What does every fairytale have in common? A castle at its centerpiece. From Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk, every story seems to have its own iteration of a fortress. These stories are rooted in reality because at one time, Europe was divided into kingdoms, each punctuated by stunning palace complexes, beautiful castles or guarded strongholds in significant locations. While some royals still live in these mesmerizing structures, many of the oldest and most impressive castles remain relics of the past.
On your next European vacation, step into the pages of a fairytale while discovering structures that stand as living monuments to the past. From the rolling Scottish Highlands to the cultural shores of the Danube River, wherever you travel brings another chance to discover a region's past through its impressive castles. Here are eight of our favorites.
1. Urquhart Castle
With a picturesque setting on the shores of legendary Loch Ness and nearly 1,000 years of history, Urquhart Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in the Scottish Highlands. The fortress was built in the 13th century as one of the largest castles in Scotland, and its ruins remain perched in the original location, surrounded by forests and overlooking the water. You can climb the Grant Tower, look into what remains of the Great Hall and see the layout of an ancient prison cell. There is a collection of artifacts on the premises, including a working trebuchet, and incredible views at every angle.
Experience Urquhart Castle for yourself on our nine-day tour of Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands.
2. Edinburgh Castle
One of the oldest fortified structures in Europe and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle stands as an enduring symbol of ancient times. The fortress sits at the head of the Royal Mile on a hilltop overlooking the city, just as it has for nearly 1,000 years. It is remarkably preserved for its age, and a visit allows you to turn the pages of its history as you explore the castle inside and out, with points of interest including the Great Hall, the Lang Stairs, the Argyle Battery, St. Margaret's Chapel and more.
Witness grand architecture and beautiful city views while discovering Edinburgh Castle on a Grand Tour of the United Kingdom.
3. Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is another gem of the Scottish Highlands that sits on a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. The castle was built in the early 13th century as a point of defense against invading Vikings. The castle played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries, which eventually led to its ruin and abandonment for more than 200 years. Eilean Donan's reconstruction concluded in 1932, allowing you to explore the castle in its entirety and admire its coastal views from multiple floors and perspectives.
A multi-century wonder, Eilean Donan is a must-see when you embark on The Best of Scotland and Ireland tour.
4. Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle, famous for the iconic Blarney Stone, sits just outside Cork in southern Ireland. This fortress was built as a tower house in the 15th century, with a second tower added in the 1500s. Now sitting in partial ruins, Blarney Castle offers an amazing journey back in time as you look upon the kitchen, priest's room, great hall and dungeon. The grounds themselves are also awash with old-world ambiance, featuring walking paths and unique gardens, including the carnivorous courtyard and poison garden.
Uncover some of Ireland's most well-known ruins on our Signature Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle vacation.
5. Neuschwanstein Castle
Not many places have the designation of being so enchanting that it inspired Walt Disney himself; however, Bavaria's Neuschwanstein Castle did just that. This castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 1860s and was built on a rocky outcrop overlooking Germany's lush forests and Alps. Though the castle was never completed during the king's lifetime, it remains a symbol of Romanticism and is one of the world's most recognizable structures. Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle offers a fascinating glimpse at its contrasts, from its lavish throne room to its modern (for the time) technology, cleverly disguised as medieval features.
Marvel at the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle on our First Class Grand Alpine Explorer tour.
6. Chillon Castle
A highlight of any trip to the Swiss Riviera, Chillon Castle appears to be floating on Lake Geneva, thanks to its thoughtful construction on a small, rocky island near Veytaux. This 12th-century lakeside fortress was formerly occupied by the influential House of Savoy, and now, through careful archeology and restoration work, has become a patchwork quilt of the ages. Visitors can wander through its interior to explore its many rooms, including the weapons room, the cellar, the prison, and the great halls, and soak up remarkable views of the Alps and the lake.
Relish Chillon Castle's charms on our GoldenPass, Mont Blanc & Jungfrau Express rail vacation.
7. Buda Castle
Baroque splendor envelops you at Buda Castle, a 13th-century castle located in Budapest, Hungary, near the Danube River. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle sits high above the city on Castle Hill in a complex that includes a variety of alluring attractions, including Matthias Church. Stepping into the castle itself is like entering the pages of a storybook with a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with one of the most popular rooms being St. Stephen's Hall.
See for yourself on a luxurious river cruise vacation, The Classic Blue Danube Cruise.
8. The Alhambra
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most famous examples of Islamic architecture is located in Moorish Spain in the stunning city of Granada. The famous Alhambra was once the residence of Moorish leaders and sits on a plateau overlooking the city, with the Sierra Nevada mountains behind. Its name translates to the "Red Castle" in Arabic and was first mentioned in historic documents in the 9th century, making this castle one of the oldest on our list of Europe's most enchanting castles. Here, you can wander through a series of palaces with carved wooden ceilings, colorful mosaics and intricate plasterwork. Outside, fountains, gardens and sprawling views over Granada complement the atmospheric building.
Recount history dating to the ancient Moors on the Highlights of Spain & Portugal journey.
Europe's appeals span far and wide, and some of its most important - and long-lasting - mementos of the past can be found dotting the landscape: castles. At Vacations By Rail, our goal is to put wonder within reach and create memorable moments you treasure for years to come. Browse our catalog of escorted, independent and river cruise tours to Europe, and discover your perfect way to see fortresses you have only dreamed of.
