Discover Parks & Wildlife contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
14 of the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe You’ll Want to Move Into
Alright, castle enthusiasts, get ready to take a whimsical journey through some of Europe’s most jaw-dropping castles. We’re talking about those majestic fortresses that make you question why you didn’t pursue a career in knightdom or princess-ing.
I mean, who wouldn’t want a turret that reaches for the sky, a tower that practically challenges you to a climbing contest, or architecture that leaves you breathless (and maybe a little jealous of the builder’s skills)? These castles are the real deal, the ones that will transport you to a world of fairy tales – and make you wonder if you missed your calling as royalty.
So grab your imaginary crown, dust off that suit of armor (don’t forget the cape, it’s crucial), and let’s explore a realm where castles will leave you yearning for a moat of your own (alligators not included, unfortunately).
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Have you seen Disney’s Cinderella Castle? Of course, you have. But guess what? Neuschwanstein is the OG – it inspired the whole thing.
Perched on a Bavarian hill, it’s a romantic dream come to life with turrets and towers that scream, “Make me your phone wallpaper.” Fun fact: it was never actually finished because King Ludwig II had some… budget issues. Classic royal problems, right?
Mont Saint-Michel, France
Remember seeing a castle on rocky islands surrounded by water? Yep, Mont Saint-Michel is likely the one you’re thinking of.
Want to know what makes it even cooler? Twice a day, it becomes entirely cut off from the mainland thanks to high tide, which feels like a defense mechanism straight out of medieval fantasy. Just make sure to visit at sunset when it looks like an actual postcard of perfection.
Peles Castle, Romania
This beauty is located in the Carpathian Mountains and was one of the first castles in Europe to have electricity. Imagine flicking a light switch when your neighbors were still lighting candles.
And bonus points for the lavish interiors that are basically a Pinterest board of neo-Renaissance design. You probably can’t move in… but no harm in asking, right?
4. Pena Palace, Portugal
Bright colors? Check. Hilltop views? Double-check. Pena Palace is like a whimsical masterpiece straight out of an artist’s wildest dreams. Picture vibrant hues splashed across a romanticist castle situated in the picturesque Sintra Mountains.
You can even spot it from miles away because, well, it’s hard to miss. And let’s not forget that undeniable “do I live in Hogwarts now?” energy it exudes. It’s a castle that’s sure to leave you spellbound.
Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
Love a good ghost story? Well, hold onto your hats because Bojnice Castle is about to become your favorite haunt. This stunning castle, with its majestic spires and enchanting moat, is not only a sight to behold – but also plays host to an international ghost and spirits festival.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the castle’s breathtaking interiors might just make you question your skepticism (or at least get you in the mood for some seriously spooky Halloween vibes).
Bodiam Castle, England
Looking for the textbook medieval castle with a moat? Presenting Bodiam Castle. Set in the English countryside and surrounded by water, this place isn’t just photogenic – it’s practically screaming, “Please paint me.”
It’s a 14th-century time capsule of stone towers and spiral staircases. And you might even see a ghost…or at least a really dedicated tour guide in costume.
Miramare Castle, Italy
Perched dramatically overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, Miramare Castle was built for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife. It’s a 19th-century seaside villa, complete with “old money vibes.”
The views are so dreamy, you might even start questioning if you’ve stumbled upon the perfect setting for a romantic comedy. Just be careful not to get lost in the castle’s enchantment – unless that’s part of your rom-com plot, of course.
Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
This isn’t just a castle; it’s an education. Frederiksborg is home to the Museum of National History, which somehow makes learning fun when it comes with a giant, ornate Renaissance-era building.
Built in the early 17th century, it feels like something straight out of a Danish royal fairytale. And it’s the perfect place to soak up some knowledge while pretending you’re royalty.
Moszna Castle, Poland
If Tim Burton designed a castle, Moszna might just be it. Known for its 99 spires (yep, 99 – couldn’t we have fit in just one more?), it’s a quirky mash-up of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
It’s the type of place where you expect to bump into a wizard or, at the very least, a very fashionable ghost. Add it to your bucket list for an eccentric adventure in a whimsical wonderland. Just watch out for floating teacups…and chatty gargoyles.
Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
They call this place “the fairy tale castle of Wurttemberg,” and for a good reason. Perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the Echaz Valley, it looks like it defied gravity just to show off.
Cobbled together from medieval inspirations, it’s tiny but mighty in charm. Remember to wear sturdy shoes on a visit – you’ll want to climb every angle of this dream.
Bran Castle, Romania
Ah, yes, the Dracula castle. While its connection to Vlad the Impaler is thin at best, its haunting (yet gorgeous) vibe makes it easy to understand why it holds such mythical appeal.
Situated in Transylvania (because, of course), it’s eerie and beautiful all at once. And it would make the perfect Halloween destination, wouldn’t it? So, grab your garlic necklace and wooden stakes – because you never know when a vampire might photobomb your selfie.
Chateau de Chambord, France
Meet French Renaissance architecture at its finest. Chateau de Chambord is impossibly gorgeous, complete with stunning turrets and intricate details that will make your jaw drop. Oh, and did we mention the double-helix staircase? Rumor has it that it was designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci himself. Yes, that da Vinci.
Prepare to question your own living situation as you step into this extravagant castle. It’s so fancy, it might just make you want to add a moat to your backyard.
Kronborg Castle, Denmark
To visit Kronborg is to pay homage to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. You know, that classic tale of family drama, ghostly encounters, and questionable life choices.
The castle, known as Elsinore in the play, exudes an aura of brooding vibes and historical significance. If you plan your visit right, you might even catch a live performance of the tragic tale – adding an extra layer of existential drama to your visit.
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
With its epic mountaintop location on Mount Hohenzollern, this castle is as grand as its name implies. Serving as the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family, its dreamy turrets and panoramic views make it particularly photographic.
Bonus…you’ll feel like a character from the Sound of Music just getting there. Strike a pose, capture those amazing landscape shots, and let the fairytale experience unfold before your eyes.
Like Our Content? Follow Us on MSN (or click the Follow Button above) for more from Discover Parks & Wildlife.
