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When you think of the word “castle” in Europe, some iconic ones immediately come to mind. With the rise of social media, these world-renowned fortresses are more visible than ever. Neuschwanstein Castle, located near Munich, Germany, is considered the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. Then, there’s Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in England, immortalized by the British royal family and their long reign. And let’s not forget about the lavish Versailles Palace near Paris or Kronborg Castle in Denmark, famously tied to Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*.
But beyond the famous castles like Neuschwanstein and Versailles, Europe boasts a wide variety of stunning, lesser-known castles that remain hidden gems. Whether perched high above a charming town, nestled in the mountains, lying in ruins by the coast, or standing on cliff edges, there are countless castles just waiting to be discovered. There’s sure to be one that catches your eye, whether you prefer to admire them from afar, stroll through their inner courtyards, explore hiking paths, catch a glimpse from a boat, or simply wander around on foot.
In this list, we’ll take you through ten castles found in well-known European castle hubs like Germany and Ireland, as well as lesser-visited destinations such as Montenegro and Slovenia. These awe-inspiring castles might just inspire your own fairy-tale adventure—or at least spark your desire to travel to these captivating locations!
10. Peles Castle, Romania
Peles Castle, nestled high in the Carpathian Mountains, looks as if it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale. It’s a delightful and unexpected sight to encounter this stunning structure in the remote forests, far from bustling cities.
Construction of Peles Castle began in 1873, commissioned by Carol I, the king of Romania, who was captivated by the natural beauty of the area. It took ten years to complete, and once finished, it was regarded as one of the most modern castles in Europe, thanks to its cutting-edge amenities. The castle was further enhanced with additional work until 1914.
Today, visitors can explore the meticulously preserved interior (don’t miss the enchanting spiral staircase!) as well as the nearby Pelisor Castle, a charming hunting lodge. Or, if you prefer, you can simply gaze upon Peles and imagine using it as a fortress to battle *vampires*—or is that just my imagination running wild?
9. Spis Castle, Slovakia
Perched on the hills near the town of Spisske Podhradie in Slovakia, the ruins of Spis Castle stand as a testament to the country’s rich history. Slovakia itself is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Czechia, and is an underrated gem for travelers seeking something off the beaten path.
Slovakia is undoubtedly worth a visit. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, it embodies the essence of Central Europe, and Spis Castle enhances its charm. Dominating the hilltop above a small village since the 12th century, Spis Castle has served both as a military stronghold and a retreat for high society at various points in time, blending both beauty and fortification. Although now in ruins, much of the castle has been preserved as a museum. Old, awe-inspiring, and tucked away in an unexpected location, it’s a hidden gem for those in the know.
8. Cesky Krumlov Castle, Czechia
Although it doesn’t boast the fame of its northern counterpart, Prague Castle, Cesky Krumlov Castle in southern Czechia has appeared in numerous films, and for good reason. Its striking pink tower rises majestically over the Vltava River, overlooking the picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov.
Cesky Krumlov itself is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, beautifully situated along the same river that runs through Prague. The castle stands as the crowning jewel of this charming village, with its iconic pink tower visible for miles around. When visiting, don’t forget to spot the bears that inhabit the castle’s moat!
7. Karlstejn Castle, Czechia
Who would have thought that Czechia is home to so many incredible castles? For a truly medieval experience, take a short hour-long train ride from Prague to visit Karlstejn Castle. This imposing structure rises above the flat farmlands long before you arrive, like a brooding giant, with its dark roof and Gothic design. The castle continues to cast its presence over you as you walk through the small village beneath, heading towards the train station.
The castle offers an immersive journey back to the medieval era, with its food offerings, its layout, and the historical artifacts on display. Sample an array of sausages, explore the ancient courtyard and battlements, and make sure to watch the blacksmith as he works, showcasing his timeless craft.
6. Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Predjama Castle in Slovenia, about an hour south of Ljubljana, might just be one of the most extraordinary castles in the world. This fascinating fortress is built right into the side of a cliff, inside a cave. And if that wasn’t intriguing enough, it was home to the Slovene version of Robin Hood, Erazem Lueger (also known as Erasmus of Lueg), who famously lived and died here. He managed to elude the Holy Roman Emperor for so long thanks to a network of hidden passageways that ran through the cave the castle was built into. Legend has it, he was only defeated—while on the toilet—because of a betrayal.
If this *Game of Thrones*-worthy tale doesn’t compel you to visit, consider that in 1991, treasure was uncovered on the castle grounds. A robber baron, hidden riches, secret passageways, a castle carved into the side of a cliff... Predjama Castle truly lives up to its legendary status.
5. Bled Castle, Slovenia
Lake Bled, nestled in Slovenia, is captivating the world with its breathtaking beauty. The allure is undeniable—its sparkling blue waters, rich history, a resort-like ambiance, a renowned island church, and the majestic castle. While the church on the island stands as the iconic symbol of Lake Bled and Slovenia, Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, is just as awe-inspiring.
Bled Castle stands tall above the glacial lake, with the striking Julian Alps as a magnificent backdrop. Thought to be the oldest castle in Slovenia, with origins dating back to at least 1011, the castle is now a venue for special events, including weddings and high-level political meetings. It also houses a restaurant, wine cellar, museum, and more. The highlight? The panoramic views from the castle, offering a spectacular perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains.
4. Castle Stalker, Scotland
Scotland is renowned for its enchanting castles, many of which are must-visit sites (such as Eilean Donan in the Highlands). However, the ones you encounter unexpectedly, like Castle Stalker, are even more mesmerizing. Situated on an island in Loch Laich, this small tower, perched on its own little island, offers a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and the Highlands, making it a truly magical sight.
Located near Oban on Scotland’s west coast, Loch Laich has been home to Castle Stalker since 1320. Over the centuries, the castle has belonged to several powerful Scottish clans, including the Stewarts and Campbells. Today, Castle Stalker is privately owned and not easy to tour, but visitors can still admire it from the shore year-round. Despite its seemingly remote location, it is ideally positioned between other famous Scottish landmarks in the Argyll region.
Eger Castle, located in Hungary, is a remarkable historical site that you won’t want to miss.
Eger, a charming town situated in the 'Valley of Beautiful Women' in Hungary, is just a short two-hour train ride from Budapest. Although not widely known outside Hungary, the town and its historic castle are full of fascinating stories and rich heritage, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Eger Castle is famously known for the siege of 1552, where the Hungarians successfully repelled the invading Ottomans. This month-long siege, which ended in defeat for the Ottomans, halted their advance for nearly 50 years. According to legend, the Ottomans, upon retreating, spread tales of the Hungarian strength, which they attributed to the Hungarians' tradition of drinking 'bull's blood' to gain extra power and energy. This 'bull's blood' was actually a local red wine, which continues to be called Egri Bikaver to this day.
The castle is just a short walk from the charming square, offering a stunning view over the city and the valley below. After exploring the castle, head to the renowned wine cellars of the valley to taste Egri Bikaver and other local wines straight from the source. It's a new way of experiencing wine—cellar-hopping instead of traditional wine tasting.
Ballinskelligs Castle, also known as McCarthy Mor Tower, is a picturesque ruin located in Ireland, renowned for its breathtaking backdrop. This ancient stronghold, sitting on the Ballinskelligs Bay, is only accessible when the tide is out but is visible from Ballinskelligs Beach. The castle was originally constructed as a defense against pirates that plagued the Irish coastline.
In Ireland, every twist in the road leads to another scenic vista, a quaint cottage, or, even better, an ancient ruin. Ballinskelligs Castle, situated in Ballinskelligs Bay, is one of these historic ruins, its dramatic setting only adding to its beauty. Though the castle can only be reached at low tide, it remains visible from Ballinskelligs Beach and offers a glimpse into Ireland's fascinating past, with its origins tied to protecting the coastline from pirate raids.
A castle that blends the rugged beauty of the Irish coast with tales of pirates is definitely worth adding to your must-see list! Plus, this castle is located along the Ring of Kerry, a route often regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world.
San Giovanni Castle, also known as St. John's Castle, is perched high above the stunning Kotor Bay and the charming old town of Kotor in Montenegro. Originally built during Byzantine rule, the castle boasts a rich and varied history. It has withstood Venetian conquests, multiple earthquakes, British bombings, and even wartime occupation during World War II.
Today, San Giovanni Castle is an integral part of the expansive Kotor fortifications, which also include the ancient city walls of Kotor. These fortifications became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. While the hike to the top of the castle is challenging, the panoramic views of Kotor, the bay, and the majestic Montenegrin mountains make every step worthwhile.
San Giovanni Castle, nestled above the beautiful Kotor Bay in Montenegro, has seen centuries of history, from Byzantine rule to modern times. Surviving invasions, earthquakes, and wars, it remains a significant historical site. Today, as part of the UNESCO-protected Kotor fortifications, the castle offers visitors breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding mountains, rewarding those who make the effort to climb its heights.
