Europe is filled with castles, some more famous than others. And who doesn’t love the idea of towering spires, dramatic drawbridges, and rooms that probably have more history than my entire hometown? But here’s the thing – while everyone’s busy snapping selfies at Buckingham Palace or fighting the crowds at Versailles, I’ve been on a mission to find some of Europe’s hidden castle gems.
There’s a whole world of magical fortresses out there that don’t make it onto most tourists’ radars. I’m talking about places where you can practically hear the whispers of ancient nobles in the halls, and where you might just have the whole place to yourself (well, except for maybe a ghost or two).
So, grab a cup of coffee, or a goblet of mead if you’re feeling extra medieval, and let me tell you about some of the most enchanting castles in Europe that you’ve probably never heard of. Who knows? You might just find yourself planning your next adventure to a place that makes Disney’s castles look like starter homes.
The Most Beautiful Castles in Europe You’ve Never Heard Of
Chillon Castle in Switzerland
The 12th-century Chillon Castle is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval European castles and Switzerland’s most-visited historical building, and it’s easy to see why. I have seen a few castles in my lifetime, but this is definitely the most impressive.
Why? Mainly because its setting on Lake Geneva is so pretty, with stunning lake and mountain views. The castle is built in the oval shape of the rocky island on which it was constructed. The name Chillon means ‘rocky platform’.
I recommend spending at least two hours exploring the castle. While most exhibits are labelled in English, I highly recommend taking the audio guide. It will definitely enhance your understanding and appreciation of the castle’s history and architecture.
Getting to the castle is easy by bus, train or car. There is free car parking nearby. But I recommend the beautiful lakeside walk from Montreux. It takes around 40 minutes, but it’s such a picturesque stroll with fabulous viewpoints and a lovely thing to do when in Montreux.
The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to September, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in March and October, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to February. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Ashford Castle in Ireland
Located in Ireland north of Galway, in the tiny village of Cong, Ashford Castle makes dreams come true. It’s even better than a dream because it is real, and you can spend the night there. When I visited, I spent two nights, which was just enough time to hit the property’s highlights.
After a leisurely sightseeing drive from the Shannon airport, we arrived in mid-afternoon and settled into our room overlooking a picturesque pond. On that first day, we explored the 13th-century castle itself, and realized we’d just missed afternoon tea in the drawing room. But it was just as well because we were hungry enough to enjoy a casual dinner of fish & chips in a nearby cottage pub.
The next morning, after an expansive breakfast buffet, we enjoyed a scenic walk through the castle’s expansive gardens as we wended our way to the on-property falconry school, where we encountered a huge, amber-eyed Eurasian eagle owl (this species is the world’s largest owl) and also met Inca, Ireland’s first-ever Peruvian Harris Hawk. During our hawk walk, we were given the thrilling opportunity to have her land on our leather glove-protected arms. Castle guests can also take a boat ride on the lake, and play a complimentary round of golf on the property’s 9-hole course.
We continued on from here along a path into Cong, which is famous for the 1952 film “The Quiet Man,” directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. After visiting some medieval abbey ruins and a few contemporary shops, we returned to the castle and downed a Guinness in the bar and then rested up for an elegant dinner in the dining room.
We still enjoy reminiscing about our stay at Ashford Castle and hope we are fortunate enough to return one day.
Predjama Castle in Slovenia
Predjama Castle is a beautiful Renaissance castle situated in southern Slovenia. What makes this castle so special is its unusual location – it’s built into a tall cliff, at the opening of a huge cave complex. It was constructed in the 13th century and is the largest cave castle in the world.
While the most impressive part about Predjama Castle is its exterior, it is also possible to visit the interior of the castle. There you can explore the living quarters and secret tunnels and see eerie dungeons and torture chambers. From June to September, you can also visit the cave under the castle.
Although I didn’t go inside the castle, I really enjoyed exploring it from the outside. Because of its unique location and spectacular natural setting, this place truly looks like something out of a fairytale. I can definitely see why it’s considered one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
It is free to see the castle from the outside but if you want to go inside, you’ll have to pay a fee of 19 euros. This includes an app with an audio guide. The castle is open every day from 9am to 6pm in the summer months. In the low season, the opening hours are shorter.
Predjama Castle is very easy to get to as it’s just an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. If you prefer public transport, you’ll have to take a bus to Postojna Cave and then a taxi to the castle.
Niedzica Castle in Poland
Dunajec Castle in Niedzica is one of the most interesting castles in south Poland. It’s an ideal option for a day trip from Kraków. Situated on the shores of Lake Czorsztyn near the Slovak border, it’s a fantastic attraction in the Pieniny Mountains.
You can reach Lake Czorsztyn by car or a bus. Flixbus and Szwagropol offer direct shuttles from Kraków’s main bus station. The bus ride takes about 2 hours.
Free parking is on nearby Osiedle Zamek Street. The parking lot right next to the castle is the most expensive in Niedzica, but it’s often the only option.
During the summer season, the castle’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. In the winter season, it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed on Mondays). An adult ticket costs 28 PLN, kids ticket costs 22 PLN. The ticket price includes a guided tour of the castle and a visit to the adjacent carriage house with unusual horse-drawn vehicles.
This is a great option because such a guided tour of the castle chambers allowed me to learn more about their history. Besides, I stayed longer at the castle to revisit the most interesting places. The entire visit lasts about 2 hours.
I liked that the rooms retained the layout and character of the old castle chambers. My tour began in a small courtyard, from where I set off with the guide to visit 15 unique places in the castle. The prison with its terrifying torture room is particularly interesting. However, the most impressive are the castle chambers, where I had the chance to see the clothes and weapons used by the nobility. Interestingly, the chambers contain original furniture! From the castle’s viewing terrace, I admired the panorama of the beautiful Lake Czorsztyn.
Grandmaster Palace in Rhodes, Crete, Greece
I love traveling in all kinds of places. But there is one thing that gets me absolutely excited, and that’s exploring medieval walled cities! I guess you can imagine how happy I was when visiting the majestic Grandmaster Palace in Rhodes.
This splendid castle was originally built in the 7th century by the Byzantine Empire. However, it was during the domination of the Knights of Saint John that the castle was expanded to accommodate the master of the powerful order.
Unfortunately, the castle was partly destroyed after the explosion of a gunpowder magazine in 1856. The unfortunate event eventually became an opportunity, as the Italian government (who controlled the island from 1912 until WWII), restored the castle and added some neoclassical elements to it.
The thing that surprised me the most, is the mix between the middle age and neoclassical style. The courtyard, for example, is an excellent model of neoclassical architecture with the geometric pattern on the ground and the wide arches. While the interiors are typical of the medieval castles with bare stone walls and high ceilings.
I was also surprised to find so many mosaics from Kos. They were damaged following the many earthquakes on Kos so the Italians moved them to Rhodes when they renovated the castle.
Situated in the north east of Rhodes Old Town, you can easily access the Grandmaster Palace from the parking in the old harbour of Mandraki, or from any parking in modern Rhodes.
The castle is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. To enter there is an admission fee of 8€, and the reduced ticket costs 4€.
Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark
Located in Hillerød just a short train ride from Copenhagen, Frederiksborg Castle is a perfect day trip for those looking to explore beyond the capital. Before visiting Denmark, my sole impression of it was that it was one of the most peaceful and happiest countries in the world. I was unaware of its Viking history and certainly didn’t expect to see such a magnificent Renaissance castle.
From the outside, this stunning castle rising gracefully above the surrounding lake creates a fairytale-like scene. Originally built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV to show off the wealth and power of the Danish monarchy at the time, the castle served as a royal residence until the mid-19th century. Since 1878, it has housed the Museum of National History which features an extensive collection of portraits and historical paintings.
Stepping inside, you will be greeted by lavish interiors that showcase the grandeur and elegance of Renaissance art and craftsmanship. There are intricate details and opulent decorations in every corner, on every wall and up to the ceiling. Be prepared to spend 2-3 hours touring the castle as there are a number of impressive halls and rooms to see, some of which feature different styles.
One of the highlights of Frederiksborg Castle is its Chapel which survived a devastating fire in 1859 and remains one of the few original rooms in the palace. The vaulted ceiling with golden embellishments, richly decorated pillars and the oldest organ in Denmark will leave you in awe.
The castle is open from 10 am to 5 pm during spring and summer, with shorter opening times during winter. Regular tickets cost 110 Danish krone but children under 18 get free admission. I enjoy that it is not a busy tourist spot so I can stroll through at my own pace taking in all the details – a completely different experience compared to some popular palaces such as the Palace of Versailles.
Castle de Haar in The Netherlands
Castle de Haar is a beautiful castle in the middle of the Netherlands. It’s located in the small village of Haarzuilens, which is close to the city of Utrecht. I’ve visited multiple times over the years.
It’s the largest castle in the Netherlands. Further Castle de Haar is also in the Netherlands. Walking in the castle gardens or inside the castle it wasn’t hard to imagine yourself as part of a fairytale.
The castle is unique due to the fact that there’s all sorts of modern comfort added to the castle, such as hot and cold running water and central heating. These comforts were added when the castle was rebuilt in the 19th century. Baron Etienne van Zuylen commissioned the rebuilding of the castle and hired architect Pierre Cuypers. He designed a neo gothic style medieval looking castle.
Haarzuilens can be reached by either car or public transport. It’s about 18 kilometers from Utrecht to the castle. By public transport take a train to Vleuten and then a bus to Haarzuilens, either bus line 127 or 111. It’s about 1.4 kilometers from the bus stop to the castle, when going with bus line 127. Bus line 111 stops near the castle.
Entrance tickets to the castle (with the gardens included) are €19 for adults and €12.50 for kids 4 till 12. Tickets to the gardens only cost €7 for adults and €5 for kids 4 till 12. The gardens are open from 9am till 5pm. The castle from 11am till 5pm. Open Monday till Sunday.
Aragon Castle in Italy
Off the coast of Napoli, Italy is the small island of Ischia, located just a short distance from the more famous island of Capri. It makes a great trip, after you have spent 2 days in Napoli and seen the major sites of the city. Just off the shore of Ischia is a small islet/fortress that is home to the Aragonese Castle of Ischia. Today, the castle is connected to Ischia by a short land bridge.
The castle’s history dates back to 474 BC, and you can see remnants of its various periods in history when you visit. There are frescoes from the Middle Ages, defensive walls from the Renaissance period, and a couple of modern cafes serving Aperol Spritzes and espressos to visitors.
I first visited the Aragonese Castle of Ischia when visiting the island with my family. My B&B host strongly suggested that we visit the castle, so I went with my partner and even got to see a proposal during our visit on one of the terraces. I loved the castle so much that I went back the next day with my dad so that he could see it, too.
To reach the Aragonese Castle of Ischia, you must first take a ferry from Napoli to Ischia. Then, walk, drive, or take a taxi to the castle entrance. The entrance fee is €12 per adult, and you’ll need sturdy shoes because there are some steep hills and rough terrain. The castle is open daily from 9am to sunset.
If anyone in your group is mobility impaired, there is an elevator available to guests but you have to specifically ask to use it.
After you’ve had a chance to explore the castle on foot, you can see it from a different perspective by taking a boat tour of Ischia.
Heptapyrgion Castle in Greece
Perched atop the highest point of the city and in the neighbourhood of Ano Poli, the Heptapyrgion offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history, making a visit one of the best things to do in Thessaloniki.
The name Heptapyrgion translates to “Castle of Seven Towers,” and this imposing structure has served many purposes since its construction. Originally built as a defensive fortress during the Byzantine era, it was later repurposed as an Ottoman prison.
Today, the Heptapyrgion serves primarily as a historical and cultural site. The corridors and old prison cells are empty, the only “inhabitants” you might encounter are cats that love to be petted.
The castle is open every day from 8 am to 7 pm. Plan at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit. After paying the modest entrance fee of €4, you can wander through the castle at your own pace.
I was particularly struck by the old prison cells and the numerous beautiful courtyards. Climbing the towers rewarded me with breathtaking panoramic views of Thessaloniki – a highlight of my visit!
Inside, a museum offers a deeper dive into the castle’s history, showcasing artifacts, documents, and exhibits about its time as a prison.
Duarte Castle in Scotland, United Kingdom
Duart Castle is located on the Isle of Mull, an island which is part of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland. The castle has an imposing position on a small cliff looking out over the Sound of Mull. My favourite view of the castles is on the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull which drives right past the castle.
Duart castle was built in the 13th Century as the seat of the MacLeans. As with most Scottish castles it saw its fair share of bloodshed before being abandoned in 1751. It remained a ruin until the 26th Chief of MacLean bought it in 1911 and restored it to what you can see today.
Entry to the castle costs £10 for adults and £5 for children. From May to September the castle is open from 10.30 to 5pm. In April and October, it is open to 4pm. The rest of the year it is closed. However, you can enjoy the gardens and look at the castle from the outside at any time of year. This is always free.
Inside the castle is a museum dedicated to the clan chiefs and other highlights include the great hall and the state bedroom and dressing room. I particularly enjoyed all the family photographs from the 19th hundred until today. It makes the castle feel very personal.
Next to the castle is a café offering lunch made with local produce and home-made cakes. Try the ginger and white chocolate slice, it is delicious. The cafe is well worth a visit after looking around the castle and the grounds.
To get to the Isle of Mull you must take a ferry from Oban. It takes one hour and sails right past the castle.
From the ferry terminal on the Isle of Mull, which is called Craignure, it is 3 miles to the castle. The easiest way to get there is by car. There is no public transport to the peninsula where the castle is. The only other option is to walk.
Read more: The best beaches in the Outer Hebrides
Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Looking like straight out of a fairy tale, Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany is probably the most famous castle in the world. Located close to the pretty town of Fussen, it’s also a popular day trip from Munchen.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a historical heritage of King Ludwig, whose father built a nearby castle Hohenschwangau.
My visit started with the lovely village of Hohenschwangau, a tranquil place to admire the colorful hotels and souvenir shops. The gorgeous images of Neuschwanstein castle perk from the hill above the village.
Taking the 30-minute walk on the asphalt road is the best way to reach the castle. Alternatively, a carriage or the bus offers a quicker solution.
Struggling to find the fantastic photo spot led me to the bridge, officially known as Marienbrücke. Five minutes uphill I found an even better viewpoint as I could be entirely in the focus on the pictures. Marienbrücke lies about 20 minutes from the castle bursting with the picturesque view to the surrounding lake.
The guided tour is a bit short, in my opinion, and doesn’t cover the entire history. Taking only 30 minutes, you can enjoy the fascinating rooms dedicated to the German composer Richard Wagner. In the interior photos are not allowed, but Caffe Terrace offers delicious cakes and exquisite views.
Fussen is a fantastic basis to stay, with many hiking trails and five Alpine lakes around.
You can easily reach Neuschwanstein castle with a 5-minute bus ride from Fussen or a pleasant 1-hour walk through the woods.
Alnwick Castle – United Kingdom
Alnwick Castle is one of the most beautiful and imposing castles in the north of England. Parts of the castle are nearly 1000 years old – it has been owned by the Percy family since the 1300s, and is still the family home of the 12th Duke of Northumberland today. You can tour the State Rooms, explore the small exhibitions in the outer towers, visit the medieval market, or relax at the on-site cafe.
Alnwick Castle was a film location in the Harry Potter movies, as a stand-in for Hogwarts – another reason why it’s so popular to visit! One of the most famous scenes filmed here was the flying lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and kids and adults alike can join a flying lesson in the Outer Bailey. There are also several daily guided tours available, one of which focuses on the castle’s history as a film location, which are included in your ticket. Admission costs £20.50 for adults and £10.80 for kids ages 5 to 16 – tickets are cheaper to book in advance online than at the gate.
The Castle Grounds are typically open from 10am-5pm, although other parts of the castle (such as the gift shops and cafe) usually close earlier. Note that Alnwick Castle is only open seasonally, usually from the end of March to the end of October. Alnwick Castle is located in the pretty town of Alnwick and you can combine a trip to the castle with a visit to the Alnwick Garden and Barter Books.
Dunrobin Castle in Scotland, United Kingdom
Dunrobin is a truly magnificent castle located on the north east coast of Scotland. The tall towers and grand spires give Dunrobin Castle a “Hogwarts meets fairy tale” vibe. The architecture is genuinely very unique, inspired as it was by the palace of Versai in France. Dunrobin is more of a glimpse into the aristocratic history of Sutherland than the battles and dungeons.
We loved exploring Dunrobin with our kids. You can genuinely spend a full day here. You can explore the beautifully kept gardens and visit the castle museum. You can walk around the castle itself admiring the grand rooms adorned with original antiques, authentic artwork and regal furniture. It takes around 1 hour to explore the castle depending on your pace. You can bring a picnic or enjoy tasty food at the Castle Cafe (budget around £5 – £10 per person).
The falconry display was definitely a personal highlight for our family.
Having a bird of prey whisk over your head is somewhere between exhilarating and terrifying! They even get audience members involved in the show (if you’re brave enough!) There are two Falconry displays per day (11.30am and 2.30pm) and they are included in the ticket price. They rotate the birds so you can watch two different shows in a single day.
If you are interested in Scottish culture and history, Dunrobin is a unique way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and history of Scotland. Dunrobin tickets include access to the Castle, Gardens, Museum and Falconry. You can buy tickets at the reception desk on arrival. The prices are as follows: Adult £14 (17 – 59 years old), Seniors £12 (over
60 years old), Children £9 (6 – 16 years old), Students £12 (bring student ID) and you can get a Family ticket for £42 (two adults & three children under 16). Dunrobin Castle is open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm, last entry 4.30pm.
Chateau De Chambord, France
I love visiting castles around Europe and I have been to some of the most beautiful ones in Europe. One such experience was visiting Chateau De Chambord in Loire Valley, France and definitely one of the best places to visit in France.
Loire Valley is around 2 hours and 15 minutes from Paris by road and there are multiple castles to visit in the region. If you have time for only one chateau, then I would definitely recommend Chambord.
It is the largest castle in the Loire Valley and is definitely a must visit if you love castles as much as us. There are more than 400 rooms out of which around 60 are currently open to the public and around 80 staircases. In case you want to stroll the French gardens, then don’t forget to bring your walking shoes with you.
The castle is open from 9 Am to 5 pm while the grounds are open till 9 PM during summer. The grounds are free to enter but you need to pay to around 16 Euros to visit the rooms and the inside of the castle. You can choose to tour the castle with a Histopad which is around 5 Euros extra. Parking is around 5 euros for the day.
You can choose to do a cycle tour around the region and visit the nearby cute French villages like Tours and Amboise. Going wine tasting is a must if you are in the region. If you want to wake up to the view of the castle in the morning, I would highly recommend staying at the Relais De Chambord
Lacko Castle – Sweden
Lacko Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Sweden, but also my personal favourite. It stands on the side of Lake Vänern and the grand spires against the natural backdrop makes for such a picturesque, fairy tale-like view.
Since 1298, there has been a castle on this site, but it was only later in 1615 that major improvements were made. This was when ownership fell to the son of Count Jacob De la Gardie, Magnus Gabriel. Apparently, it’s essentially his visions and renovations that we see today!
I loved exploring the 17th-century baroque architecture and charming interiors. From apartments and private chambers of the old Swedish count, to the splendid banquet hall and King’s Hall. It truly feels like stepping back in time.
The castle and surrounding area are also great for flying drones and getting wonderful shots.
Opening hours of the castle vary based on the season, so make sure to check their official website before visiting. Guided tours run through the spring and summer months. If you visit in July and August, there are plenty of opera and classical music shows too. Meanwhile, the stunning Lilla Slottsträdgården comes to full bloom each spring. This ‘little castle garden’ is an oasis filled with multi-level floral installations and fragrances. Most impressive, however, is the fact that there’s a hotel on the second floor of the Victoria house, only 300 meters away from the castle. This can be a unique way to experience the olden days charm of Swedish history.
Vêves Castle, Belgium
Located near the small city of Dinant, Vêves Castle is one of Belgium’s most beautiful ones. This castle is often dubbed “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle”, which doesn’t surprise me, as it looks as if it’s coming straight out of a fairytale.
Not only does Vêves Castle have a beautiful garden but its interior is worth visiting too. It’s full of elegantly decorated rooms with antique furniture.
Vêves Castle dates back to the beginning of the 15th century and originally served as a military fortress. Something noteworthy about it is that it has been owned by the same family for the last 800 years. In recent years, the castle was classified as an exceptional cultural heritage by the region of Wallonia.
What truly amazed me about the place is how well-preserved it is. The castle looks stunning both on the outside as well as on the inside and I loved checking out its collections of ancient coins, weaponry and paintings.
I would highly recommend checking out Walzin Castle too while you’re in the neighbourhood. This castle is an 8-km hike or drive from Vêves Castle and it’s equally stunning (although this castle’s interior cannot be visited).
Vêves Castle can either be reached by taxi from Dinant or by renting a car as there’s no public transport that reaches it. It’s also good to know that a ticket costs €9 for adults and that the castle is open every day between 10 am and 5 pm.
For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:
- The most beautiful castles in Baden Wurttemberg, Germany
- Where to spend a snowy holiday in Europe
- The best wine destinations in Europe
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Lots of greet spots that are new to me! On a lark, I got to visit Predjama Castle in Slovenia. Very cool place to see.