19 Fairytale castles to stay in Europe | 5 countries +map!
Take a magical vacation in one of our hand-picked fairytale castles. Tucked away in some of Europe’s most hidden spots, your perfect getaway awaits.
Looking for fairytale castles to stay in Europe? I’ve got you!
I’m an avid solo traveler and lover of all things fairytale, so I’ve compiled this awesome list of fairytale castles where you can spend a magical vacation.
I’ve split them into countries to make your search super easy – we’ll look at Germany, Italy, the UK, Austria, and the Netherlands. Click the links to slide straight down to one!
My favorite castle in Europe is Castello di Spaltenna in Chianti, Italy! I lived in Italy for 2.5 years so this was my all-time favorite castle for a romantic break ❣️
Here’s a rundown of the BEST castles to stay in Europe cherry-picked from the list below:
For hiking & outdoorsy people in Germany – Schloss Purschenstein
For a spa retreat in Italy – Castello di Spaltenna
Best spot for a honeymoon in Italy – Castel Pergine
Top castle for families in the UK – Peckforton Castle
For nature lovers in Austria – Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee
Where to go for wine lovers in Austria – Burg Bernstein
Best castle for a city break in the Netherlands – Kasteel Oud Poelgeest
1. Fairytale castles to stay in Germany
Germany is the TOP destination for fairytale castles, and it’s known as the Land of Castles and Palaces!
Schloss Purschenstein, Neuhausen – for hiking
Schloss Purschenstein is located in the Neuhausen region, and it’s one of my favorite fairytale castles for its gorgeous turrets, traditional furnishings, and romantic vibe!
Purschenstein is just a short drive to Seiffen, which is famed for its Christmas markets!
If you enjoy country walks and hiking, Schloss Purschenstein is perfect for you. This trail from the castle to the Rauschenbach Dam is STUNNING! I’m not an avid hiker, but I still absolutely loved this trail when I did it.
PRO TIP: Ask the reception for the Erzgebirge guest card for discounts across many places in the area + free public transport!
Nearest airport: Memmingen Airport
Burg Rabenstein, Ahorntal – for foodies
Love a good breakfast spread? Burg Rabenstein in the Ailsbachtal Valley is the place for you! People RAVE about the food here, and there are 2 restaurants serving traditional Franconian cuisine.
They also have a falconry, so it’s an excellent option for families as there are regular shows!
They even have an on-site cave (Sophienhöhle, or Sophie’s Cave), one of the most beautiful stalactite caves in Germany. So plenty to see and keep the gang happy!
PRO TIP: Ask for a room with a view of the valley, I promise you it will make the whole experience even more magical! Waking up to this view was amazing for my husband and I when we visited Burg Rabenstein.
Nearest airport: Nuremberg Airport
Schloss Waldeck, Edersee – for tranquility and nature lovers
This 11th century, 4-star castle retreat on a hill has the most stunning views across the Edersee Dam in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, and it’s surrounded by gorgeous natural parks so you can walk and explore wherever you please.
There’s a museum you can tour as well as a wellness center, and there’s a Wild Animal Park nearby so it’s great for families as well!
You can even go sailing here! Ask the hotel staff and they’ll help you organize it.
PRO TIP: Check the dates of your stay to ensure that the dam is full during that time. The experience is so much more magical when it’s full!
Nearest airport: Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport
Schönburg Castle hotel, Oberwesel – for romance
Located in Oberwesel along the Rhine River, Schönburg is a haven for cultural enthusiasts, history lovers, nature lovers, hikers, and couples looking for a charming romantic retreat.
Some of the rooms here have balconies looking over the river, and you can organize a private romantic breakfast just the 2 of you!
The windows are traditional arrow slits, so you’ll get a real sense of days gone by during your stay here. There’s even a magical garden with summer houses, a library, and a complimentary glass of welcome sherry to start your trip off right.
The Burghotel Auf Schönburg is one of the oldest castles in Europe, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
NOTE: There are steep steps around the castle and most of the area is cobbled, so put your heels away and get your sensible shoes out!
Nearest airport: Hahn Airport
2. Fairytale castles to stay in Italy
Italy’s famed fairytale castle hotels are perfect for those looking for a romantic retreat and 5* luxury! Less formidable than those in Germany but no less beautiful, honeymooners abound in these castellos.
Castello di Reschio, Umbria – for a private rural retreat
An ancient castle estate in the wild Umbrian countryside awaits! You can rent out an entire farmhouse for yourself on the estate and they all have private swimming pools for the most tranquil stay.
Just a couple of hours from Florence, this fairytale castle has been around for centuries – around 1,000 years!
Serving farm-to-table Umbrian cuisine and complete with a spa, hammam, tennis courts, and equestrian stables, you’ll have the MOST magical vacation here – you won’t want to leave!
Nearest airport: Perugia Airport
Castello Orsini, Nerola – for 5-star luxury
Located just one hour’s drive from the city of Rome in Nerola, you’ll die for this hotel!
There’s an open-air, panoramic swimming pool with stunning views, opportunities to take cooking classes, olive oil tastings, and 24-hour room service just in case you want to lounge in style.
You can choose to stay in an 18th century villa, inside the castle walls, the stables, or the main fortress – whatever you choose, the period features will have you stepping into the shoes of Italian princes.
NOTE: Pets are sadly not allowed at this castle hotel
Nearest airport: Rome International Airport
Castello di Spaltenna, Gaiole in Chianti – for a spa getaway
An infinity pool (AND a heated one for the winter), a sun terrace, a waterfall, Turkish bath, and wine tastings – you’ll be so relaxed at Castello di Spaltenna you won’t want to leave!
The location is unbeatable! This is my all-time favorite castle hotel since I lived in Italy for 2 years and had the pleasure of exploring so many of these gems. My husband and I went a few weeks after our honeymoon, and it was SO romantic!!
Located in Italy’s Chianti region, just an hour’s drive from the hills of Tuscany, this gorgeous castle hotel combines elegance and simplicity with michelin-starred style.
The wellness center is perfect for couples who want to enjoy a honeymoon together – there are even ice showers to stave off that summer heat in their world class spa. Seriously incredible facilities!
“Whatever I write will not do it justice – just go and sample for yourself!
Nearest airport: Florence Airport Peretola
Castel Pergine, Trentino – for a honeymoon
Deep in the heart of the Dolomites, Castel Pergine offers bike rentals to explore the surrounding countryside and the gorgeous cycle path of Valsugana!
If guests want to plan day trips, Castel Pergine isn’t too far from Trento, Venice, and Verona – all romantic cities that honeymooners rave about!
An ideal spot for avid hikers, wine lovers, and proper Italian food, the rustic nature of this castle hotel will stop your heart.
PRO TIP: Trentino isn’t too far from Milan, so don’t forget to do a day trip! If you’re a food and wine lover like me, you’ll love our list of the best food tours in Milan – I’ve even included a list of the best markets. I lived in Milan for over 2 years, so I’m an expert, trust me!
Nearest airport: Bolzano Airport
3. Fairytale castles to stay in the UK
England is THE place to go for huge, historical fortresses and a glimpse of Tudor kings and queens. Bring an umbrella!
Hever Castle, Kent – for British history buffs
Located near Tunbridge Wells between West Sussex and London, Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and has since housed many important British figures.
Now, you can stay in the estate! It’s a 5-star experience and you’ll get free access to the castle and gardens during your stay.
While the main hotel is housed in the external bed & breakfast wing, the castle grounds are absolutely stunning and it’s the perfect getaway for history buffs with a love of Tudor England!
The best way to get there is by train from central London – book your trains here!
Nearest airport: Gatwick Airport
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire – for 4-poster beds
Thornbury Castle in south Gloucestershire, England is arguably the TOP rated fairytale castle to stay on this list.
Another popular Tudor castle-turned-hotel, you’ll be treated like royalty here. Every room is themed for a different member of the royal family.
Thornbury is surrounded by a classic Medieval moat. Many Tudor documentaries were filmed here, and with good reason!
Upon arrival you’ll even be given free gin and biscuits to satiate you after your travels. And an antique four poster bed to rest your head on after all that gin!
Don’t forget to get a massage while you’re there!
Want to find more unusual hidden gems in the UK? Check out our post on the 13 most unusual spots to visit (+ hotels!)
Nearest airport: Bristol Airport
Langley Castle, Northumberland – for a trip to the wild English north
It’s no wonder Langley Castle won the award for small hotel of the year in 2022!
Langley Castle, with its history of over eight centuries, has the most picture perfect views over the Northumbrian Valley. During your stay, you’ll have full access to the 12 acres of surrounding woodland.
Hadrian’s Wall, the famed Roman frontier, is set just 5 miles from Langley Castle, so if you’re interested in experiencing more of Northumberland’s rural charm and culture then I suggest you make time for a trip!
The rooms are styled with its medieval history in mind, with exposed brick walls and balcony seats overlooking the turrets.
PRO TIP: Use this opportunity to take a day trip across the border into Scotland!
Nearest airport: Newcastle Airport
Peckforton Castle, Cheshire – for families
Deep in the heart of Cheshire you’ll find Peckforton Castle, an enchanting castle with an intriguing history.
This castle hotel in the UK is pretty remote, so I recommend hiring a car to get here (best prices here). There is a wine cellar for the adults and plenty of rooms for the kids to explore.
Here’s a quick list of all the activities on offer at Peckforton castle:
- Archery
- Treasure hunts
- Duck herding
- Trebuchet building
- Bushcraft
- Chocolate challenges
- Abseiling
- Ax throwing
- Lawn games
- Landrover offroading
Peckforton Castle isn’t far from where I live now, so I had the pleasure of visiting with my cousin a few months back. So much fun, and so many things to do, so we’ll definitely be back!
Nearest airport: Manchester Airport
4. Fairytale castles to stay in Austria
It may not be common knowledge, but Austria is full of gorgeous castles. From huge palaces to hidden-away châteaus, you’ll find it all here. Plus, Austria can be cheaper than other countries (depending on where you go), so it’s great for those on a budget!
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna – for a splurge
The suite is super exclusive, and the views are unbeatable – it’s worth the fancy price tag, I promise 💰
You’ll have 167m² all to yourself, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and ultimate privacy, all in the East Wing of the Schönbrunn Palace.
This castle is also a fantastic place to stay for Christmas, as Vienna hosts some of the most incredible Christmas markets in the region. Have a look at some of them here!
The rest of the hotel is an 11-minute walk from the suite, so you can choose to stay there if you prefer to save your cash for something less glittery. You can book a cheaper stay here!
PRO TIP: Planning a romantic trip to pop the question? This might be the place for you!
Nearest airport: Vienna Airport
Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee, Tirol – for nature lovers
A haven for winter ski lovers and remote mountain getaways, Tirol is hiding something – the most eerily beautiful, fairytale castle you’ll ever see. It sits on Lake Fernstein nestled into the mountainside.
My family and I often travel to Tirol for skiing, so I can’t believe I missed it! Once we found it, we swore we’d return, it’s SUCH a stunning place to go, so I highly recommend you follow in our footsteps and book a suite!
It comes as no surprise that King Ludwig II of Bavaria had a real love affair with Fernstein! Known for his love of romantic nature spots and fairytale castles, he stayed in Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee many times!
Voted the most beautiful place in Tyrol in 2022, the lake’s majestic views can be enjoyed right from your room on the hill.
The best part? There are SO many hidden quirks to discover! We loved renting a boat from the marina below the hotel, it just made the whole experience so special.
PS: Boat rentals are best bought directly at the kiosk at the lake. Bear in mind they’re only open from April to November!
Nearest airport: Innsbruck Airport
Schloss Matzen, Tirol – for historical romance
A 1,000 year old castle also located in Tirol, Schloss Matzen is perfect for couples looking for an off-the-beaten-track stay.
The ancient fortress has been fully renovated, but the historical ambience has been sustained, so you’ll definitely feel the vibes from hundreds of years of history.
I highly recommend taking a tour of the castle – the chapel and the library are absolutely stunning.
NOTE: If you’re on a working vacation, bear in mind that the Wi-Fi in this place is pretty bad. If you really need internet, consider getting a cheap international SIM card with Airalo, they’re the best!
Need some hacks for working remotely? These 27 tips will have you flying!
Nearest airport: Innsbruck Airport
Burg Bernstein, Burgenland – for a family-run stay
Hardly anyone knows Burg Bernstein exists, so jump on it before all the other tourists find out!
Lovingly renovated and full of gorgeous antiques, this property is a haven for a quiet night stay. They don’t even have TVs on-site, so you can really focus on the experience.
The rooms are gorgeous, and the surrounding gardens are full of secret pathways, climbing ivy, wildflowers, and hidden picnic spots with a moat. Get ready to relive your childhood!
As if that wasn’t enough, they also have an in-house winery, where you can taste some of the most incredible wines, with each one representing a new discovery of the family who still runs the estate today.
Nearest airport: Vienna Airport
5. Fairytale castles to stay in the Netherlands
As well as being the land of tulips and museums, the Netherlands has over 700 castles!
Kasteel Oud Poelgeest, Leiden – for a city break
You might get some Red Riding Hood vibes here at Kasteel Oud Poelgeest, located in a lush forest and surrounded by rippling streams, ponds, and pathways. Sigh.
Getting here is so easy, especially compared to some of the other castle hotels on this list. It’s so close to central Leiden, just grab a taxi from the town center!
Leiden, home to the oldest university in the Netherlands and 13 incredible museums, is a fantastic place to stay for those yearning for culture! #CityOfDiscoveries
PRO TIP: I recommend renting bikes from the hotel reception! It’s so fun to get around this way, and you’ll be able to see so much more.
Nearest airport: Schiphol Airport
Château Wittem, Limburg – for a Michelin starred restaurant
If you love a glass of champagne upon arrival and the chance to eat like a king at an on-site restaurant, Château Wittem on the southern border of the Netherlands is a fantastic choice.
This castle-turned-boutique hotel features rooms named after iconic Dutch individuals and you can explore the lush grounds as much as you’d like.
Hidden in the hills of Limburg, Wittem isn’t far from major cities like Aachen and Liège, so you can even go across the border for a city day trip!
PRO TIP: Even if you’re not planning on staying a night here, I highly recommend giving the restaurant a try if you’re in the area. You can book a table directly on the website!
Nearest airport: Maastricht-Aachen Airport
Kasteel Engelenburg – for golf aficionados
Last but definitely not least, the 4-star Kasteel Engelenburg, just a short drive from the historic village of Bronkhorst, is a lovely manor hotel.
The area is perfect for couples – fancy a romantic ferry ride? Maybe a sumptuous dinner or a stroll through the stunning grounds? You can have it all here!
Bronkhorst is probably the cutest, most peaceful town ever – and it’s known as the smallest village in the country! Check out this awesome guide for more info on what to do in this adorable place!
The best thing about this wonderful place is the luxury packages they offer! You can choose between the following:
- Mini vacation
- Romantic package
- Cycling package
- Easter package
- 3 for 2 Winter deal
- Summer golf package
- Castle package
It’s a fab spot for a business trip, too!
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Airport
FAQs about fairytale castles to stay in Europe
🏨 Can I stay overnight in a castle in Europe?
Yes! Staying overnight in a castle in Europe is the perfect vacation, and there are so many options to choose from. If you’re looking for castles in Europe you can rent out or sleep in overnight, choose one from this list!
🧚🏼♀️ Where is the fairytale castle in Germany?
The most famous fairytale castle in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, but unfortunately, you can’t stay there overnight. However, it’s well worth a trip since it’s arguably the most beautiful castle in the world! I recommend flying into Munich and taking a tour from there – see more info here!
💒 Which is the best fairytale castle in Germany for a wedding?
Neuschwanstein Castle is an amazing castle for a wedding! You aren’t allowed to have the ceremony on the grounds itself, but they do offer options with the castle in the background which is equally amazing. Alternatively, check out Burg Rheinstein!
🏰 What country has the prettiest castles?
Germany has the prettiest castles if you’re looking for a fairytale adventure. Known as the Land of Castles and Palaces, there are so many gorgeous castles to explore!
🇫🇷 What is the most beautiful castle hotel in France?
The most beautiful castle hotel in France is definitely Château de la Treyne in Occitane.
🇵🇹 What is the most beautiful castle hotel in Portugal to visit?
Pousada de Óbidos Castelo, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, is an absolute gem. You’ll have the MOST dreamy stay at this hotel!
Conclusion
Now you have the ULTIMATE list of castles to stay in Europe, you’re all set! Which one will you choose?
To be honest, my all-time favorite is still Castello di Spaltenna in Italy. It’s off the beaten track a bit and most people have no idea it exists, making it the perfect romantic getaway!
Don’t forget to leave me a comment if you want more advice on castle hotels in Europe!
Ciao for now,
Lizzie
