Best Castles to Visit All Over the World
Centuries-old castles continue to mesmerize visitors across the globe with their towering walls, majestic halls, and awe-inspiring architecture. Whether you're drawn to medieval castles, fairytale palaces, or remote fortresses, these beautiful castles offer a peek into the grandeur of history. In this guide, we explore some of the best castles in the world—from stunning castles in Europe to castles around the world open for public tours.
Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany’s Fairytale Fortress
Set against the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is often cited as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle—and for good reason. This 19th-century fairytale castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a romantic reinterpretation of a medieval fortification. Though it looks ancient, it was constructed in the 19th century and remains one of the most visited castles in Europe.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Built: Late 19th century
- Style: Romanesque Revival
- Notable for: Its dreamlike spires and dramatic mountain backdrop
- Best for: Fans of romantic architecture and panoramic views
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most beautiful castles to visit in Germany and a must for anyone seeking a real-life fairytale destination.
🔗 Bavarian Palace Department – Official Website
Windsor Castle – England’s Living Royal Castle
Windsor Castle is not only the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, but it’s also still a working royal palace. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been home to 40 monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.
- Location: Windsor, England
- Built: 11th century
- Notable for: Changing of the Guard, St. George’s Chapel, royal tombs
- Type: Residential fortress
- Interesting Fact: Windsor Castle is the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world
Tourists can take a guided tour through its lavish State Apartments and marvel at the centuries of history within.
🔗 Royal Collection Trust – Windsor Castle Info
Pena Palace – Sintra, Portugal
One of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks, Pena Palace sits atop the Sintra Mountains and is known for its colorful exterior and eclectic architecture. Blending Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline styles, this castle was transformed in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II into a romantic retreat.
- Location: Sintra, Portugal
- Originally built: As a monastery in the Middle Ages
- Rebuilt: Mid-19th century
- Notable for: Bright yellow and red towers, forested parkland
- Best for: Art and architecture lovers, day-trippers from Lisbon
Pena Palace is one of the most fascinating castles from around the world and offers incredible views of the surrounding hills and Atlantic coast.
🔗 Parques de Sintra – Official Site
Bran Castle – Romania’s Mysterious Fortress
Often linked to the Dracula legend, Bran Castle in Romania is perched dramatically on a cliff between Transylvania and Wallachia. While there’s no historical evidence that Vlad the Impaler lived here, the association continues to draw curious travelers.
- Location: Bran, Romania
- Built: Late 14th century
- Style: Medieval castle with Gothic influences
- Famous for: Dracula myth, towers, and hidden chambers
- Nickname: Dracula’s Castle
This castle is not only one of the most famous castles in Romania, but also among the castles to visit for lovers of dark legends and Gothic lore.
🔗 Bran Castle Official Website
Château de Chambord – France’s Architectural Wonder
Nestled in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of French Renaissance design. With 440 rooms and a double-helix staircase often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, this château is a shining example of castle architecture and grandeur.
- Location: Chambord, France
- Built: 16th century
- Designed for: King Francis I as a hunting lodge
- Key Features: Extensive grounds, symmetrical layout, massive towers
- Best for: Architecture fans, French history lovers
Visitors can enjoy both guided tours and castle tours through one of the most beautiful castles in France.
🔗 Château de Chambord – Official Site
Trakai Island Castle – A Fairytale on Water
Located on an island in Lake Galvė, Trakai Island Castle in Lithuania is a true fairytale setting. This castle was originally built in the 14th century and later reconstructed in the 20th century, offering a mix of medieval charm and modern accessibility.
- Location: Trakai, Lithuania
- Originally built: 14th century
- Reconstructed: Mid-20th century
- Notable for: Being surrounded by water, moated location
- Best for: Families, photographers, and lovers of beautiful castles
Its picturesque setting makes it one of the castles from around the world that feels like a step into fantasy.
Himeji Castle – Japan’s White Heron Fortress
Regarded as Japan’s most spectacular castle, Himeji Castle is often called the “White Heron Castle” for its brilliant white exterior and bird-like design. It survived multiple wars and natural disasters and remains one of the best-preserved feudal-era fortresses in Asia.
Location: Himeji, Japan
Built: Early 17th century
Recognized as: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Features: Defensive maze layout, high stone walls, cherry blossoms
Fun Fact: Considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world
Himeji Castle is among the most stunning castles globally, thanks to its elegance and historical preservation.
🔗 Japan National Tourism – Himeji Castle
Prague Castle – The Jewel of the Czech Republic
Prague Castle is one of the largest ancient castles in the world and a cornerstone of Czech history. Located in the heart of the Czech Republic, this castle complex dates back to the 9th century and has served as the seat of kings, emperors, and presidents.
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- Established: 870 AD
- Key Structures: St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane
- Style: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and more
- Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prague Castle is open to the public year-round and offers a guided tour through a thousand years of architectural evolution. It is one of the most iconic castles in Central Europe.
Edinburgh Castle – Scotland’s Historic Fortress
Standing atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital. This century castle has witnessed royal births, brutal sieges, and countless legends.
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Built: Parts date to the 12th century
- Highlights: The Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, One O’Clock Gun
- Type: Military fortress
- Visitor Tip: Book tickets in advance for a day trip
Today, Edinburgh Castle remains one of the most famous castles in the UK and a top castle to visit for history lovers.
🔗 Historic Environment Scotland – Edinburgh Castle
Alhambra – Moorish Majesty in Spain
The Alhambra is a breathtaking example of Moorish architecture in southern Spain. Originally a small fortress in the 9th century, it was transformed into a lavish royal palace by the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th century.
- Location: Granada, Spain
- Architectural Style: Islamic, Renaissance
- Notable Features: Lion’s Court, intricate tilework, lush Generalife gardens
- Fun Fact: It’s one of the most visited monuments in Spain
The Alhambra is without question one of the most incredible and gorgeous castles from Islamic heritage, and a must-visit castle for art and history buffs alike.
🔗 Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife
Eltz Castle – Germany’s Hidden Gem
Tucked into a forested valley, Eltz Castle is a dream castle that looks straight out of a medieval painting. This castle is located near the Moselle River and has remained in the same family for over 850 years.
- Location: Wierschem, Germany
- Built: 12th century
- Style: Medieval Romanesque
- Highlights: Authentic furnishings, surrounded by a moat, guided tours
- Best For: Nature lovers and those looking to find castles off the beaten path
Eltz Castle is one of the most authentic medieval castles in Europe and is often included in lists of the best castles around the world.
Conwy Castle – Wales’ Stone Sentinel
Conwy Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the UK. Built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales, it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Location: Conwy, North Wales
- Built: Late 13th century
- Designed by: James of St. George
- Known For: Massive towers and curtain walls, seaside views
- Good For: Medieval architecture fans and photographers
This castle is among the famous castles of Britain and an essential stop for those looking to explore castles from around the world.
Bodiam Castle – England’s Moated Beauty
Located in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is a castle surrounded by a moat, making it one of the most picturesque medieval castles in the UK.
- Built: Late 14th century
- Purpose: Defense against the French during the Hundred Years’ War
- Notable Features: Towered gatehouse, moat reflections, spiral staircases
- Best For: Family visits, romantic day trips
Though its interior is mostly in ruins, Bodiam Castle remains one of the most beautiful castles to photograph in England.
🔗 National Trust – Bodiam Castle
Predjama Castle – Slovenia’s Cliffside Fortress
Built into the mouth of a cave, Predjama Castle is an engineering marvel and one of Europe’s most unique fortresses.
- Location: Predjama, Slovenia
- Built: 13th century
- Highlights: Secret tunnels, knight legends, underground chambers
- Fun Fact: Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cave castle in the world
Predjama Castle is one of the castles around the world that truly blends nature and architecture, making it one of the most fascinating castles to see.
🔗 Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
Peles Castle – Romania’s Royal Masterpiece
Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Peles Castle is a 19th-century architectural wonder and one of the most gorgeous castles in Romania.
- Location: Sinaia, Romania
- Built: Between 1873–1914
- Style: Neo-Renaissance with Gothic and Baroque elements
- Highlights: Lavishly decorated interiors, art collection, wood carvings
- Historical Note: Commissioned by King Carol I of Romania
Peles Castle stands out among castles to visit for its elegance, innovation, and historical value.
🔗 Peles Castle Official Website
Corvin Castle – Gothic Glory in Romania
Also known as Hunyadi Castle, Corvin Castle is one of the largest medieval castles in Romania and arguably one of the most intimidating.
- Built: Mid-15th century
- Style: Gothic-Renaissance
- Known For: Tall towers, drawbridge, dungeon, and vivid legends
- Ties to: Vlad the Impaler (brief imprisonment)
It’s among the most famous castles in Eastern Europe and one of the most impressive structures still standing today.
Frederiksborg Castle – Denmark’s Grandest Chateau
Located on three islets in the town of Hillerød, Frederiksborg Castle is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and now houses the Museum of National History.
- Built: Early 17th century
- Style: Dutch Renaissance
- Notable Features: Knight’s Hall, Fountain Court, landscaped gardens
- Best For: Lovers of art, Danish history, and architectural grandeur
Frederiksborg Castle is not only open to the public, but it's one of those castles around the world that reflects an entire nation's identity.
🔗 Frederiksborg Castle – Museum of National History
Hohenwerfen Castle – Austria’s Mountain Fortress
Rising above the Salzach Valley, Hohenwerfen Castle in Austria is a dramatic fortress that’s played host to everything from falconry displays to Hollywood films.
- Location: Werfen, Austria
- Built: 11th century
- Features: Museum, falconry, and panoramic Alpine views
- Fun Fact: Appeared in the movie Where Eagles Dare
Hohenwerfen Castle is one of the most incredible medieval strongholds still intact, offering both history and spectacular scenery.
Château de Chambord – Return to France’s Architectural Gem
We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth emphasizing again: the Chambord Castle (or Château de Chambord) in the Loire Valley is one of France’s most iconic castles, a chateau where art, power, and architecture meet.
- Reiterating Quick Facts:
- Built: Early 16th century
- Style: French Renaissance
- Visitor Highlights: Double spiral staircase, vast grounds, guided tours
It’s among the castles to visit that showcase the grandeur of kingship and remains one of France’s most beautiful castles.
Alcázar of Segovia – A Fairytale Fortress in Spain
With its ship-like shape and soaring turrets, the Alcázar of Segovia is an iconic castle of Spain. Once a royal palace and military academy, this castle is open every day for public viewing.
- Location: Segovia, Spain
- Built: Original structure from the 12th century
- Famous For: Pointed towers, Hall of Kings, Roman aqueduct views
- Architecture: Mix of Romanesque and Gothic
This is one of the most famous castles in Spain and a must-see for fans of real-world fairytale castles.
🔗 Turismo de Segovia – Alcázar
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Allure of Castles Around the World
Whether it's a castle surrounded by a moat or perched on a cliff, the world’s most beautiful castles captivate visitors of all ages. From Neuschwanstein Castle to Bran Castle, Château de Chambord to the Alcázar of Segovia, these castles from around the world offer unforgettable experiences.
Castles to Visit Recap:
- Best for Architecture: Chambord, Alhambra, Frederiksborg
- Best for Fairytale Aesthetics: Neuschwanstein, Pena Palace, Eltz
- Most Historic: Windsor Castle, Prague Castle, Edinburgh Castle
- Hidden Gems: Predjama, Trakai Island Castle, Corvin Castle
No matter where your journey takes you, there's always a castle to visit—and perhaps even a dream castle to discover.
