You Love History, So Why Not Visit Europe’s Oldest Castles?
There’s something magical about visiting real medieval castles– connecting to history and seeing how royalty lived. It’s like a Disney movie come to life! Europe is brimming with these majestic palaces, some hundreds of years old, that you can still visit and see up close.
You can walk through the same halls, explore the same towers, and imagine the Kings and Queens who lived there throughout the Middle Ages. Some of these castles date back to the 11th century and have been built, preserved, and maintained surprisingly well for their age.
1. Château de Chillon
Château de Chillon sits on a tiny island on Lake Geneva in Switzerland, right between the gorgeous towns of Montreux and Villeneuve. Built in the 11th century, it evolved from a humble fort into a grand castle guarding a key trade route. Explore the grand halls, spooky dark dungeons, and even a chapel.
2. Windsor Castle
If you’re a die-hard fan of the British royal family, don’t miss Windsor Castle, constructed in the 11th century for William the Conqueror. It’s one of the longest-occupied castles in the world, housing royalty from Henry I’s reign starting in 1100 up to present-day King Charles III. Located in charming Windsor, near London, it’s a favorite weekend getaway for British kings and queens and is open to visitors year-round.
3. Hohenwerfen Fortress
Hohenwerfen Fortress is a real-life fairytale castle perched atop a cliff overlooking an enchanting Austrian town. Its roots date back to 1077, and it has served as a fortress, prison, hunting lodge, and even a film set for Where Eagles Dare, starring Clint Eastwood.
Nestled among the trees at 623 meters high, it offers breathtaking views of the Salzach Valley and surrounding mountains. Open from April to November, the castle welcomes visitors with extended hours in the peak summer months.
4. Bran Castle
Bran Castle was originally built as a fortress to thwart invaders but later became a luxurious royal home that is now a popular tourist attraction. It’s famous for two reasons:
First, it’s nicknamed Dracula’s Castle, thanks to its creepy-cool vibes and Bram Stoker’s imagination, even though Vlad the Impaler (Dracula’s inspiration) likely never stayed there. Second, it’s located in Transylvania, known for mountains, myths, and maybe even some mysterious vampire lore.
5. Prague Castle
This isn’t just any castle—it’s the world’s largest ancient castle, according to Guinness World Records! Built in the 9th century, it has housed Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and now the Czech president. The breathtaking St. Vitus Cathedral sits at its heart, displaying its remarkable Gothic architecture.
The adorable Golden Lane sits on castle grounds and resembles a fairytale village lined with colorful, modest 16th-century houses originally built as residences for castle guards. z
6. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle, built during William the Conqueror’s reign in 1068, boasts over 1100 years of history. Located in Warwick, England, by the River Avon, its natural defenses made it nearly impenetrable.
Explore the Great Hall, climb towers for epic views, and enjoy live shows like jousting tournaments and huge birds of prey on display. For a thrill, don’t miss the spooky Warwick Castle Dungeon!
7. Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle, one of Europe’s rare circular castles, crowns a hilltop overlooking the island of Mallorca, Spain. Built in the 14th century by King James II of Majorca, it has served as a royal residence, prison, museum, and currency factory.
Bellver means beautiful view in Catalan, and the stunning vistas of Palma and its sparkling waters are definitely Instagram-worthy!
8. Eilean Donan Castle
If you remember the castle from the movies Highlander or The World Is Not Enough, then you won’t want to miss Eilean Donan in Scotland. Built in the 13th century, it witnessed Viking battles, clan feuds, and a Jacobite uprising.
Once in ruins, it was revived in the 20th century and is now Scotland’s most photographed castle. It’s an epic sight perched dramatically on an island where three lakes meet!
9. Castle of Guimarães
Constructed in the second half of 950 AD by Mumadona Dias, this Portuguese castle was a bold move to protect a nearby monastery from Viking and Moorish raids. Legend has it that it was the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king.
Today, this charming ruin boasts high walls, climbable towers, and ramparts where you can envision archers defending the fortress. A small exhibition narrates the castle’s history inside one of the towers.
10. Alhambra de Granada
Whether you’re into art, history, or architecture, the Alhambra has it all. Named the Red Fortress for its striking towers and red walls, the Alhambra overlooks Granada, Spain, offering epic views.
Built-in the 13th century by Moorish sultan Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, this self-contained city has palaces, gardens, and a military base. Tickets sell out quickly, so reserve in advance, especially in the summer!
11. Conwy Castle
Built in the late 1200s, this castle on the coast of North Wales has been standing strong for over 700 years. King Edward I constructed it to conquer Wales and showcase his military power.
You can witness the palace’s history, explore the inner and outer wards, and imagine yourself as a brave knight defending the kingdom. Don’t miss the epic views from the battlements—you can see the whole town and even the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance!
12. Malbork Castle
Poland’s Malbork Castle is not just any castle—it’s Europe’s largest fortress by land area! Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, it was their headquarters for nearly 150 years.
Explore the three main castles—the High, Middle, and Lower—each with its halls, chambers, and even an infirmary for the ill. Don’t miss the impressive defenses, including three rings of walls, towers, and a moat!
13. Wartburg Castle
Located on a hilltop overlooking Eisenach in Thuringia, Germany, Wartburg Castle has stood for almost a thousand years since its construction in 1067. It has been a part of pivotal moments in German history.
In 1521, German priest and founder of the Protestant Reformation Martin Luther sought refuge in the castle during his exile. Situated on a 410-meter cliff, the castle offers breathtaking countryside views.
14. Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle, north of Dublin, Ireland, was built in 1174 by Richard Talbot, a knight who arrived with King Henry II. Originally a fortress and family home, it’s now a must-visit attraction.
Take a guided tour to see the Talbots’ rooms, furniture, and collections, and explore the beautiful parkland and walled garden with over 5,000 plant species worldwide, plus a glasshouse full of colorful butterflies.
15. Bojnice Castle
Bojnice Castle is like a movie set for fantasy and fairytale films, but instead of Hollywood effects, it’s actually real! Built in the 12th century, it’s one of Slovakia’s medieval treasures that attracts tourists worldwide.
With its turrets, towers, and romantic atmosphere, it looks straight out of a storybook—perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who secretly wishes they were a princess (or prince!). Explore grand halls adorned with suits of armor and fancy furniture, and peek out from towers for stunning views of the Slovakian countryside.
16. Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle, built in the 1200s in Slovenia, was originally constructed for defense and uniquely built right into a cave—a rare feature! Expanded by the Luegg family, the castle includes a knight’s hall, dining room, and chapel to explore.
The cave behind the castle is part of a larger system, and while you can’t explore it all, tours are available. Predjama Castle is about an hour from Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, making it a perfect day trip to explore both the palace grounds and the cave.
Source: World Atlas, AFAR, and Auto Europe
