Lesser Known Castles of Europe You Need to Visit

When you think of visiting Europe and the best sights there, some castles are going to be in the mix. Europe and castles just go hand in hand and it’s hard to have a vacation to the continent without at least glimpsing one. The best castles in Europe, places like Neuschwanstein in Germany or the Alcazar of Segovia in Spain, are easily recognisable in this day and age. What people may not realise is that there are plenty of other Europe castles found in countries that aren’t Germany, France, the UK and Spain.

I’ve made no secret of how fond I am for castles writing this blog and they regularly feature in my articles. Through my journeys to lesser-seen parts of Europe, I’ve come across some spellbinding castles. But they’re also ones that people are less likely to have heard of, simply because they’re not necessarily on the well-trodden tourist route of Western Europe.

A full list of unusual castles of Europe would get too crazy long, so I thought I’d just shortlist some of the best castles that you need to know about.

1. Peles Castle, Romania

In terms of captivating beauty, you’d be hard-pressed to find a prettier castle than Peles Castle. A great day trip from Brasov, Peles Castle was built as a summer residence in 1883 for the Romanian king Carol I.

If you’re thinking that this castle looks kind of Germanic, that’s because King Carol I wanted the design to be inspired by German hunting lodges. Even as classic as the exterior of Peles Castle looks, wait until you see the castle interior and the endless finely crafted woodwork that went into it.

2. Malbork Castle, Poland

Ever wondered what the largest castle in the world was in terms of area? Well the answer is Malbork Castle in northern Poland and boy is it incredible. A UNESCO world heritage landmark, Malbork Castle is made up of several buildings held behind high brick fortifications.

Constructed in the 13th century for the Teutonic Knights, the castle has been lucky to survive many wars, especially WWII. Touring through the different parts of the castle can take much of your day so allow plenty of time to see this wonder of Europe.

3. Trakai Castle, Lithuania

Castles on their own are pretty cool, but surely castles on islands are even cooler right? Trakai Island Castle makes a superb case for the latter, sitting out on an island in Lake Galve in Lithuania. While it may have needed restoration in the 20th century, Trakai Island Castle was once at the centre of one of Lithuania’s most important cities.

Dating from the 14th century, there’s a lot of fascinating history wrapped up in these stone and brick walls. There’s a reason why the Trakai day trip is one of the most common things to do when visiting Lithuania after all.

4. Cesis Castle, Latvia

Have you ever visited a castle ruin by candlelight? If not, then a trip to Cesis Castle is in order next time you travel to Latvia. This large and well-preserved medieval ruin still has some parts inside that you can walk through guided by the faint light of a handheld lantern.

Used by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, this classic castle was greatly involved in the introduction of Christianity to medieval Latvia. With its atmosphere, history and romantic figure, it’s no wonder that the castle is one of the most important heritage sites when visiting not only the town of Cesis but all of Latvia.

5. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia

Slovakia may rapidly rise up your bucket list when you start seeing photos of Bojnice Castle, one of the many places in central Europe that look like a fairytale. While its current incredible look owes to a redesign in the 16th century, there has been a castle here in this small town since the 11th century.

For centuries it was owned by local nobles but since the government took control after WWII it has been run as a museum and wedding venue. Yes, you can have a fairytale castle wedding here inside this magical castle’s Golden Hall!

6. Loket Castle, Czech Republic

A true favourite castle of mine, you may recognise Loket Castle above. Why? Because it’s the same castle seen at the top of every page on this blog! Sitting along a tight river bend in the forests of northern Bohemia in the Czech Republic, Loket Castle is a wonder to behold.

Even among the many great Czech castles, it’s the one that best fits that romantic idea of a quintessential castle. Besides its striking outline, there’s plenty of fun legends that revolve around it from dragons to meteorites to goblins. Oh and you’ll have it to yourself, as other travellers don’t seem to know about it yet.

7. Bled Castle, Slovenia

Perhaps the most obvious inclusion on this list, Bled Castle still blows me away each time I see it. Lake Bled has become insanely popular with travellers to Slovenia and yet that hasn’t ruined the castle for me. Resting atop a cliff over magical Lake Bled, I can’t think of better surroundings for a medieval castle.

The Alps in the distance, the lake below and forest everywhere else, all equal perfection. Inside this castle from the Middle Ages you can learn about the region’s history and get equally spellbinding views of Lake Bled below. You could argue it’s more style than substance, but is that so bad?

8. Tsarevets Fortress, Bulgaria

Even though it’s now more of a fortress, Tsarevets in the city of Veliko Tarnovo deserves a mention here. While visiting Veliko Tarnovo in central Bulgaria there’s no way you can miss this huge stronghold. That’s because the long winding walls of Tsarevets seem to go forever across the hillside.

Once the heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire, the castle keep is now in ruins but parts of Tsarevets still stand. After crossing the great long causeway into the fortress, you can walk the walls or visit its decidedly modern cathedral. There are plenty of stories here too, from the origins of Execution Rock to Baldwin’s Tower, where Emperor Baldwin I of Constantinople was held prisoner.

9. Aggstein Ruins, Austria

Much like you’d expect to see castles in Germany, the same goes for Austria, with plenty scattered around the country. Interestingly, I’ve yet to see many of Austria’s castles. But one that has stuck with me, and one of the main sights of the Wachau Valley, is the ruins of Aggstein Castle.

Precariously perched on a rocky outcrop over the Danube River, these castle ruins are quite the sight. Home to several robber barons before it came into royal hands, the castle has had quite a history since being built in the 12th century. Mostly fortifications are left now but the castles and the views of the Danube below are well worth the short trip.

10. Corvin Castle, Romania

If you’re looking for a castle that looks straight out of Harry Potter, then Corvin Castle in Romania is for you. This beautiful Gothic castle is one hell of a sight thanks to its elevated wooden bridge and many pointed towers. Dating from the 15th century, this Transylvania Castle has more than just looks on its side. Besides being an important player in the history of Romania and Hungary, it also has stories to it, like that of the prisoners who dug the castle well.

11. Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein

Even one of Europe’s smallest countries, Liechtenstein, has a fantastic castle to offer visitors with Vaduz Castle. Resting above the little capital city of Vaduz in this little country, this medieval castle is deeply significant to Liechtenstein.

That’s because this is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and the royal family that rules this country between Austria and Switzerland. Being an active royal residence you can’t wander inside, unfortunately.  However, whether you see Vaduz Castle from outside the gate or down in town, it’s undeniably magnificent.

12. Turaida Castle, Latvia

While it was tough to pick where of the castles in Sigulda to include here, Turaida Castle deserves its selection. Found in the forests of the Sigulda Valley, this medieval brick castle stands out from the trees like a beacon. That’s only thanks to efforts to restore the castle after years of neglect.

Together with other local castles, Turaida Castle gave the Livonian Brothers of the Sword control of the region from 1214 onwards. Besides learning about the restoration of the castle here and seeing the view, there’s more heritage to be found in the nearby grounds. For the best view though, head across the valley to see the castle poke out from the forest.

13. Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark

Travel around Denmark and you’ll find plenty of residences for the Danish royal family, but Frederiksborg Castle may be the most charming. Positioned across small islets on a lake surrounded by gardens and hunting grounds, there’s no question why they chose this spot.

Designed in an elaborate Renaissance style, this spacious castle was built as a royal residence for King Christian IV in the 17th century. Up close the castle details become even more enchanting, not to mention rooms like the Chapel and Great Hall. No longer an active residence, the castle is now a museum that you’re not going to want to miss.

14. Guimaraes Castle, Portugal

Portugal is a bit of a dark horse when comes to European castles. The country is home to surprisingly many castles and palaces, and while Pena Palace in Sintra is the most famed, Guimaraes Castle is not to be overlooked. Found in a park in the northern city of Guimaraes, this castle trades regal elegance for strategic efficiency.

Classic crenellated stone walls circle the medieval keep that was built to defend a nearby monastery during the turbulent 10th century. Given its importance to Guimaraes, a city with the nickname the “Cradle of Portugal”, it’s hard to think of a more meaningful Portuguese castle to visit.

15. Karlstejn Castle, Czech Republic

As important as Prague is to the modern Czech Republic, Karlštejn Castle was once just as important. For two hundred years, the Bohemian crown jewels were kept in this castle for safekeeping. Built for Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, this castle has rubbed shoulders with some of Europe’s most important upper class.

Through war and changing architectural tastes, Karlštejn Castle was renovated over and over, finally leaving it with its moody gothic form seen above. Overshadowing the nearby village, you’ll want to walk on up to see the halls and chapels inside.

Which of these unusual castles of Europe have you been to or heard of? What other Europe castles do you think people overlook and deserve more love? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.