything else. The castle invites tourists from all over the country who want to peacefully explore the place and offers a mesmerising view.

6. Thornbury Castle, Thornbury

Thornbury was built in a 16th-century building; this castle was once owned by Henry VIII. This castle stands on 15 acres of regal splendour and is encircled by Tudor walled gardens. Now it hosts festivities, weddings and many more activities on its grounds. Once a castle, it now operates as a hotel. You can stay here and get to know its history in detail alongside the delicious cusine it offers.

It is the only castle that is open to anyone, and everyone can enjoy its cuisine and magnificent bedrooms. The castle remained abandoned for two centuries before undergoing restoration in the 1850s. Between 1966 and 1986, the castle operated as the UK’s top restaurant by Kenneth Bell.

7. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia

This cream-walled castle with Gothic turrets is a Slovak gem. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit every year to marvel at its beauty and also to see its festivals. Bojnice Castle was originally a wooden castle which was later transformed into stone by the Poznan family. The neo-Gothic style you see today took 22 years to be finished by Count Jan Palffy, who did all the work by himself. From designing the castle to managing all the work.

The most interesting fact about this castle is that there is a cave in its fourth courtyard. It is a natural Travertine cave that is 22m in diameter and 6m in height. You will also see two ponds in the cave. Although the cave was reportedly known to the royal family, renovation work in 1888 led to its rediscovery, after which it was opened to the public.

It is worth visiting during Christmas time. Christmas is a month-long celebration at this castle. There are re-enactments of the birth of Jesus and live musical performances. You can visit Bojnice Castle year-round, whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll or take in its stunning beauty.

8. Hohenwerfen Fortress, Austria

The beautiful fortress in Austria is about 900 years old, perched high above the Salzach Valley. The scenery surrounding the castle is breathtaking, filled with pine trees and the Berchtesgaden Alps. Very interestingly, the Hohenwerfen Fortress is considered the “sister” of the Hohensalzburg Fortress since both were built by Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century. The castle gained international fame after the film Where Eagles Dare was filmed here.

The highlight of the trip to Hohenwerfen Fortress is the bird show. According to historians, the castle was built in 1077. Presently, an audio guide leads visitors around the castle, through the gardens and battlements, to the kitchen and also the Romanesque chapel. There are small museums that exhibit the historical weapons that were once used to protect the fortress. A trip to the fortress often leads to the world’s largest ice cave, Eisriesenwelt, near Werfen.

9. Kronborg Castle, Denmark

Kronborg Castle is famously known as the setting of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hidden beneath the castle is a stone statue of Holger and Dane, who are legendary figures in Danish culture. You can visit this castle and take a walk on the stairs where the kings and queens once strolled. This palace was once burnt in a fire in 1629 by some careless workers. The castle was later restored on the orders of King Christian VI. You will find a church inside the castle. In 1785, Swedish forces captured the castle, looted it, and took many of its treasures as war booty.

In 2000, Kronborg Castle became a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is so much drama and history packed in this castle that you will want to visit the castle, as there are only a few sites like this. This castle holds so many tales to tell, from stories of kings and queens to forbidden love. It’s worth a visit.

10. Moszna Castle, Poland

Moszna Castle is located in a small village in southwestern Poland. This 17th-century castle has neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.

It has many impressive turrets- almost 99- and a huge number of rooms: 365. The people who owned the castle changed from time to time; it was a health institution specialising in psychiatry and neurology. Moszna Castle is a fairytale-like castle where industrial magnates once resided.

From charming towns to dramatic landscapes, Europe offers a fascinating array of experiences. Its beauty is hard to overlook, and its remarkable monuments are sure to leave you impressed. Europe’s castles tell stories of its diverse past, reflecting different cultures, traditions, and architectural influences. Some of these castles look straight out of fantasy, and you feel like a royal while wandering. So, won’t you visit the land of diversity before you go? Don’t forget to check out our Europe packages on the Pickyourtrail website. And if you wish to customise your European itinerary, you can also do that. Let’s dive into the beauty, diversity, and history of Europe.