10 Castles In Europe To Travel Back In Time

We want to travel back in time and what better way than to do it by visiting some of the most fabulous castles in Europe. There are thousands of possibilities, that’s why each of the ones you will see on our list is from a different country. Some have several centuries behind them, others not so much, but in any of them you will feel like in a story. Let’s go!

1. Neuschwanstein, Germany

It is not exactly a medieval castle, since it was built in the 19th century. But its promoter, Louis II of Bavaria, the so-called Mad King, wanted it to be a kind of “exemplary” medieval construction. Of course, its image is one of true fantasy, so it should be the first stop on this journey through unforgettable castles in Europe.

2. Chambord, France

All the castles of the Loire are beautiful, but this one is spectacular. Built at the whim of the then powerful Francis I of France, Chambord is a building as beautiful as it is huge, since it has no less than 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases, one of them, by the way, helical and they say designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself.

3. Bran Castle, Romania

Despite its beauty, visiting this castle is always a bit scary. The reason is very simple, if we tell you that it is in Transylvania it is easy for you to already imagine something. Yes, this is the castle in which Bram Stoker set his Dracula, although the actual character who inspired the figure of the well-known vampire did not actually reside here.

4. Krivoklat, Czech Republic

It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful castles in Bohemia. It is only 30 kilometers from Prague and was a royal residence and later a prison. Of course, what can be seen today is a reconstruction of the nineteenth century. The original castle, built in the 13th century, suffered several fires throughout its history that left it practically in ruins.

5. Edinburgh, Great Britain

Scotland is a land of castles and some are spectacular. But we stick with the one in Edinburgh for several reasons. One of them is its spectacular location, on top of a promontory of volcanic origin. Another is its symbolism, here the jewels of the Crown of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny are preserved, on which the monarchs were crowned. 

6. Hochosterwitz, Austria, one of the most impressive castles in Europe

It was built on a 160 meter high rock from which on clear days it can be seen up to 30 kilometers around. For this reason alone, the Hochosterwitz Castle is worth a visit. But do not overlook the 14 gates that must be crossed to reach it, its walls and its towers, which make this one of the most incredible castles in Europe.

7. Palacio da Pena, Portugal

Halfway between palace and castle, this is one of those constructions that is impossible to forget. And it is because of its incredible mix of styles, its color and the love story that its walls keep, that of Fernando II of Portugal and his wife María. A beautiful palace that is located in Sintra, very close to the Portuguese capital.

8. Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark

It is the largest castle in Scandinavia. A fabulous Renaissance construction built on three islets within a lake. The building is fabulous, but its church stands out. And the wonderful gardens that surround it should not be missed. In addition, it houses the National Museum of Denmark, there is no better place, therefore, to learn about the history of the country.

9. Chillón Castle, Switzerland

Situated on the shores of Lake Leman, this castle was built in the 13th century. It is a fabulous defensive enclosure made up of 25 buildings and three courtyards, which are protected by two rings of defensive walls. A place so beautiful that it fascinated figures of the stature of Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas or Lord Byron.

10. Alcázar de Segovia, Spain

We ended up in Spain, in one of the most fantastic buildings imaginable. The Alcázar of Segovia, from its privileged position, has witnessed several centuries of the history of Spain. It has been a fortress, a royal residence, a prison and an artillery college. What better way than this to end our tour of unforgettable castles in Europe.