19 Fairytale Castles to Stay in Europe + Map | 2025 Edition

Take a magical vacation in one of our hand-picked fairytale castle hotels. Our travel expert has found the TOP choices, tucked away in some of Europe’s most beautiful spots, so you can choose your favorite for 2025 and book today!

Looking for fairytale castles in Europe to stay? I’ve got you!

I’m an avid solo traveler and lover of all things fairytale, so I’ve traveled all over Europe to compile this awesome list of fairytale castles where you can spend a magical vacation. 

I’ve also included many castle hotels that most people don’t know about! I ADORE hidden gems, so all of these hotels are incredible. Trust the expert!

I’ve split them into countries to make your search super easy – we’ll look at Germany, Italy, UK, Austria, and the Netherlands. 

Here’s a map of all the top castle hotels in Europe, so you can see what’s where!

1. Fairytale castles to stay in Germany

Germany is the TOP destination for fairytale accommodation, and it’s known as the Land of Castles and Palaces! 

My favorite pastime in Germany is city breaks, but there are some absolutely incredible castles I can’t believe I didn’t know about – here are all the best ones from my travels!

1.1 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!

I went to Neuhausen with my parents a couple of years ago – it was the ideal place to go to avoid all the tourists, and it’s full of hidden gems. We went on a hike there and it was SO beautiful, although I was pretty unfit at the time, but I still loved 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

1.2 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! We didn’t head down to the falconry as we didn’t have time, but would definitely see it next time.

One of the more unexpected highlights of our trip to Burg Rabenstein was how quiet it was at night. It was a totally welcome change from the hustle and bustle of life, and it felt so serene.

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 accommodation 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

1.3 Schloss Waldeck, Edersee – for tranquility and nature lovers

This 11th century, 4-star castle retreat on a hill has the most stunning panoramic views across the Edersee Dam in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, and it’s surrounded by gorgeous natural parks.

Hiking around and seeing the castle up above was TOTALLY worth the trek we did on the second day of our weekend visit. 

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!

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

1.4 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. 

Speaking of sherry, we went wine tasting in Oberwesel the day before we arrived at the hotel – highly recommend it to appreciate those Medieval vibes! 

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. 

I lived in Italy for almost 3 years, so I spent a lot of time searching for romantic getaways – these are my personal favorites!

2.1 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!

We visited in 2022 and rented a car from Milan (we used Rentalcars, it was the cheapest option) as it was the easiest way to get there! The drive was less than 5 hours and we drove through Modena and San Marino for the BEST road trip views and experiences. It was SO much fun!

Nearest airport: Perugia Airport

2.2 Castello Orsini, Nerola – for 5-star luxury

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, cooking classes, olive oil tastings, and 24-hour room service just in case you want to lounge in style. 

I originally chose this place because I wanted to go to Rome afterwards (I hadn’t been for years, it was time for a visit) but we actually ended up extending our stay to do one of their olive oil tastings instead of heading to the city. No regrets!

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

2.3 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!

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. 

I loved this place so much that I sent my parents here on a surprise trip, and my mum was absolutely obsessed (with good reason). She’s usually super picky, but no complaints here! It was honestly one of the top places I’ve ever stayed. 

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!

Something cool about this place is that it’s an ancient monastery from the 10th century! 

Nearest airport: Florence Airport Peretola

2.4 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. 

We go to the Dolomites almost every year for skiing, but it’s just as beautiful in the summertime.

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 near Milan for almost 3 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!

I was brought up in the UK, and I’ve always loved how green it is. These castles are nestled deep in the English countryside, so you’ll get to see all the beauty of England, far away from the madness of London. 

3.1 Hever Castle – 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 (with all the modern comforts you need), the castle grounds are absolutely stunning and it’s the perfect getaway for history buffs with a love of Tudor England!

I first visited Hever many years ago, and I happened to be reading a Philippa Gregory novel at the time! I highly recommend her books, so you can go to Hever with your novel and see what all the fuss is about! You can find them here.

The best way to get there is by train from central London. 

Nearest airport: Gatwick Airport

3.2 Thornbury Castle – for 4-poster beds

Thornbury Castle in south Gloucestershire, England is arguably the TOP rated fairytale castle hotel 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. 

I lived in Gloucestershire for the first 10 years of my life, and have such incredible memories of the landscape. 

Thornbury was frequently on our weekend to-do list, and trying my hand at archery in the castle gardens definitely felt like channeling my inner royal for a few glorious (and slightly clumsy) moments!

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 (yes please) 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

3.3 Langley Castle – 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. 

My personal favorite activity was afternoon tea in the castle drawing room. It feels SO grand!

PRO TIP: Use this opportunity to take a day trip across the border into Scotland! 

Nearest airport: Newcastle Airport

3.4 Peckforton Castle – 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 there! 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!

My personal favorite place to visit in Austria is Tirol, it’s so beautiful. Luckily, there’s a beautiful castle in Tirol on this list below!

4.1 Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna – for a splurge

Officially run by the Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn nearby, the Schloss Schönbrunn Suite is a luxury stay, and one sure to make you feel like royalty!

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. Take a look at some of the best hotels for Christmas markets in Vienna 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

4.2 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 go back again, 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

4.3 Schloss Matzen – 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 remote work tips will have you flying!

Nearest airport: Innsbruck Airport

4.4 Burg Bernstein – 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. 

Trying to navigate the castle after a few glasses of local wine at dinner? Let’s just say my sense of direction took a decidedly medieval turn. Thankfully, the thick stone walls were quite forgiving for a clumsy stumble or two!

Nearest airport: Vienna Airport

5. Fairytale castles to stay in the Netherlands

As well as being the land of tulips, architectural waterways, and museums, the Netherlands has over 700 castles! I recently came back from another amazing trip to the Netherlands (around Maastricht, Roermond, and Eindhoven) and fell in love with it even more. 

5.1 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. Just beware of people walking, I’m so clumsy on a bike so I had a few embarrassing falls!

Nearest airport: Schiphol Airport

5.2 Château St Gerlach – for celebrity treatment in Limburg

If you love a glass of champagne upon arrival and the chance to eat like a king at an on-site restaurant, Château St Gerlach near Maastricht is absolutely stunning.

The pool and sauna will astound you (for real, everything about this place is sooo relaxing) and there’s a lush garden to go for romantic strolls. 

Hidden in the hills of Limburg, Valkenburg isn’t far from major cities like Aachen and Liège, so you can even go across the border for a city day trip!

Having just come back from a trip to Limburg, I can honestly say it’s my favorite area in the Netherlands! My Dutch friend Viviane lives in Roermond, and she drove me around some of the beautiful surrounding areas (thanks Viv!) to show me the real Limburg. It was amazing!

PRO TIP: Rent bikes from the hotel lobby! It’s SO much fun and allows you to explore the surrounding countryside like a real Dutch person!

Nearest airport: Maastricht-Aachen Airport

5.3 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