The 33 Most BEAUTIFUL Castles On The Planet
There is something absolutely magical about castles. Every time you look at one, you can almost feel like you are transforming into a fairytale character.
Whether perched on cliffs, hidden in forests, or sitting proudly above old towns, castles have a way of making us feel like we’ve stepped into another time, or even another world.
So, grab your imaginary sword, or just your camera and get ready to explore the most beautiful castles in the world. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good fairytale?
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Want to live a fairy tale? Neuschwanstein Castle is your gateway. This castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and with one look, you’ll see why.
The Bavarian Alps set a dramatic backdrop, with the castle’s spires reaching for the sky like something out of a storybook.
Visiting can be a bit of a fairytale trouble though. The best tip? Arrive early or late to avoid the crowds. There’s a museum in the palace of Hohenschwangau where you can buy tickets, which is a must since you can’t just walk in.
2. Château de Chambord, France
If you think you’ve seen it all, Chambord will surprise you. This isn’t just any castle; it’s a Renaissance masterpiece nestled in the Loire Valley.
Its most famous feature? The double helix staircase, where you can ascend without ever meeting someone coming down. A Renaissance social distancing measure, perhaps?
The grounds are vast, so wear comfy shoes. The gardens are a maze of beauty, literally, with paths leading to hidden delights. Pack a picnic, because there’s no better place to enjoy French cuisine than under the shadow of this architectural wonder.
3. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
This place has seen everything from battles to royal births, and its history is as layered as a Scottish kilt. Edinburgh Castle is really something special!
The castle’s crown jewels are a must-see, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the One O’clock Gun! This is a daily tradition that’s been startling tourists since 1861.
Remember, the castle’s many levels mean a lot of climbing, so take your time, enjoy the views, and perhaps share a laugh about how the Scots managed to build all this on a hill.
4. Himeji Castle, Japan
This is Japan’s finest surviving example of early 17th-century castle architecture, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. It survived wars, earthquakes, and even bombings. If castles had a “survivor’s badge,” Himeji would wear it proudly.
Navigating its multiple levels and mazes is like playing a historical game of hide and seek. The best part? No matter where you go, you’re treated to breathtaking views.
So, what do you say? Ready to walk through history, get lost in castle corridors, and maybe, just maybe, feel like a samurai for the day?
5. Pena Palace, Portugal
Get ready for a castle that looks like it was designed by a dreamer and painted by a rainbow.
Pena Palace sits high above Sintra’s forests. Built by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century, it blends Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, creating a true architectural oddity.
As you step inside, the details hit you immediately! The ornate ceilings, grand ballrooms, and terraces that offer mind-blowing views all the way to the Atlantic.
But the real magic? Sunset from the castle walls. As the golden light hits those red, yellow, and blue walls, Pena Palace doesn’t just glow, it shines.
6. Mont Saint-Michel, France
This is one of the most magical places you’ll ever set foot in.
This stunning fortress is perched on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy. And it seems to float between sky and sea, depending on the tides.
One moment, it’s surrounded by water, looking like a castle adrift in the ocean. A few hours later, the sea retreats, revealing winding causeways and golden sandbanks that stretch for miles.
Don’t forget to try the famous omelet at La Mère Poulard in the middle of all this beauty. It’s a local specialty. Almost as legendary as the island itself!
7. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Let’s talk about a castle that isn’t just a castle. It’s a city within a city. Prague Castle isn’t some tiny fortress sitting on a hill; it’s the largest ancient castle complex in the world, towering over the Vltava River and watching over Prague like a medieval guardian.
St. Vitus Cathedral steals the show with its jaw-dropping Gothic spires and dazzling stained glass, while the Golden Lane’s tiny houses whisper tales of alchemists and castle guards.
Every corner has a story, from defenestrations (yes, that means throwing people out of windows) to hidden treasures.
And don’t forget to rub the statue of St. John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge; it’s said to bring good luck!
8. Alhambra, Spain
This castle feels like poetry in stone. Rising above Granada, this Moorish masterpiece is a breathtaking blend of intricate Islamic art, calm courtyards, and fortress walls.
Built by the Nasrid dynasty, its arches, arabesques, and serene fountains feel like stepping into a dream of 14th-century Andalusia.
The Generalife gardens spill over with flowers and trickling water features, designed to be an oasis fit for sultans. The Hall of the Ambassadors, where kings met and deals were struck, still echoes with history. Every tile and carving here tells a story of a lost empire.
Book your tickets early! This place is popular for a reason. And if you can, visit at night, when soft lighting turns the palace into something surreal.
9. Windsor Castle, England
If we’re talking about royal castles, we’ve got to talk about Windsor Castle.
And let’s be honest, if it’s good enough for kings and queens, it’s good enough for us. It has witnessed everything from medieval feasts to modern-day royal weddings. Its grand halls, decorated rooms, and priceless artworks make it feel more like a palace than a fortress.
And if you ever wondered what pure luxury looks like, wait until you step into St. George’s Chapel, where British monarchs have been laid to rest for centuries, including Queen Elizabeth II.
10. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
If Scotland had a postcard-perfect castle, it would be Eilean Donan.
Standing on a tiny island where three lochs meet, this dramatic fortress is pure Highland magic. Though originally built in the 13th century to fend off Viking invasions, it has survived battles, Jacobite uprisings, and even being blown to bits before its 20th-century restoration.
Inside, you’ll find cozy halls, ancient weapons, and portraits of stern-looking Scottish clansmen. The views from the battlements are stunning! Think misty mountains, glassy waters, and the occasional bagpiper adding to the atmosphere.
Scotland’s most famous castle sure knows how to steal the spotlight!
11. Bled Castle, Slovenia
Bled Castle looks like it was plucked from a storybook and placed high above Slovenia’s most famous lake.
Perched dramatically on a clifftop, it has been standing guard over Lake Bled for more than a thousand years. It’s no wonder this is Slovenia’s most visited castle.
Inside, there’s a museum showcasing the region’s history, but the real highlight is outside; the terrace offers a jaw-dropping panorama of the lake, the tiny island with its iconic church, and the Julian Alps in the distance.
For the full experience, take a traditional pletna boat to the island and ring the church bell—it’s said to make wishes come true.
12. Bran Castle, Romania
If there’s one castle that owns the title of legendary, it’s Bran Castle.
This creepy, yet stunning fortress has been forever linked to Dracula. Whether or not Dracula ever lived here is debatable, but honestly? The moment you see this castle shrouded in mist, your imagination won’t care.
Inside, the castle is more charming than chilling. Cozy rooms showcase medieval weapons, antique furniture, and Queen Marie of Romania’s personal touches. Nothing says “home” like a throne room, right?
Venture outside for a taste of local legend: the village below sells everything from vampire wine to garlic necklaces—just in case.
13. Château de Chillon, Switzerland
This medieval fortress has stood for nearly a thousand years. It guarded trade routes and inspiring poets like Lord Byron, who even carved his name into the dungeon wall. A very 19th-century thing to do, if I may say.
Beyond its postcard-perfect exterior, the castle hides a maze of grand halls, scary underground vaults, and panoramic balconies. The lake views from the castle windows are stunning, especially at sunset when the water shimmers gold.
Don’t miss the dungeons, where prisoners once languished in the damp stone cells. The most famous was François Bonivard, a Genevan monk whose story Byron immortalized in The Prisoner of Chillon.
14. Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
If castles had personalities, the Alcázar of Segovia would be the bold dreamer.
With its turrets and ship-like shape, it’s no surprise that this fortress-palace supposedly inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Once home to Castilian kings, it later served as a military academy, proving that fairytales and strategy can go hand in hand.
Inside, Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque influences intertwine, creating rooms filled with intricate ceilings, colorful tiles, and grand tapestries.
The Hall of Kings showcases painted portraits of Spanish monarchs, while the Tower of Juan II offers breathtaking views. If you can handle the climb.
15. Mysore Palace, India
This Indo-Saracenic masterpiece is a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles—because why settle for one? Its grand domes, ornate arches, and intricate stained glass make it one of India’s most dazzling royal residences.
Inside, every room is a spectacle. The Durbar Hall gleams with gilded pillars, while the Kalyana Mantapa stuns with peacock-themed stained glass ceilings. During Dussehra, the entire palace shines with nearly 100,000 lights, turning it into a glowing vision.
Tip: Arrive early for the light show or a guided tour. And if you love sweets, Mysore Pak, ghee-laden and delicious, is a must-try nearby.
16. Schwerin Castle, Germany
Once home to the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg, Schwerin Castle boasts golden domes, towering spires, and halls filled with beautiful décor.
The interiors are as grand as expected—ballrooms adorned with chandeliers, ornate woodwork, and intricate tapestries.
But it’s not just beauty; Schwerin Castle has its own ghost, the legendary Petermännchen, a mischievous little spirit said to haunt the halls. Unlike most ghosts, he’s friendly! Unless you disrespect the castle, then he might play a trick on you.
17. Matsumoto Castle, Japan
This is not a castle, this is a fortress with an attitude. Known as the “Crow Castle” for its sleek black walls, it rests on a reflective moat like a samurai ready for battle.
Built in the late 16th century, it’s one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, a rare example of an original wooden keep rather than a reconstruction. Its layered defenses, from hidden floors to steep staircases, were designed to confuse enemies . And today, slightly confused tourists!
The contrast between its imposing exterior and elegant design is striking, brutal yet beautiful.
18. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Looking for a castle with charm, history, and just the right amount of Irish magic, Kilkenny Castle is calling your name.
It evolved from a military stronghold into an elegant residence, complete with decorated rooms and sprawling gardens. The Butler family ruled here for centuries, living a life of aristocratic grandeur.
I bet you wish you were alive for the extravagant parties and feasts. You’re not alone!
Here is one local tip just for you: after your castle visit, grab a pint at one of Kilkenny’s historic pubs. The town’s medieval streets are just as charming as the fortress itself.
19. Château de Versailles, France
If ever a building screamed “absolute monarchy,” it’s Versailles.
Louis XIV transformed it into the most extravagant palace in Europe—a dazzling symbol of power, wealth, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of excess. The Hall of Mirrors alone, with its endless reflections and golden chandeliers, is enough to leave visitors speechless.
Outside, the perfectly manicured gardens stretch for miles, dotted with fountains, sculptures, and hidden groves. The Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet offer a glimpse into the private lives of royalty, far from the stiff grandeur of the main palace.Versailles is breathtaking, but it’s also enormous! So, wear comfortable shoes. And don’t rush through; even Louis XIV knew this place was best enjoyed at a slow pace.
20. Burg Eltz, Germany
Unlike many castles in Germany, this one has never been destroyed, surviving wars, revolutions, and centuries of change.
It has been home to the same family for over 850 years, which means walking through its halls feels more like visiting an aristocratic frozen moment than a museum.
The castle’s half-timbered towers and steep roofs give it an unmistakable storybook charm, as if a dragon might be lurking nearby.
For the best approach, take the forested hiking trail leading to the castle. Epic castles deserve epic entrances, right?
21. Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania
Floating like a medieval dream in the middle of Lake Galvė, Trakai Island Castle is a rare beauty.
Built in the 14th century by the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, this red-brick fortress once stood as the heart of a mighty empire. Its strategic location made it nearly impossible to conquer—unless you liked swimming in full armor.
Once you step inside, the castle transports you to a time of knights, royal feasts, and political intrigue. Feeling the rush already?
22. Malbork Castle, Poland
Malbork Castle is about to blow your mind. This place isn’t just big, it’s the largest brick castle in the world, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why it took over 230 years to build.
Walking up to this 13th-century masterpiece, you immediately feel small.
The towering red-brick walls, deep moats, and gates make it clear that this was once a stronghold of the Teutonic Knights. And inside, the castle is split into three sections, each one more impressive than the last. Have you decided which one will you visit first?
23. Corvin Castle, Romania
Dark towers, looming walls, and a history full of mystery. I present to you Corvin Castle! Really, it looks straight out of a Gothic novel.
Built in the 15th century by John Hunyadi, this Transylvanian stronghold is packed with legends. Some even say Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned here, though he probably didn’t get a warm welcome.
But the real showstopper? The castle’s fairy-tale bridge, stretching over a deep moat like something from a fantasy epic.Visit on a foggy day, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a ghost story, whether you believe in them or not.
24. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
With its turrets, towers, and sweeping views of the Swabian Alps, it’s a castle that even Disney would envy.
If there’s one castle that looks like it was designed specifically to make jaws drop, it’s Hohenzollern Castle. That’s just my humble opinion.
It’s got towers that touch the sky, stone walls straight out of medieval legends, and views that stretch for miles.The journey up is just as magical. As you wind your way through forests and misty hills, the castle slowly reveals itself. And it sits proudly on its throne of rock like a medieval king.
25. Predjama Castle, Slovenia
It looks like this one was made so it’s hard to find later!
Predjama Castle is half fortress, half cave. A true beauty of medieval engineering. This 800-year-old castle is built into a massive rock face, making it practically impenetrable.
It was once home to the legendary knight Erazem Lueger, a real-life Robin Hood who outwitted his enemies by sneaking supplies through hidden tunnels.
Exploring the castle, you’ll find secret passages, medieval weaponry, and even a chilling dungeon. The cave system beneath adds an extra layer of mystery—some of the tunnels stretch for miles, hiding centuries-old secrets.
26. Cardiff Castle, Wales
Cardiff Castle is a place where history and fantasy collide, right in the heart of the Welsh capital. Over the centuries, it has transformed from a Roman fort to a Norman stronghold, and later into a Victorian residence.
Every era left its mark, creating a fascinating mix of medieval grit and aristocratic splendor.
If you visit during a Welsh rugby match, expect to hear roaring crowds! Cardiff knows how to celebrate!
27. Conwy Castle, Wales
Conwy Castle is a medieval powerhouse, built by Edward I in the 13th century to keep a grip on Wales. With eight towers and walls that still stand strong after centuries, it’s the kind of place where you half expect to see a ghostly knight pacing the battlements.
The views over Conwy’s harbor and the Snowdonia mountains are breathtaking, a reminder of why rulers fought so hard to control this land.
For an extra thrill, explore at dusk when the castle takes on a haunting, mysterious glow.
28. Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
Small but incredibly striking, Lichtenstein castle seems to defy gravity. It’s no wonder it’s often called the “Fairy Tale Castle of Württemberg.” It’s inspired by a popular novel and designed to capture the romance of the Middle Ages.
Though small compared to grand German fortresses, Lichtenstein’s charm lies in its fairytale setting. A stone bridge connects it to the mainland, adding to the drama. Inside, knightly relics and frescoed halls transport visitors to a time of duels and noble quests.
Visit in autumn, when mist swirls around the cliffs! It’s pure magic.
29. Vianden Castle, Luxembourg
High above the River Our, Vianden Castle reigns over the Luxembourg countryside like a scene from a medieval legend. This fortress-palace was once home to powerful counts who entertained emperors and plotted history.
Its massive walls, turrets, and elegant halls make it one of the most impressive castles in Europe.
Centuries of war, neglect, and even a period as a stone quarry left it in ruins, but a spectacular restoration brought it back to its former glory. Today, visitors can explore grand halls, secret passageways, and medieval kitchens that once fed feasting nobles.
30. Kronborg Castle, Denmark
If castles had résumés, Kronborg’s would be legendary! It’s Hamlet’s castle, can you believe it?
Overlooking the Øresund Strait, this 16th-century fortress controlled Baltic trade and intimidated would-be invaders with its thick walls and cannon-lined bastions. Today, it still exudes majesty, though the only battles here now are between Shakespearean actors.
Time your visit for a summer performance of Hamlet, because what’s better than Shakespeare in the actual Elsinore?
31. Amber Fort, India
Sitting just outside Jaipur, this massive fortress-palace looks like something straight out of an epic saga.
It’s the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks, not just for its size, but for its unforgettable beauty.
The Sheesh Mahal is a pure miracle. Thousands of tiny mirrors create the illusion of a starry night when candlelight flickers across the walls.
Arrive early to beat the crowds, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take the traditional elephant ride up the hill, just like the royals once did.
32. Glamis Castle, Scotland
Shrouded in mist and mystery, Glamis Castle is Scotland’s most haunted stronghold, with legends lurking in its shadowy halls.
This is a childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It has been the grand estate of royal drama, hidden rooms and ghostly whispers for many years.
Glamis stuns with its towers and opulent interiors. Portraits of long-gone earls and countesses watch over visitors, while the grand drawing rooms and richly decorated chambers hint at the wealth and power of its former residents.
Brave souls can take a ghost tour, just don’t ask about the “Monster of Glamis”. It’s a secret so dark it was never written down.
33. Mehrangarh Fort, India
Rising like a mirage from the desert, Mehrangarh Fort dominates Jodhpur’s skyline with an air of invincibility.
It was built in the 15th century and it stands 400 feet above the city, its walls so massive that even cannonballs barely left a mark. Inside, however, the fort reveals a world of delicate beauty—palatial courtyards, intricate carvings, and latticed windows that let the desert breeze whisper through.