Truth be told, you can visit almost any country in Europe and find some incredible casltes. From the historic grand castles of England, the unique castles in Sweden and the fairytale-like castles in Germany, there’s a heap to see. This makes it totally easy to find some pretty castles in Europe, no matter what country you stop off in.
Honestly, their grand exteriors are pretty impressive to see in person, with each having their own charm, identity and a whole heap of history. Now, for me, one of the things I love most about all the pretty castles in Europe is that they’re all totally different; no two are the same!
This is exactly why I wanted to share some of my very favourite that I hope you’ll love, too. Some are small, mountain-top finds, whilst others are grand estates that stretch for acres. I’ve also tried to share some that are a little ‘less obvious’, this way, you’ll be able to find a few quite different castles that are all totally special.
Take a look, below, at the pretty castles in Europe to visit on your next trip. Have the best time.
1.) Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Nestled within the mountains of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is probably one of Europe’s most iconic castles to visit. Built centuries ago, it’s totally eye-catching and well worth visiting for a few hours visit.
Once here, park up in the town and take a stroll up to the castle itself and head for a guided tour around the interior.
Afterwards, pop over to the cliff-bridge for some of the best views of the castle and the surrounding countryside. It’s totally gorgeous and a pretty castle in Europe that’s too easy to visit when in Bavaria.
Read more: Best castles in Germany
2.) Chateau de Chenonceau, France
Perched within the Loire Valley of France, Chateau de Chenonceau is one of the most iconic castles (or chateaus’) to visit.
With evidence of buildings dating back almost 1,000 years, it’s totally stunning and a massive slice of French history and architecture that you can’t miss.
Not only that, it’s quite easy to visit on a day trip from Tours and a perfect stopping point to see some of the best places in France, too.
Read more: Best chateaus to stay in France
3.) Windsor Castle, United Kingdom
One of the royal families favourite stomping grounds, Windsor Castle is really easy to visit on one of the day trips from London that are so easy to organise.
After booking your tickets online, pop in to wander the staterooms and stunning grounds that you can tour.
It’s totally gorgeous and well worth spending a day exploring Windsor, too.
Read more: How to visit Windsor Castle
4.) Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is probably Romania’s most famous castle, and one of the pretty castles in Europe to visit that’s not too far from Brasov.
Perched within Transylvania, it’s often considered to be Dracula’s castle and the place where he once resided; in literature at least! Nowadays, you can tour the castle, learn more about its history and explore how this castle became to be known for everything Dracula!
5.) Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Built within a cave, Predjama Castle is one of the pretty castles in Europe to visit whilst exploring Slovenia. Not only that, it’s quite easy to visit for a day trip from Ljubljana (2-hour drive) or even Trieste, in Italy.
Just be prepared for lots of steps, this place can be steep and get icy in winter, too.
6.) Castelvecchio, Italy
Now a museum, Castelvecchio is a medieval castle that’s really easy to visit whilst in the beautiful Italian city of Verona. Perched within the town itself, it’s one of the pretty castles in Europe that’s less fairytale-like and much more of a stone fortress.
Honestly, it’s well worth a visit, especially after seeing all the best places in Verona, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Verona
7.) Książ Castle, Poland
Being one of the largest and pretty castles in Europe that’s within the Silesia region, Książ Castle can’t be missed when in southern Poland.
Once here, make sure to go inside and see some of the ornate rooms and stunning works of art that still line the walls. It’s beautiful.
Read more: Best castles in Poland
8.) Castillo de Coca, Spain
One of the things that makes Castillo De Coca so special is its design. Having a mix of gothic and Morish architecture, it’s a 500-year-old masterpiece that’s well worth seeing whilst exploring the best places in Spain.
Just be sure to explore the ‘Room of Secrets’, too. It’s pretty special.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
9.) Akershus Castle, Norway
Perched within the lovely city of Oslo, Akershus Castle is one of the pretty castles in Europe that’s much more function-led in its design.
Here, don’t expect any ornate towers, like those in Bavaria, but it’s still worth a gander and some time to explore this medieval castle that’s steeped in history.
Now, it’s likely you’ll spend around an hour here, so it’s really easy to visit whilst exploring all the other best things to do in Oslo, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Oslo
10.) Het Steen, Belgium
Perched within the historic centre of Antwerp, Het Steen is technically classified as a fortress and is incredible to visit. Not only that, it’s the oldest building in all of Antwerp and really can’t be missed when in the city.
Now, there are some renovation works going on, so access inside can be limited, but it’s still worth seeing and wandering around the fort on your trip around the city itself.
Read more: Best cities in Belgium to visit
11.) Eilean Donan Castle
Perched within the Highlands of Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle is situated on its very own island in between three Scottish lochs. Honestly, it’s picture-perfect and is easily one of the pretty castles in Europe to visit when exploring Scotland.
Honestly, it’s one of the best castles in Scotland to explore. Oh, and don’t forget, you can get some gorgeous views to the castle from this point on Google Maps. It’s easy to drive to and lovely to see in the distance.
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