The Best Castles in Europe (Ranked by Someone Who’s Actually Been There)

This isn’t a “here’s a castle” type of list. These are the castles in Europe that’ll make you swoon. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Europe and want to see a real castle or you’ve already seen dozens and are hunting for the true standouts, you’re in the right place.

Now, have I visited every castle in Europe? Of course not. And unless I decide to make "castle hopping" my full-time profession, it ain’t gonna happen. There are over 20,000 castles in Germany alone! But I’ve covered enough ground to give you a solid, well-rounded selection.

That’s because I consider myself an equal-opportunity castle-goer: in total, this guide covers castles in 10+ countries, including heavy-hitters like France, Italy, and Spain, as well as underrated gems in Czechia, Denmark, and Poland.

Which ones stand out? My top 3 are Stirling Castle in Scotland, Carcassonne in France, and the Alhambra in Spain’s Granada.

Like I said, I’ve personally visited all these castles. The ones on my list are the castles, which I believe are actually worth your precious travel time and those scarce vacation days you guard like a dragon hoard's gold.
 

Stirling Castle
 

My top picks for the most amazing castles in Europe, aka “Jan’s Best Castle Awards”

• Best exterior: Alcázar of Segovia (Spain)

• Best views: San Marino Towers (San Marino)

• Most dramatic setting: Hohenwerfen Castle (Austria)

• Best interior: Stirling Castle (Scotland) and Karlštejn Castle (Czechia)

• Best fortress vibes: Gravensteen Castle (Belgium)

• Best castle for movie buffs: Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland)

• Biggest castle in Europe: Malbork Castle (Poland)

• The Coolest Castle in Europe: Carcassonne (France)

• Most overrated: Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)

 

Map: Where are Europe’s best castles?

Ladies and gentlemen, here are the castles (and friends) that made my ranking of Europe’s best castles to visit

 

What makes these the best castles to visit in Europe?

 

Because I’m a sucker for rankings, I’m rating these castles based on the six criteria that matter when you’re standing there, asking yourself, Was this worth the trip?

Interior: Did it blow my mind with medieval awesomeness, or was there a lot left to the imagination?

Exterior: Is it an exceptional fortress, or could it double as an office building?

Landscape & views: What’s around it? How did I like the views from and of the castle?

Accessibility: Is it easy to reach, or did I spend half the time getting there cursing?

Price: Is the ticket price something I happily dished out for, or did it feel like daytime robbery?

Crowds: Was I able to soak in the history in peace, or should you brace yourself for impact with hundreds of other tourists?

Come with me to explore the most beautiful castles in Europe

 

The full list: 25 castles in Europe worth visiting (and one that’s overrated)

 

We’re not here to play castle bingo and are looking for the all-around champions, right? Here are the castles I’m confidently calling the best in Europe.

1. Stirling Castle (Scotland)
2. Carcassonne (France)
3. Alhambra (Spain)
4. The Tower of London (England)
5. Prague Castle (Czechia)
6. Edinburgh Castle (Scotland)
7. Royal Palace of Turin (Italy, Torino)
8. Mont Saint-Michel (France)
9. Wawel Castle (Poland)
10. Castel Sant’Angelo (Italy)
11. Strečno Castle (Slovakia)
12. Alcázar of Segovia (Spain)
13. San Marino Towers (San Marino)
14. Kronborg Castle (Denmark)
15. Lednice-Valtice Complex (Czechia)
16. Malbork Castle (Poland)
17. Halászbástya / Fisherman’s Bastion (Hungary)
18. Hohensalzburg Fortress (Austria)
19. Karlštejn Castle (Czechia)
20. Gravensteen (Belgium)
21. Castello Estense (Italy)
22. Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland)
23. Kreuzenstein Castle (Austria)
24. Hohenwerfung Castle (Austria)
25. Most Overrated: Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)

 

Ready to find out why these castles made the list? I’ll break each one down:

 

1.  Stirling Castle (Scotland)

Stirling Castle

 

My number one—Stirling Castle

If you only visit one castle in Europe, make it Stirling. I loved, loved, LOVED this castle. It’s the full package—history, views, and so much to look at, inside and out. It’s sitting on volcanic rock, for Pete’s sake! This place once controlled the gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands, and it looks the part.

 

 

The interiors are perfection—all other castles should take note. The Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and those ridiculous unicorn tapestries are all obsessively detailed. And I’m a real sucker for the timelines. You get all the (juicy) historical details without feeling like you’re getting a lecture.

You can park close, and the walk up isn’t bad.

Interior: 10/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 8/10
Accessibility: 10/10
Price: 8/10
Crowds: 5/10

 

2.  Carcassonne (France)

Carcassonne is extra beautiful at sunset

Carcassonne is massive—one of the largest fortified cities in Europe—and looks exactly like the medieval fantasy you always hoped castles would be.

The best part of Carcassonne is walking the walls. This place has been fortified since the 3^rd century when the Romans first figured it was worth defending. Most of what you see today is medieval, with a controversial 19th-century restoration by architect Viollet-le-Duc. Love it or hate it (I’m team "love it"), there’s no denying it’s impressive.

I didn’t like that there’s not much going on in the interior.

Parking is a royal pain—welcome to medieval cities designed for horses, not rental cars!

Interior: 5/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 7/10
Accessibility: 5/10
Price: 5/10
Crowds: 2/10

 

3.  Alhambra (Spain)

Beautiful view of the Alhambra (and great views from the walls, too)

 

Rounding off the top 3 castles to visit in Europe is the Alhambra—the main reason to visit Granada. Without it, the city would be an easy skip. Well, maybe I’d stay for the free tapas, but you get my point.

From the outside, the Alhambra is pure perfection—sitting high above the city with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. If you’re after a castle that looks like it belongs on the front cover of Most Beautiful Places You’ll Ever See magazine, this is the one.

The Nasrid Palaces are beautifully intricate, and the courtyards are very pretty. Too bad the interiors felt a little sparse to me. That said, skipping Alhambra would be a travel crime. It’s a place you have to see at least once.

Getting there is easy—huge parking lot, and the walk is painless. Once you’re in, it’s all fairly flat and simple to navigate. Just do yourself a favor and book your tickets in advance.

 

 

Interior: 5/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 9/10
Accessibility: 10/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 2/10

 

4.  The Tower of London (England, UK)

The Tower of London

 

For me, the Tower of London is, hands down, the best castle in the city. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, this fortress has been a royal palace, prison, and armory for nearly a thousand years.

I found the interior to be one of the most interesting of any castle I’ve visited in Europe.

From the outside, it’s very dramatic. That said, you won’t find sweeping views like at some of the largest castles in Europe perched on hillsides. The views are mostly of modern London, which doesn’t quite match the atmosphere of the Tower of London.

Getting there is easy if you use public transport. I wouldn’t even consider driving unless you’ve got a specific fondness for expensive parking garages.

Interior: 10/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 3/10
Accessibility: 3/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 5/10

 

5.  Prague Castle (Czechia)

The typical postcard view of Prague Castle crowned by St. Vitus Cathedral as seen over the Vltava River

 

The approach from the back (over Deer Moat) is where you can better see Prague Castle’s fortified nature

 

I’ve lived in Prague for over 30 years, and the view of Prague Castle across the Vltava still gets me every time. The skyline is literally perfect. Once you’re up there, the views of Prague’s red rooftops and hundreds of towers are similarly priceless.

This truly is one of the coolest castles in Europe. Not biased, I promise.

It’s also the largest castle complex in the world. But I want to be clear—Prague Castle isn’t one of those fairytale castles. The “castle” part is that regular-looking building, not St. Vitus Cathedral, which dominates the skyline and is what most people stare at when they admire “Prague Castle.”

You’ll need to get there by public transport or walk, most often uphill (or up the castle stairs). Tickets are divided into zones, and they’re expensive for what you get.

Interior: 7/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 5/10
Price: 4/10
Crowds: 5/10

 

6.  Edinburgh Castle (Scotland, UK)

Edinburgh Castle & beautiful adjacent gardens

 

Edinburgh Castle is perched on Castle Rock, and I’ve been here multiple times, but that view from below, looking up at the fortress towering over Edinburgh, never gets old.

The complex is huge—more of a military museum collection than a typical castle tour. The Battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War, both World Wars… It’s all here. I spent way too long reading old letters from soldiers and the timeline of monarchs (again with the timelines!).

The views from the castle are some of the best in Europe. You’ll get a full panorama of Edinburgh and even a glimpse of Princes Street Gardens.

Edinburgh Castle should be the first thing on your Edinburgh itinerary because tickets sell out fast. And don’t expect a clear map or much organization—my sense of direction got tested more here than in any other castle. The good thing is the crowds thin out the deeper in you go.

Interior: 10/10
Exterior: 9/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 3/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 2/10

 

7.  Royal Palace of Turin (Italy)

Royal Palace of Turin—gold and luxury

 

I know—this is a palace, not a castle. But I’m more interested in places that are worth your time, not technicalities. The Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale di Torino) absolutely earns its spot on this list. (Visiting Turin is a must, btw!)

I wasn’t expecting much from the Royal Palace of Turin (also called the Savoy Palace). From the outside, it’s plain—“government building” plain. But I wanted to get to the Royal Armory, so I figured I’d suffer through the palace tour. And I was pleasantly surprised! This was the most beautiful Baroque palace I’ve seen in Italy. And I’m not even a Baroque fan.

The interiors are shocking. Gold everywhere. It’s over-the-top in the best possible way.

One thing is missing, though: Views. Of the palace, from the palace… there’s nothing.

Getting there is easy enough by public transport—don’t bother driving, there’s nowhere to park. And get this—no crowds! It’s one of those places I walked around wondering why everyone else hasn’t figured it out yet.

Interior: 10/10
Exterior: 4/10
Landscape & views: 1/10
Accessibility: 5/10
Price: 6/10
Crowds: 10/10

 

8.  Mont-Saint-Michel (France)

Mont-Saint-Michel—sometimes an island, sometimes a peninsula

 

There’s a reason Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most visited places in France. You see it rising out of the bay from miles away, a full medieval village stacked up on a rock with a huge abbey at the top. And when the tide comes in, the whole place turns into an island. Hard to beat for drama!

The exterior is absolutely cool from every angle. It’s one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, no doubt. And once you’re looking back at land on one side and the sea on the other, it’s another “Wow!” moment. If you’re expecting ornate interiors, though, this isn’t the place.

Getting there isn’t hard; it’s just a bit of a process. You park miles away, take a shuttle, and then walk the rest. And yes, it’s always crowded.

Interior: 5/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 3/10
Price: 8/10
Crowds: 2/10

 

9.  Wawel Castle (Poland)

Wawel Castle

 

Wawel Castle feels like it should be on every best castles in Europe list, but somehow, it still flies under the radar. But not my radar!

From the outside, it’s one of the most unique castles I’ve seen—it’s a mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture. The castle is up on Wawel Hill above the Vistula River, so the setting is as dramatic as it gets for a city castle.

The interiors are pretty much what you expect from a royal castle—grand halls, tapestries, some well-preserved rooms—but nothing that’ll leave you stunned.

One thing I appreciated was how easy it was to get there. Wawel is a short, straightforward walk from Krakow’s old town. Tickets are cheap by European castle standards, and there are no crowds. See, hidden gem!

Interior: 6/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 8/10
Accessibility: 8/10
Price: 10/10
Crowds: 10/10

 

10.  Castel Sant’Angelo (Italy)

Castel Sant’Angel—a beautiful experience even after dark
 

Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the most unique castles in Europe. Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb in the 2^nd century, it’s been a fortress, a palace, a prison, and even the pope’s hideout. Really!

The exterior is unlike others—an ancient, round fortress looming over the Tiber. It’s one of the oldest castles on this list. I wasn’t expecting much from the inside, but I ended up spending much more time there than planned. The papal apartments and military passages are worth a look, and the rooftop views over Rome are epic.

Getting there means public transport or a walk, but that’s Rome for you. The price is fair, but it can get crowded, especially at midday.

Interior: 8/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 9/10
Accessibility: 5/10
Price: 7/10
Crowds: 6/10

 

11.  Strečno Castle (Slovakia)

Strečno Castle—ruins full of history

 

Strečno Castle is all about location. Perched high above the Váh River, it’s one of the most dramatic castles in Slovakia. From below, it looks like it’s carved straight out of the cliff. And the views from the top are hard to beat—river, mountains, and plenty of forest with no cities in sight.

The exterior is a classic medieval fortress, looking all impenetrable and very much not whimsical. The interior is decent, but I liked walking along the walls the best.

Getting there involves a bit of a climb (nothing crazy), and you’ll want to leave the car at the parking lot below. It’s a solid stop if you’re already exploring northern Slovakia, but probably not worth crossing the country for.

Interior: 5/10
Exterior: 8/10
Landscape & views: 9/10
Accessibility: 6/10
Price: 8/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

12.  Alcázar of Segovia (Spain)

This is my castle

 

If you’re judging castles by their looks, Segovia’s Alcázar is the clear winner. The exterior is, hands down, the best I’ve seen, full stop. From every angle and every viewpoint in town, it’s stunning—especially when you first approach and see the open plaza with views of the cathedral behind it.

Inside is where the hype fades a bit. It’s fine, and I was super impressed with the throne room, but otherwise, it wasn’t all that. That said, turning most of the castle into a military museum was a way smarter choice than cramming it full of rococo nonsense.

It’s a short walk from town, easy enough, and tickets are cheap—though tower access (though a spiral staircase) is sold separately and limited, so plan ahead. Crowds are manageable, at least when I visited.

 

 

Interior: 2/10
Exterior: 11/10!
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 8/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 10/10

 

13.  San Marino Towers (San Marino)

San Marino Towers

 

San Marino’s towers are what every castle wishes it looked like—located high up on sheer cliffs with absolutely stunning views. Easily some of the best you’ll get from any castle in Europe (good thing because the interiors are nothing special).

The First Tower (Guaita) is the standout, and the rock formations around it are wild. Cesta, the Second Tower, sits at the highest point on Mount Titano (756 m/2,480 ft), and the panoramas from up there make the climb worth it (when you’re standing up there with the Adriatic on one side and endless hills on the other, you’ll get why it feels so high). The Third Tower doesn’t really deserve a mention, but I promise you’ll be ecstatic after just the first two.

You’ll need to hike up from the parking area, but it’s manageable. Cheap tickets and summer crowds aren’t too bad.

 

 

Interior: 3/10
Exterior: 9/10
Landscape & views: 11/10!
Accessibility: 6/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 6/10 

 

14.  Kronborg Castle (Denmark)

Kronborg Castle—a pearl surrounded by water

 

Kronborg Castle is massive! Between its size and formal gardens, it feels more like a fortress-palace hybrid than a traditional castle.

The exterior is flawless: one of the few truly picture-perfect castles in Europe. You can see why Shakespeare picked it as Elsinore in Hamlet (and why it’s sometimes referred to as Hamlet’s Castle). Inside, it’s solid—nothing groundbreaking, but well done.

It’s easy to get to, I felt like I got VIP parking with how close I was to the gates. Tickets are pricier (USD 20+), but at least it’s not crowded, especially compared to other big-name castles.

Interior: 8/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 9/10
Accessibility: 10/10
Price: 2/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

15.  Lednice-Valtice Complex (Czechia)

Lednice-Valtice Complex—the pride of my native land
 

I’ll admit I’m biased—Lednice-Valtice Complex is one of my favorite spots in my home country. The neo-Gothic design of Lednice Castle makes it stand out from pretty much every other castle in Europe. Add the formal gardens, and it’s one of the most unique castles you’ll see.

The Lednice-Valtice area is also considered the largest designed landscape in Europe—maybe even the world—you’ll see, the exterior is stunning… and the clear main asset. You’ll get the best views of the castle grounds from the minaret, though the landscape isn’t exactly dramatic—just very… manicured.

Getting there is easy, with parking close by, and entry is cheap.

Interior: 7/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 6/10
Accessibility: 10/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 5/10

 

16.  Malbork Castle (Poland)

Malbork Castle

 

Malbork Castle is THE BIG ONE—the largest brick castle in the world and the largest castle by land area in Europe. It was built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13^th century.

The exterior is pure power. In summary, it’s a lot of red brick walls and enough towers to remind you who was in charge. That said, inside, it’s well-restored but a little repetitive unless you’re really into Gothic architecture. And you’ll need stamina to see it completely—there’s a 3-hour guided tour that will really immerse you in the history of the place. (Shorter tours are also available.)

It’s easy to access by car or train from Gdańsk. Tickets aren’t cheap, but they’re fair for what you get. Crowds are a given—this is one of Poland’s biggest tourist sites—but Malbork is so big it can absorb them.

Interior: 7/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 6/10
Accessibility: 8/10
Price: 7/10
Crowds: 5/10

 

17.  Fisherman’s Bastion aka Halászbástya (Hungary)

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion isn’t really a castle—it’s a neo-Gothic terrace on Castle Hill—but I’m including it in my rankings because the views of the Hungarian Parliament from there are unbeatable (and I consider it one of the prettiest buildings in the world). And it works both ways: from the Parliament, the Bastion makes the perfect backdrop.

The exterior is fantastic. White stone towers, turrets, and arches—kind of like someone designed it for Instagram before Instagram existed. Inside, there’s not much—aside from Matthias Church, which is worth a quick visit—but otherwise, you’re here for the views.

It’s a bit of a climb to get up there, about 15 minutes uphill on cobblestones and stairs. Cheap entry (or free, depending on where you go), but it gets crowded year-round.

Interior: 4/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 5/10
Price: 9/10
Crowds: 2/10

 

18.  Hohensalzburg Fortress (Austria)

Hohensalzburg Fortress

 

Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates Salzburg’s skyline—it’s the first thing you’ll notice when you roll into the city. It’s one of the largest fully preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, dating back to the 11^th century, so obviously I had to visit it.

The exterior is ultra-dramatic, especially from below. Staring at the Alps behind the fortress, I thought like “Ok, this is a good start!”

Honestly, this castle deserves a higher ranking if it weren’t for the abysmal customer service! It was, hands down, the worst I’ve ever experienced at any major site in Europe. (Read the full story in my Salzburg guide.)

The interiors at Hohenfesting are fine—restored rooms, some decent exhibits, but nothing I’d rave about.

You get there either by a steep walk or a funicular, but either way, it’s not the easiest access. For the price, you’d expect better service, or at least a little less arrogance.

Interior: 7/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 5/10
Price: 5/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

19.  Karlštejn Castle (Czechia)

Karlštejn Castle

 

If there’s one castle that looks exactly like what you imagined as a kid, it’s Karlštejn. This is the castliest castle of them all. It sits high above the eponymous town that you’ll be walking from, and the exterior is second to none.  

Inside, it also delivers. You’ve got the Crown Jewels replica, the Golden Chapel, and some of the best-preserved medieval interiors in Czechia. For me, it’s easily a 10/10 experience.

Parking is decent, though you’ll need to walk up to reach the gate—it’s a steep 20-minute climb, but doable, and you have the castle in view the entire time.

Tickets are cheap for what you get. Just book ahead if you want one of the more in-depth tours.

Interior: 10/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 5/10
Accessibility: 8/10
Price: 8/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

20.  Gravensteen Castle (Ghent, Belgium)

Gravensteen Castle

 

I still don’t get why there aren’t more castles like Gravensteen left standing in city centers. Most were gutted and turned into palaces—this one wasn’t. Gravensteen is a beast! It looks like a castle should: towers, battlements, a moat… full-on fortress!  Can you tell I loved it?

The exterior is perfect. If you want the classic medieval vibe, this is it. The interior has a few exhibits but not much atmosphere. Gravensteen’s definitely more about the walls and towers than what’s inside them.

It’s right in the center of Ghent, so getting there is easy. But here’s the problem: it’s busy and gets booked fast. I had to try three times before I finally got tickets! In high season, you’ll need to buy your tickets as far as two months in advance.

Interior: 5/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 5/10
Accessibility: 7/10
Price: 5/10
Crowds: 1/10

 

21.  Castello Estense (Italy)

Castello Estense

 

Another moat-worthy (I crack myself up) castle is Castello Estense—part fortress, part palace—depending on which side you’re standing on. It was built in 1385 as a defensive stronghold, but the Este family eventually turned it into their Renaissance home. I’d say it’s the perfect castle/palace hybrid that still keeps both sides of its personality intact.

The exterior holds onto its fortress roots: four large towers, a legit moat with water, and drawbridges. Inside, it’s more palace—frescoed ceilings, restored apartments, and even a few grand halls to remind you the Este family had money. The dungeons are a nice gritty touch if you want a reminder of its darker days.

Easy to reach the center of Ferrara, and tickets are reasonably priced. not many crowds. It’s a solid stop if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t travel across Italy just for this.

 

 

Interior: 6/10
Exterior: 8/10
Landscape & views: 4/10
Accessibility: 9/10
Price: 7/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

22.  Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland)

Eilean Donan Castle

 

This is the most British-looking castle of all the British castles. As a kid, I was obsessed with Highlander, so in my head, all UK castles looked like Eilean Donan. It’s my hero of a castle, and I was super excited the first time I visited.

 

 

Perched on its own little island, connected by a stone bridge, the setting is unbeatable. The views—three sea lochs meeting at one point—almost made me forget how often it rains in Scotland.

The exterior is beyond words. Mesmerizing. Iconic. Perfect. Inside, it’s decent. Fully furnished rooms, mannequins cooking imaginary dinners, and a few projections make it feel lived-in, which I actually appreciated.

Parking is easy; you’re practically at the door. Tickets are pricey for what’s inside, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping it. Some people just walk around the outside—big mistake!

Interior: 3/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 10/10
Price: 2/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

23.  Kreuzenstein Castle (Austria)

Kreuzenstein Castle

 

Are you looking for a castle that could star in a dragon-slaying movie? Check out Austria’s Kreuzenstein. It’s ultra dramatic—second only to Segovia’s Alcázar in terms of pure wow factor.

The exterior is a textbook medieval fantasy fortress, even though it’s mostly a 19^th-century reconstruction. For me, they did a fantastic job and definitely pulled it off. Inside, though, there’s not much. A few rooms, a little history, and that’s about it.

It’s easy to get to, with parking right at the gate. Prices are fair, and no crowds when I was there. It’s still a bit of a hidden gem, so get there while you can!

Interior: 4/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 7/10
Accessibility: 10/10
Price: 5/10
Crowds: 10/10

 

24.  Hohenwerfen Castle (Austria)

Hohenwerfen Castle

 

Hohenwerfen is the poster child of Austrian castles. Standing on a sheer rock outcrop 155 m (500 ft) above the valley floor, it looks like it was built for a movie set…  well, if you’ve seen Where Eagles Dare, in which Allied agents stage a raid on a castle, well, Hohenwerfen is the castle.

The exterior is brutal in the best way. Thick walls, sharp angles, and high watchtowers and OMG, that setting! The castle looks like it’s clinging to the mountainside, framed by the craggy peaks of the Alps on all sides

Inside, there’s not much left of the original, but I like that they make up for it with exhibits that at least try to capture the past.

Access is decent—parking’s close, but you’ll still need to hike up a bit.

Interior: 7/10
Exterior: 10/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 8/10
Price: 5/10
Crowds: 8/10

 

25.  Biggest disappointment: Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)

Neuschwanstein Castle

 

The most famous castle in Europe all the way at the bottom of my rankings? That’s right. Why? Because Neuschwanstein is a textbook case of hype not matching reality. I’m rarely disappointed by castles, but this one is smaller than expected, crowded beyond reason, and the interiors are subpar at best.

Sure, the exterior is photogenic—especially from Marienbrücke, where every tourist in Bavaria is fighting for the same shot. I’ll give it an 8/10 for that. But inside, Limited, and honestly, underwhelming. For a place that inspired Disney, I expected more.

The landscape is what makes up for all that lost potential inside the castle. You get the Alps, lakes, and forests—it’s hard to complain about the views.

You can park close by, but there’s still a walk (or horse-drawn carriage if you’re feeling touristy). Tickets are pricey for what you get, and crowds just add to my overall annoyance. Book far in advance.

Interior: 5/10
Exterior: 8/10
Landscape & views: 10/10
Accessibility: 8/10
Price: 2/10
Crowds: 2/10

 

FAQ 1: What country in Europe has the best castles?

Scotland arguably has the best castles in Europe if you’re after dramatic locations, fascinating history, and castles that still feel alive. From the clifftop might of Stirling Castle to the iconic Eilean Donan, Scottish castles deliver the full medieval experience—fog, bagpipes, and all.

 

FAQ 2: Does the Czech Republic have the most castles in Europe?

No, Germany has the most castles in Europe, with an estimated 20,000 scattered across the country. However, the Czech Republic has one of the highest densities of castles per square kilometer, with over 2,000 castles, chateaux, and ruins packed into a relatively small country. If you like variety, my home country, Czechia, punches way above its weight.

 

The Czech paradise of castles

 

FAQ 3: What is the best country to visit for castles?

Germany is the best country to visit for castles purely by numbers and variety, though Czechia is very close on its tail. You’ll find everything from medieval ruins to fairytale palaces in both. But if you want castles in jaw-dropping landscapes, you should be looking at Scotland and France.

 

FAQ 4: What is the oldest castle in Europe?

Windsor Castle in England is considered the oldest still-inhabited castle in Europe. It was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has been home to British royalty for nearly 1,000 years.

 

Neuschwanstein Castle

 

FAQ 5: What is the prettiest castle in the world?

If we’re talking looks alone, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is often called the prettiest castle in the world. It’s perched on a Bavarian hillside, surrounded by mountains. Disney thought so too; it inspired their Sleeping Beauty Castle. But it’s also one of the most overcrowded, overhyped tourist traps in Europe, in my opinion. 

If you want castles that are beautiful and surpass expectations, try Segovia’s Alcázar in Spain. Or there’s Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland or Mont-Saint-Michel in France for a dramatic island setting.

 

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