Like something straight out of a fairytale, these magnificent castles have stood the test of time from wars and famines, to floods and earthquakes and are still standing today. Medieval fortresses and Renaissance chateaux, these awe-inspiring buildings are steeped in history and are an important part of our global human heritage.
The largest and most prestigious of the many castles or chateaux of the Loire Valley in France, the Chateau de Chambord was built for King Francis I in the 16th century. The Chateau de Chambord is famous for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture; on the one hand it borrows features from classic Medieval castles (such as a moat and walls, albeit ornamental in this case) and blends them with contemporary Renaissance structures.
If you were under the impression that you had to be in Europe to see castles, you’re wrong. This turn of the 20th-century wonder was constructed by George Boldt and intended to be a luxury residence for his wife, Louise. Comprised of six storeys built in keeping with Medieval-style castles, the Boldt Castle stands on a small island known as Heart Island in the Saint Lawrence River. Abandoned for some 70 years after Louise Boldt’s death, the castle is now maintained and run by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority.
If the building today known as Dunrobin Castle was completed in 1845, there are records of a castle in this place since the 15th century the oldest part of the current building dating back to then with many indications there was a fortress here since the early Middle Ages. Boasting some 189 rooms, the mansion is the largest castle in the northern Highlands. The historic seat of the Clan of Sunderland, it briefly operated as a private boarding school before being opened to the public.
Another castle to be found in the USA, the Castillo de Sant Marcos or Castle of Saint Marc is the oldest masonry fort in the USA. It was constructed in the 17th century on the order of the Spanish Governor Francisco de la Guerra y de la Vega to protect the city from foreign attacks. The building consists of four bastions each named after a different saint and a fortified wall, much of which is made from a type of stone called coquina, consisting of broken-down pieces of shell bound with limestone.
The first fortress built on this area was constructed by the Ancient Romans, little of which aside from the foundations remain. Later, the Moors built a fortress here for the Almoravid dynasty which ruled this part of Spain until the 11th century. This is when the original mentions of an ‘alcazar’ a Moorish word for castle first appear. While the Muslim fort, believed to have been made of wood, was mostly destroyed and replaced with the current stone construction, the castle kept the name Alcazar of Segovia.
While there are no records of when the castle was first built in Cochem, it’s widely believed to have been constructed around the year 1000. In the 12th century, the Cochem castle became an imperial castle at the time when the Staufer dynasty reigned in Germany. However, in the 17th century, the castle was attacked by the French who left it in ruins and largely abandoned until the 19th century when it was acquired by Berlin businessman Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené, who restored it in Gothic-Revivalist style.
Engulfed in a sea of green and auburn-coloured trees, the storybook-esque Neuschwanstein Castle can be found nestled along the foothills of the Alps. Constructed with brick, marble and light-coloured limestone in 1869, it stands today as one of the most famous castles in Germany. Its astounding presence invites guests from around the globe to explore its enchanting halls.Neuschwanstein Castle boasts over 200 rooms (although most are unfinished) and spans 65,000 square feet. This historic German castle was originally home to King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Splashes of gold and amber shower the halls, which feature traditional European artworks from King Ludwig’s reign. Its striking resemblance to Sleeping Beauty’s castle is no coincidence, as Walt Disney based its design on Neuschwanstein’s deep blue turrets and white outer walls. It’s one of the most stunning castles in Germany to visit.Guided tours run throughout the year for travellers wishing to examine the lavish rooms. These include the throne room, grotto and chapel. While many will admire Neuschwanstein Castle for its jaw-dropping beauty both inside and out, its rich history is the true show-stopper. It provides a snapshot of 19th-century Germany as well as some insight into “Mad King Ludwig’s” mind. All of this is explored during the tours, with guides discussing the castle’s stories and architecture
Panoramic mountaintop views coupled with luxurious Victorian decor cement Hohenzollern Castle as one of the best castles in Germany. This grand court was built in 1867 and sits isolated atop Mount Hohenzollern. Hundreds of visitors flock to the castle year-round for the chance to learn more about its origins. Rustic battlements and sky-scraping towers fortify the outskirts of the castle. Its overgrown shrubbery and sculptures are scattered across its tan-bricked walls, concealing the elegance within. While Hohenzollern Castle is completely uninhabited, 140 rooms await keen explorers with an interest in historic architecture and artistry. The castle’s halls are adorned with portraits of Prussian royals, with marble columns and gilded ceilings decorating the interior. Visitors will find two breathtaking chapels with stained glass windows as they make their way through the palace, as well as the Counts Hall and a library.Hohenzollern Castle is a snapshot of what royal life looked like in 19th-century Germany, though It’s seen many enhancements since then to accommodate the abundance of visitors. Guests are free to visit showrooms on their own accord, while the rest of the castle can be explored on guided tours.
Overlooking the city of Heidelberg is Heidelberg Castle, a structure as storied as the town itself. The castle is a collection of several buildings, with the first built as early as 1300. Its deep history presents tour guides with plenty to tell, from the chequered past of its inhabitants to its long-standing architecture. Still standing after more than seven centuries, Heidelberg Castle continues to hold its place as one of the most important castles in Germany. Located 300 metres above the city, it is surrounded by deep green forests and crystal-blue waters. The ruins are built from red sandstone, though some of the towers have deteriorated over time. The interiors of the castle have been altered and refurbished over the years, though done so in line with the original essence. The Imperial Hall is one of the most breathtaking rooms in Heidelberg Castle, displaying impressive wall carvings and sculptures. The courtyard gardens are always freshly manicured, a serene space for guests to stroll through at their leisure. Hints of past structures and artefacts can be found scattered across the landscape, providing further insight into Heidelberg Castle. The castle’s interiors can only be explored on guided tours, providing guests with interesting facts and stories.
Tucked deep into the lush growth of the Eltz Forest is Eltz Castle. This unscathed structure is a paragon of medieval elegance and can be seen from miles away. Amidst layers of vibrant greenery, the towers soar up to heights of 35 metres, its oriels and turrets mesmerising. The timber frame and golden brick walls are home to artefacts collected over the past 800 years. The armoury’s walls are laden with steel and gold, accompanied by suits of armour, weapons of war and medieval defence mechanisms. Eltz Castle is one of the most beautiful storybook castles in Germany.Guests should expect to discover a wide range of medieval and early modern architecture on the guided tours, while also learning about the significance of everyday items found in the palace. It is open seasonally, updating its website regularly.
Believed to have been founded in the late 11th century, the Romanesque architecture of Wartburg Castle’s has been well preserved. The entry gatehouse features a draw bridge and moat, while the courtyard is peppered with stone carvings. The interiors reflect the qualities of a royal palace, with frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages in the marble halls and chandeliers hanging from gilded ceilings. Wartburg Castle is one of the most striking castles in Germany.Eight different tours are hosted in Wartburg Castle covering everything from tall folk tales to craft workshops. Guided tours range from 45 to 90 minutes and each aims to deliver an educational and entertaining experience for curious history buffs.
Lustrous gold ornaments and European friezes appear in the halls of Hohenschwangau Castle, cementing itself as one of the most memorable castles in Germany. Considered to be the pinnacle of architectural romanticism, the castle is home to more than 90 paintings by designer Domenico Quaglio. Historical remnants retrieved on the grounds have been preserved close to their original condition and put on display. Guests can explore the Swan Knight’s Hall, Guelph Room and Hohenstaufen Room during their visit.Guests visiting Hohenschwangau Castle will be granted an in-depth look into the palace’s origins. Exhibitions and tours educate guests on the architecture, design and past inhabitants of the castle. Stone-carved fountains and sculptures are scattered across the castle garden, which is a pristine spot for visitors to bask in the castle’s romantic spirit.
Lichtenstein Castle sits at the edge of the Swabian Alps and is built in Neo-Gothic style. Its interiors reflect a more romantic design, a masterpiece better than any palace Disney could dream up. Perched on a rocky outcrop, access to Lichtenstein Castle is granted via a narrow drawbridge. Expect jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Alps as you cross. The interior of the castle establishes a more elegant atmosphere with touches of maroon and gold throughout. The details carved into its wooden framework are intricate and precise, a suitable companion for Lichtenstein Castle’s immense art collection. If you’re looking for a destination that fuses history with art, this is one of the best castles in Germany to add to your itinerary. A walk through this palace is characterised by gilded walls and ceilings. Tours are held regularly to take visitors on a more in-depth journey into the site’s history. The castle is open seasonally, updating its website regularly.
Constructed in the late 19th century, Drachenburg Castle has maintained its romantic aura for nearly 150 years. With sky-scraping towers and keeps similar to that of Cinderella’s castle and a courtyard with manicured lawns and trickling fountains, Drachenburg is a visual dream. The interiors of Drachenburg Castle are just as breathtaking as its art collection, and wallpaper of Victorian heritage lines the walls while medieval frescoes occupy the ceilings of this fairytale-esque palace. It’s one of the loveliest castles in Germany. Drachenburg Castle’s guided tours visit both main halls and private rooms. Interesting tidbits and historical facts are peppered throughout different rooms of the castle. Guests looking to elevate their experience can upgrade their tour to include an in-depth look at the castle’s features, as well as a view of the famous Rhine River from the terraces.
If the castle here first came into ownership of the De Haar family in the 14th century, little remains of this original construction except for the name. Following a series of pillages, periods of abandonment and war, the De Haar castle was finally restored in 1892 with funding from the wealthy Rothschild family. Prominent architect Pierre Cuypers was hired for a period of 20 years to design the Neo-Gothic castle with some 200 rooms and 30 bathrooms, fitted with what were at the time very modern furnishings such as electric lights and steam-powered central heating.
Known to be the oldest existing colonial construction in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope was built by the Dutch East India Company in the late 17th century. The Dutch settlement here served as a place of replenishment for ships making the long journey from the Netherlands to Indonesia. A pentagonal stone fortress, the castle housed a church, bakery, shops and living quarters, as well as a large bell which was used to tell the time and issue warnings in case of danger.
This Puerto Rican fortress was constructed upon orders of the Spanish King Charles V in the 16th century and displays the common features of Spanish military fortress of the time. The castle came under attack many times, not least by the famous Sir Francis Drake of England, who failed his endeavour. The castle finally came under American rule in the 19th century during the Spanish-American War, which ended with Spain ceding ownership of the islands of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
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