Europe is known for many things. There is incredible food, illustrious history, and architecture marvels that feel like they’re out of a storybook. Read on to discover ten of the exquisite fairytale castles in Europe you should consider when you’re planning your next European vacation.

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1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Located in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is the ultimate fairytale castle in Europe – it actually served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle that serves as a central point of many Disney theme parks. The castle overlooks the beautiful Hohenschwangau valley, and when you visit you’ll want to spend some time taking in the stunning panoramic views.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the castle as both a retreat and a tribute to famed German composer Richard Wagner. The king notably paid for the retreat with his own money, and he lived there until his death in 1886. Shortly after his death, the castle opened for public tours and you can visit to this day.

Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Neuschwanstein Castle to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Neuschwanstein Castle itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Neuschwanstein Castle here.

2. Hohenzollern Castle

Located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this historic castle dates back to as early as 1077. Originally a fortress, the structure was modified and became the castle home of the house of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. The impressive structure that exists today is actually the third version of the castle to be built on the site – the previous two were destroyed. The first was destroyed during a siege, and the second fell into disrepair.

If you would like to visit, you must book a guided tour. These tours are incredible and well worth the price. Tours are available in German, and audio recordings of the tour are available in English, Dutch, and French.

Hohenzollern Castle Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Hohenzollern Castle. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Hohenzollern Castle to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Hohenzollern Castle itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Hohenzollern Castle here.

3. Cochem Castle

The Cochem Castle you can see today in Rhineland-Palatinate is actually not the original one that dates back to as early as 1100. That original castle was destroyed in 1968 when French King Louis XIV ordered his troops to destroy it. The ruins remained for over two centuries when a prominent German businessman Louis Ravene decided to buy them and construct a castle of his own.

Instead of adhering to the original Romanesque architectural style, Ravene decided to feature neo-Gothic styles instead. However, some of the original elements, such as portions of the towers, are still standing to this day.

Cochem Castle Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Cochem Castle. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Cochem Castle to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Cochem Castle here.

4. Bled Castle

Perched atop an overlook, surrounded by green trees and overlooking the picturesque Lake Bled is Slovenia’s oldest castle: Bled Castle. The first construction happened as early as the year 1004, and through the years additions were made to parts of the structure. For example, the castle chapel was built in the 16th century. When you visit, you can walk through the museum and see the chapel along with other parts of the castle and artifacts such as furniture that illustrate the history of not only the castle, but the region as well.

The castle is open for tours year-round, but the opening times vary throughout the year. The entrance fee is €9, but there are discounts for students and children. If you visit in the evening, you can actually make reservations and dine at the castle for a complete fairytale experience. Plus, if you dine there, your entrance fee is waived.

Bled Castle Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Bled Castle. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Bled Castle to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Bled Castle itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Bled Castle here.

5. Quinta da Regaleira

The absolutely stunning Quinta da Regaleira is a historic estate in the town of Sintra, Portugal. It’s not nearly as old as the other castles on this list, but it is as beautiful and as interesting. Built in the late 1800s, this quinta (Portuguese for “estate”) is an adventurer’s dream.

Today the castle still looks like something out of a fairytale. Features such as the legendary initiation well give it a mysterious and eerie feel. The well is a deep ceremonial well with a spiral staircase built into the stone that circles the well from top to bottom. The staircase leads down to the bottom of the 88-foot-well, and from there, there are stone tunnels and features. If you’re looking for a more adventurous fairytale experience, Quinta da Regaleira is a great destination for you.

Quinta da Regaleira Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Quinta da Regaleira. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Quinta da Regaleira to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Quinta da Regaleira itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Quinta da Regaleira here.

6. Palace of Pena

The Palace of Pena, also in Sintra, is a stunning example of neo-Romanticism architecture perched atop the Sintra Mountains. This historic palace was initially constructed in the middle ages, and construction continued on and off until 1854. The palace was a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family up until the Republican Revolution until 1910 – this was the point when it became a museum.

The Palace of Pena is notable for its unique appearance: the grey stone exterior is painted bright yellow and red.  This beautiful fairytale castle is a national monument and UNESCO Heritage Site that you won’t want to miss.

Palace of Pena Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to the Palace of Pena. Also, find the list of the best hotels near the Palace of Pena to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Palace of Pena itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting the Palace of Pena here.

7. Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a beautiful castle complex in the Czech Republic’s capital city that looms above Malá Strana and the Vltava River. It was first built in 870, and at 750,000 square feet, it is the largest ancient castle in the world. It’s also the most visited tourist site in Prague, and when you visit, you’ll understand the draw. The castle features multiple architectural styles throughout its many structures including churches, palaces, halls, towers, and more. The Prague Castle also has a series of beautiful gardens.

Currently this historic castle is the official office of the current Czech president, and the Bohemian crown jewels are hidden safely inside. You can take informative guided tours of this beautiful castle in a variety of languages.

Prague Castle Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Prague Castle. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Prague Castle to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Prague Castle itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Prague Castle here.

8. The Alcazar de Segovia

Alcazar de Segovia translates literally to Fortress of Segovia, which was its original purpose when built. The fortress has had many purposes through the years: it was a royal place, a state prison, and a military academy at different times throughout history. Today it serves as a museum and archive for military documents.

Despite the fact that it wasn’t intended to be a castle when it was originally built, the Alcazar de Segovia is an incredible fairytale castle as it is said to have inspired the architects of Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Alcazar de Segovia Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Alcazar de Segovia. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Alcazar de Segovia to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Alcazar de Segovia itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Alcazar de Segovia here.

9. Cité de Carcassonne

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval fortress, located on a hill overlooking the River Aude. Located in the town of Carcassonne, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of France’s most popular destinations. The picturesque fortress might look familiar to you – it was featured in movies such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves!

Cité de Carcassonne Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Cité de Carcassonne. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Cité de Carcassonne to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Cité de Carcassonne itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Cité de Carcassonne here.

10. Mont-Saint-Michel

Located on Mont-Saint-Michel island, off the coast of Normandy, is Mont-Saint-Michel castle. The island is a tidal island – during low tide the land surrounding the structure is visible, but during high tide the land is covered by the water and the castle is surrounded by the powerful and beautiful sea.

This Romanesque structure was built by 709 CE, as a religious sanctuary. As the legend goes, a bishop named Aubert of Avranches was visited by the archangel Micheal, who told him where to build the church.

Mont Saint-Michel has had a long history, and it wasn’t only a church. During the French Revolution, it served as a prison and was even known as the “Bastille of the Sea”. It functioned as a prison until 1863 when it was shut down and the remaining prisoners were transferred elsewhere. By 1922, monks had returned to the location.

Today, this castle is an incredibly popular place to visit in France – over 2.5 million people come to learn about the history and see this fairytale castle every year!

Mont-Saint-Michel Travel Guide & Resources:

Here you will find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, find the list of the best hotels near Mont-Saint-Michel to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Mont-Saint-Michel itinerary? Find top attractions and more things to do in the area in addition to visiting Mont-Saint-Michel here.

Video Guide: 10 Most Stunningly Beautiful Fairytale Castles in Europe

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Planning to visit fairytale castles in Europe?

Want to plan your next vacation and visit these fairytale castles in Europe but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of multi-city trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as multi-city, multi-country European vacations that include visiting some of the most beautiful fairytale castles in Europe are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city European trip and craft the best vacation package at the best price.

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