A guide to fairytale escapes...
You know when you see a picture of a castle in some photo on social media and it hardly looks real? Well, they are real and we are about to tell you where you can find 10 of the most beautiful castles around the world. If you're wanting to go on a castle hopping tour and don't know whom to go with, start creating your adventure with JoinMyTrip and get like-minded TravelMates to join your expedition!
10. Château de Chambord, France
The French are known for their elaborate castles, and this one is no exception. Known for its distinct Renaissance design, this castle is located in the Loire Valley in central France. The French king Francois I built the castle as a 'hunting lodge'. Must be nice to be a king... 😉 His emblem was a salamander, and you can have some fun exploring the castle with your TravelMates trying to find all of the 800 salamanders roaming the castle walls...
A humble hunting lodge
9. Corfe Castle, England
This castle situated by the beautiful Dorset landscapes in England is perched on top of a hill in all its mighty glory. Although only ruins are left, this castle is especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise, overlooking the rolling hills. The ruins part may be explained by the fact that the castle was built in the 12th century for King Henry I, so it's been a hot minute... Don't forget to check out the Jurassic Coast, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. All this is best done, of course, alongside some like-minded TravelMates!
The Corfe Castle perched on a hill
8. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
You can tell that many modern-day fairytales are based around castles like this one. Neuschwanstein is known as the ultimate fairytale castle, located in Bavarian Germany. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria to honor Richard Wagner, the castle certainly leaves an impression. The castle can be accessed from the town of Füssen nearby.
In a land far, far away...
7. Pena Palace, Portugal
This colorful piece of art located in Portugal also deserves a spot on the list. Providing its viewers with a mix of different styles, including neo-Islamic, neo-Manueline, neo-Renaissance and neo-Gothic, this castle has really got it all. What's best, the castle is easily reached by train from Lisbon (about a 45-minute train ride)- so even if you have some extra time during a layover, you can tick this castle off your bucket list.
A close-up of the architecture of Pena Palace
6. Amber Fort, India
Built-in 1592, this marble and red sandstone building in northern India is a sight to behold. Combining Hindu and Mughal architecture, this place is a must-see for any art lovers. The castle is also the main tourist attraction in the area of Jaipur, so be prepared to see a few other people here!
The humongous Amber Fort
5. Dunrobin Castle, Scotland
Before traveling to Scotland, prepare yourself with these tips on how you can experience Scotland like a local. Once you've familiarized yourself with these hot 🔥 tips, head your way to the beautiful Dunrobin Castle. Located on the coast in Northern Scotland, the area that this castle is located in is simply jaw-dropping. Home to the Earls and later the Dukes of Sutherland, this palace is the definition of a royal family.
Umm, yes, please! 😍
4. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Since we're in Scotland already... this castle is also certainly worthy of a visit. Overlooking the beautiful medieval city of Edinburgh, the castle can basically be seen from every point in the city. Edinburgh is included in the top cities to visit in Europe (and worldwide). Are you a city hopper and want to discover other top cities to visit? Do that here.
Edinburgh Castle overlooking the Scottish capital
3. Himeji Castle, Japan
Okay, we've seen a lot of medieval European castles, but this one offers a slightly different vibe... Known as a fine example of Japanese castle architecture, this castle was constructed by Akamatsu Norimura, ruler of the Harima Province in 1333 when the castle was built. The castle is situated basically directly between the cities of Osaka and Okayama. Curious about traveling to Japan? Then see our Escape to Japan Travel Itinerary.
The gorgeous Himeji Castle
2. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
This castle is located right by the lakeside, and its massiveness reflected into the water is not a bad view at all. A 19th-century castle, this one can be considered relatively new. In the West of Ireland, this castle must make it to be a part of your Irish road trip! The contrast of the white castle against the rather barren Irish landscape is a vibe of its own kind.
Kylemore Abbey
1. Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany
Germany is the land of all castles, so we can't leave off with mentioning just one castle in this beautiful country... Luckily while visiting Neuschwanstein, you can hit two birds with one stone by also visiting Hohenschwangau nearby. Built-in the 19th century, the Bavarian Kings really knew how to pick a location with some views.
Not bad views!
Start your adventures with JoinMyTrip now by creating a trip (maybe to go castle hopping... 😉) or by joining one of our many planned trips to some pretty unique and amazing destinations!
