Many castles become well known for their history, artifacts, and incredible architecture. While others are seen in films and TV shows around the world. The fairytales you heard as a kid inspired you to visit grand castles and fight dragons. When you step foot inside these famous castles, your imagination is sure to take you back to those stories, and inspire you once again.
No matter your reason for wanting to visit a famous castle, it's worth the trip! Seeing the setting of your favorite movie, the inspiration behind a Disney castle, or tracing the steps of your ancestors is always an unforgettable experience.
These castles are famous for their film features, history, and the occasional ghost:
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. It was constructed in the 19th century and is a Romanesque Revival palace, built on a hill overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, Germany.
It was built under Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat in honor of the German composer, Richard Wagner. Neuschwanstein Castle was home to the King until his death in 1886, and shortly after it was opened to the public.
The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe. Visitors can only view the castle on a guided 35 minute tour, and there are no photographs allowed inside the castle. Peak visiting season is June to August and those without advanced reservations may have to wait several hours for a tour. However, you can view the grounds and courtyard without a ticket.
2. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle was constructed in the 12th century and is a medieval castle, built on the top of volcanic rock in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is suspected that humans have resided on the top of this volcanic rock, deemed Castle Rock, since the 2nd century. The fortress was built under the rule of King David I, and it now belongs to Historic Environment Scotland, an agency of the Scottish government responsible for protecting and promoting Scotland’s heritage.
Today, Edinburgh Castle is open to the public, and is Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction. Visitors can tour several facilities within the castle, including two restaurants, shops,a dn historical displays. At the educational center in the Queen Anne Building, you can see re-enactors dressed in period costume, and attend many events.
3. Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle was constructed in the 14th century and is regarded as the best example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. The curved walls are sometimes said to resemble giant fans, and the incredible white exterior is meant to resemble a flying bird.
Himeji castle is built on top of a hill in the city of Himeji, Japan. It is the largest and most popular castle in Japan, attracting upwards of one million visitors each year. The castle is featured in many Japanese films, and was featured in the 1697 James Bond film, “You Only Live Twice.”
4. Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle was first constructed in the 13th century out of wood, but it was destroyed by Mongols in 1242. The castle was later rebuilt in the 13th century out of stone under the rule of Louis I of Hungary.
It was first used as defense against the Ottoman Empire, then it was used as a customs post. In 1920 when Hungary lost control of Transylvania, the castle became the royal residence of Romania. It was Queen Marie’s favorite home, and visitors can see her collection of art and furniture inside the castle.
Today, Bran Castle is a museum dedicated to Queen Marie’s belongings. Visitors can tour the castle themselves or go on a guided tour. Along with the interior exhibits, there is an open air museum at the bottom of the hill which features Romanian cottages, barns, and other peasant structures from the community of Bran.
5. Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle was constructed in the 11th century and is the longest occupied castle in Europe. It has been used as a royal residence by reigning King and Queen since the 12th century. It was built in English Gothic style on 13 acres of land in London, England.
Today, the castle is owned by Queen Elizabeth II and managed by the Royal Household. Windsor Castle has been used to host leaders across the world, including the President of South Africa, the President of the United States, and the King of Jordan.
During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, she has worked on making Windsor Castle a major tourist attraction by keeping a large portion of the Royal Collection of art in the castle. In 2019, after years of restoration, the original entrance hall was opened to visitors.
6. Hearst Castle, United States
Hearst Castle was constructed in the 20th century by William Randolph Hearst, the owner of a publishing empire. The castle was built with inspiration from the Southern Spanish Renaissance, Revival, and Mediterranean styles.
In the Roaring Twenties Hearst Castle hit its social peak. Every evening famous and wealthy guests would gather for drinks, dinner, and a movie in the different rooms of the castle. Hearst moved out of the castle in 1947, and after his death in 1951 the castle was gifted to the state of California and turned into a museum, though the Hearst family still owns the majority of the land.
William Hearst’s life, and his castle were satirized by Orson Welles in the 1941 film “Citizen Kane,” making it a popular tourist attraction. Annually Hearst Castle sees over 750,000 visitors.
7. Malbork Castle, Poland
Malbork Castle was constructed in the 13th century and is a Medieval Teutonic castle and fortress. Located in Malbork, Poland, it is the largest castle in the world by land area. The castle was built by Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic religious crusaders group. In the 15th century it was sold to King Casimir IV of Poland, and has been used as a royal residence ever since.
When Poland was invaded in WWII, Malbork Castle was used by Nazis for annual pilgrimages of the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls, both were youth organizations of the Nazi Party in Germany.
In 1961 the castle was turned into a museum, and ongoing restoration took place until 2016 when reconstruction was finally completed.
8. Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania
Trakai Island Castle was constructed in several phases starting in the 14th century. The castle is located in Trakai, Lithuania on an island in Lake Galvė. The castle fell into disrepair in the 17th century and was not reconstructed until the 19th century. The castle was reconstructed in 15th century style, and the original frescoes in the castle were preserved. Today, Trakai castle is a popular tourist attraction.
9. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
Bojnice Castle was constructed in the 12th century and is a Romanesque style castle, with some Gothic and Renaissance elements. It is one of the most visited castles in Slovakia, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Bojnice Castle has been featured in many fantasy and fairytale films. It is also home to many events including the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits and the Summer Music Festival.
Today, the castle is open to the public as a museum dedicated to the documentation and presentation of the era of architectural neo-styles.
10. Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle was constructed in the 12th century and is a medieval castle, built in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier in Germany. The castle is on an important Roman trade route between farmlands and their markets. The fortress was built under the Frederick Barbarossa empire and still belongs to members of the Eltz Family.
Two Thirds of the castle are open to the public on a seasonal basis. From April to October visitors can tour the castle and view the armory of weapons, the suit of armor, and the treasury, which is filled with silver, gold, and porcelain artifacts.
11. Chapultepec Castle, Mexico
Chapultepec Castle was constructed in the 18th century, and is built on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City. The castle has served several purposes over the course of its existence, including a military academy, royal residence, presidential residence, observatory, and today, the National Museum of History.
Chapultepec Castle was the setting for many notable films including the 1996 film “William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet.” The castle also served as a model for the 13th Regiment Armory in Brooklyn, New York.
12. Hluboká Castle, Czech Republic
Hluboká Castle was constructed in the 13th century and is a Gothic style castle. During its history the castle was reconstructed many times, as well as expanded. Its last reconstruction occurred in the 19th century when the owner requested it be rebuilt similarly in style to Windsor Castle in England.
13. Mont Saint Michel Abbey, France
The Mont Saint Michel Abbey was completed in the 16th century and is a Gothic style monastery. The Abbey is built in the French commune of Mont Saint Michel on a tidal island. The Abbey has been protected as a French Historic Monument since 1862 and is monitored by the Center of National Monuments in France.
During the Medieval period pilgrims from all around Europe would walk to the town of Mont Saint Michel to visit the monastery. Today, ten hiking trails exist for modern pilgrims and visitors to trace the steps of their ancestors who once made the pilgrimage to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey. It is still one of the most popular cultural attractions in France, with over one million visitors traveling to see the Abbey every year.
14. Glamis Castle, Scotland
Glamis Castle was constructed in the 14th century, though due to renovations, the current structures are mostly from the 17th century. It is located in the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland. The castle is the home of Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and many royal monarchs have lived here, including Queen Elizabeth and her daughter Princess Margaret.
Today, Glamis Castle is open to the public, and many visitors come here because of the legends associated with the castle, like the Monster of Glamis and Earl Beardie. The chapel in the castle is supposedly haunted as well. History buffs and ghost hunters will all appreciate the incredible Glamis Castle.
15. Grand Palace, Thailand
Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings where the Kings of Thailand have readied since 1782. Today, the King lives in Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for many state events and ceremonies, and working royal offices.
Today, the Palace is only partially open to the public, but is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. Visitors have access to the Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple, which holds artifacts from the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple complex.
16. Citadel of Qaitbay, Egypt
The Citadel of Qaitbay was constructed in the 15th century, and is a defensive fortress located in Alexandria, Egypt. It is considered one of the most important defensive structures along the coast of the Mediterranen Sea. The complex is situated on the eastern harbour of Pharos Island, on the site where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Today, the Citadel of Qaitbay is the most popular attraction in Alexandria, although the majority of visitors are Egyptians. On one side of the fortress, it offers impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other the Alexandrian skyline.
17. Buckingham Palace, England
Buckingham Palace is a symbol of the British monarchy, an art gallery, and a major tourist attraction. It was originally called Buckingham House, and the building at the core of today’s palace was built in the 18th century. The modern day palace was built in the 19th century and is currently the London residence and headquarters of the United Kingdom monarchy.
Around 50,000 guests are invited to garden parties, receptions, and banquets at Buckingham Palace annually. Events include three garden parties usually held in July, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is a major tourist attraction. The best time to see the ceremony is daily from April to July, and every other day the rest of the year.
For even more incredible castles around the world check out these articles:
The World's Best Mountain Castles
