Most Breathtaking Castles You Can Visit

Okay, who hasn't dreamed of living in a fairytale castle? We're talking turrets, towers, moats, maybe even a dragon or two (okay, maybe not dragons, but still!). Castles are just dripping with history, romance, and that magical feeling that makes you want to explore every hidden passage and secret chamber. These are the most breathtaking castles, offering the best of fairytale castles.

Fairytale Dreams: Most Beautiful Castles in Europe

Get ready to fill your Instagram feed with these stunning castles. They're real-life fairytale settings, and they're guaranteed to make your followers jealous. Here, you'll find the best European castles and some of the most breathtaking castles in the world.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: This is it – the ultimate fairytale castle. King Ludwig II built this beauty as a retreat, and it's a real-life Disney castle (it's said to be one of the inspirations for Sleeping Beauty's castle).
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland: This castle is situated on a small island where three lochs converge, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands. It's incredibly picturesque.
Château de Chambord, France: This French Renaissance masterpiece is enormous and incredibly ornate. It features double-helix staircases (said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci), hundreds of rooms, and sprawling grounds.
Alcázar of Segovia, Spain: This castle looks like it was plucked straight out of a storybook. It's perched on a cliff overlooking the city, and it's said to be one of the inspirations for Disney's Cinderella Castle.
Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria: This medieval fortress is perched high on a cliff overlooking the Salzach Valley. It boasts stunning views, a falconry center, and a history that spans over 900 years.
Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal: This vibrant Romanticist castle appears to be something out of a dream. It's perched on a hilltop, surrounded by lush gardens, and it's got amazing views.
Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania: A stunning red-brick castle, accessible via a long wooden bridge.
Bran Castle, Romania: Okay, so this one is known as "Dracula's Castle," even though the connection to Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) is pretty tenuous. But hey, it's still a fabulous, spooky castle with a fascinating history!

Legends and Lore: Castles with Fascinating Histories

These castles aren't just pretty faces – they've got stories. We're talking centuries of history, battles, sieges, royal intrigue, and maybe even a few ghosts. Find some of the best European castles for historic travel.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland: This castle sits atop an extinct volcano, overlooking the city of Edinburgh. It has been a royal residence, a military fortress, and a prison, and it has played a pivotal role in Scottish history.
Tower of London, England: This historic castle has been a royal palace, a prison, a treasury, a zoo, and the home of the Crown Jewels. It's got a ton of history (and a few resident ravens!).
Château de Chillon, Switzerland: This medieval fortress is located on a small island in Lake Geneva, with stunning views of the Alps. It's been a strategic stronghold, a prison, and an inspiration for artists and writers (including Lord Byron).
Wawel Castle, Kraków, Poland: This castle was the residence of Polish kings for centuries, and it's a symbol of Polish national identity.
Karlštejn Castle, Czech Republic: This castle was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to house the royal treasures, including the crown jewels.

Royal Treatment: The Best Castles to Stay In

Okay, who wouldn't want to spend a night in a castle? These castles have been converted into luxury hotels, so you can live out your royal fantasies (without having to, you know, rule a kingdom). Live like royalty in some of the most breathtaking castles.

Ashford Castle, Ireland: This 800-year-old castle has been transformed into a five-star luxury hotel, boasting stunning grounds, falconry, fishing, and a range of other luxurious activities.
Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Spain: This historic building is considered one of the oldest hotels in the world, situated directly adjacent to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the endpoint of the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Castles in the Loire Valley, France: Several chateaux in the Loire Valley offer accommodation, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels.

Picture This: Castles with the Best Views

These most breathtaking castles offer the best views:

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Planning Your Quest: Best Time to Visit These Castles

Generally, the best time to visit castles in Europe is during the shoulder seasons:

Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and blooming flowers.
Fall (September-October): Mild temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and often lower prices than summer.
Specific Considerations: Some castles may have limited hours or be closed during the winter. Also, check for any special events or festivals that might be happening at the castles you want to visit.

Conquer the Continent: How to Plan a Castle-Hopping Trip

Ready to channel your inner knight or princess and explore multiple castles? Here's how to make the most of historic travel among European castles:

Choose a Region: Pick an area with a high concentration of castles. The Loire Valley in France, the Rhine Valley in Germany, and the Scottish Highlands are all great options.
Research: Look up the castles you want to visit and find out their opening hours, admission fees, and any tour options.
Castle Pass: See if there's a castle pass or regional pass that can save you money on admission fees.
Route and Transportation: Plan your route and decide how you'll get around. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, but train travel can also be a great option in Europe.
Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're planning on staying in any castle hotels.
Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected delays or changes in plans. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you go off-script!

Conclusion

Castles are more than just old buildings – they're portals to the past, filled with history, legends, and breathtaking beauty. Go and explore the most spectacular castles and the best fairytale castles!