Europe is full of history, but the most magical parts are the castles. Some look like they belong in a Disney movie, and others sit high on rocky mountains. Walking through these gates feels like stepping back in time to the days of kings and queens.
If you are planning your summer travel bucket list, you have to include at least one of these. From the famous towers in Germany to the hidden gems in Scotland, these are the most beautiful castles in the world. Get your camera ready, because these places are a dream come true!
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This is the most famous castle in the world. It is said that Walt Disney used this castle as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle. It sits high on a hill in the Bavarian Alps, surrounded by dark green trees and snowy peaks.
- What to do: Walk up to Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke). It is the best spot to get that perfect “fairytale” photo of the whole castle.
- Traveler Tip: This place gets very crowded. You must book your tickets weeks in advance if you want to see the inside!
2. Pena Palace, Portugal
Pena Palace is unlike any other castle. Instead of gray stone, it is painted in bright yellow, red, and blue. It sits on top of a hill in Sintra, looking down at the ocean. It looks more like a giant colorful toy than a fortress!
- What to do: Explore the terraces. Every wall has a different color or a beautiful pattern made of tiles. The views from the top reach all the way to Lisbon.
- Traveler Tip: It can get very windy and foggy at the top, even in summer. Bring a light jacket just in case.
3. Alnwick Castle, England
Alnwick Castle is a dream for many movie fans. It is the real-life setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies! It is a massive, very old stone fortress with beautiful green grassy courtyards inside.
- What to do: Take a “Broomstick Training” lesson. It happens right on the grass where Harry Potter learned to fly. The guides are very funny and make it an experience you will never forget.
- Traveler Tip: This castle is located very far north in England, close to Scotland. It is best to visit as part of a longer road trip in Great Britain.
4. Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel is more than just a castle; it is an entire tiny island town! It sits just off the coast of Normandy, connected to the land by a single bridge. When the tide is high, the water surrounds the village, making it look like a magical fortress in the sea.
- What to do: Walk across the bridge from the land just before sunset. The whole island, from the village houses at the bottom to the grand abbey at the very top, starts to glow with soft golden light.
- Traveler Tip: You must visit the abbey at the top. The view of the ocean is incredible.
- If you love unique French locations, check out our things to do in Chamonix, France.
5. Bled Castle, Slovenia
This castle sits on a giant cliff right above Lake Bled. It is the oldest castle in Slovenia. From the castle walls, you can look down at the bright blue lake and the tiny island in the middle. It looks like a scene from a storybook.
- What to do: Visit the old printing press inside the castle. You can see how books were made a long time ago. Afterward, walk down to the lake and try a “Bled Cream Cake”—it is the most famous dessert in the area.
- Traveler Tip: For the best photo of the castle itself, take a traditional “Pletna” boat out onto the lake and look up.
6. Bran Castle, Romania
Most people know this as “Dracula’s Castle.” It is hidden in the dark forests and misty mountains of Transylvania. It has narrow stairs, secret underground passages, and old wooden doors. It is a bit spooky but very exciting!
- What to do: Explore the narrow winding stairs inside the castle walls. They lead to small rooms filled with old furniture and armor. Even if you don’t believe in vampires, the history of the castle is fascinating.
- Traveler Tip: Visit in the autumn if you can. The orange and red leaves on the trees make the castle look even more mysterious.
7. Chillon Castle, Switzerland
Chillon Castle is built right on the edge of Lake Geneva. It is so close to the water that it looks like it is floating! It has been standing for over 1,000 years and is the most visited historic building in Switzerland.
- What to do: Explore the underground vaults. The stone arches and the sound of the lake water hitting the walls make it feel very old and mysterious.
- Traveler Tip: Take a boat from the nearby town of Montreux to get to the castle. Arriving by water is the most beautiful way to see it.
8. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
This castle is built on top of an extinct volcano! It towers over the city of Edinburgh. It has survived many battles and is the home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. It is a symbol of strength and history.
- What to do: Be there at 1:00 PM to hear the “One O’Clock Gun” fire. It has been a tradition since 1861. Then, walk down the Royal Mile—the famous street that leads away from the castle gates.
- Traveler Tip: The walk up to the castle is quite steep. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some windy weather at the top.
9. Craigievar Castle, Scotland
This is the most famous “Pink Castle” in the world. It looks exactly like something you would see on a storybook cover. It is tall, slim, and has a beautiful pink color that looks stunning against the green Scottish grass.
- What to do: Walk around the forest trails surrounding the castle. From the trees, you can get a great view of the pink towers peeking out. It is a very quiet and peaceful spot.
- Traveler Tip: This castle has no artificial light on the upper floors, so it looks exactly the same as it did hundreds of years ago!
10. Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
This castle is shaped like the bow of a ship! It sits on a high rock where two rivers meet. With its blue-tiled roofs and tall towers, many people believe this was another big inspiration for the famous Disney castles.
- What to do: Climb the Tower of Juan II. It is a long climb, but when you get to the top, you can see the entire old city of Segovia and the huge Roman Aqueduct.
- Traveler Tip: Segovia is a very easy day trip from Madrid. You can take a fast train and be there in less than 30 minutes.
