Best castle destinations in Europe
Best castle destinations in Europe
Medieval stone strongholds and royal palace estates across Europe
Europe contains the world's greatest concentration of castle and fortress architecture, with surviving structures ranging from the Norman tower keeps and Crusader citadels of the medieval period to the elaborate Renaissance and Baroque palace fortresses built as much for dynastic display as military function. The density of significant examples within individual countries and regions allows dedicated castle itineraries that move between structures of different periods and traditions without covering excessive ground.
The Rhine valley, the Scottish highlands, the Iberian interior and the borderlands of central Europe contain the most celebrated castle landscapes, where the relationship between fortress and terrain is as compelling as the structures themselves. Several countries have developed formal castle routes and heritage circuits connecting significant examples across a region, with accommodation, transport and interpretation built around the itinerary.
Admission and access vary considerably, with some of the continent's most significant castles freely accessible as public monuments while others charge substantial fees or limit entry to guided visits at fixed times. The most visited examples require advance booking during peak season. Castles in private ownership or active royal use offer restricted or seasonal access and checking current arrangements before building an itinerary around a specific site is essential.
Lists by region
Town in Czech Republic
Český Krumlov
Fairytale Town with Rich History
A Renaissance castle towers above a bend in the Vltava river. It has a colourful round tower and a Baroque theatre. Visitors can cross the bridge to the castle gardens. The UNESCO listed old town below adds cafes and crooked lanes along the river for a relaxed wander.
City in France
Carcassonne
Medieval Walls, Towers and Timeless Magic
Double walls with dozens of towers surround this medieval fortress city. Viollet le Duc restored it in the 1800s and gave its towers their pointed roofs. Visitors can walk the ramparts and tour the Château Comtal. The site has been UNESCO listed since 1997 and lights up beautifully at night.
City in Germany
Potsdam
Prussian Palaces Amidst Lakes & Parks
Cecilienhof Palace was built in a Tudor style with tall brick chimneys. The Potsdam Conference of 1945 took place in its halls. Visitors can see the table where the Allied leaders met. Babelsberg Castle and Sanssouci lie a short ride away in the same park landscape.
Village in Germany
Schwangau
Fairytale Castles and Alpine Adventure
Hohenschwangau Castle stands above two lakes in a pastel yellow. Ludwig II grew up here as a boy. Maximilian II rebuilt the old fortress in the 1830s. Rooms inside keep painted scenes from German legends on the walls. A short walk leads through the forest to Neuschwanstein.
City in Spain
Córdoba
A timeless blend of cultures
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos overlooks the Guadalquivir river in Córdoba and once served as a royal fortress. Ferdinand and Isabella received Columbus here. Visitors can stroll through terraced gardens with pools and orange trees. The Mezquita cathedral lies a short walk away along the river.
Region in Spain
Andalusia
Flamenco, Moorish Palaces and Sun
Moorish rule left this southern region with some of Europe's most beautiful fortress palaces. The Alhambra in Granada and the Alcázar of Seville are the biggest names. Córdoba's Alcázar and hilltop alcazabas in Málaga and Almería add more. White villages like Arcos have castles perched above cliffs.
Region in Germany
Pfalz
Wine villages and a vast sandstone forest
Hambach Castle sits on a hill above the vineyards of the Palatinate. In 1832 thousands gathered here to demand democracy and national unity. The ruin now holds an exhibition on this event. The wine villages below offer tastings and country inns serving hearty local dishes.
Nature Reserve in Czech Republic
Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape
Fairytale Castles and Breathtaking Gardens
Two Liechtenstein family palaces sit in a UNESCO listed landscape in South Moravia. Lednice Castle has a Gothic revival look and a large palm house. Visitors can rent bikes to ride between follies and ponds. Valtice adds wine cellars and a large Baroque palace with a striking facade.
City in Spain
Segovia
Historic charm near Madrid
The Alcazar of Segovia rises like a ship's prow above the meeting of two rivers. Pointed slate turrets give it a storybook look. Inside, the Hall of Kings glows with a golden ceiling and painted friezes. Visitors can climb 152 steps up the tower for views.
City in Czech Republic
Prague
A fairy-tale city with rich history
Guinness World Records lists Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Saint Vitus Cathedral rises inside its walls with soaring Gothic spires. The changing of the guard takes place daily at noon. Golden Lane has tiny houses once home to castle guards and goldsmiths.
Region in Germany
Saxon Switzerland
Timeless vineyards and alpine charm
Konigstein Fortress sits on a sandstone table mountain about two hundred forty meters above the Elbe. Its well reaches one hundred fifty two metres into the rock. Museums and barracks fill the walled plateau. Nearby the Bastei rocks hold the ruins of Neurathen rock castle.
Region in France
Brittany
Coastal charm meets historic Breton villages
Fougères, Vitré and Josselin guard old Breton frontiers with medieval castles. Josselin's château has fairy tale turrets above the Oust river. Fort La Latte and the ramparts of Saint Malo add sea views. Dinan adds cobbled streets below its town walls for a lovely stroll after sightseeing.
Region in United Kingdom
Scottish Highlands
Rugged Beauty and Ancient Legends
Eilean Donan Castle stands on a small island where three sea lochs meet. A stone bridge links it to the shore. The castle was rebuilt in the early twentieth century from ruins. Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness offers ruined towers and a chance to spot Nessie.
City in Germany
Nuremberg
Medieval Charm Meets Living History
The Imperial Castle crowns a sandstone ridge above the old town. Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire stayed here during the Middle Ages. A deep well shaft plunges about fifty meters through the rock beside the courtyard. Visitors can climb the Sinwell Tower for wide views over the red roofs.
City in Spain
Granada
Where Moorish Palaces Meet Flamenco Beats
The Alhambra, a palace fortress on a hill above the city, dates mostly from the 1200s and 1300s. Nasrid rulers decorated the Court of the Lions with delicate carved arches. Visitors book timed tickets to see the Nasrid Palaces. The Generalife gardens add fountains and views.
Region in Switzerland
Graubünden
Alpine wonderland with pristine lakes and trails
Tarasp Castle sits on a rocky hill in the Engadin valley. Its white walls and turrets look like a storybook fortress. Visitors can join guided tours of its rooms and courtyards. Many castle ruins dot the region's valleys along scenic railway lines and mountain passes.
Region in France
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Lavender Fields to Azure Seas
Chateau d'If sits on a small island off the coast of Marseille. The fortress later became a prison and inspired Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo. Visitors can tour the cells and climb to the ramparts. Boats leave from the Old Port in about twenty minutes.
City in Germany
Dresden
A Baroque Beauty with a Modern Soul
Rebuilt after 1945, the Royal Palace holds the Green Vault treasure rooms. The Zwinger nearby is a Baroque courtyard palace. Visitors can also see Moritzburg Castle, a Baroque hunting lodge on a lake just outside the city. Pillnitz Castle on the Elbe adds Chinese style roofs.
Region in Czech Republic
Bohemia
Fairytale castles and pristine wilderness
Emperor Charles IV founded Karlstejn Castle in 1348 to guard royal treasures. The Chapel of the Holy Cross inside is lined with gilded walls and many painted panels. The castle sits on a rock above the forest. Trains from Prague reach the village in under an hour.
City in France
Orléans
Historic heart where river meets cathedral
Sully sur Loire castle rises from a wide moat about forty kilometres upstream from Orleans. Its medieval towers reflect in the still water. A huge chestnut timber roof frame from the fourteenth century covers the great hall. Voltaire lived here for a time in the eighteenth century.
Town in Portugal
Tomar
A medieval town with Templar history
Templar Knights began building the castle of Tomar in 1160. A round church called the Charola sits inside the walls. A richly carved Manueline window decorates the convent wall above a tall archway. UNESCO lists the Convent of Christ as a World Heritage site and visitors can explore its cloisters.
Town in Portugal
Sintra
Fairytale Palaces in Misty Hills
The walls of the Moorish Castle snake along a ridge above Sintra. The castle dates to the tenth century. Visitors walk the ramparts and look down on the town and the sea. The Sintra National Palace in town is marked by two tall conical chimneys.
Region in France
Occitanie
Sunlit vineyards and historic hilltop villages
The fortified city of Carcassonne is ringed by fifty two towers and three kilometres of walls. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage site. Visitors can walk the ramparts and tour the Count's Castle. Summer fireworks light up the walls on Bastille Day in July.
Town in Romania
Sinaia
Carpathian Gem with Royal Heritage
Peles Castle was built as a summer residence for King Carol I in the forest above Sinaia. Its carved wooden towers and stained glass windows blend German and Romanian styles. More than one hundred rooms hold weapons, paintings and sculptures. Pelisor Castle stands right beside it.
Town in United Kingdom
Durham
Historic charm and riverside beauty
A Norman castle and cathedral share a UNESCO listed hilltop above the River Wear. The castle has housed university students since 1837. Visitors can join guided tours of the Great Hall and Norman chapel. Riverside paths circle the peninsula and make a peaceful walk between sights.
Region in France
Normandy
History, cliffs and charming villages
Richard the Lionheart built Château Gaillard above the Seine in the 1190s. William the Conqueror founded Caen Castle and the Bayeux Museum shows the story of 1066 in cloth. Mont Saint Michel is the region's showpiece. Norman towns offer many more medieval walls and keeps.
City in Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo
Medieval Hills, Fortress Views, Artisan Streets
Tsarevets Fortress crowns a hill looped by the Yantra river. It was the seat of medieval Bulgarian rulers. A sound and light show lights up the walls at night in summer. A patriarchal church with bold modern murals stands at the top of the hill.
City in France
Nantes
Art, History and River Surprises
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany stands in the city centre with a moat. Anne of Brittany lived here. Visitors can walk the ramparts and see a history museum inside the old rooms and courtyards. The Machines of the Isle add a fantastical stop.
Town in Italy
Caserta
Italy's Hidden Royal Gem
The Royal Palace of Caserta was built for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It has about 1,200 rooms and a huge park with waterfalls. Film fans may recognise it as the Naboo palace in Star Wars. The palace is UNESCO listed and easy to reach by train from Naples.
City in Germany
Heidelberg
Romantic Charm by the Neckar River
Red sandstone ruins rise above the Neckar river and the old town. Lightning and war damaged the palace in the 1600s and 1700s. The huge Heidelberg Tun barrel holds over 200,000 litres of wine. A funicular climbs from the old town to the castle for easy access.
Country
Jersey
Charming island escape close by
Mont Orgueil Castle guards the harbour of Gorey on the east coast of the island. It dates from the 1200s. Visitors climb through rooms and stairways with sea views across to France on clear days. Elizabeth Castle sits on a tidal islet reached by causeway at low tide.
Region in United Kingdom
Wales
Land of castles and rugged coasts
Edward I built great castles at Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris. UNESCO lists them as World Heritage sites. Visitors can walk the town walls at Conwy and climb its towers. Caernarfon has polygonal towers and witnessed the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969.
City in Montenegro
Kotor
Medieval magic on a fjord-like bay
Fortress walls climb the mountain behind Kotor's old town in a zigzag line. Around 1,350 steps lead up to the San Giovanni fortress. Visitors reach a hilltop view over the bay and the red roofs below. The site is UNESCO listed and the climb is best in the early morning.
Region in Germany
Moselle Valley
Winding River, Castles and Riesling
Reichsburg Cochem perches on a hill above the Moselle town. It was rebuilt in the nineteenth century in a neo Gothic style with turrets and painted rooms. Visitors can tour the interiors and look over the river bends. Vineyards cover the steep slopes below and reach the water.
Island in France
Mont Saint-Michel
A Medieval Island Rising from the Sea
A medieval abbey fortress rises from wide tidal flats off the Normandy coast. Tides can rise very fast in the bay. Visitors can climb the Grande Rue to the abbey at the top and see the quiet cloister. The site has been UNESCO listed since 1979.
Region in France
Bourgogne
Crimson vineyards and historic châteaus
Chateau de la Rochepot has a roof of glazed tiles in bright geometric patterns. The medieval fortress was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. It stands above a village in the Burgundy wine country. Visitors can tour furnished rooms and climb the keep for views over the vines.
Region in Germany
Franconia
Medieval Towns and Brewing Traditions
Medieval castles and fortified towns fill this northern Bavarian region. Nuremberg's Imperial Castle and Würzburg's Residenz are highlights of the region for visitors. Veste Coburg crowns a hill above its town with wide views over the countryside. Bamberg's old town adds UNESCO charm nearby for a longer trip.
Region in Germany
Brandenburg
Waterways, Castles and Pristine Nature
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam was Frederick the Great's summer retreat. Its terraced vineyard and rococo rooms are UNESCO listed. Visitors can also see the New Palace and Cecilienhof, site of the 1945 conference. Lakes and parks tie the palaces together for long relaxed walks between visits.
City in Hungary
Budapest
A stunning mix of history and nightlife
Buda Castle crowns a hill above the Danube in the Hungarian capital. The huge palace complex holds the National Gallery and the History Museum. Visitors can walk to Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church nearby. Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park adds a fairy tale copy of Hungarian buildings.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
An ancient volcanic rock carries the castle above the old town of the Scottish capital. It holds the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The One O'Clock Gun fires daily except Sundays. The Royal Mile leads down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other end.
City in Cyprus
Kyrenia
Harbor Views and Castle Charm
Kyrenia Castle guards the small harbour in northern Cyprus. Byzantines built it and Venetians reworked it over the centuries. Visitors can see a shipwreck museum with a Greek merchant ship from the 4th century BC. Cafes line the harbour for a relaxed break with sea views.
Town in Portugal
Valença
Historic Fortress Overlooking Spain
Bastioned walls from the seventeenth century encircle the fortress town of Valenca. The town faces Spain across the Minho river. Visitors can walk the ramparts and shop for linens inside the gates. An old iron bridge leads across to Tui on the other side of the river.
Nature Reserve in Portugal
Sintra-Cascais Nature Park
Where Europe meets the Atlantic
Monserrate Palace mixes Gothic and Indian styles in a lush park. The English merchant Francis Cook restored it in the 1860s. Gardens hold trees and ferns from many continents. The wild Atlantic coast and Cabo da Roca lie nearby in the same park and offer cliff walks.
Region in Austria
Wachau
UNESCO Heritage along the Danube
Durnstein Castle is a ruin on a rock above the Danube in the Wachau valley. King Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner here in 1192. A steep path leads up from the village through vineyards. Melk Abbey upriver adds a baroque monastery with golden interiors.
Region in Germany
Bavaria
Alpine beauty meets medieval charm
King Ludwig II built fairy tale castles across this German state in the 1800s. Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee are the most famous. Nuremberg's imperial castle overlooks a medieval old town in the north. Munich's Nymphenburg Palace adds baroque splendour for anyone who wants a city palace.
Town in Portugal
Óbidos
A Fairytale Town Behind Ancient Walls
A medieval castle now serves as a pousada hotel above whitewashed Óbidos. Visitors can walk the walls for rooftop views over red roofs and the countryside beyond. The town serves ginjinha cherry liqueur in chocolate cups. Lisbon lies about an hour away by road so it works as a day trip.
City in Germany
Würzburg
Baroque Splendor, Vineyards and Views
Marienberg Fortress stands on a hill above the Main river and vineyards. Prince bishops lived here for centuries before moving into town. A museum inside displays works by the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. A path through the vines leads up from the Old Main Bridge and rewards walkers with views.
City in Liechtenstein
Vaduz
Castles, Vineyards and Alpine Charm
Vaduz Castle overlooks the capital from a rock terrace. The castle dates back to the twelfth century. The princely family of Liechtenstein lives inside so visitors cannot enter. A hiking trail climbs from the town centre and offers wide views over the Rhine valley and the mountains.
Region in Germany
Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis
Wine valleys and medieval charm
The Bromserburg in Rudesheim houses a museum of Rhine wine culture. Its thick stone walls rise beside the river. The ruin of Ehrenfels stands high above the water nearby. Rhine cruises pass castles every few kilometres along this valley and the vineyards climb the slopes above.
Town in Czech Republic
Karlštejn
Medieval Majesty Near Prague
Emperor Charles IV built this castle in the 1300s to guard royal jewels. The Chapel of the Holy Cross holds over 100 painted panels by Master Theodoric. Visitors can take a day trip from Prague by train. The village below has tea rooms and souvenir shops.
City in United Kingdom
York
Medieval Streets, Viking History and Grand Cathedrals
Clifford's Tower stands on a steep mound in the centre of York. The stone keep has a four lobed plan from the thirteenth century. Visitors can climb to the roof and look over the city and the Minster. The York Castle Museum sits opposite and recreates Victorian streets.
City in Malta
Valletta
A historic gem by the sea
Fort Saint Elmo guards the tip of the Valletta peninsula. It played a key role in the Great Siege of 1565. The National War Museum inside covers Maltese history from the siege to the Second World War. Views from the walls stretch across Grand Harbour.
City in France
Versailles
Royal grandeur just outside Paris
Louis XIII built a small hunting lodge here in 1623. His son Louis XIV turned it into a vast palace. The royal court moved in during 1682 and stayed for over a century. Gardens by Andre Le Notre stretch behind the building with fountains and long avenues.
Town in Portugal
Elvas
Europe's Largest Fortified Town
Star shaped fortifications surround this Portuguese border town. The UNESCO listed walls include two forts on nearby hills and a long aqueduct. Visitors can walk the ramparts high above the old streets. Sugar plums called ameixas are a local sweet found in every pastry shop.
Town in Slovenia
Bled
Fairytale Lake and Alpine Beauty
A medieval castle perches on a cliff 130 metres above Lake Bled. First mentioned in 1011, it holds a museum and a working printing shop. Visitors can look across the lake to the church on Bled Island. Cream cake called kremšnita is a local treat.
Island in United Kingdom
Isle of Wight
Coastal charm meets historic seaside allure
Osborne House was Queen Victoria's seaside family retreat. Carisbrooke Castle, a Norman fortress, held King Charles I in 1647. Visitors can see donkeys working the well house at Carisbrooke. Yarmouth Castle adds a small fort built by Henry VIII to guard the coast against invasion.
Island in Greece
Rhodes
Medieval Charm and Sun-Kissed Beaches
The Palace of the Grand Master stands above the old town of Rhodes. Knights of Saint John built their fortress city here in the Middle Ages. The cobbled Street of the Knights leads to the palace gate. UNESCO lists the walled Old Town as a World Heritage site.
Town in France
Amboise
Renaissance Charm along the Loire
Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years beside the royal château of this Loire town. He is buried in the château's Chapel of Saint Hubert. Visitors can walk to Clos Lucé, his home, with models of his machines. The small town makes a walkable base for other Loire châteaux.
Town in France
Fontainebleau
Royal Château and Enchanting Forest
French kings used the Château de Fontainebleau for about eight centuries. Napoleon signed his abdication here in 1814. Visitors see the Renaissance Gallery of Francis I and many ornate royal apartments. The surrounding forest offers long walks and rock climbing routes beyond the palace grounds.
Country
Luxembourg
Ancient fortresses meet modern culture
Dramatic cliffs carry the old fortifications of the capital. The Bock casemates are UNESCO listed. Vianden Castle rises above a hillside town in the Our valley with a medieval keep and a restored great hall. A small country makes it easy to visit several castles in a day.
City in Ireland
Kilkenny
Ireland’s Medieval Gem with Spirit
A Norman castle has stood beside the River Nore since the 1200s. The Butler family owned it for centuries until the 1960s. Visitors can tour the Long Gallery and stroll the rose garden. The Medieval Mile links it to the cathedral and the old streets.
Region in France
Dordogne
Charming vineyards and medieval castles
Hundreds of castles dot this river valley in southwest France. Beynac and Castelnaud face each other across the Dordogne river. Castelnaud holds a museum of medieval warfare with working siege engines that visitors can see up close. Canoe trips glide below the cliffs and give a new angle on the castles.
City in Switzerland
Montreux
Jazz, Castles and Lake Geneva Views
Chillon Castle stands on a rock at the edge of Lake Geneva. Lord Byron's poem The Prisoner of Chillon made it famous. Visitors can walk through dungeons, halls and covered walkways. A lakeside promenade leads from Montreux along the shore in about an hour on foot.
Town in Greece
Nafplio
Venetian Charm Meets Greek History
Palamidi fortress crowns a hill above the old town. Venetians built it in the early 1700s. Visitors can climb the long stairway or drive to the top. The Bourtzi islet fortress sits in the harbour and can be seen from the seafront on a sunny evening.
City in Portugal
Guimarães
Portugal’s Birthplace, Medieval Magic
Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal, was born here according to tradition. The hilltop castle and the old town are UNESCO listed. Visitors can climb the keep for views over the town. The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza stands nearby for another dose of royal history.
Region in Germany
Thuringia
Green Heart of German Culture
Wartburg Castle crowns a wooded hill above the town of Eisenach. Martin Luther hid here in 1521 and translated the Greek Bible into German. Visitors can see the small panelled room where he worked. UNESCO lists the castle as a World Heritage site and hikers enjoy the forest trails around it.
Country
Liechtenstein
Tiny alpine principality with charm
Vaduz Castle sits on a cliff above the capital and houses the princely family. The public cannot enter it but the exterior is worth a photo. Visitors can hike up for views over the Rhine valley. Gutenberg Castle in Balzers is a ruin restored in the 1900s.
City in Poland
Kraków
Timeless Charm and Rich History
Wawel Castle crowned Poland's royal capital for centuries. Kings were crowned and buried in Wawel Cathedral. Visitors can see the Renaissance courtyard, the royal state rooms and the Sigismund Bell in the cathedral tower. Legend says a dragon lived in a cave below the hill.
Castle in Netherlands
De Haar Castle
Majestic Dutch manor perched on lush hill
Architect Pierre Cuypers rebuilt the ruined castle in the 1890s with fairy tale towers. The estate covers a moat and formal gardens. The nearby village of Haarzuilens was moved to make room for the park. Inside, tapestries and grand halls show the wealth of the family.
Town in United Kingdom
Windsor and Eton
Royal Castles, River Walks and Tradition
Windsor Castle has been a royal home for almost a thousand years. William the Conqueror began the original fortress on this hill. Saint George's Chapel inside holds royal tombs and weddings. The changing of the guard takes place in the castle courtyard on set days.
City in Austria
Salzburg
Baroque Beauty and Musical Magic
Hohensalzburg Fortress stands on a hill about one hundred twenty meters above the old town. Construction began in 1077 and continued for centuries. A funicular carries visitors up from the town centre. Concerts take place in the Golden Hall where the walls glitter with gilded decoration.
Region in United Kingdom
Scotland
Mystic Highlands and Historic Castles
Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano above the capital. The Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny are displayed inside. A gun fires across the city at one o'clock every day except Sunday. The Royal Mile leads straight down from the gate to the royal palace.
Town in France
Blois
A Fairytale Town of Castles
Several French kings lived in the Château de Blois beside the Loire. Its courtyard shows Gothic, Renaissance and classical wings side by side. Visitors climb the Francis I spiral staircase. The Maison de la Magie nearby adds a playful stop for families and curious visitors.
City in Spain
Toledo
A Timeless Blend of Cultures
The Alcazar dominates the skyline of hilltop Toledo. Emperor Charles V rebuilt the old fortress in the sixteenth century. Today it holds the Army Museum and a large library. The Tagus river loops around the old city below and gives the fortress a dramatic setting at sunset.
Town in Germany
Füssen
Alpine Romance and Fairy-Tale Castles
Neuschwanstein Castle rises above the town in the Bavarian Alps and draws crowds each year. King Ludwig II began building it in 1869. Visitors can hike to Marienbrücke bridge for the classic view of the castle and the valley. Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig's childhood home, lies just below.
Region in France
Loire Valley
Châteaux, vineyards and riverside charm
More than 300 châteaux line the river in this UNESCO listed valley. Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise are the headliners for most visitors. Chenonceau spans the Cher river on graceful arches. Smaller castles such as Azay le Rideau and Villandry add gardens and Renaissance charm for anyone with extra days.
City in France
Saint-Malo
Walled city, wild tides, pirate tales
Granite ramparts wrap the old city of Saint Malo and open to walks above the sea. At low tide visitors can stroll out to Fort National. The castle at the main gate houses the city history museum. Privateers once sailed from these walls to raid English ships.
Town in Slovenia
Postojna
Caves, Castles and Karst Wonders
Predjama Castle is built into the mouth of a cave beneath a cliff one hundred twenty three metres high. The medieval knight Erazem of Predjama is said to have held out here against a siege. Hidden passages lead through the cave behind the walls. Postojna Cave nearby has an electric train.
Palace in Vienna
Hofburg Palace
Imperial Vienna's Historic Heart
Habsburg rulers governed from this vast palace for more than six centuries. Today it holds the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Collection. The Spanish Riding School shows Lipizzaner horses in a Baroque hall here. The Imperial Treasury displays crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire.
Castle in London
Tower of London
Iconic Fortress of British History
William the Conqueror began the White Tower in the 1070s. The fortress later served as a royal palace, prison and treasury. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels and meet the Yeoman Warders known as Beefeaters. Resident ravens are said to guard the kingdom for centuries.
City in Croatia
Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Massive city walls enclose the old town above the Adriatic. Visitors can walk the almost two kilometre circuit above red roofs and the sparkling sea. Fort Lovrijenac stands on a cliff outside the western gate. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise the filming locations for King's Landing.
Region in France
Provence
Sunlit lavender fields and historic villages
The Palais des Papes in Avignon was the seat of the popes in the fourteenth century. Its giant Gothic walls and towers dominate the old city. Visitors can tour the great halls and chapel frescoes. Les Baux de Provence nearby adds a hilltop ruin with medieval siege machines.
City in Romania
Brașov
Medieval Charm in the Carpathians
Bran Castle sits on a rocky bluff near Brasov and is linked to the Dracula legend. Queen Marie of Romania later used it as a summer home. Visitors tour rooms with period furniture and secret passages. Rasnov Fortress and Peles Castle are short trips away.
Town in Lithuania
Trakai
Castles, Lakes and Karaim Culture
A red brick castle sits on an island in Lake Galve and is reached by wooden footbridges. Grand Dukes of Lithuania built it in the fourteenth century. A museum inside shows weapons and old coins. Visitors can rent pedal boats and taste kibinai pastries from the local Karaite community.
Castle in France
Château de Chambord
Majestic Renaissance fortress amid lush Loire
Francis I began building Chambord in 1519 as a hunting lodge in the Loire valley. The roofline bristles with towers and chimneys. A double spiral staircase lets two people climb without meeting. A walled forest park of several thousand hectares surrounds the castle and shelters deer.
Palace in Lisbon
Pena Palace
Majestic hilltop palace with eclectic charm
Ferdinand II built Pena Palace in the 1840s on a rocky peak above Sintra. Its yellow and red walls and domes mix many styles. Terraces give views towards the Atlantic on clear days. Inside, the rooms keep the furniture of the royal family along with a tall clock tower outside.
City in Denmark
Elsinore
Hamlet’s Castle, Harbor and History
Shakespeare set Hamlet in this Renaissance castle at Helsingør. Kronborg guards the narrow sound between Denmark and Sweden. Visitors can explore royal apartments, dungeons and the Great Hall with its long tables. The castle has been UNESCO listed since 2000 and sits by the harbour.
Region in France
Alsace
Coastal vineyards and timbered village charm
Haut Koenigsbourg Castle rises on a rocky spur above the Alsace plain. Kaiser Wilhelm II had it rebuilt between 1900 and 1908. The walls and tall keep have stone towers with pointed roofs. Visitors can look over the vineyards and forests to the Vosges mountains.
Castle in Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle
Majestic hilltop castle overlooking calm forests
King Ludwig II began building Neuschwanstein in 1869 as a dreamlike retreat. The Singers' Hall and the Throne Hall glow with painted murals and gold. The king lived there only a short time. The Marienbrucke bridge gives the famous view of the castle above the gorge.
Castle in Poland
Malbork Castle
Majestic brick fortress echoing medieval glory
A vast red brick castle of the Teutonic Order rises above the Nogat river. Knights built it in the thirteenth century. UNESCO lists the castle as a World Heritage site. Visitors can tour the Grand Master's Palace and a museum with a large collection of amber.
Castle in Prague
Prague Castle
Epic symbol atop the city
Founded around 870, this hilltop complex has served Bohemian kings and Czech presidents. St Vitus Cathedral rises inside its walls with stained glass by Alfons Mucha. Visitors can walk Golden Lane, a row of tiny colourful houses. The changing of the guard takes place daily at noon.
Palace in Sweden
Drottningholm Palace
Royal residence overlooking serene archipelago
Drottningholm Palace on Lake Malaren is the private home of the Swedish royal family. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage site. The palace theatre from 1766 still uses original stage machinery. Visitors can reach it by boat from central Stockholm in about an hour.
Castle in Netherlands
Muiderslot
Timeless fortress echoing Dutch heritage
Wide moats and corner towers surround a red brick castle beside the Vecht river close to Amsterdam. Rooms hold seventeenth century furniture recalling the poet Hooft and his circle. A herb garden and a rose garden lie beside the walls. Guided tours lead through the towers.
Castle in Germany
Burg Eltz
Majestic fortress overlooking the Moselle valley
Burg Eltz hides in a forested valley above the Elzbach stream. The same family has owned it for about eight hundred fifty years. Tall half timbered tower houses crowd its rocky hill. A woodland path from the car park leads to a view of the whole castle.
Castle in France
Château de Chenonceau
Timeless elegance amid rolling French vineyards
Arches carry a graceful gallery across the Cher river at Chenonceau. Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici each shaped the castle and gardens. The long gallery served as a hospital during the Great War. Flower gardens and a maze fill the grounds beside the water.
Palace in Venice
Doges' Palace
Venetian Gothic Splendor Unveiled
Venetian doges ruled the republic from this Gothic palace for centuries. The Bridge of Sighs links its rooms to the old prison. Visitors can see the Great Council Hall with Tintoretto's huge Paradise. Secret Itineraries tours reveal hidden chambers and cells above the grand halls.
Palace in Madrid
Royal Palace
Majestic heart of Spanish royalty
Spain's official royal residence holds more than 3,000 rooms. Visitors tour the Throne Room, the Royal Armory and a ceiling painted by Tiepolo. The Royal Pharmacy adds a curious look at daily court life in past centuries. The Sabatini Gardens outside are free to enter.
Palace in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna’s Majestic Habsburg Retreat
Habsburg emperors used this Baroque palace as their summer residence in Vienna. It holds more than 1,400 rooms with grand state apartments open to visitors. Young Mozart once played here for Empress Maria Theresa. The gardens climb to the Gloriette with views across the city.
Palace in Granada
Alhambra
Majestic Moorish fortress echoing centuries
The Court of the Lions has a fountain ringed by one hundred twenty four slender columns. Nasrid rulers built these palaces in the fourteenth century. The Alcazaba fortress and Generalife gardens complete the complex on the hill. Tickets sell out weeks ahead so booking early matters.
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