Castles In Europe

[Michael]

Constructedin 1554, Egeskov Castle is known as the best-preserved moat castle in all of Europe. The Gothic-style castle complex comprises 280-year-old hedge mazes, and two buildings with 200 windows and 66 rooms (sadly, only six bathrooms).

Built in the early 17th century, this stunning Renaissance castle sits on three lake islets in Hillerd, just north of Copenhagen. The castle complex is known for its exquisite gardens and for housing the Danish Museum of National History.

If Chteau de Chillon looks familiar, it might be because Prince Eric's castle in Disney's The Little Mermaid was inspired by the Lake Geneva structure. (Sorry, Ariel. Fresh-water mermaids only.) The chateau has been in use since the Bronze Age as a fortress, arsenal, prison, and residence for counts. Lord Byron romanticized the site in his 1816 poem "The Prisoner of Chillon," and it remains a popular historic destination for day-trippers from Geneva. as it's only about two hours by car, on the opposite side of the lake from the Swiss city.

Mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams all combine to make Connemara one of the loveliest regions in Ireland. See: Kylemore Abbey, in the heart of the Connemara mountains. This impressive structure was built in 1868 as one of the great neo-Gothic castles of the period. It is now a Benedictine abbey run by nuns, and the church and gardens have been completely restored.

The Welsh town of Conwy is defined by its 21-tower medieval fortress, which features a gorgeous castle surrounded by fortified walls stretching three-quarters of a mile. The structure was commissioned by King Edward I back in the 13th century, which makes its well-preserved state all the more impressive. Visitors are welcome to visit the castle and walk a complete circle around battlements, including venturing up the towers via spiral staircases.

Schnbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, is Vienna's most popular tourist attraction, with more than 2.7 million visitors annually. Join the crowds to appreciate the palace's Baroque architecture, spectacular gardens, and on-site children's museum.

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A city castle with Irish flair, this important government building holds rich historical, cultural, and political significance. Walk in the same footsteps of the Kings and Lords from long ago as you explore this Medieval site.

Built by King Edward I in the 1200s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you awestruck. Its location adds to the allure, set in the midst of the walled village of Conwy and adjacent to the river, making for incredible photo opportunities.

Castel Nuovo is one of the most spectacular castles in Italy. Highlights from a visit to this architectural gem include Roman ruins in the Armoury Hall, original Giotto frescoes, the Palatine Chapel, and two museums that feature a series of Neapolitan paintings dating back to the 17th century.

In the Scandinavian city of Oslo lies a castle fit for a Viking dating all the way back to 1299. Its harborside location adds to the postcard-worthy scene, with fantastic views of the city and the Oslo Fjord.

Akershus Castle, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway, has endured many sieges over time before being transformed into a royal residence and Renaissance-style castle by King Christian IV in the 16th century. Today, the castle is host to numerous banquets and events and houses government reception rooms, a small church, and the Royal Mausoleum.

The structure is historically known for being ahead of its time in defensive architecture. Touring the grounds is one of the best things to do in Waterford. It provides a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance throughout the years as you walk spiral staircases to explore the dungeons below the main castle building. Educational plaques explain the extensive backstory of this preserved structure.

Head to the quintessential English countryside in Dorset to explore the ruins of Corfe Castle and estate, which dates back to the 11th century. Historically, it was used to house King John, as a royal treasure shop, and even as a prison on the Isle of Purbeck in Corfe Castle Village.

Corfe Castle was one of the first stone castles built in England, and its position was perfect for guarding the natural route through the Purbeck Hills. Due to conservation efforts, the castle grounds welcome visitors that wish to experience its history and beauty. Make sure to explore the charming village itself, with quaint cafes and a miniature model of the castle at the Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens.

A seaside castle treasure, Bourtzi Castle is set on the Greek islet of Agioi Theodoroi on the Saronic Gulf, in the harbor of the city of Nafplio. Built by the Venetians, it originally protected against attacks by enemy ships and, in the 19th century, was used to house executioners for the nearby Palamidi Prison. The structure was even converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant for a decade in the 1960s.

Now, you can visit the Greek castle from the port by boat, where festivals and events take place throughout the year. Admire the views from the Nafplio promenade and other vantage points along the harbor.

Northern Scotland is host to the elegant Urquhart Castle, approximately half an hour from the city of Inverness. Set in the Scottish Highlands by Loch Ness, this castle is surrounded by stunning scenery.

Set near the coast in northern Croatia, this fortress was built in the 13th century. Legend has it that the grounds cover an ancient Roman fortress. Perched on a hill above the village of Rijeka, the views from the structure overlook the Rječina Gorge and river. On a clear day, you may even be able to spot the nearby island of Krk.

Two courtyards link the castle buildings, and a 16th-century chapel can be found in one of them. A museum, restaurant, and wine cellar are other popular attractions within the castle. An old printing shop is also located onsite and offers a peek into the traditional art of wood printing with regular demonstrations.

Kolossi Castle is even the subject of several novels. Located near Limassol, a visit to this castle will have you appreciating an example of fine military architecture as well as learning about its rich history and unique backstory. Explore the old sugar mill ruins and take in the sprawling views from the tower.

Set in the Balearic Islands of Spain, Bellver Castle is positioned on a hillside overlooking the gorgeous island of Mallorca. This Gothic-style structure was constructed in the 14th century and has an interesting round design. Previous uses of the castle have included a prison and residence for King James II.

Lauren Breedlove is a freelance writer, travel photographer, and the girl behind girlwanderlist.com, a list-based travel blog. She thrives on random adventures, off-beat destinations, and grilled cheese. Follow all her exploits on Instagram, @girlwanderlist.

An example from Ross Castle in Ireland, which an AFAR editor recently explored: After winding her way up corkscrew staircases, she reached the top floor. It featured the living room or great room of the place. But what captured her attention was down a slim stone hall: The latrine had double-, if not triple-, wide seating. (Alas, photos were not allowed.) That lack of privacy at the privy underscored the communal nature of castle life.

Bellver Castle is a 14th-century Gothic-style castle on a hill overlooking Palma de Mallorca. Built between 1300 and 1311, on the order of King James II of Mallorca, it is a rare circular castle, with a round courtyard in the middle. The moat was added later. Its elegant two-story interior of arches topped by a colonnade indicates that it was a royal residence, not simply a fortress. But by the early 18th century it became a military prison. The City History Museum, on the ground floor, helps put the building in context.

About two miles west of the center of Palma, the castle sits atop a hill, giving you a 360-degree view of the city and bay of Palma. You can drive to it on Camilo Jos Cela Road or take a local bus. It is open to visitors year round, Tuesday through Sunday. Free guided tours in English are available Tuesday to Saturday.

Not simply the most popular castle in Switzerland, Chteau de Chillon is also the most-visited historic building in the country. Part of that appeal is its location: on an island in Lake Geneva, which acts as a natural moat. Like many castles, additions and occupation continued after the Middle Ages, but the castle got its start in the mid-13th century. Gothic vaults from that time are visible in the prison.

This fairy-tale castle is filled with treasure. Just one example: In the magnificent wood-timbered 14th-century lower hall hangs Madonna With Child and Grapes, a masterpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Burg Eltz is open from April to November. A seasonal Burgenbus (castle bus) departs from several area train stations on weekends and holidays; the closest is Hatzenport, about a 20-minute ride. Hatzenport is less than 90 minutes by train from Cologne (with a change of trains in Koblenz). There are also multiple hikes to the castle from nearby towns; the most popular is from Moselkern (under 2.5 hours by train from Cologne), a moderately challenging 45-minute climb.

Česk Krumlov Castle is open from April to October. Located near the Austrian border, Česk Krumlov is a three-hour bus ride from Prague; from the town, the castle is accessible by foot, taxi, or car.

The castle can be reached along the 870-mile-long Wales Coast Path walking trail; for the less intrepid, the closest major city is Liverpool, less than two hours by train or car. The castle is about a half-mile from the Conwy train station or there is on-site parking.

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