The World's Best Mountain Castles

From your favorite Disney movies to Game of Thrones, mountain castles have been the setting for some of the most iconic shows and films. Many of the castles you've viewed on screen are filmed at real destinations, and based on real life architecture!

When most people think of castles, they think of Europe. But as you will see, there are impressive castles all over the world!

Below we’ve rounded up the best mountain castles in the world:

1. 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, 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 suits of armor, and the treasury, which is filled with silver, gold, and porcelain artifacts.

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, and historical displays. At the educational centre in the Queen Anne Building, you can see re-enactors dressed in period costume, and attend many events.

3. 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.

4. Mehrangarh Fort, India

Mehrangarh Fort was one of the filming  locations for the live action movie ‘The Jungle Book,’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ It was constructed in the 15th century and is built on a hill overlooking the city of Jodhpur in India. The fort is enclosed by a number of thick walls, and there are seven gates, many of which were constructed to celebrate military victories.

Today, the fort is open to the public and houses one of the most abundantly stocked museums in Rajasthan. The galleries visitors can view include Elephant’s howdahs, Palanquins, Daulat Khana - Treasures of Mehrangarh Museum, Armoury, Paintings, and the Turban Gallery. Also available to the public inside the fort are restaurants, folk music performers, and craft bazaars.

5. Potala Palace, Tibet

Potala Palace is a dzong fortress, an architectural style found mainly in Tibet and Bhutan. It was constructed in the 17th century by Lozang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, and sits on a Mountain overlooking the city of Lhasa in Tibet. Potala Palace was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas from 1649-1959, and has been a public museum ever since then.

In an effort to preserve Potala Palace, the number of visitors per day is restricted to 2,300. This quota is often reached by mid-morning, so you should plan to get to the museum very early. During peak season from July to September, the number is raised to accommodate the almost 7,000 people visiting the site.

6. The Palace of Pena, Portugal

The Palace of Pena was constructed in the 19th century and is a Romanticist castle built on top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains in Portugal. The last queen of Portugal, Queen Amélia, spent her last night in this palace before being exiled. In 1889, the Portuguese State purchased Pena Palace and in 1910 it was transformed into a museum.

The castle is open to the public, and is one of the most popular monuments in Portugal with its many stuccos, wall paintings, stained glass windows, and beautiful tilework. Today, it is sometimes used by the President of the Portuguese Republic, and other state officials for special state occasions.

7. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

Hohenzollern Castle was constructed in the 19th century and is based on Gothic Revival architecture. The castle was built on top of Mount Hohenzollern in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This is actually the third castle to be built on the site, the previous two were destroyed and then reconstructed.

Today, the castle is open to the public, and is one of Germany’s most visited attractions. It is privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern, a German royal dynasty. There are numerous Prussian artifacts held at the castle, including the Crown of Wilhelm II, a letter from US President George Washington, and some of King Frederick the Great’s belongings.

8. Château de Najac, France

Château de Najac was constructed in the 13th century and is a Romanesque castle built on the summit of a hill overlooking the Aveyron River in Southern France. Possession of the castle was key in maintaining control over the region.

In the 19th century the castle was used as a stone quarry, until it was purchased by the Ciniel Family. Today, it is open to visitors and the Château de Najac is one of 23 castles in Aveyron that are part of a tourist itinerary, called Route des Seigneurs du Rouergue.

10. Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria

Hochosterwitz Castle was constructed in the 15th century and is a medieval rock castle built on top of a hill in Carinthia, Austria. The castle hasn’t changed since the 16th century, and it has remained in the Khevenhüller noble family ever since. On the property is a marble plaque documenting the possession of the castle.

Today, some parts of the castle are open to the public from April to October. Visitors can walk or drive through the 14 gates up to the castle. Inside, the castle rooms are full of artifacts, paintings, weapons, and armor.

11. Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

The Tiger’s Nest was formally constructed in the 19th century, although it was used as a meditation cave since the 8th century. It is a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple that was built around a cave on a cliff above the Paro valley in Bhutan.

Today, the monastery is open to the public, and can be accessed by trekking the cliff it is built into. Visitors can view the beautiful paintings on textiles and the walls of the monastery.

12. Predjama Castle, Slovenia

The current Predjama Castle is actually the second castle to be built on the site. It was constructed in the 16th century and is a Renaissance castle built within the mouth of a cave in the village of Predjama, Slovenia. The castle was featured in the film ‘Armour of God,’ and was investigated for paranormal activity in an episode of ‘Ghost Hunters International.’

Today, the castle is a museum that is open to the public, and is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions. It takes approximately 35 minutes to walk to the caves from the nearest train station, so bring comfortable shoes!

Now that you’ve seen the best mountain castles in the world, you can add them to your bucket list, and start planning your next adventure!