Mysterious, elegant, and steeped in history - castles have always impressed and attracted people with their impregnability and intimate atmosphere. These architectural masterpieces are called witnesses to centuries of history, holding eternal secrets within their walls. Some of the most majestic and beautiful castles in the world are concentrated in Europe, and we will tell you about the fortresses that every traveler should visit.
Hohensalzburg Castle (Salzburg)
When deciding where to go in Salzburg, don't forget to include Hohensalzburg Castle in your list, which towers over the city atop Festungsberg Hill. This majestic fortress was built in the 11th century and has never been conquered throughout its history. The castle complex is considered one of the largest in Europe. From the castle's observation decks, you get what are arguably the best views of the city. Among Salzburg's attractions, Hohensalzburg Castle stands out for its impregnability and size. The castle can be seen from almost any part of the city.
flickr / Trev Bowling
Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria)
Every true traveler knows about this creation of King Ludwig II. Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create his famous logo for his animated films. This is the very castle of Sleeping Beauty, adorning Disneyland in Paris. The centuries-old building is located on a raised hill, surrounded by forests. The most convenient way to get there is from Munich.
More than 5,000 tourists visit Neuschwanstein daily. Guests are impressed not only by the fortress's exterior but especially by its interior decoration. Spacious halls and sleeping quarters are adorned with antique paintings depicting King Ludwig II's father and the poet Tannhäuser.
flickr / Anton Rogozin
Windsor Castle (Berkshire)
Queen Elizabeth II likes to spend weekends at Windsor Castle. It's the official country residence of the royal court. Windsor Castle is considered the largest and one of the oldest fortifications in the world. Its construction began in 1066. The fortress is surrounded by picturesque parks and former hunting grounds.
Today, the complex is open to visitors on weekdays. Tourists are greeted by the honor guard, and inside are collected unique collections of paintings, antique furniture, and household items of the royal family, including the famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House.
flickr / Kelly
Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy)
Mont Saint-Michel Castle is an island fortress, considered arguably the most amazing attraction in France. The creators of the castle built it in a unique location where the tides of the Atlantic Ocean create magic. As the ocean recedes miles away, the only road leading to the castle is revealed. During high tide, the fortress becomes completely impregnable and cut off from the mainland. Mont Saint-Michel is a monastic-castle complex, which began construction in 709.
Today, tourists on the island can visit the monastery itself, the Saint-Aubert Chapel, and the Saint-Pierre Church. If you've already seen all the attractions of Paris, then boldly grab a bus ticket and head to Normandy, where the "eighth wonder of the world" - Mont Saint-Michel Castle awaits you.
flickr / JoséBarr
Château de Chenonceau (Indre-et-Loire)
Chenonceau is perhaps the most romantic and elegant castle in the world. Thanks to its soft outlines and special "feminine" architecture, it has been nicknamed "the ladies' castle." Chenonceau is located in the village of the same name.
In its time, it was home to noble ladies, including the famous Catherine de Medici, wife of King Henry II. The female touch is felt in everything - in the picturesque gardens and flowerbeds, in the gentle white color of the walls, in the round arches reflected in the water, and in the elegant interiors.
flickr / Allen Castillo
Château de Chambord (Loir-et-Cher)
In the Loire Valley, there is a concentration of many luxurious palaces and castles, among which Château de Chambord certainly stands out. This monumental fortress served as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. The castle has more than 400 rooms. These numbers alone give an idea of the grandeur and size of the royal estate.
flickr / José Dominguez
Wawel Castle (Krakow)
The Royal Wawel Castle, located on the eponymous hill, is considered one of the main attractions of Krakow. The first structures appeared on the hill as early as the 11th century. Since the fortress has been raided and rebuilt multiple times, it combines several styles. This is primarily what makes the castle interesting.
Here you will see an Italian courtyard in the Renaissance style, the traditional features of Polish baroque, and Gothic elements. The interior decoration of the castle is no less impressive. The rooms have preserved painted wallpapers, mosaic floors, stoves decorated with tiles, and many works by famous artists, including paintings by Hans Dürer. If you are planning to visit the ancient capital of Poland and wondering where to go in Krakow, be sure to include Wawel Castle in your itinerary.
flickr / nilbu
Bran Castle (Brașov)
The title of the most mystical castle in Europe rightfully belongs to Bran Castle in Romania. The building is nestled among the majestic Carpathian mountains and forests. Bran was built in the 13th century, and according to legend, it was home to the bloody tyrant Vlad the Impaler, who is known to be the prototype of Count Dracula. However, unfortunately, there is no documentary evidence that Vlad the Impaler actually lived in Bran. Nonetheless, the castle today attracts tourists with its vampiric theme and offers guests a variety of entertainment related to the legend.
flickr / Sorin Lazar
