Want to get lost in your own little fairytale as you explore Europe? Of course there are dreamy landscapes, romantic dinners, and memorable activities to create your perfect European getaway, but if you want to take it old school why not schedule some time to visit these fantastic European castles?
Spread across Europe, there’s no shortage of amazing castles to see and enjoy a chance to explore the grounds of and learn what life was like for the royal or rich families that built these giant homes and fortresses. Read more about some of the European castles you need to see for yourself!
Castles in the United Kingdom and Scotland
Alnwick Castle
Any person who hoped for their acceptance letter from Hogwarts will recognize the Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England. The castle is open from the end of March to the end of October and is less than £10 for admission.
For the real Harry Potter enthusiast, you have to try broomstick training and get an amazing photo of you flying on your broom where Harry had his first lesson. The castle also hosts concerts and special events like jousting, knight school, and performances of Shakespeare’s work.
The castle houses a cafe and restaurant – might we suggest the fish and chips?
Edinburgh Castle
This historic Scottish fortress is a top UK Heritage Attraction. The oldest part of the church dates back to the 12th century and halls and other sections were added over the years. At the castle, you can see the Grand Hall, the crown jewels, and the Stone of Destiny. The castle is open daily and costs about £20 to visit and that includes a guided tour.
Balmoral Castle
The Scottish home to the royal family is only open to the public during select times of the year. Though you could take your castle visit to the next level and feel like royalty by staying at the holiday cottages. Besides the castle, you can see the gardens, the garden cottage, and visit the gift shop.
Warwick Castle
It’s like the Renaissance Festival brought to life in a real castle setting. This family-friendly castle adventure is great for adults too and provides a cool opportunity to walk around historic castle grounds. Watch the War of the Roses, slay some dragons, and enjoy special evening events, like dungeon lates and medieval banquets. Buy your castle tickets online to save about £10.
Urquhart Castle
Located next to Loch Ness, this Scottish castle has seen its share of action as it was conquered and passed back and forth between Scottish and English rule during the War of Independence. As you tour the castle’s ruins, enjoy a great view of Loch Ness, see the Grant Tower, the Great Hall, be glad you didn’t stay in the prison, and view some medieval artifacts. An adult ticket is only £9.
Castles in Germany
Neuschwanstein
Built for King Ludwig II who was a bit of recluse, this impressive castle lures people away from Munich for a half-day adventure of exploring the castle. This Bavarian gem was the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella’s castle and is a sight you just need to see for yourself. Enjoy the beautiful hike up to the castle, and if it’s open, be sure to cross the bridge for amazing photo opportunities.
Heidelberg Castle
More than a million visitors come to see the castle ruins. Visit the palace and the German Apothecary Museum. A popular attraction is the Fassbau or Barrel Building with it’s wine barrel that could hold about 34,300 gallons of wine. The barrel was added in 1591. Another popular touristy spot is photographing the stunning facade of the Ottheinrich Building and seeing how well-maintained the interior decor is.
Hohenzollern Castle
This castle, the ancestral seat to the Prussian Royal House, was first mentioned in 1061 and became a fortress in the Thirty Years War. You can take a guided tour of the castle, but it is in German. Grab a brochure and follow along in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Japanese. You can take an English tour on the weekends at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and an additional tour is added at 4: 30 p.m. in the summer. You can book a tour offered in another language if you have a group of 20 or more or opt for an exclusive private tour at night in your language.
Like Neuschwanstein, you are not allowed to photograph the inside of the castle.
Castles in Austria
Kreuzenstein Castle
This centuries-old Austrian castle was once occupied by the Swedish Army in the Thirty Years War but today offers tours of the grounds, select rooms like the prince’s chamber, kitchen, chapel, and hunting room, artifacts from a private collection, and offers a great view. Of course, most tend to take photos of the outside of the castle as its fairytale-like medieval structure is just beautiful. Many tour companies in Vienna offer shuttle service to the castle as a half-day excursion in Austria.
Hohensalzburg Castle
The name kind of gives it away, but this medieval castle in Salzburg is quite the popular tourist destination in Austria! If you’re after incredible views of Salzburg, Mozart’s City, you’ve found it. The interior is just as fabulous though when you tour the Prince’s Chamber and the Magic Theater. Enjoy a ride on the funicular, which was added to the castle in 1892 (water-powered then, tram-powered now).
Castles in Italy
Castell’Arquato
In the Emilia-Romagna region, visit Castell’Arquato and enjoy stepping back in history as you explore this medieval town – yes, the whole town is Castell’Arquato! Tour the little hamlet and walk on the streets that have been there for hundreds of years. There some artifacts to see as you tour the fortress and museum, but most simply enjoy walking through living history and soaking up the views of this stereotypically-looking castle.
Rocca Maggiore
If you’re visiting Assisi, be sure to visit Rocca Maggiore! It’s wonderful vantage point on the hill gives you a great panoramic view of the Umbrian Valley. Like other castles before it, it’s been destroyed and rebuilt over hundreds of years until it was abandoned in the 1600s. Most go for the views but there are several rooms inside the castle redone to showcase different scenes of history and preserve artifacts from the past.
Castel dell’Ovo
Built in the 12th century, this Naples castle was the seat of the Royal Chamber and State Treasury of Naples. It’s name (Egg Castle in English), comes from the legend that the poet Virgil was a sorcerer and put a magical egg in the foundation. Now, this isn’t like the princess and the pea story where if you find the egg, you can marry a prince; but, you can enjoy the view of this waterfront castle and fortress as you explore Naples. The castle also hosts special events and you might even see a couple or two use it as a backdrop for wedding photos.
Castles in Ireland
Killkenny Castle
Killkenny Castle is managed by the Office of Public Works as its property of the people of Killkenny City. The castle is a sight of excavation, preservation, and restoration and hosts events throughout the year. You can tour the castle and its impressively restored rooms as well as the grounds. An adult admission is €8.
Slane Castle
At just 25 minutes from the Dublin Airport is the Slane Castle. It is the home of the Conyngham Family but does offer tours and can be booked for private events and weddings. There’s also the Browne’s Bar and Gandon Room Restaurant on-site. You can tour either the castle or the Slane Whiskey distillery (or both). The 45-minute castle tour explores the building and shares information about the family and is only €12. The distillery tour ends with a whiskey tasting and you must be at least 18 years old to book a distillery tour.
Castles in France
Chateau de Chambord
Once you set your eyes on Chateau de Chambord, you’ll wonder why you recognize it. Known as the inspiration for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this chateau is world-famous for its French Renaissance-style design and elegant flair. With more than 400 rooms inside and almost 80 staircases running through it, it was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. Today, it attracts millions who want to walk the beautiful grounds and see the great collections inside.
You can also explore the French formal gardens, see the 1518 vineyard, rent a bike, hike the trails, or even enjoy some on-the-water fun with an electric boat rental at this castle in the Loire Valley. There is an English guided tour offered every day at 11:15 a.m. from the end of June to the end of September. Be sure to enjoy a glass of French wine at one of the cafes or restaurants!
Chateau de Chenonceau
This unique Loire Valley chateau actually spans the River Cher and has both Gothic and Renaissance architectural influences. The only surviving piece of the original 12th century version is the dungeon, otherwise the chateau as it is today was built in the early 1500s. Photo opportunities abound as you approach the castle, visit the wine cellar, tour the stunning rooms and priceless collections, or get lost in the garden maze. An adult ticket with an audio guide is €18.
Mont Saint-Michel
This must-see in Normandy started as an abbey but through years of war, fortresses and other safeguarding measures were added that I’m going ahead and adding Mont Saint-Michel to this list! This one-of-a-kind site gained UNESCO World Heritage status in the ‘70s and has history dating back to the 700s when the first church was built on this island location. Make a weekend of it and check out the hotels, restaurants, and other attractions there.
Castles in Switzerland
Chillon Castle
This famous castle served as the inspiration for The Little Mermaid’s Prince Eric’s humble abode. With its beautiful mountain backdrop, the castle is touted as “Switzerland’s most visited historic monument,” and tours are available where you’ll see recreations of the various rooms. See the great halls, courtyards, grand bedrooms, and cave stores. One of the most popular stops on the tour is the camera domini that has 14th century medieval murals inside as it was occupied by the Duke of Savoy.
The castle is open every day, except New Year’s Day and Christmas Day, and is CHF 12.50 for admission.
Chateau de Tourbillon or Tourbillon Castle
In Sion, the ruins of the Chateau de Tourbillon beckon – but know that it’s quite the hike to the top. Once you’ve made it though, you’ll have sweeping, panoramic views of Switzerland. It’s not really a tourist castle where you can take tours of the ruins but still many make the trek up to enjoy the view and seeing the remains of the castle.
Castles in Spain
Castillo de Coca
Done in the Mudejar style, this castle in Central Spain is an easy day trip from Segovia and is unlike other castles on this list. Visit the chapel, the weapons rooms, reconstructed rooms, and pieces from a modest collection.
Alcazar of Segovia
This Segovian fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has quite the distinctive profile. The Alcazar has varied history as it’s served as a fortress, a palace, state prison, college, and a military academy. Today, the fortress is a museum and it too might look familiar. This castle was somewhat blended with Neuschwanstein to create Cinderella’s castle and the similarities are easy to spot. At just about an hour from Madrid, there’s no reason not to see this fantastic historic site in Spain!
We recommend buying the full entry pass for €8 so you can tour the palace, the museum, and climb the 152 steps of the Torre de Juan II to take in the amazing views.
What European castle has been your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!
