Top 5 most famous castles in Europe that you should visit

The old continent of Europe is not only the cradle of Western civilization but also the land of fairytale dreams. Through centuries of turbulent history, majestic castles still stand tall in the middle of Europe as silent witnesses. Each castle has its own charm, telling magnificent stories about dynasties, wars and eternal love. Let's stop at the five most famous castles in Europe, where ancient and mysterious beauty is intertwined in every stone and every wall.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein is like a sparkling gem of Bavaria, Southern Germany (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to castles in Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle is definitely a must-see - the sparkling gem of Bavaria, Southern Germany. Built in the late 19th century by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle appears like a dream amidst majestic nature. With its back against the undulating mountains, in front of it is a clear blue lake reflecting the white castle, this place is known as the model of fairy tale castles in Disney cartoons.

Stepping inside the castle, visitors feel like they are lost in another world . Rooms with intricate murals, brilliant chandeliers and Gothic architecture blend with romanticism to create a nostalgic and magnificent space. Not only an architectural symbol, Neuschwanstein is also a place that contains the poetic artistic aspirations of the "poet" king Ludwig II.

Neuschwanstein is one of the castles in Europe that attracts millions of visitors every year. Each season, this place has a different beauty - spring is green with flowers, summer is bright in the sun, autumn is tinged with yellow leaves and winter is covered with pure white snow. Every step is like gently gliding through the pages of an unfinished fairy tale.

2. Versailles Castle

France's Versailles Castle always tops the list of the most magnificent castles in Europe (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to the splendor of European castles, France’s Versailles always tops the list. More than just a castle, Versailles is a symbol of royal power and the pinnacle of Baroque art. Started in the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV – the Sun King – Versailles represented the ambition to turn France into the center of the world of art and politics .

The Palace of Versailles is a miniature world of luxury. Every wall and every window frame is meticulously carved and covered in shimmering gold. In particular, the Hall of Mirrors - where light reflects through hundreds of symmetrical mirrors - is an absolute highlight that will leave visitors breathless. The Versailles Garden stretches with fountains, mazes of trees and classical statues like an endless symphony of nature and man.

Versailles is a historic European castle. It is not only the home of royalty but also the scene of major political events, such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. A walk through the grounds of Versailles is a journey back in time, where royalty, passion, and art intertwine into an everlasting epic.

3. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is the heart of Scottish culture and history (Photo source: Collected)

Nestled atop Castle Rock in the capital city of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle is the heart of Scottish culture and history. Not as resplendent as Versailles or as romantic as Neuschwanstein, Edinburgh Castle is as majestic and resilient as the Scottish spirit.

Built in the 12th century, Edinburgh is one of the oldest surviving castles in Europe. From its strategic perch, the castle served as a formidable defensive fortress and home to Scottish royalty. Its grey stone walls, ancient cannons and dark dungeons tell the story of fierce battles, power intrigue and royal tragedy.

Inside the castle are national treasures: the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ceremonial sword and the Stone of Destiny – used in the coronation of kings. Standing on the top of the castle, you can see the whole city of Edinburgh spread out under the magical mist – an unforgettable experience when exploring castles in Europe.

4. Pena Castle

Pena Castle with vibrant colors and multi-style architecture (Photo source: Collected)

In the idyllic Sintra region of Portugal, Pena Castle appears like a surreal painting with its vibrant colors and multi-style architecture. Built in the 19th century in a Neo-Gothic and Moorish style, Pena Castle is not only a work of art but also a symbol of the unique cultural exchange of the Iberian Peninsula.

Unlike the usual majesty of European castles, Pena is adventurous and free-spirited. The alternating yellow, red, and blue walls, Islamic domes, German turrets, and Renaissance cornices create a strangely chaotic and harmonious whole. Surrounding the castle is the lush Pena National Park, where native and exotic plants thrive in the temperate oceanic climate.

Pena is a place for those who love art, dream and explore the strange. Coming here, you will feel like entering another world - where imagination soars and beauty goes beyond the rules. Among the castles in Europe, Pena is considered one of the most distinctive symbols of the Romantic period.

5. Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is the immortal symbol of the Hohenzollern family (Photo source: Collected)

Perched high on a mountaintop in the Baden-Württemberg region, Hohenzollern Castle is the immortal symbol of the Hohenzollern family, one of Germany’s most powerful families. The current castle is the third version, built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style, recreating the spirit and glory of an empire that once dominated the continent.

Hohenzollern is a European castle with a mysterious beauty amidst the clouds. When the mist covers the mountains and forests, the castle appears to be floating in the sky. The towering spires, the imposing stone gates and the suspension bridge seem to come straight out of the pages of a fantasy adventure novel.

The special feature of Hohenzollern is the panoramic view of the Swabian plain from above. At dusk, the light dyes the roof tiles golden, making the castle look like a fortress of light in the middle of the deep forest. This is one of the most favorite castles in Europe for photographers and history enthusiasts.

Every brick and every wall of the castles in Europe tells its own story – of love, power, art and timeless dreams. From the fairytale Neuschwanstein in the mountains of Germany, the lavish Versailles in France, the majestic Edinburgh in Scotland, the colorful Pena in Portugal to the legendary Hohenzollern in the clouds – all are timeless symbols of human history. Let the ancient stone walls whisper their stories in your ears, let each step be a touch of the past and listen to the echoes of time.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/lau-dai-o-chau-au-v17272.aspx