Top 20 impressive castles in Europe

Top 20 impressive castles in Europe visited by us:

1. Burg Hohenzollern:

• Located in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany, it is one of the most well-known and visited castles in the country.
• It houses numerous historical exhibits and artifacts showcasing the history of the Hohenzollern family.
• Offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape, situated atop a mountain surrounded by forests.

2. Burg Eltz:

• Situated in western Germany near the Moselle River, it is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
• Eltz Castle is renowned for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as well as the beauty of its surrounding landscape.
• It has remained in the same family’s possession for over 800 years and is considered one of Germany’s most impressive castles.

3. Kasteel de Haar:

• Located in the Netherlands near Utrecht, it is one of the largest and most luxurious castles in the country.
• Construction began in the 14th century but was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style between 1892 and 1912.
• The castle is renowned for its beautiful gardens and luxurious interior, which houses an impressive collection of art and furniture.

4. Drachenburg:

• Situated on the left bank of the Rhine near Bonn, Germany, Drachenburg Castle is one of the most romantic castles in the region.
• Built in neo-Gothic style between 1882 and 1884, it served as a summer residence for German businessman and philanthropist Stephan von Sarter.
• Drachenburg offers picturesque views of the Rhine River and the surrounding valley, perched on a wooded hilltop.

5. Château du Hohlandsbourg:

• Located in Alsace, France, this impressive castle is perched on a hilltop, offering a splendid panorama of the Vosges Mountains.
• Its construction began in the 13th century, and the castle was primarily used as a refuge and strategic observation point.
• It is renowned for its medieval architecture and has been largely restored in the 20th century.

6. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg:

• Situated in Alsace, France, on a hilltop, it offers an impressive panorama of the region.
• It is a remarkable example of medieval architecture and was restored in the 20th century to regain its original appearance.
• The castle hosts exhibitions about the history and culture of Alsace, as well as cultural events and festivals.

7. Schloss Heidelberg:

• Located in southwest Germany above the city of Heidelberg, it is one of the most famous and visited castles in the country.
• Construction began in the 13th century, and the castle was expanded and renovated over the centuries.
• It is famous for its picturesque ruins and the spectacular panorama it offers of the city of Heidelberg and the Neckar River.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo:

• An imposing castle situated on the banks of the Tiber River near the Vatican, it has a rich history spanning centuries.
• Originally built in the 2nd century AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family.
• The castle is renowned for its secret tunnels connecting the building to the Vatican and for the legend associated with the Archangel Michael.

9. Königstein Festung:

• Located near Dresden, Germany, it is one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe.
• Perched on a rocky promontory, it offers a spectacular panorama of the Saxony region and the Elbe River.
• It served as a refuge and prison throughout its long and tumultuous history, often considered unbeatable.

10. Reichsburg Cochem:

• Situated on the banks of the Moselle River near the town of Cochem in Germany, it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque castles in the country.
• Renowned for its fairytale appearance, with massive towers and stone walls dominating the landscape of the Moselle River.
• The castle houses a historical museum showcasing the history of the Moselle region and the town of Cochem.

11. BurgThurant:

• Located on the banks of the Moselle River near the town of Alken in Germany, it dates back to the 12th century.
• Known for its Gothic architecture and picturesque location, offering an impressive panorama of the region.
• Often hosts cultural events and concerts during the summer, attracting tourists to the area.

12. Festung Hohensalzburg:

• Located in Salzburg, Austria, it is one of the best-preserved and most imposing medieval fortresses in Central Europe.
• It stands out for its impressive architecture, featuring massive walls, towers, and bastions.
• Its defensive design was conceived to withstand enemy assaults and provide protection to the city’s inhabitants.

13. Festung Ehrenbreitstein:

• Situated on the right bank of the Rhine River in Koblenz, Germany, it is one of the largest fortified castles in Europe.
• Known for its strategic position and its important historical role in defending the region.
• It hosts various museums and exhibitions showcasing the history and culture of the Koblenz region and the Rhine River.

14. Castel Sant’Elmo:

• Located on Vomero Hill in Naples, Italy, it dates back to the 14th century.
• Known for its imposing architecture and strategic position, offering a spectacular panorama of the city of Naples and the bay.
• It was used as a military fortress throughout its history, being a key point in the defense of the city of Naples.

15. Château d’If:

• Located on If Island near the city of Marseille, France, it is known from Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”, being the place where the character Edmond Dantès was imprisoned.
• Construction began in the 16th century, and the castle served as a fortress for defending the Marseille coastline.
• It offers an impressive view of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Marseille, often included in tourist itineraries.

16. Burg Landshut:

• Situated in the town of Bernkastel-Kues in the Moselle region, Germany, it dates back to the 9th century.
• It is one of the best-preserved castles in the Moselle region and is considered a remarkable example of medieval architecture.
• It houses a historical museum showcasing the history of the town of Bernkastel-Kues and the Moselle region.

17. Castello Sforzesco:

• Sforzesco Castle in Milan, Italy, has a long history, being built in the 15th century by the Sforza family, who ruled over the city during that period.
• Initially a defensive fortress, the castle was later transformed into a royal residence and then into a museum.
• Sforzesco Castle impresses with its grand architecture, featuring massive towers, fortified walls, and beautifully decorated inner courtyards.

18. Kaiserburg:

• Located in the city of Nuremberg, Germany, it served as the residence of the German emperors, being an important center of political and economic power in the Middle Ages.
• Predominantly built in the Gothic style, the castle impresses with its tall towers, massive walls, and beautifully decorated inner courtyards.
• From the castle walls, visitors can admire an impressive panorama of the city of Nuremberg and the surrounding region.

19. Festung Marienberg:

• Situated on a hill above the Main River, Marienberg Fortress in Wurzburg is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Germany.
• Originally built as a defensive fortress, it later became the residence of the prince-bishops of Wurzburg.
• Gardens and panoramic terraces: Beautiful gardens and terraces with views of the Main River and the city of Wurzburg surround the fortress.

20. Castel Nuovo:

• Located in Naples, Castel Nuovo is also known as Maschio Angioino and was built in the 13th century by King Charles I of Anjou.
• The castle impresses with its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, featuring massive towers, fortified walls, and beautifully decorated inner courtyards.
• The castle houses the Palatine Chapel, a Gothic architectural gem, famous for its beautiful frescoes and the funerary monuments of royal family members.

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