In a nutshell
- Want to experience history up close on your next trip? Europe’s castles and palaces deliver — and we’ve done the research for you.
- Here are the 12 most beautiful castles and palaces in Europe — from Germany’s fairy-tale Neuschwanstein to Romania’s legendary Dracula Castle.
- For each one, we tell you how to get there, what not to miss, and which nearby hotels are worth booking.
- Need more travel inspiration? Check out our ideas for your next destination.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
- Where? In the Allgäu near Schwangau
- How do you get there? Train or car to Füssen, then bus to Hohenschwangau. From there, walk, take a shuttle bus, or ride a horse-drawn carriage to the castle
The so-called “fairy-tale castle” of Neuschwanstein was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II — and it’s easily one of the most famous castles in Europe, if not the world.
The storybook architecture and its setting in the Bavarian Alps make it a top travel destination in Germany. And honestly, the photos don’t do it justice.
The lavishly decorated interiors are stunning, but the real highlight is the breathtaking panorama over the surrounding nature — gorgeous in every season.
A visit pairs perfectly with nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the Alpsee lake, plus the historic town of Füssen. It also makes a great day trip from Munich.
Neuschwanstein Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Hotel Sonne (4.5 km away)
Reichsburg Cochem, Germany
- Where? Cochem on the Moselle, Rhineland-Palatinate
- How do you get there? Train or car to Cochem, then walk or take a shuttle bus to the castle
Reichsburg Cochem was built in the 11th century and towers dramatically above the Moselle in Rhineland-Palatinate. Once the seat of the Counts of Cochem, it’s considered one of the most iconic hilltop castles in Germany.
The well-preserved medieval walls and towers are seriously impressive, and the sweeping views over the Moselle Valley are worth the trip alone. Historic tours and events give the place a genuinely authentic feel.
It’s a perfect stop for anyone on a vacation along the Moselle. Combine it with a river cruise and a wander through the charming nearby villages — Beilstein in particular is lovely.
Reichsburg Cochem tickets are available on-site.
Our hotel tip: Hotel Zehnthof (1.2 km away)
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
- Where? On the Zollerberg hill near Hechingen, Baden-Württemberg
- How do you get there? Train or car to Hechingen, then shuttle or a 25–30 minute hike
Hohenzollern Castle was first mentioned in the 11th century, destroyed in the 15th century, and the current complex dates from the 19th century — but it looks every bit as dramatic as its medieval predecessors.
The striking towers and the spectacular views over the Swabian Alb make this a truly special destination, especially for history and architecture lovers.
It pairs well with a trip to Hechingen or Tübingen, and fits nicely into a road trip through southern Germany.
Hohenzollern Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Gästehaus “Unsere Stadtvilla” Hechingen (6 km away)
Palace of Versailles, France
- Where? Versailles, west of Paris
- How do you get there? RER C from Paris, stop “Versailles Château Rive Gauche”
The Palace of Versailles was built in the 17th century as the lavish residence of King Louis XIV and is one of the most famous palaces in France. It’s the ultimate expression of extravagant luxury — the kind only the French court could dream up.
The magnificent gardens and the Hall of Mirrors are the standout highlights. Marie Antoinette’s estate is another major draw that’s absolutely worth your time.
Versailles pairs perfectly with a city trip to Paris — the French capital is only 20 kilometers away, making it a super easy half-day excursion.
Palace of Versailles Tickets
Our hotel tip: Hotel Louison (in Paris)
Also read:
Eltz Castle, Germany
- Where? In a side valley of the Moselle near Wierschem, Rhineland-Palatinate
- How do you get there? Drive to the “Burg Eltz” parking lot near Wierschem, then take the shuttle or hike 15–20 minutes
Eltz Castle was built in the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany. It’s been in the hands of the Eltz family — an old noble dynasty — for centuries, and it shows.
What makes it so special is the fairy-tale setting deep in the Eifel forest, the hiking trail that leads you up to it, and the fact that the architecture has barely changed. It’s a genuinely magical glimpse into medieval life.
Pair your visit with hikes through the Eifel and a quick side trip to the nearby village of Moselkern.
Eltz Castle tickets are available on-site.
Our hotel tip near Eltz Castle: MV Römerlodge (16 km away)
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
- Where? In the center of Edinburgh, on Castle Rock
- How do you get there? On foot from the Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle sits on Castle Rock right in the heart of the Scottish capital, with over 1,000 years of history behind it. It served as the residence of Scottish kings and as a fortress through countless wars.
The location alone is jaw-dropping, but the Scottish Crown Jewels housed inside make it even more special. A visit gives you real insight into the history of Scotland.
Anyone visiting Edinburgh should absolutely make time for the castle. Plenty more Edinburgh highlights are scattered all around it.
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Eden Locke (450 m away)
Also read:
Alnwick Castle, England
- Where? Northumberland, northeast England
- How do you get there? Car or train to Alnmouth, then bus or taxi
Alnwick Castle dates from the 11th century and is one of the largest inhabited castles in England. It was the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland and has a long history as a fortress — and today it’s still home to the Percy family.
Most visitors know it as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies — several exterior shots of Hogwarts were filmed right here. But even if you’re not a Potter fan, this is a seriously impressive day out in Great Britain.
Combine the castle with a stroll through the historic town of Alnwick. Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh are the nearest major cities if you’re planning a longer trip.
Alnwick Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Bailiffgate Hotel (7 m away)
Also read:
Bran Castle, Romania
- Where? Bran, Transylvania — approx. 30 km southwest of Brașov
- How do you get there? Intercity bus from Brașov (approx. 45 minutes) or by car via DN73. Parking is available in the village. The castle is just a few minutes’ walk from the center
Bran Castle, also known as Törzburg, was built in the 14th century and is known worldwide as Romania’s famous “Dracula Castle”. It started life as a strategic fortress before later serving as a royal residence.
The eerie atmosphere and its connection to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula make Bran one of the creepiest places in the world — and it draws visitors by the thousands every year.
Pair your visit with time in the nearby city of Brașov and a drive through the scenic Carpathian Mountains.
Bran Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Radsor Hotel (12 km away)
Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria
- Where? Near St. Georgen am Längsee in Carinthia
- How do you get there? Best reached by car via B94, then either walk the panoramic trail for 20–30 minutes or take the funicular up to the castle
Hochosterwitz Castle, first mentioned in the 9th century, is one of the most impressive fortresses in Austria. For centuries it was the seat of various noble families and an impregnable defensive stronghold.
What makes it truly unique are the 14 elaborately designed gates — the ascent to the summit is an adventure in itself. And the views over the Carinthian landscape from the top? Seriously stunning.
Medieval charm meets breathtaking nature.
The visit pairs perfectly with a trip to Klagenfurt or a relaxing day at Lake Wörthersee.
Hochosterwitz Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Der Schumi Landgasthof (3.5 km away)
Gravensteen Castle, Belgium
- Where? In the heart of the historic center of Ghent, Belgium
- How do you get there? On foot — 10 minutes’ walk from the central Korenmarkt
Gravensteen Castle in Ghent dates from the 12th century and was the medieval residence of the Counts of Flanders. It’s one of the top Ghent attractions, and the well-preserved architecture is genuinely impressive.
The medieval atmosphere, the extensive exhibition, and the central location make it a real highlight — but honestly, the view over the city from the top was our personal favorite moment.
If you’re planning a city trip to Ghent, don’t skip the castle. And getting from Ghent to Bruges is super quick — if you love historic places, you’ll feel right at home there too.
Gravensteen Castle tickets are available on-site.
Our hotel tip: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel (1 km away)
Karlštejn Castle, Czech Republic
- Where? In the village of the same name, Karlštejn — about 30 km southwest of Prague
- How do you get there? Train from Prague to Karlštejn or by car, then a 20-minute walk
Emperor Charles IV had Karlštejn Castle, also spelled Karlstein, built in the 14th century as a treasury for the royal crown jewels and relics of Bohemia. It’s one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic.
What sets Karlštejn apart is the beautifully preserved Gothic architecture and the impressive murals in the chapel. The idyllic setting in the heart of the Bohemian Central Uplands adds to the appeal.
A visit to Karlštejn Castle makes for a great day trip from Prague — totally doable in half a day.
Karlštejn Castle Tickets
Our hotel tip: Boutique Hotel Corso (6 km away)
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, France
- Where? On the Normandy coast, on a tidal island between Rennes and Caen
- How do you get there? By car via D275 to the visitor parking lot on the mainland, then a free shuttle bus or walk across the causeway to the island
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in France isn’t a traditional castle — it’s a monastic complex on a rocky island in the English Channel, founded in the 8th century. But that’s exactly what makes it so extraordinary.
It’s one of the great highlights of Normandy and a genuinely unforgettable place for anyone who loves discovering something truly out of the ordinary among Europe’s most beautiful castles and palaces.
It fits perfectly into a road trip through Normandy. And nearby Saint-Malo is one of the most beautiful coastal spots in France — well worth adding to your itinerary.
Mont-Saint-Michel Tickets
Our hotel tip: Les Vieilles Digues (4.1 km away)
Frequently Asked Questions About Castles & Palaces in Europe
Which country in Europe has the most castles and palaces?
Germany has more castles and palaces than any other country in Europe.
It’s home to over 25,000 castles, palaces, and ruins — most of them concentrated in Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony.
How many castles and palaces are there in Europe?
Across Europe, there are an estimated over 100,000 castles and palaces in total.
Where is the largest castle in Europe?
The largest castle in Europe is Malbork Castle in Poland. It covers an area of 21 hectares (210,000 square meters).
Which German state has the most castles and palaces?
Rhineland-Palatinate tops the list with over 1,000 castles and palaces.
Which nation has 25,000 castles?
That’s Germany — with over 25,000 castles, palaces, and ruins spread across the country, it’s truly in a league of its own.
What is the most visited castle in Germany?
The most visited castle in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria — and once you see it in person, it’s easy to understand why.
How many castles and palaces does Austria have?
Austria has around 2,000 castles, palaces, and ruins.
Which castle is considered the most beautiful in the world?
That’s always going to be subjective — but many people point to Neuschwanstein Castle as the world’s most beautiful.
Personally, we were completely blown away by Eltz Castle too. The setting in the Eifel forest is just magical.
