The landscapes of Europe are dotted with medieval castles established centuries ago to guard both important regions and people of great power. No two castles in Europe are comparable, from the stark stone fortresses in Britain to the architecturally opulent castles in Germany. However, many of Europe’s medieval castles share the same purpose – they were designed to survive attacks, bombing raids, and invasions. In other words, they were created to last. Thanks to their importance and tenacity, numerous European castles still exist today, towering over the landscapes and places they once proudly defended. From German’s Neuschwanstein Castle to Romania’s Bran Castle, I give you the best castles in Europe that I visited.
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Germany is well known for its many magnificent structures and this is one of the best ones. With its stunning spired vision, Hohenzollern Castle is a 19th-century masterpiece and renowned tourist site. It is situated 40 miles south of Stuttgart and is the third castle to be erected at this location.
The current fortification of this epic castle was ordered by King Frederick William IV of Prussia and finished in 1867. This Gothic Revival-style castle was inspired by similar strongholds in England and France. In 1945, Hohenzollern temporarily became the residence of former Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany, son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany’s final ruler.
Spis Castle, Slovakia
Spis Castle is considered to be Slovakia’s most iconic castle ruin, occupying a mountainous location populated before 5000 BC. Today, this fortress is one of the greatest castle complexes on the continent, spanning over four hectares.
While the original Spis Castle crumbled due to tectonic shifts in the 12th century, a second version was erected in the early 13th century. The revived stronghold was built in anticipation of Tatar raids, and it’s the foundation of the magnificent castle we know today. Over the next few centuries, Hungarian aristocracy ruled over the castle, transforming it from a fortress to a grandiose palace and gracing it with a plethora of architectural features.
Therefore, if you visit this architectural masterpiece today, you’ll see various influences all over the castle. This mixture of various cultures within the walls of one stronghold is precisely what makes it one of the best castles in Europe.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This magnificent structure is the most famous castle in Europe and the crown jewel of Bavaria, and one of the most famous attractions in Germany. The castle was erected in the 19th century as a personal residence for Ludwig II of Bavaria. In 1886, seven weeks following his death, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. Ironically, the bashful monarch had built the castle to retire from public life, and now large crowds come to see his hidden sanctuary. And who could blame them!
From the inside out, the castle resembles something out of a fairytale! The interior of the Neo-Romanesque palace is adorned with themes and protagonists from Wagner’s operas. On top of all this, the surrounding landscape is simply breathtaking. Since Neuschwanstein is nestled in the Bavarian Alps, the amazing vista of the mountains and Hohenschwangau valley unfolds from the palace. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and the most extraordinary panoramas I’ve ever seen.
Pena Palace, Portugal
The Park and Palace of Pena, nestled in the Sintra hills, are the result of King Ferdinand II’s creative genius and the finest manifestation of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. This captivating edifice has evident architectural influences from the Manueline and Moorish traditions.
For those of you who love interior design, as I do, you’ll be happy to hear that the interior of this magnificent palace is fully furnished and preserved. And, of course—open to the public!
In addition, the palace was designed to be seen from any place in the park. Oh, and this park has its own story. It has a big forest and lush gardens with over 500 distinct tree species from all over the globe.
Bran Castle, Romania
We can’t talk about the best castles in Europe and not mention Bran Castle. Bran Castle in Romania, which has commanded a key crossroads for hundreds of years, is an astonishing medieval stronghold and famous tourist destination. Despite being known as Dracula’s Castle, Bran has little or no connection to any of the stories surrounding the fictitious vampire.
Bran Castle was built under the command of King Louis I of Hungary and was finished in a few years, circa 1377. It was an important strategic foothold in a region that was frequently embroiled in local and regional wars.
Furthermore, Bran Castle is incredibly evocative. Aside from Dracula, Queen Maria receives equal attention in the castle’s decorations and folklore. The castle is open all year round, with a spooky Halloween calendar of events and tours.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most renowned castles in the world, serving as a royal palace, a key fortress, and an iconic landmark. Archaeologists have discovered traces of human settlements on the rock upon which the castle is built, dating back to 900 BC, during the late Bronze Age. Over the years that followed, Edinburgh Castle served as an important defensive edifice while also becoming an essential aspect of Scottish history.
Today, visitors to Edinburgh Castle may learn about the castle’s history through guided tours and exhibits. Therefore, not only will you be able to see a fraction of history, but you’ll also have a chance to learn something new and exciting.
Moving to Europe
When you visit Europe once, you’ll most definitely come back a few more times. This ever-enchanting, culturally fascinating, and history-rich continent never cease to amaze me. Every time I visit, I discover something I thought I’d never see. This is one of the main reasons people who visit Europe decide to relocate there and make one of its beautiful countries their forever home. If this is your case, I absolutely understand!
Therefore, once you choose the country and city you want to settle in, start thinking about the relocation process. Yes, this isn’t nearly as exciting as exploring the best castles in Europe. However, it’s one step closer to actually living in Europe. We suggest you do thorough research about the best international movers in Washington and find help getting here from DC without any bumps in the road. Finding reliable international movers is of utmost importance if you want your relocation to Europe to go trouble-free!
Which castle do you like the most?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Europe is full of mesmerizing castles nestled all around the continent. However, if you ask me, these are the six best castles in Europe. My personal favorites, if you will. The architectural style, mesmerizing ornaments, rich history, and breathtaking setting of these fascinating structures never cease to amaze me. So, what about you—which one will you visit first?
About the author:
Jennifer Gray is a blogger and a world traveler that loves to go off the beaten path. Her passion is sharing her experiences with those who enjoy Europe as much as she does. When she is not traveling, she enjoys spending time with her family.
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