Skip to main content
  • News
    • MTV News
    • Trending News
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Taylor Swift
    • Kim Kardashian
  • Music
    • Music Highlights
    • Music Videos
    • Charts
    • Playlists
    • EMAs
    • MTV PUSH
    • Artists
  • Shows
    • Latest Shows
    • The Charlotte Show
    • Geordie Shore
    • Ex on the Beach
    • Just Tattoo Of Us
    • Teen Mom UK
    • The Royal World
  • Movies
    • Movies Highlights
    • New Movies Coming Soon
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Trailers
    • Moana
  • Travel
    • Videos
  • Style
  • Life
    • Life
    • MTV Breaks
    • Sex
    • WTF
    • SRS
    • Travel
    • Fitness
    • Generation Change
  • Pictures
  • Win
  • MTV Play
  • TV Guide
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
  • Pictures
  • Win
  • MTV Play
  • TV Guide
Home
  • News
    • MTV News
    • Trending News
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Taylor Swift
    • Kim Kardashian
  • Music
    • Music Highlights
    • Music Videos
    • Charts
    • Playlists
    • EMAs
    • MTV PUSH
    • Artists
  • Shows
    • Latest Shows
    • The Charlotte Show
    • Geordie Shore
    • Ex on the Beach
    • Just Tattoo Of Us
    • Teen Mom UK
    • The Royal World
  • Movies
    • Movies Highlights
    • New Movies Coming Soon
    • Videos & Interviews
    • Trailers
    • Moana
  • Travel
    • Videos
  • Style
  • Life
    • Life
    • MTV Breaks
    • Sex
    • WTF
    • SRS
    • Travel
    • Fitness
    • Generation Change
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search

Travel

  • Main
  • Videos
  • Pictures
  • News

12 European Castles Where You Can Live Out Your Fairytale Dream

Come and vanquish that dragon...

  • Share to Facebook
  • Tweet to Twitter
  • Share to Google plus
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - 11:08

We take our daydreaming very seriously. Very seriously indeed. And luckily, Europe has some of the best spots for it.

With all of its gorgeous castles, you only really need a touch of imagination (and, okay, maybe fancy dress) to lose yourself in a whole new world of adventure.

So for those in dire need of a little bit of magic (or still grieving after the Game of Thrones finale) feast your eyes on these twelve real-life wonders below.

Pena Palace, Portugal

https://instagram.com/p/BYCLTE8B5Nx/?taken-at=504973284

Pena Palace was the labour of love of kooky King Ferdinand II who, let’s face it, had interesting taste.

Once you’ve marched through its orange gates, you can expect fantastical statues, bold interiors, and a whole lot more wacky towers.

If the whole place doesn’t make you feel like you’re in Oz, we don’t know what will.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

https://instagram.com/p/BYDIJedDHaU/?taken-at=213354433

Neuschwanstein is pretty much the 19th century equivalent of Cumberbatch fan art.

Let us explain.

King Ludwig II was a total romantic and a liiiittle obsessed with the composer Wagner. Reaching peak fandom, he created a whole palace inspired by the man’s dreamy operas.

It’s no wonder the castle looks like it’s right out of a fairytale: it’s literally designed to be that way (and it’s even got magical grottoes and everything).

And now the gorgeous cluster of towers in the midst of the German Alps still stands for our swooning delight.

Malbork Castle, Poland

https://instagram.com/p/BYBbU4BlZn1/?taken-at=1999045226992691

Malbork Castle once housed the Teutonic order - a group of actual knights who fought in the crusades.

At its peak, up to 3,000 ‘brothers-in-arms’ are said to have resided there, and yes, you’re not the only one thinking that this sounds like one heck of a dorm.

Now the lovely spot still counts as one of the biggest castles in Europe (it’s four times the enclosed area of Windsor) and hosts a medieval fair.

Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

https://instagram.com/p/BPjCfUUD379/?tagged=hohenzollerncastle

Sure, its name is a mouthful, but everything about Hohenzollern shouts fantasy perfection.

The magical chateau was built by Frederick William IV, who wanted to have a not-so-small memorial to his ancestors. (And here we were, feeling good about dropping our grandparents a whatsapp every week.)

Now it’s gorgeous and Hollywood can’t help but agree. Hohenzollern has served as the backdrop of a whole bunch of films, including more recently, A Cure for Wellness.

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

https://instagram.com/p/BX24nqelN6G/?taken-at=103173630154114

The Alcazar (which means fort in Spanish) is one impressive sight. Perched on a forested cliff, it overlooks the confluence of two rivers, and is shaped kinda like the bow of a ship. It was a royal palace back in the good old 1400s, until the monarchs scooted over to Madrid.

The building was then converted into a state prison - and you can find out all about the juicy details during your visit.

While you’re there, make sure to also strut your stuff in the sumptuous throne room -  and consider adding your name (but really please don’t) to the grand frieze of all the country’s Kings and Queens.

Corvin Castle, Romania

https://instagram.com/p/BX85DJvg7ZZ/?taken-at=956956949

There are a whole bunch of castles in Romania that claim to be associated with the infamous Dracula - and out of them, Corvin might just be our favourite. Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, it once served as home to John Hunyadi, none other than the regent of Hungary circa 1446.

https://instagram.com/p/BX2i3asBapf/?taken-at=956956949

While the association with our favourite vampire is at best circumstantial (Bram Stoker apparently never heard of the place) it’s full of mysterious legends of its own. There’s a cursed well and rumours of ghosts. Plus, that dramatic drawbridge is simply begging to be instagrammed.

The Swallow’s Nest, Ukraine

https://instagram.com/p/BYaf9m-hSTk/?taken-at=238849047

The Swallow’s Nest looks like it’s about to fall over any minute, and that’s all part of the fun. These days it hosts a restaurant which serves delicious Italian food - if you can stomach the terrifying views.

Once you’ve trembled by the edge of the cliff getting that selfie, you can also retrace the Romanov family’s steps on the magical “Tsar’s path” next door. The 6km walk is full of majestic greenery and dramatic monuments - and you might just hear whispers from the former royals.

St Hilarion Castle, Cyprus

https://instagram.com/p/BYIhm_mDQCs/?taken-at=214994340

These mysterious ruins once served as a defence against pirates, and the visit is still an adventure in itself.

There are no modern amenities here: you’ll have to follow a scrappy path along the mountain to access the palace’s quarters.

Though trust us, it’s well worth the effort on your poor legs.  At the very top are the breathtaking overgrown royal apartments, which look like they’re straight out of some Elfin kingdom from Lord of the Rings.

Oberhofen Castle, Switzerland

https://instagram.com/p/BYA-FImgRaM/?taken-at=237335166

Oberhofen castle is so damn charming that it’s hard to believe that its existence isn’t just a major photoshop scam. The waters it overlooks are a pristine turquoise and its adorable tower jutting out onto Lake Thun definitely holds a Prince hostage (with a terrifying water creature keeping watch).

https://instagram.com/p/BX3jnpHhoNZ/?taken-at=237335166

https://instagram.com/p/BX7LXv-FhY4/?taken-at=237335166

Bojnice Castle, Slovakia

https://instagram.com/p/BX9RFqGFGit/?tagged=bojnicecastle

These digs are one of Slovenia’s most adored attractions, and looking at these pictures, we can’t say that we’re surprised.

But it’s what’s inside that counts. Enter the gates and you’ll find yourself contemplating King Matthias’ legendary 600-year-old tree, cruising through a stalactite cave -  or even celebrating the Ghosts and Spooks Festival, which is held there every year.

Chateau de Chambord, France

https://instagram.com/p/BYDjVZgAFyo/?taken-at=234414763

You’ll get dizzy trying to figure out how the majestic Chambord Chateau works (believe us, we’ve tried).  For starters, its dozens of turrets, towers and chimneys seem to all come from nowhere (and to keep moving around).

When you get lording around indoors, you’ll likely get equally befuddled. There’s a wicked double spiral staircase, and each of its sets of steps go up three floors intertwining but without ever meeting. Is this place French Hogwarts? Just possibly.

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England

https://instagram.com/p/BYBQ6M-g__-/?taken-at=276743652

A few hundred years ago, George, Prince of Wales took a liking to Brighton - and decided to build himself an (ahem) modest seaside holiday home.

From there emerged the dream that is the Royal Pavilion, which we’re convinced has floated straight out of Arabian Nights. The interiors, which you can still visit, are decked out to match, with a blend of colourful Indian and Chinese styles.

Interestingly, even the kitchen features mock palm trees, so at least the staff got to partake in the fantasy too.

By Marion Koob

25 Crazy Facts About Your Favourite Pixar Films That CHANGE EVERYTHING

Latest News

Get To Know: FLO
Get To Know: FLO
Get To Know - Poppy Ajudha
Get To Know: Poppy Ajudha
Get To Know: Bru-C
Get To Know: Bru-C
Get To Know: Alissic
Get To Know: Alissic
Get To Know: French The Kid
Get To Know: French The Kid
Get To Know: Daisy Brain
Get To Know: Daisy Brain
Get To Know: Dylan
Get To Know: Dylan
Get To Know: Flowerovlove
Get To Know: Flowerovlove
Get To Know: Luude
Get To Know: Luude
Our Music Portfolio Is Changing
Get To Know: Belters Only
Get To Know: Belters Only
Get To Know: CMAT
Get To Know: CMAT
Get To Know: Rêve
Get To Know: Rêve
Get To Know: Lauran Hibberd
Get To Know: Lauran Hibberd
Bad Boy Chiller Crew
Bad Boy Chiller Crew Win MTV PUSH UK & IRE 2022!
MTV’s Catfish UK: Apply Now
The BRIT Awards 2022 Hosted By Mo Gilligan
Win Tickets To The BRIT Awards 2022!
Wet Leg
Wet Leg Found It "So Weird" When People Sang Their Songs
Thomas Headon
Thomas Headon: “If You Vote For Me, I Will Be A Step Closer To Meeting Harry Styles”
Shaybo
Shaybo: "Making Music For Me Is A Way To Express Myself"

More From Travel

Travel
7 Reasons Why Sailing The Med Is Your Next Summer Adventure
Travel
Unique festivals, rainforest hikes and white-sand beaches... St.Kitts is the place to be
Travel
2 Weeks Road Trippin' The Deep American South
Travel
Antigua: 6 Reasons To Book The Caribbean Getaway Of Your Dreams Right Now
Travel
Here’s why Nashville is the undisputed city of music
Travel
The Most Instagrammable Spots In New York City
Travel
The Ultimate Guide To Palawan, Philippines
Travel
The ultimate Italian honeymoon destinations for all you romantics out there
Travel
5 Reasons Why Mykonos Should Be Your Next Relaxing Weekend Getaway
Travel
Coolest Things To Do In Santa Monica
Travel
The Coolest Places To Stay In New York City
Travel
The Most Authentic Things To Do in Jamaica’s Montego Bay

Trending Articles

10 Things Your Heartbroken Friend Needs To Hear
18 Most Naked Of Naked Moments To Have Ever Hit Geordie Shore
Life
Here's Why Celebs Are Holding Four Fingers Up In Their Selfies
Celebrity
10 Celebrities Who Have Some Seriously Kinky Sex Likes In The Bedroom
21 Types Of People You'll Find In Every Friendship Group
What 15 Of The Most Common Sex Dreams ACTUALLY Mean
Dixie D’Amelio Speaks Out After She And Charli Were Criticised For Being “Rude” To Their Chef
Get To Know - Sam Ryder
Get To Know: Sam Ryder
TV Shows
15 Of The Most Naked Moments From Celebrity Big Brother That We Couldn't Not Rewind
Music
Selena Gomez Strips Herself Bare For 'Good For You' Music Video - Watch Here
  • Contact Us
  • Access Services
  • Website Terms
  • Mobile Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • MTV Jobs
  • MTV Press
  • Anti-Slavery
  • Global Tax Policy Statement
Hit us with some keywords!