We all have an image of the ‘perfect fairytale castle’ ingrained in our minds, thanks to a lifetime of reading fairytales and watching Disney princess films.
Luckily, there are numerous castles around the world that seem as if they’ve been plucked straight from a fantasy. Luxury travel company Oliver’s Travels has identified which of the 75 most visited castles worldwide tick all the boxes for a fairytale castle.
According to their criteria, the perfect ‘fairytale castle’ must be situated in an elevated position, possess multiple turrets, tall and pointy turrets, a multi-layered roof, a non-symmetrical facade, an ornate gateway, and be located in a remote or unique location – with five European castles topping the list.
Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria
Dramatically perched on a 160-metre-high rock in Carinthia, Austria, Hochosterwitz Castle is the epitome of a fairytale castle. It’s rumoured to have been the inspiration for Disney’s Snow White castle, according to the Mirror, reports Birmingham Live.
Considered one of Austria’s most impressive medieval castles, Hochosterwitz features dramatic architecture with multiple towering turrets and winding fortified walls. The castle’s first recorded mention dates back to 860, and it has since faced numerous sieges, raids, and attacks.
In the 16th century, the Khevenhuller family purchased Hochosterwitz Castle and transformed it into the enchanting fairytale castle we see today. Since their modifications, the castle has remained largely unchanged and in the possession of the Khevenhuller lineage.
The nearest airport to Hochosterwitz Castle is Klagenfurt, which can be reached via a flight from London Heathrow.
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Situated high above the Swabian Jura mountain range in Germany, Hohenzollern Castle is renowned for its intricate designs, towering spires and sharp turrets.
Often dubbed as the ‘castle in the clouds’, its lofty position means it’s frequently shrouded by the misty aura of the Black Forest – a sight that truly solidifies its status as the ultimate fairytale castle.
Three castles have stood on the grounds of Hohenzollern Castle. The first, built during the Middle Ages, was destroyed in 1423 after a year-long siege. A second castle was then erected, only to be ruined in the 1700s due to damage sustained during the Thirty Years’ War and the War of the Austrian Succession.
The third and current castle was commissioned by Crown Prince Frederick William IV of Prussia, who hired architect Friedrich August Stuler to design the magnificent palace.
The castle that currently occupies the site, although severely damaged on 3 September 1978 due to an earthquake causing several of its turrets to collapse, is Hohenzollern. The castle, now privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern, underwent repairs until the mid-90s.
Stuttgart is the closest airport to Hohenzollern, and a brief train journey from the city will take you to the castle.
Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
Located along Germany’s ‘Fairytale Route’, Lichtenstein Castle was transformed into the breathtaking Gothic palace we see today when Count Wilhelm von Urach purchased the ruins of a medieval castle. Following the Revolution of 1848, he was elevated to Duke status.
The modern castle, whose construction began in 1842, showcases pointed arches, slender spires, and intricate detailing typical of a fairytale castle. Its dramatic and precarious location further enhances its storybook feel.
Prince Wilhelm Albert, a descendant of Duke Wilhelm von Urach, currently owns the stunning castle.
Leipzig, Dresden, and Prague are the closest airports to Lichtenstein Castle.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint-Michel, nestled on a rocky island off the Normandy coast, is a quintessential fairytale castle. Surrounded by expansive tidal flats, it exudes an aura of magic and mystery when the sea encircles it during high tide. It is rumoured to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Tangled Castle.
The story of Mont Saint-Michel began in 708 when Saint Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, was visited by the Archangel Michael in a dream, who asked him to construct a sanctuary on the island in his honour.
Over time, the castle has transformed and served various functions. Initially a monastery, it was fortified during The Hundred Years’ War to protect against English invasions. After the French Revolution, the island became a prison, often referred to as the ‘Bastille of the Seas’.
Mont Saint-Michel, remarkably, survived the Second World War largely unscathed and has since transformed into a popular tourist destination. In 1979, UNESCO recognised it as a World Heritage site.
The nearest airport to Mont Saint-Michel is in Rennes.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, believed to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, draws over 1.4 million visitors each year due to its enchanting features. It dramatically perches on a rugged hill overlooking Alpsee Lake, appearing as if it has sprung directly from a fairytale.
King Ludwig II, historically known as ‘the fairytale king’ or ‘the mad king’, commissioned Neuschwanstein Castle. Its design was influenced by Wartburg Castle in Eisenach and Chateau de Pierrefonds in France, as well as the operas of Robert Wagner.
After King Ludwig’s death in 1886, construction of the castle ceased and it was opened to the public just seven weeks later.
Neuschwanstein Castle’s nearest airport is Memmingen. The castle can also be reached from Munich.