With more than 50,000 castles in Europe, 84,029 travelers from 102 countries were surveyed across top European destinations to choose their favorite fairytale castles. 1990 through a Bulgarian architect whose lifelong dream to create a castle. This Bulgarian castle is the most popular tourist attraction in the country and most of the other historical fortresses on this list also offer many picturesque views. Many opened their doors within a year of visitors. -Dround, hosts events, spaces stunning antiques and art collections, and even serves as a venue for fairytale weddings.
The magnificent Ravadinovo Castle was built in the 1990s by the architect Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov, who had a dream of his years of training. The structure of popular charm began in 1996, in a non -violent plot near the town of Ravadinovo. With the help of the Tumpalov family and local villagers, 20,000 tons of limestone were transformed into the mystical mountains of Strandzha into an impressive structure. Every detail of the design evokes the greatness of medieval kingdoms and the charm of fantastic fairy tales. The outer stone consists of microdiamante lines, which adjust the color of the castle. In the morning, the castle shines pink, during the brightest games of the day, shines a bright white, during the night, the castle shines. It also accesses various cultural occasions and exhibitions during the year. The castle, surrounded by picturesque gardens and a winery, is a popular place to celebrate weddings. Open every day from 9 a. m. to 8 p. m.
The Château de Chenonceau, in the heart of the Loire Valley, is nicknamed the “Château des Dames”, thanks to the influential women who have marked its destiny, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. In the 18th century, Louise Dupin, Lady of Enlightenment, was the first to write a code of women’s rights, with the help of her secretary, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The sublime arches of the castle elegantly cross the river, creating a picturesque reflected image and the exquisite gardens are particularly remarkable. There is also an incredible collection of furniture, tapestries, and paintings by artists such as Rubens, Tintoret, and Van Dyck. Open every day with variable hours depending on the season: from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. in winter with extended hours in summer. The castle and park are intended for personal events, as well as weddings.
The 12th-century Alcazar of Segovia is on a rocky outcrop west of Segovia’s Old Town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Then locate the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Its unique shape such as the ship-like shape and tall turrets have encouraged countless legends and the castle’s silhouette and overall appearance was the style for the castle in the 1937 Disney animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Visiting hours: October to March: 10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. ; April to September: 10:00 a. m. to 8:00 p. m.
Neuschwanstein Castle, atop a hill in Bavaria, was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1868. This architectural masterpiece was inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner and medieval legends, reflecting the king’s romantic ideals and desire for a peaceful retreat. Construction was never fully completed but Neuschwanstein’s enchanting towers and picturesque setting attract many visitors and inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. You can see the castle in the Walt Disney Pictures logos from 1985 to 2006. Visiting Hours: April to October: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Eltz Castle, or Burg Eltz, is in the heart of Germany’s Eifel forest. With its soaring turrets, timber-framed structures and stone walls, it is a classic European medieval castle. Remarkably, Eltz Castle has never been destroyed and rebuilt and has remained in the Eltz family for over 850 years, spanning 33 generations. Visiting Hours: April to November, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed during winter months.
On a cliff overlooking the emerald waters of Lake Bled, Bled Castle is one of Europe’s most enchanting fairy-tale destinations. This thousand-year-old fortress, considered the oldest castle in Slovenia, is more than just a historic landmark; it’s a magical journey into Slovenia’s rich past. Visitors can explore the castle’s museum, which tells the story of the region’s cultural heritage, featuring artefacts like a 60,000 year old Neanderthal flute, the oldest recorded musical instrument in the world. You can also see ancient manuscripts in its Gothic chapel and witness traditional printing techniques at the castle’s working printing press. For those seeking a taste of local flavors, the castle’s wine cellar and restaurant serve regional delicacies. Visiting Hours: June to September: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM; October to May: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Available for weddings and events.
Located on the edge of a stunning cliff overlooking the Lesse, Walzin Castle is one of Belgium’s magical and lesser-known fairy tales. Built in the 11th century and reinvented over the centuries, the castle’s architecture combines medieval fortifications and neo-Gothic ornaments. Fortunately, this castle, assets of Count and Countess Alexis of Limburg-Struris, is not open to the public. However, its excellent exterior can be admired from the nearby trails.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, in northeastern France, is surrounded by dense forests and offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. Its towering spires and intricate stonework started in the 12th century, with the latest restoration by the architect Bodo Ebhardt, under the guidance of German Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1908. After World War I, France took the castle in accordance with the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. There’s a museum on site and medieval-themed events are a big draw. Visiting Hours: April to September: 9:15 AM to 6:00 PM; October to March: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Hohenzolern Castle is the ancestral headquarters of the Prussian real space and the Hohenzolern family. The impressive strength, with its imposing arrows, its majestic classes and its impressive perspectives on the Alps of Susabia, is an essential destiny for lovers of history and architecture. First built in the eleventh century, the existing castle is the third version, built in the nineteenth century as a romantic tribute to the medieval strengths of King Federico Guillermo IV in Prussia. Visiting schedule: March to October: 10:00 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. November to February: 10:00 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. Available for events, adding weddings.
Known as “Neuschwanstein in the North,” Schwerin Castle sits on an island in Lake Schwerin and has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over the centuries, Schwerin Castle is a masterful combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, making it a true architectural gem. Formerly the Palace of the Dukes and the wonderful Dukes of Mecklenburg, it now serves as the museum and seat of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.
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