Discover Europe’s Enchanting Hidden Castles from Fairy Tales

There are hundreds of castles in Europe, each worthy of its very own fairy tale. These magnificent structures have survived wars, fires, dozens of generations, and stood the test of time. From the Greek Islands to the rocky cliffs of Scotland, each castle brings with it hundreds of years of human history, and perhaps a ghost story or two. And while most are built with brick and stone, their individual stories are all unique and intriguing for visitors from around the world.

01. The Palace of Pena, Sintra Portugal

The colorful castle sits high in the hills above the town of Sintra, Portugal. Built in 1854, the castle is still often used by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials. The castle is also surrounded by a vast forest with plants from around the world, just the way King Ferdinand II wanted it.

02. The Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

The Alcázar of Segovia, located 53 miles northwest of Madrid, was originally built as a fortress on a hillside between two rivers, but also served as a royal palace, a state prison, and a military academy. Though the true age of the castle is unknown, the earliest documentation of the Alcázar dates back to the early 12th century. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the “Tower of Juan,” where they can take in breathtaking views of the community below.

03. Castle of Astypalaia, Greece

The Venetian Castle of Querini in Chora, Greece sits atop the entire community, with its black stone exterior starkly contrasting the traditionally whitewashed Greek town. The castle, originally constructed by John Querini in 1204 as a shelter against pirates, now invites travelers from all over the world to come and spend a little time. All you need to do is hike to the top of the mini-mountain it calls home first.

04. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Hohenwerfen Castle in Austria is a stunning structure dating back more than 900 years. The castle will leave many visitors breathless, literally, as it sits more than 2,000 feet above sea level. The fortress is now a museum offering daily guided tours of its extensive weapons collection, as well as the historical Salzburg Falconry, featuring flight demonstrations using various birds of prey.

05. Dunnottar Castle, Scotland

The clifftop fortress known as Dunnottar Castle is believed to have first been built in Scotland during the Early Middle Ages. Steeped in history, the castle’s remains still include its 14th-century tower house and its 16th-century palace. It was once home to the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scottish history. Daily tours are available, but the castle operates on a seasonal schedule and may close for inclement weather.

06. Kasteel de Haar, Netherlands

Though Kasteel de Haar’s foundation dates back to 1391, the site was fully rebuilt in 1892 and now displays all the grandeur of the early 20th century. The interior of the castle is filled with ornate wood carvings, plush furniture, and old porcelain from Japan and China. The castle’s owners, the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family, continue to reside in the home for one month each year, a tradition maintained for over a century.

07. Castello del Monte, Italy

Castel del Monte in Puglia, Italy, may look familiar—and with good reason: The castle is featured on the backside of the Italian one Euro Cent piece. Its construction was completed in 1240 by Frederic II of Hohenstaufen, whose love of science is clearly evident in the building’s unique octagonal shape. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds year-round, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

08. Chillon Castle, Switzerland

Chillon Castle is located on the rocky shores of Lake Geneva, near the border of Switzerland and France. The building, as it currently stands, is the result of hundreds of years of renovations, though the site has been occupied since the Bronze Age. Tourists are welcome to roam the castle and its grounds. From June to October, visitors can also experience something special by renting out the small stretch of discreetly hidden beach along Chillon’s shores.

09. Gripsholm Castle, Sweden

Gripsholm Castle, which sits on the banks of Lake Mälaren, was built in 1537 and maintains all of its old-world charm and royal luxury. Visitors of the castle are invited to take a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, visit the castle’s theater within one of the round towers built in 1780 by King Gustav III, or meet the royal deer at the Hjorthagen nature reserve.

10. Peles Castle, Romania

Peles Castle is tucked at the base of the Bucegi Mountains in the small town of Sinaia, Romania. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle’s vibrant and colorful exterior make it the perfect storybook travel destination. Each of its 160 rooms is decorated with European art, German stained-glass windows, and leather walls. Although not as famous as Bran Castle, also known as the home of Dracula located 30 miles away, Peles Castle should be on everyone’s Romanian itinerary.

11. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Like many fortresses, Neuschwanstein Castle was built on rugged terrain as a safe retreat. The picturesque Bavarian white castle was meant to be the personal home of Ludwig II of Bavaria but was opened to the public immediately after his death in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, the home is not faring as well as others; the harsh climate in the area has had a detrimental effect on the limestone facades, which will be renovated section by section in the coming years. The interior, however, remains as charming as ever, adorned with white swans denoting the Christian symbol of purity, which Ludwig allegedly strived for.

12. Chenonceau Castle, France

Chenonceau Castle near the small village of Chenonceaux, France, spans the River Cher and was constructed around the 11th century. The unique mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture gives the castle its distinctive appearance. It survived both World Wars, serving as a hospital ward in the first and enduring a bombing by the Germans in June 1940.

13. Castle in Malbork, Poland

Malbork Castle is a 13th-century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order. The medieval brick castle is an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Poland’s national Historic Monuments. The meticulously restored castle, which was once home to Polish kings, welcomes visitors year-round to explore its grounds and spectacular interior.

14. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is just one hour from Galway, Ireland. Built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a liberal businessman, the estate was designed to boast “all the innovations of the modern age.” The sprawling castle covers approximately 40,000 square feet and has more than 70 rooms. Visitors can attend history talks that occur multiple times a day in the Abbey. Tours of the Walled Garden are held throughout the summer.

15. Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland

Caerlaverock Castle is the ideal stronghold to escape an enemy, thanks to its thick sandstone walls, moat, and unique triangular shape. Built in the late 13th century, this fortification is open to the public and often hosts siege warfare exhibitions. The castle also includes a nature trail that connects with other walking routes created by the estate.

16. Örebro Castle, Sweden

Örebro Castle is situated on an island in the river Svartån. The building has a rich history in Sweden; it was here that the country’s first Parliament Act was adopted. In the summer, visitors are welcomed for daily tours to learn about the nobility, prisoners, servants, and significant events that unfolded within the castle walls. For those seeking thrill, the castle invites visitors to try the ghost tour.

17. Trakošćan Castle, Croatia

Trakošćan Castle, located in northern Croatia, is often regarded as a “small” observation fortress. The building dates back to the 13th century and was preserved by Croatian Ban Juraj Drašković for personal use. The castle remained in the Drašković family until World War II. Inside, visitors can view examples of Baroque furniture and various weapons from the 15th to 19th centuries. Outside, stunning gardens and a large lake welcome visitors year-round.

18. In Love with the Wind, Bulgaria

“In Love with the Wind” is a contemporary castle built in 1996 by Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov to fulfill his childhood dream. The building was constructed using 20,000 tons of stone extracted from the Strandzha Mountains and features extravagant gardens, an artificial lake, and more. The castle is open to visitors daily.

19. Tintagel Castle, Tintagel England

Tintagel Castle is steeped in ancient history, but much of its past remains a mystery. The large castle that once stood is now reduced to ruins, yet it continues to captivate. Inhabited since the late Roman period, the castle gained fame in the 12th century when Geoffrey of Monmouth claimed it as the place where King Arthur was conceived. Discover the rich history by visiting the site, exploring its exhibits, walking its paths, and venturing into the rock pools at the beach below.

20. The Eltz Castle, Germany

Eltz Castle is a striking structure that rises from the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. The medieval castle is still owned by a branch of the same family that resided there in the 12th century. It has remained intact for more than 850 years. Count and Countess Eltz, the current owners of the castle, invite guests to visit daily to explore the interior, view furnishings accumulated over the past eight centuries, and hike through the serene nature reserve surrounding the property.