32 Sensational Fairytale Castles in Europe

Castles in the United Kingdom

6. Carew Castle (Wales)

• Location: Carew, Pembrokeshire, Wales
• Built: 1100s
• Best Known For: Romantic limestone ruins reflecting across a 23-acre tidal millpond.
• How to Get There: Off the A477 near Tenby; best accessed by car due to its rural location.

Carew Castle blends medieval stronghold defences with elegant Elizabethan manor-house architecture, built over a 2,000-year history of settlement on the site. Abandoned in the late 17th century, the castle ruins sit peacefully on the edge of a tidal lake.

Local folklore links Carew to several ghost legends, including a Celtic warrior, a white lady, and a Barbary ape kept by a former master. A gentle 1-mile circular walking trail surrounds the site, offering views across the water, alongside an 11th-century Celtic stone cross and the only fully restored 18th-century tidal mill in Wales.

• Insider Tip: Walk the full mile-long loop around the millpond for unobstructed sunset reflection shots of the castle.

7. Blarney Castle (Ireland)

• Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland
• Built: 1446
• Best Known For: Home of the legendary Blarney Stone (Stone of Eloquence).
• How to Get There: Located 5 miles northwest of Cork City; accessible via public bus 215 from Cork station or by car along the N20.

No trip to Southern Ireland would be complete without visiting Blarney Castle, the third Irish castle to stand on this hallowed spot and home of the famous Blarney Stone.

Built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster, Blarney Castle is an iconic Irish tower house built on ancient 10th-century fortifications. Millions of travellers come here to climb the narrow tower steps and hang upside down over the parapet to kiss the Blarney Stone, an act said to grant the gift of persuasive eloquence (the gift of the gab).

Beyond the tower, the surrounding grounds span over 60 acres of gardens and pathways. Highlights include the Rock Close—a mystical garden filled with ancient yew trees and druidic stone arrangements—and a dedicated Poison Garden housing toxic botanical species from around the world enclosed behind iron cages.

• Insider Tip: Head straight to the castle keep first thing in the morning to beat the tour buses queued up for the stone.

Castles in Germany & Central Europe

8. Burg Eltz (Germany)

• Location: Wierschem, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Built: 12th Century
• Best Known For: Remaining untouched by war and preserved within the same family for 33 generations.
• How to Get There: Drive 45 minutes from Koblenz or Trier, or take a regional train to Hatzenport/Moselkern, then hike 45 minutes along the forest trail.

Tucked deep within a forested valley along the Elzbach River, Burg Eltz is a true fairytale structure. Unlike many European fortresses, it was never captured or destroyed during medieval conflicts, preserving eight centuries of original architecture, furnishings, and historic armour.

The castle is a prime example of a Ganerbenburg—a fortress shared by multiple branches of a noble family—resulting in eight soaring tower residential houses packed tightly on a single rock spur. Guided tours showcase the Knights' Hall, historic kitchens, and an extensive private treasury filled with gold and silver artefacts.

• Insider Tip: Skip the shuttle bus from the parking lot and take the scenic 15-minute downhill walking path through the forest for a dramatic first view.

9. Lichtenstein Castle (Germany)

• Location: Honau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Built: 1840–1842
• Best Known For: "Württemberg's Fairytale Castle," perched precariously on a cliff ledge.
• How to Get There: Located 1 hour south of Stuttgart; best accessed by car via the B312.

Perched on a steep cliff top 817 meters above the Echaz Valley in the Swabian Jura, Lichtenstein Castle looks like it emerged directly from a storybook. Built by Duke Wilhelm of Urach on the foundations of a medieval knights' castle, its construction was directly inspired by Wilhelm Hauff's historical novel Lichtenstein.

You reach the castle via a wooden drawbridge spanning a deep ravine. Guided tours lead visitors through romantic rooms decorated with historic armour, stained glass windows, and period furniture.

• Insider Tip: Visit during autumn when the surrounding Swabian forest canopy turns vibrant shades of orange and red.

10. Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)

• Location: Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany
• Built: 1869–1886
• Best Known For: Inspiring Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• How to Get There: Drive 1.5 hours south of Munich, or take a train to Füssen, then take a short local bus ride to Hohenschwangau village. Train travel in Germany is cheap and reliable.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a personal retreat from public life, Neuschwanstein sits dramatically atop a craggy hill against the Bavarian Alps and is one of Europe's most famous landmarks. Designed by a theatrical set painter rather than a traditional architect, the castle reflects Romanesque Revival design filled with references to Wagnerian operas.

The interior features elaborate state rooms, including the two-story Throne Hall and the Singers' Hall adorned with murals. Despite its medieval appearance, Ludwig equipped the palace with late-19th-century modern technologies, including running hot water, central heating, and automatic flush toilets.

• Insider Tip: For the classic postcard photo angle, walk 15 minutes past the castle to Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge), which spans the Pöllat Gorge.

11. Heidelberg Castle (Germany)

• Location: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Built: 13th Century (expanded across the Renaissance)
• Best Known For: Red sandstone Renaissance ruins overlooking the Neckar River and historic Old Town.
• How to Get There: Easily reached via a short funicular railway ride from Heidelberg's historic town centre.

Rising high on the slopes of Königstuhl mountain, Heidelberg Castle stands as one of Germany’s most influential Renaissance structures. Constructed from regional red sandstone, the castle served as the residence for the Prince Electors of the Palatinate until lightning strikes and wars damaged parts of the structure in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The surviving compound features rich architectural facades, including the Ottheinrich Building and Friedrich Building. Highlights include the Heidelberg Tun—the world’s largest wine barrel, built in 1751 with a capacity of over 219,000 litres—and sweeping panoramic views over the Neckar River valley.

• Insider Tip: Take the historic funicular railway to the top, then walk down through the castle gardens into the Old Town.

By planning a German fairytale castle road trip, you’ll see Neuschwanstein, Burg Eltz, and Lichtenstein Castle.

12. Prague Castle (Czech Republic)

• Location: Prague, Czech Republic
• Built: 870 AD
• Best Known For: Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's largest ancient castle complex.
• How to Get There: Take Tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop from Prague’s city centre.

Dominating the Prague skyline, Prague Castle is a sprawling 70,000-square-meter complex that has served as the seat of power for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and modern Czech presidents.

The complex includes historic palaces, courtyards, and religious monuments, dominated by the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. Additional key stops include the Old Royal Palace with its vaulted Vladislav Hall, the colourful 16th-century homes along Golden Lane (where Franz Kafka once lived), and St. George’s Basilica.

• Insider Tip: Buy your entry ticket online in advance to bypass the main courtyard ticketing lines during peak hours.

13. Český Krumlov Castle (Czech Republic)

• Location: Český Krumlov, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
• Built: 1240
• Best Known For: Its vibrant painted tower, dramatic mantle bridge, and preserved Baroque theatre.
• How to Get There: 2 hours south of Prague; easily reached by direct express bus or shuttle. Spending one night in Český Krumlov lets you explore all its attractions.

Perched above a horseshoe bend in the Vltava River, Český Krumlov Castle is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. The landmark blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, centred on a famous round tower adorned with colourful frescoes.

Highlight features include the Mantle Bridge—a multi-story stone arch bridge connecting the upper castle to the castle theatre—and one of the world's best-preserved 18th-century Baroque court theatres, complete with original stage machinery, scenery, and props.

• Insider Tip: Climb the 162 steps of the Castle Tower for panoramic views over the town's UNESCO-listed red rooftops.

14. Hluboká Castle (Czech Republic)

• Location: Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
• Built: 13th Century (rebuilt in Romantic Neo-Gothic style in 1840–1871)
• Best Known For: Its white facade inspired by Windsor Castle in England.
• How to Get There: Located 20 minutes from České Budějovice or 2 hours south of Prague by car.

Hluboká Castle underwent several renovations after its original 13th-century construction, transforming from a medieval fortress into a Renaissance manor and later a Baroque residence. After visiting England and deciding to remodel the estate in the Romantic Neo-Gothic style, the Schwarzenberg family commissioned its current appearance, taking direct inspiration from Windsor Castle.

The white stone exterior features battlements, turrets, and intricate stone carvings. Inside, 140 lavishly decorated rooms display wood carvings, glass chandeliers, Delft porcelain, and an extensive collection of historical weaponry.

• Insider Tip: Take the representation tour route to view the intricate hand-carved wooden ceilings in the main library.

15. Křivoklát Castle (Czech Republic)

• Location: Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
• Built: 12th Century
• Best Known For: A royal hunting lodge surrounded by dense, protected Bohemian forests.
• How to Get There: Located 1 hour west of Prague; accessible via regional train to Křivoklát station.

Hidden within a protected nature reserve, Křivoklát is one of the oldest and most historic royal castles in the Czech Republic. Originally established as a hunting lodge for the Přemyslid dynasty, its remote forest location made it a favourite getaway for Bohemian monarchs.

The castle features a massive cylindrical Great Tower, a Late Gothic chapel filled with carved wooden altarpieces, and a historic library housing over 53,000 volumes. Over the centuries, Křivoklát also served as a notorious prison for political figures, including the Renaissance alchemist Edward Kelley.

While Křivoklát is relatively small, a restaurant within the castle grounds (Hradní krčma Křivoklát) serves tasty, inexpensive food, so it's a great place for refreshments after your visit.

• Insider Tip: Combine your castle visit with a hike along the nature trails through the surrounding UNESCO Křivoklátsko Biosphere Reserve.

Castles in France & Western Europe

16. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (France)

• Location: Azay-le-Rideau, Indre-et-Loire, France
• Built: 1518–1527
• Best Known For: Early French Renaissance architecture set on an island in the Indre River.
• How to Get There: Located 25 kilometres southwest of Tours in the Loire Valley, accessible by car or local regional bus.

Built during the reign of King Francis I by royal treasurer Gilles Berthelot, Azay-le-Rideau sits on an island within the Indre River. Writer Honoré de Balzac famously described it as a "faceted diamond set in the Indre."

The château blends traditional French medieval fortress features—such as corner turrets and a moat—with early Italian Renaissance ornamental details. Surrounded by romantic English-style gardens, the castle's white stone walls reflect across the calm surrounding waters, creating quiet photographic opportunities.

• Insider Tip: Walk around the southern mirror pond at noon when the water is still for clear reflection photos.

17. Château de Chenonceau (France)

• Location: Chenonceaux, Loire Valley, France
• Built: 1514–1522
• Best Known For: "The Ladies' Château," constructed on arches spanning the River Cher.
• How to Get There: Drive 2.5 hours southwest of Paris, or take the TGV to Tours/St-Pierre-des-Corps, then take a local connection to Chenonceaux station.

Spanning the River Cher, Château de Chenonceau is one of the most famous and visited châteaux in the Loire Valley and a perfect stop on a day tour from Paris. Dubbed Le Château des Dames - the Ladies' Château- its history was shaped by influential women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici.

The castle’s iconic feature is its two-story gallery bridge spanning the river, which served as a grand ballroom during the Renaissance and later as an escape route and hospital during World War I and II. Inside, visitors can view restored grand kitchens within the river piers, along with original tapestries and paintings by Old Masters like Rubens and Tintoretto.

• Insider Tip: Compare the rival gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici located on opposite sides of the castle entrance.

18. Cité de Carcassonne (Comtal Castle) (France)

• Location: Carcassonne, Occitanie, France
• Built: 12th Century (fortifications date back to Gallo-Roman times)
• Best Known For: A massive fortified medieval citadel with 52 watchtowers and double ring walls.
• How to Get There: Fly directly into Carcassonne Airport, or take a train from Toulouse (roughly 45 minutes).

The Cité de Carcassonne is a restored medieval fortress town perched on a hill above the Aude River. Enclosed within a double row of defensive walls stretching nearly 3 kilometres, the citadel features 52 watchtowers, drawbridges, and narrow cobblestone streets.

At the heart of the citadel sits the Château Comtal (Count's Castle), built in the 12th century by the Trencavel family. Visitors can walk along the upper ramparts, explore medieval battlements, and view restorations led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.

• Insider Tip: Walk the inner ramparts early in the morning before daytime visitors fill the narrow alleys.

19. Château de Pierrefonds (France)

• Location: Pierrefonds, Oise, France
• Built: 14th Century (extensively restored 1857–1885)
• Best Known For: Romantic medieval architecture, often featured as a filming location (Merlin).
• How to Get There: Located 1 hour north of Paris near Compiègne; best reached by car.

Constructed in the late 14th century by Louis d'Orléans, Pierrefonds was dismantled in the 17th century and stood in ruins for over two hundred years. In 1857, Emperor Napoleon III commissioned architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc to rebuild the fortress into an idealised romantic residence.

The result is one of the best castles near Paris, featuring massive round towers, drawbridges, gargoyles, and defensive keep designs. Its fairytale appearance has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV series, notably serving as King Arthur's Camelot in the BBC series Merlin.

• Insider Tip: Check out the Hall of the Preuses inside to admire the monumental fireplace and polychrome vaulted ceiling.

20. Muiderslot Castle (Netherlands)

• Location: Muiden, North Holland, Netherlands
• Built: 1285
• Best Known For: A classic square moated castle located just outside Amsterdam.
• How to Get There: Drive 20 minutes east from Amsterdam, or take bus 328/322 from Amsterdam Amstel station to Muiden.

Located at the mouth of the Vecht River, Muiderslot (Muiden Castle) is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in the Netherlands. Count Floris V commissioned it in 1285 to enforce toll charges on trade routes; this square brick fortress features a moat, drawbridge, corner towers, and defensive arrow slits.

In the 17th century, famous Dutch author PC Hooft resided in the castle, transforming it into an intellectual salon. Today, the castle operates as a national museum showcasing restored medieval residential quarters, armour collections, and recreated 17th-century plum orchards and herb gardens.

• Insider Tip: Grab an audio guide at the entrance—it brings the castle's medieval defences to life with interactive sound effects. Entry to Muiderslot is included in the Amsterdam City Card.

21. Kasteel de Haar (Netherlands)

• Location: Haarzuilens, Utrecht, Netherlands
• Built: 1892–1912 (built on 14th-century ruins)
• Best Known For: The largest and most luxurious castle compound in the Netherlands.
• How to Get There: Drive 30 minutes south of Amsterdam, or take a train to Utrecht Central, then take local bus 127.

Kasteel de Haar is the largest and most ornate castle in the Netherlands. Rebuilt between 1892 and 1912 by architect Pierre Cuypers (who also designed the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam) for the van Zuylen family, the project was funded through marriage into the Rothschild family.

The estate features towers, moats, suspension bridges, and formal English parklands planted with over 7,000 mature trees. Inside, the castle features early 20th-century luxuries, including electric lighting, central steam heating, and custom wood panelling.

• Insider Tip: Rent a bicycle at nearby Haarzuilens village to explore the surrounding country estate trails.

Castles in Southern & Eastern Europe

22. Alcázar of Segovia (Spain)

• Location: Segovia, Castile and León, Spain
• Built: 12th Century
• Best Known For: Distinctive bow-of-a-ship silhouette perched above the confluence of two rivers.
• How to Get There: Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Segovia (under 30 minutes), followed by a short local bus to the Old Town.

Rising above a rocky crag where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet, the Alcázar of Segovia is one of Spain’s most iconic fortresses. Originally built as a Roman and Moorish fort, Christian monarchs later expanded it into a royal palace, state prison, royal artillery academy, and military college.

Its slate-turreted roofs, grand keep (Tower of John II), and central moat give it a distinctive appearance often cited alongside Neuschwanstein as inspiration for Disney's castle designs. Highlights inside include the Hall of the Kings—featuring carved wooden statues of Spanish monarchs—and the Hall of the Throne with its Moorish-influenced ceilings.

• Insider Tip: Climb the 152 steps up the Tower of John II for panoramic views of Segovia Cathedral and the surrounding plains.

23. Castillo de Colomares (Spain)

• Location: Benalmádena, Andalusia, Spain
• Built: 1987–1994
• Best Known For: Unique modern monument castle combining Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Moorish architecture.
• How to Get There: Located 20 minutes west of Málaga along the Costa del Sol; best reached by car or local taxi.

Unlike ancient defensive fortresses, Castillo de Colomares is a modern architectural monument constructed between 1987 and 1994 by Dr Esteban Martín Martín and two local stonemasons. Built using brick, stone, and cement, the castle pays homage to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the New World.

Covering a footprint of 1,500 square meters, the whimsical structure features elements representing Spain's three main medieval cultures (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam). It holds a Guinness World Record for housing the world's smallest church, measuring just 1.96 square meters.

• Insider Tip: Look closely at the stone carvings to spot carved replicas of Columbus’s three ships (Santa María, Pinta, and Niña).

24. Peleș Castle (Romania)

• Location: Sinaia, Prahova County, Romania
• Built: 1873–1914
• Best Known For: A Neo-Renaissance royal palace nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.
• How to Get There: Take a direct train from Bucharest to Sinaia station (about 1.5 hours), then walk uphill for 20 minutes.

Commissioned by King Carol I of Romania, Peleș Castle is a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece set in the Carpathian Mountains. Blending German alpine timber-frame design with Italian Renaissance interior elegance, it served as the Romanian royal family's summer residence until 1947.

The castle was advanced for its time, becoming the first European castle powered entirely by locally generated electricity, featuring a retractable glass ceiling, central heating, and an electric elevator. Its 160 rooms display wood carvings, stained glass, historic armour collections, and fine Persian carpets.

• Insider Tip: Pay extra for the extended tour ticket—it grants access to the private royal apartments on the upper floor.

25. Wawel Royal Castle (Poland)

• Location: Kraków, Lesser Poland, Poland
• Built: 13th–14th Century
• Best Known For: Historic royal residence overlooking the Vistula River, blending Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles.
• How to Get There: Located at the southern edge of Kraków’s Old Town, an easy 10-minute walk from the Main Market Square.

Perched on Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Royal Castle served for centuries as the political and cultural seat of Polish monarchs. The complex features an Italianate Renaissance courtyard surrounded by arcaded galleries built during the reign of King Sigismund I.

Inside, visitors can tour the Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury, and Armour Room, which houses the ceremonial sword Szczerbiec. Beneath the castle hill sits the Dragon's Den (Smocza Jama), a natural limestone cave tied to the local legend of the Wawel Dragon, complete with a bronze dragon statue that breathes real fire at the cave exit.

• Insider Tip: Time your exit from the Dragon's Den cave to watch the fire-breathing dragon statue light up every few minutes.

26. Malbork Castle (Poland)

• Location: Malbork, Pomerania, Poland
• Built: 13th Century
• Best Known For: Recognised as the world's largest brick castle complex by surface area.
• How to Get There: Take a direct train from Gdańsk to Malbork (30–45 minutes); the castle is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Constructed in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights—a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders—Malbork Castle (Zamek w Malborku) is a massive medieval brick fortress. Built using over 30 million handmade bricks, the compound spans three distinct courtyard sections surrounded by thick defensive walls and moats.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle was rebuilt following World War II damage. Highlights include the Grand Master's Palace, the medieval Refectory dining hall, and extensive amber art collections.

• Insider Tip: Rent the official audio guide at the gate—it uses GPS location tracking to guide you through the expansive complex automatically.

27. Cēsis Castle (Latvia)

• Location: Cēsis, Vidzeme, Latvia
• Built: 1209
• Best Known For: An atmospheric Livonian Order fortress where visitors explore dark towers by candlelight.
• How to Get There: Take a regional train or bus 2 hours northeast from Riga to Cēsis town centre.

Founded by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1209, Cēsis Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castle sites in the Baltic states. Over its 800-year history, the fortress withstood sieges by Ivan the Terrible's Russian forces and Swedish armies before falling into ruin during the Great Northern War.

Upon arrival, each visitor is handed an authentic candlelit lantern to navigate the unlit spiral staircases leading up into the Western Tower. The complex also features a restored visitor centre in the adjacent Manor House, alongside recreated medieval gardens and artisan workshops.

• Insider Tip: Hold your candle lantern high when climbing the spiral stairs in the main tower for the authentic medieval experience.

28. Guaita Tower / San Marino Castles (San Marino)

• Location: Mount Titano, San Marino
• Built: 11th Century
• Best Known For: Three iconic defensive towers perched along the ridges of Mount Titano.
• How to Get There: Fly into Rimini, Italy, and take the direct international shuttle bus up to San Marino's historic centre.

Guaita is the oldest and most famous of the three towers crowning Mount Titano in the microstate of San Marino, one of the world's smallest countries. Built directly onto the bare rock face in the 11th century without foundations, it served as a fortress and prison protecting the world's oldest surviving republic.

Along with nearby Cesta Tower (housing an armour museum) and Montale Tower, Guaita offers panoramic views stretching across the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic coastline. A panoramic walking trail connects all three fortresses along the cliff edge.

• Insider Tip: Walk the Passo delle Streghe (Path of the Witches) trail connecting Guaita and Cesta for mountain ridge views.

Castles in Northern Europe & Switzerland

29. Kronborg Castle (Denmark)

• Location: Helsingør, Denmark
• Built: 1420s (rebuilt 1574–1585 in Renaissance style)
• Best Known For: Immortalised as "Elsinore" in William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
• How to Get There: Take a 45-minute regional train north from Copenhagen to Helsingør station; walk 10 minutes to the coast.

Positioned on a narrow promontory guarding the Sound between Denmark and Sweden, Kronborg Castle played a key strategic role in Northern European history. Commissioned by King Frederick II, the castle was constructed in the Renaissance style using sandstone walls and green copper roofs, funded by Sound Dues collected from passing merchant ships.

The castle is globally famous as Elsinore, the setting of Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. Every summer, outdoor theatrical performances of Hamlet take place in the main courtyard. Underground, visitors can explore dark casemates housing the statue of Ogier the Dane (Holger Danske), a legendary hero said to sleep until Denmark faces grave danger.

• Insider Tip: Use your smartphone torch when exploring the deep underground area below the castle walls.

30. Alnarp Castle (Sweden)

• Location: Alnarp, Skåne County, Sweden (10 km north of Malmö)
• Built: Originally 12th century; restored in 1862 (French Renaissance style)
• Best Known For: Vibrant autumn red ivy facade, Harry Potter vibes, and extensive botanical grounds
• How to Get There: Take a 25-minute bus ride from Malmö Central Station directly to the Alnarp campus area.

Alnarp Castle is a hidden Scandinavian gem with serious Harry Potter vibes. Originally a 12th-century Danish noble estate, the castle was redesigned in 1862 into the striking French Renaissance style seen today. It now serves as part of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences campus.

The main draw is the castle’s striking ivy-covered facade. While stunning year-round, the absolute best time to visit is in October when the ivy turns a deep, fiery red against the stone turrets.

Surrounding the castle, Alnarps Park houses one of Sweden’s most diverse living collections of plant life, featuring over 2,500 species of trees and shrubs from around the globe alongside local wildlife.

• Insider Tip: Pack a lunch to enjoy at the outdoor picnic tables scattered throughout the park—since it's an active university campus, entry to the grounds is completely free, though interior access is restricted.

31. Chillon Castle (Switzerland)

• Location: Veytaux, near Montreux, Switzerland
• Built: 12th Century
• Best Known For: A romantic island fortress on Lake Geneva made famous by Lord Byron.
• How to Get There: Take the local train or a scenic lake ferry from Montreux directly to the Chillon landing pier.

On a rocky island outcrop along the shores of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) is Switzerland's most visited historic monument. Positioned to control the alpine trade route between Italy and Northern Europe, the House of Savoy expanded it during the 13th century.

The castle inspired Lord Byron's famous poem The Prisoner of Chillon, which he wrote after visiting the subterranean dungeons where Francois de Bonivard was chained to a pillar in the 16th century. Visitors can still view Byron’s name carved into the stone pillar inside the underground vaults, alongside restored grand halls, courtyards, and wall walkways overlooking the Alps.

• Insider Tip: Arrive by public lake steamer from Montreux for a classic water approach to the castle.

32. Oberhofen Castle (Switzerland)

• Location: Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland
• Built: 13th Century
• Best Known For: Picturesque medieval keep featuring a romantic turret built directly over Lake Thun.
• How to Get There: Take a 15-minute public bus or passenger ferry from Thun station to Oberhofen pier.

Oberhofen Castle stands on the northern shore of Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle's most striking visual element is its small turreted keep built directly over the water, connected to the main stone castle by a short bridge.

Inside, the castle functions as a museum showcasing historic living quarters from the 16th to 19th centuries, topped by a Turkish smoking parlour on the upper floor with views of the Swiss Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau). A 2.5-hectare formal park surrounds the castle, featuring flower beds, rare trees, and walking paths along the lakeshore.

• Insider Tip: Five impressive castles surround Lake Thun. Be sure to visit each one for a fabulous experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most famous fairytale castle in Europe?

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, is widely considered Europe's most famous fairytale castle. King Ludwig II commissioned it in the 19th century, and its romantic architecture directly inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Which European country has the most castles?

Wales has the highest concentration of castles per square mile in Europe, with over 600 castle sites. Germany has the highest absolute total number of castles and fortresses, estimated at over 20,000.

What is the oldest castle in Europe?

Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, founded in 870 AD, is recognised as one of Europe's oldest continuously operating castle complexes and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest ancient castle complex.

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