Welcome to your enchanting journey through some of the most beautiful fairytale castles in Europe!
While visiting Portugal recently, we spent a few days in Sintra – which has to be one of the most magical places on earth. It’s home to at least five exquisite palaces and castles.
Our visit inspired us to round up some of the prettiest European castles we’ve seen over the years (and a few we’re still eager to visit). After all, who doesn’t love dreamy places sprinkled with fairy dust?
What’s the difference between a castle and a palace?
If we’re being nitpicky, the main difference between a palace and a castle boils down to their purpose and design.
Castles were built to keep enemies out. Think towering battlements, thick walls and often a moat to deter unwelcome guests.
Palaces, on the other hand, were built for splendor and luxury. Think grand halls, stunning décor and beautiful gardens. It’s where royals kicked back in lavish style – and sometimes still do!
But many castles and palaces blur the line and are a bit of both – part castle, part palace, all awesome! They’re sturdy enough to hold off a siege but stylish enough for a royal ball.
And then, if we’re really splitting hairs, there’s also such a thing as a “castellated palace” – basically a palace that’s all about looking pretty, with castle-like architectural features but zero defensive abilities.
More grammar wizardry: “Fairytale” is spelled as one word when used as an adjective. But it’s two words – “fairy tale” – when used as a noun.
Here, then, are our picks for the 15 most captivating castles to visit in Europe – you’ll feel like you’re stepping right into a storybook!
1) Pena Palace (Portugal)
This is the Portuguese palace that sparked the idea for this post.
Crowning a craggy mountain in Sintra, Pena Palace is a full-blown fairy tale brought to life and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Technically, Pena Palace isn’t a traditional castle but rather a palace that looks like a castle (so a castellated palace). But let’s not be too fussy, okay?
It was commissioned by King Ferdinand II between 1842 and 1854 as the ultimate royal summer getaway. And Ferdinand wanted it to rival the fantastical Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany (see #2 below) but with Portuguese flair.
He got his wish.
Bursting with eye-catching colors of gold and crimson, Pena Palace is a dazzling masterpiece, dripping with the romanticism of the era. Gothic battlements, statues of mythological creatures and vividly painted terraces add to the fantasy.
Wander through its whimsical mix of Moorish keyhole gates, past onion domes and writhing stone snakes. Inside, marvel at treasures like Meissen porcelain and trompe l’oeil murals.
When we visited, the palace was shrouded in mist, making it even more magical – if that’s possible. The swirling fog seemed to play hide and seek with the turrets, adding a mysterious veil to this already mind-boggling palace.
Since the small town of Sintra is just a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon, visiting Pena Palace on a day trip from the capital is a breeze (if you can’t stay in Sintra like we did).
Just remember, it’s super popular, so be sure to book your day and time slot in advance.
2) Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
You’ve seen it… As one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, pictures of it are splashed everywhere.
We’re talking about Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein). It’s that 19th-century fantasy castle, dreamt up by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, that’s nestled high up in the Bavarian Alps.
As well as being the inspiration for the Portuguese Pena Palace (#1 above), this white wonder – complete with frescoes, towers and sapphire blue turrets – also played muse to two Disney castles.
It inspired the Cinderella Castle in the 1950 Walt Disney classic. And it’s whispered that the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in California is also modeled after it.
Ludwig’s untimely (and mysterious!) death in 1886 unfortunately left his castle unfinished. It was then opened to the public and has been fascinating visitors ever since.
To reach it, you have to walk up an extremely steep hill for 30 to 40 minutes or so. Or you can make like a king or queen and hitch a ride up in a horse-drawn carriage.
At the top, step inside to see the castle’s 14 completed rooms – like the Singer’s Hall, where Ludwig indulged his opera obsession, and the Throne Hall with its crown-shaped chandelier. A standout is Ludwig’s over-the-top bedroom, with its silver fountain washstand shaped like a swan.
Outside, stroll to Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge), built across a gorge, for jaw-dropping views over a cascading waterfall – your camera will thank you!
Interestingly, like Pena Palace, Neuschwanstein isn’t a real castle.
It was never meant to fend off invaders.
Instead, it was built as King Ludwig’s personal playground – a dreamy escape where the “Fairy Tale King” could indulge his love for opera and medieval legends.
Yet, when we picture the best fairytale castles in Europe, this one always comes to mind. So, naturally, we had to give it a shout-out here!
3) Chantilly Castle (France)
Okay, you know the Palace of Versailles.
Now imagine a French castle that’s every bit as gorgeous, but without the throngs of tourists. That’s Chateau de Chantilly or Chantilly Castle.
We visited Chateau de Chantilly while on a 10-night cruise along the Seine River. And it captivated us with its fairytale charm and fabulous art collection.
In case you’re wondering, it’s a real castle. Surrounded by a moat, it was originally a fortified structure in the Middle Ages.
It’s made up of two buildings – the Petit Chateau, built in the 16th century, and the Grand Chateau, reconstructed in the 19th century after being destroyed in the French Revolution. With impressive turrets, classic columns, elegant balustrades and intricately carved stone facades, it’s French Renaissance architecture at its best.
The Chateau de Chantilly is particularly known for its magnificent Musee Conde, which houses one of the finest collections of classical paintings in France. We oohed and aahed over masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli and Titian.
The chateau also showcases opulent rooms filled with period furniture, tapestries and decorative arts. Don’t miss the impressive library with its collection of rare books and manuscripts.
4) Bojnice Castle (Slovakia)
Hailed as one of the most stunning medieval European castles, Bojnice Castle is a romantic dream dating back to the 12th century.
Part of the Slovak National Museum, the castle offers daily guided tours.
Inside, you’ll find lavish furnishings, including antique furniture, ornate tapestries and stunning frescoes. The Golden Hall, with its gilded ceiling and intricate carvings, is a knockout.
And what’s this? It’s the castle’s natural travertine cave, accessed via a spiral staircase that once served as the castle’s water source.
The dungeon is both intriguing and a bit gruesome, featuring a torture chamber with medieval devices.
But you’ll soon be outside – and the garden’s manicured lawns and flowerbeds are as lovely as the castle itself. Indeed, as Bojnice Castle is a popular venue for weddings, you might spot a just-married couple posing for wedding photos.
If you’re in central Slovakia in late April/early May, don’t miss the annual International Festival of Ghosts and Monsters, held at the castle – it’s a spooky good time!
5) Prague Castle (Czech Republic)
For over a thousand years, Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors and presidents. Needless to say, there’s a lot of history here!
The fact that it was a hotspot for assassination plots and houses hidden crown jewels only adds to its air of mystique.
It’s enormous too.
Totaling more than 753,000 square feet, it’s the largest castle complex in the world. It even holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
It includes palaces, towers, halls, churches and various nooks and crannies – all a fantastic mishmash of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles.
One of the castle’s highlights is the Royal Garden. Initially an old vineyard, it’s now renowned for its array of exotic plants and botanical specimens from around the world.
6) Alhambra (Spain)
When in Spain, the Alhambra is a must-see.
This Moorish palace, fortress and garden complex looks like it belongs in the Arabian Nights (aka One Thousand and One Nights). With its reddish ramparts, the Alhambra rises majestically, hiding the delicate beauty within. It’s simply one of the absolute best castles in Europe!
Built by the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th century, it served as a royal palace and fortress for the Muslim rulers of Granada.
The Alhambra’s architecture shines with ornate stucco, geometric designs, Arabesque patterns and intricate mosaics.
Rooms like the Hall of the Ambassadors and the Hall of the Abencerrajes boast stunning ceilings and elegant arches. Wandering through them, you can almost hear the whispers of the past.
Don’t miss the Court of the Lions (a serene courtyard) and the Medina (a small city that once bustled with shops, public baths and mosques).
You’ll also find the Generalife, a peaceful villa with lush gardens, where the sultans once relaxed.
These gardens – among the loveliest gardens in the world – are a sensory delight with their soothing water sounds, fragrant plants and beautiful light.
7) Windsor Castle (England)
One of the most famous medieval castles in Europe is found in England. (Yes, we know England bailed on the EU, but it’s still part of the European continent.)
Meet Windsor Castle!
Built by William the Conqueror in 1070, this royal abode wears the crown as the oldest occupied castle in the world. The late Queen Elizabeth II adored it, and now it’s the weekend getaway for King Charles III, his wife Camilla and other members of the British royal family.
Overlooking the Thames River, it’s all gray stone walls and lofty battlements on the outside.
The interior of the castle contains more than 1,000 rooms (with over 300 fireplaces). And it’s packed with enough royal paintings, armor and furniture to stuff a museum several times over.
Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, even if royalty are staying there. (But don’t expect to bump into any of them – the private residences are off limits.)
What can you see?
Highlights include the official State Apartments (decorated with gold chandeliers and artwork by Rembrandt and Rubens), St. George’s Chapel with its stained glass windows (where many royals are buried) and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House (a miniature doll palace).
8) Bran Castle (Romania)
Keen to explore the history of Dracula’s castle? Then this one’s for you!
Pssst! Save this post!
We'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later
Bonus! You'll get our free guide on how to save up to 25% on luxury travel!
With its spellbinding Dracula story, Bran Castle in Transylvania easily deserves our pick as one of Europe’s best castles to visit.
Its haunted atmosphere, narrow staircases and hidden passageways all contribute to its mythical reputation. And during your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into its legends and history.
Fun Fact: Despite his famous gothic horror novel Dracula, Bram Stoker never visited Romania!
Bran Castle was built by the Saxons as a fortress in the late 14th century to defend against invading Ottoman forces.
And while often associated with the legendary Dracula, there’s no historical evidence that Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for Dracula, ever lived here.
Getting to Bran Castle is easy with a guided tour, which you can take by minivan or car. From Bucharest, it takes approximately three hours. Note that during peak seasons, the nearby ski resorts may cause travel delays due to crowds.
One of the coolest things about Bran Castle is that its 57 rooms have unique layouts with small windows and geometric patterns. As sunlight streams through, it casts eerie shadows on the walls, adding to the castle’s enigmatic charm.
There’s also a hidden passageway leading to a beautiful terrace beneath a watchtower.
If you’re a fan of vampire stories, you’ll love this castle!
9) Chateau De Chambord (France)
France’s Loire Valley is dotted with countless chateaux, but Chateau de Chambord steals the show. It’s the largest and definitely one of the loveliest!
Tucked inside a lush wooded park, it’s a Renaissance masterpiece built by King Francis I in the 16th century.
It flaunts over 400 rooms and 80 staircases – including a unique double-helix staircase believed to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Wander through its 17th and 18th century furnished rooms, and don’t miss the royal bedchambers. Also head to the rooftop for a breathtaking view of chimneys, domes and turrets peeking over the castle grounds.
If you’re visiting in winter, bundle up, as this castle still isn’t heated.
10) Alcazar of Segovia (Spain)
Another one of the most beautiful European castles that could feature in a fairy tale is the Alcazar de Segovia.
Originally built as a fortress, this medieval marvel sits atop a rocky crag, looking a bit like a ship slicing its way through the Spanish plains. It’s worn many hats over the centuries – royal palace, state prison and military academy.
To enter the castle, you have to cross a drawbridge over a moat; high turrets loom above.
Inside, prepare to be wowed.
All the lavish rooms and halls are decorated in a mix of Christian and Mudejar (Moorish) styles, with azulejos, carved arches and decorative ceilings. The gilded coffered ceiling in the Throne Room? Absolutely the cat’s meow.
The Hall of the Galley is pretty special too. The ceiling mimics an inverted ship’s hull, and its arched twin windows offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
11) Hohenzollern Castle (Germany)
We can’t dish about Europe’s fairytale castles without spilling the tea on Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern).
Located in Germany’s Swabian Alps, it was first built in the 11th century and got a facelift in the 15th century. The current version is the castle’s third (and most glamorous!) makeover – transformed into a romanticized medieval dream by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in the mid-19th century.
Whether bathed in sunlight or shrouded in mist, this neo-Gothic vision beguiles thousands of visitors each year with its timeless beauty.
To protect the floors, you must put on special slippers provided by the castle.
Then wander through its 140 richly decorated rooms by yourself or on a guided tour. Their marbled columns and gilded coffered ceilings will literally take your breath away.
In the Count’s Hall, admire the pointed arch windows, original wood flooring and rib vaulting. Another one of the most beautiful rooms is the Queen’s bedchamber, with its grand canopied bed, antique furniture, ornate mirrors and gilded accessories.
And if you’re into bling, Queen Louise of Prussia’s diamond jewelry will have you green with envy!
12) Buda Castle (Hungary)
Perched atop a hill, Buda Castle is a crown jewel in Budapest’s skyline.
Originally built in the 14th century, this beauty has had quite the makeover. King Matthias Corvinus gave it a Renaissance touch in the 15th century, and the Hapsburgs added some Baroque flair in the 18th century.
Stroll through its majestic halls, where royal grandeur once thrived. The Matthias Room is the star, with its ornate woodwork, grand chandeliers and frescoes illustrating tales of Hungarian history and legends.
The view from the castle is also breathtaking. You can see the Danube River below, the gleaming Parliament building and the city sprawled out in all its architectural glory.
Outside, the Castle Garden Bazaar enchants with its landscaped terraces, fountains and vibrant flowerbeds.
Buda Castle isn’t just a historical monument, though – it’s a cultural hotspot. The Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and National Szechenyi Library all call it home.
When you visit, you’ll also want to explore the winding streets around the castle.
You’ll find charming cafés and art galleries at every turn. Nearby, the Fisherman’s Bastion’s towers are perfect for snapping some more pics.
13) Conwy Castle (Wales)
Conwy Castle, one of the all-time great castles of Europe, was built in the Middle Ages between 1283 and 1287 by Edward I of England when he conquered Wales.
This medieval fortress isn’t just a pretty face. It’s all about those epic defensive vibes. With eight towering turrets and sky-high curtain walls, it practically screams “Don’t mess with me!“
Inside, imagine feasting in the high-ceilinged Great Hall with its massive stone fireplaces, check out the royal digs and even peek into the dungeons.
Also be sure to climb the spiral staircases (and look down onto the courtyards below) for that full fairytale castle experience. And walk atop the walls, which wrap around the whole town of Conwy, for killer views of the surrounding green countryside.
A top attraction in Wales, this Edwardian castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd and is well worth visiting!
14) Miramare Castle (Italy)
All ivory white and perfectly positioned on the water’s edge in Trieste, this is a truly delightful castle.
Miramare Castle was built in the 19th century for the Archduke Maximilian of Austria and his wife, Charlotte.
Sadly, they only lived here for a short while. Maximilian was shipped off to Mexico as its emperor, only to be assassinated. Charlotte ended up living in seclusion in Belgium, heart-broken and emotionally unwell.
But the fairtytale confection lives on!
With its graceful Romantic style, Miramare combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.
What’s especially lovely is that most rooms have views of the endless blue sea. When you visit, you can also see precious furniture pieces from the mid-19th century and works of art scattered throughout several rooms.
Oh, and if we’re getting technical, this is another castle that’s actually a castellated palace. (Remember we mentioned those earlier?) It was built as a seaside retreat, not for defense. But, hey, it’s still called “Miramare Castle.”
15) Schwerin Castle (Germany)
The last romantic castle on our list is yet another German gem. (Germany’s got a big slice of the pie when it comes to famous castles in Europe – thanks to all those tiny princedoms and the country not unifying until the 19th century.)
Anyway, say hello to Schwerin Castle!
This fortress on an island in Lake Schwerin is the stuff of dreams, with its wings, towers, domes and more! It has 653 rooms brimming with intricate carvings, intricate stucco ceilings and parquet and marble floors.
You can roam through a large part of the castle, peeking into rooms designed as far back as the 15th century, where royalty once kicked back.
Highlights? The extensive Meissen porcelain collection – elaborate dinnerware sets, delicate vases, figurines and more – is a must-see. Also don’t forget the splendid gardens that wrap around the castle, complete with a charming grotto.
And did we mention the ghost?
Meet Little Peterman, the castle’s resident spirit. This four-foot-tall prankster is known to wander the tunnels and vaults, often with a tiny lantern – unlocking doors and playing tricks on visitors.
That’s it for the most wondrous fairytale European castles!
In these bewitching castles, history, charm and fairy tales come alive in every stone and turret, don’t you think?
So whether you’re drawn to the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, the legendary home of Count Dracula or a royal residence right out of the Arabian Nights, we bet there’s a castle that’ll capture your imagination!
Like our guide on the best castles to visit in Europe for a fairytale experience? Then pin it!
More enchanting experiences in Europe
Lovely Italy: From the magnificent lakes in Lombardy to the idyllic Tuscan countryside – not to mention all the picturesque little towns in between – the beauty of Italy never ceases to amaze us.
Romantic European hotels: Check out our favorite Europe hotels for a romantic getaway.
Experiencing Dresden: From ogling the treasures in the Green Vault to bicycling past pretty palaces on the Elbe River, there are lots of wonderful things to do in Dresden.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photo credits: © 2 to 5, 8 to 10 Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!