11 magnificent castles to visit in Central Europe
Timo Volz captures the greatness of Neuschwanstein Castle.
The term ‘fairytale’ gets thrown around a lot when it comes to Europe’s countless castles, but these fantastic fortifications and wondrous palaces are sure to add some magic to your next holiday. Here are our top picks:
Neuschwanstein Castle
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Nymphenburg Castle, Germany
Karlstejn Castle, Czech Republic
Wartburg Castle, Germany
Schonbrunn Palace, Austria
Ksiaz Castle, Poland
Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
Malbork Castle, Poland
Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Buda Castle, Hungary
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
One of the things that make Neuschwanstein Castle a magical sight is being surrounded by the high mountains.
The alpha and omega of ‘fairytale’ castles, the whimsical towers of Neuschwanstein were the real-life inspiration behind the Walt Disney Castle, Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom, Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland, and countless other magical castles. Designed by a theatrical set designer in homage to Richard Wagner, Neuschwanstein utilized cutting-edge 19th-century technology, such as indoor plumbing and electricity. Beautiful views, decadent interiors, and even an artificial cave make Neuschwanstein Castle a must-see when traveling from Munich to Ischgl.
2. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle highly contributes to the city's beautiful silhouette through the eyes of Sandro Gonzalez
Built over the course of several centuries, the UNESCO-listed Prague Castle is the largest medieval castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. This sprawling complex is essentially a self-contained town for royalty, with courtyards, gardens, cobbled alleyways, several palaces, and even a Gothic Cathedral for visitors to admire. A great way to double up on Old-World wonders is a trip from Vienna to Prague, where you can enjoy the heart of Europe and its magnificent castle.
3. Nymphenburg Castle, Germany
Nymphenburg Castle in Munich, Germany, was originally built in 1664 as a summer residence for the Bavarian royal family
Built-in 1664, the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich served as the summer residence for five Bavarian monarchs. Today, this beautiful Baroque building offers visitors an exquisite combination of art, architecture, and manicured landscapes. The palace interior is filled with beautiful artwork and furnishings and is particularly renowned for its jaw-dropping Rococo decorations. The surrounding park is filled with serene walking trails and even houses one of Germany’s finest botanical gardens. This lavish landmark is a decadent ending for a magical car trip from Prague to Munich, which also gives you the opportunity to stop at the stupendous Karlstejn Castle (see below), meaning you can experience 3 of Europe’s most magnificent castles in one easy trip!
4. Karlstejn Castle, Czech Republic
Visiting Karlstejn Castle means a nice getaway to Prague's green surroundings taken by Ale
Built-in 1348 by Charles IV, the Czech Republic’s most beloved king, this large Gothic castle is both an architectural and cultural treasure, which was used to safeguard the royal treasury, holy relics, and most importantly, the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. Interestingly, access to its most sacred spaces was strictly limited—only the emperor himself was allowed in the chapel where the treasures were kept! Karlstejn Castle, with its historic architecture, royal interiors, and stupendous views, is a favorite side trip for travelers on the road from Munich to Prague.
5. Wartburg Castle, Germany
Catch a glimpse of medieval times in Wartburg Castle through the lens of Wim van 't Einde
The first German castle to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wartburg Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country. Along with stupendous views, historic architecture, and some dazzling decorations, the castle is famed as having been home to Martin Luther after he was excommunicated - visitors can even take a peek into his private study. A trip from bustling Berlin to Frankfurt is the perfect opportunity to stop to see this fantastic fortification.
6. Schonbrunn Palace, Austria
Schonbrunn Palace gardens are home to the world’s oldest zoo photo by Martin Zenker
Built-in 1699, the UNESCO-listed Schonbrunn Palace is the largest and most visited palace in all of Austria. With 1,441 rooms and 120 acres of land, visitors can enjoy museums, sculptures, a garden maze, and even a zoo at this Baroque behemoth. After enjoying the Austrian capital’s many charms, Schonbrunn Palace is a most decadent distraction for a road trip from Vienna to Budapest and its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
7. Ksiaz Castle, Poland
Ksiaz Castle's bright colors and the greenery around are certainly captivating taken by aszak
Founded in the 13th century, Ksiaz Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe. Combining Gothic and Baroque architecture, and a slew of interior styles, the castle is best known for being the seat of the Nazi High Command, who dug over 2 kilometers of tunnels beneath it. The stupendous views, historic architecture, and richly decorated interiors make Ksiaz Castle an engrossing stop while traveling from Prague to the island-spanning city of Wroclaw.
8. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
Bojnice Castle looks as if it's right out of romantic fairytales through the lens of Mária Bajnárová
Styled after the romantic castles of France’s Loire Valley, Bojnice Castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful (not to mention the most popular) sights in Slovakia. The castle’s dramatic towers rising above the beautiful natural surroundings, paired with an exceptional collection of historic artwork and furnishings, make a visit to Bojnice a no-brainer when you’re making the trip from Bratislava to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
9. Malbork Castle, Poland
Malbork Castle red brick walls photographed by Kasia Derenda
Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th and 14th centuries, the UNESCO-listed Malbork Castle is the largest brick fortification in Europe. Fully restored, the sprawling grounds span three sections, making it a perfect place for history lovers to explore. Along with the commanding architecture, the castle houses its own Medieval museum and an exceptional amber museum. This commanding center of Medieval history is a is a fascinating stopping point when traveling from Poland’s capital of Warsaw to the unique port city of Gdansk.
10. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Visiting Hohenwerfen Castle comes with engaging activities taking travelers back in time photo by Anja Junghans
Sitting atop a rocky outcrop and surrounded by soaring alpine peaks, the 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle sure paints an impressive picture. Featured in the classic WWII film “Where Eagles Dare,” Hohenwerfen keeps history alive through its many attractions, including medieval shops, a castle tavern, an extensive weaponry exhibition, and even a falconry show. Hohenwerfen Castle makes for an immersive stop for travelers en route from alpine Salzburg to aquatic Venice.
11. Buda Castle, Hungary
The view of Buda Castle follows travelers around the city, its great size visible in most directions taken by Balint Miko
Last but certainly not least is the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle in Hungary's capital, Budapest. Watching over the capital from atop the aptly named 'Castle Hill,'’ the massive Baroque palace was built in the 18th century to replace an older castle. A commanding sight from a distance, up close, the castle's grounds offer visitors countless statues, fountains, and architectural curiosities, not to mention a stupendous view across the Danube to the other side of the city, while the palace interior now houses the National Gallery and National History Museum. This magnificent complex is just one part of Budapest's UNESCO-listed Old Town and a great reason to arrange a trip from Vienna to Budapest.
Which castles have you been to? Are any on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
