Whether the home of Count Dracula, the summer residence of the so-called Sun King Louis XIV or the place where the world-famous Empress Sisi lived in her time - there are many legends and sagas surrounding the castles and fortresses of Europe , which make them particularly fascinating. Pompous halls, elaborately decorated ceilings and ancient paintings are just waiting to be discovered by you. We have selected the most beautiful castles and palaces in Europe, where you can immerse yourself in history for a day and forget about everyday life.

Schönbrunn Palace in Austria

We start with a palace that most Austrians have probably visited at least once: the Schönbrunn Palace. In the days of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Schönbrunn was the palace where Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph I lived at least part of the time. Today, the magnificent building with its impressive garden is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top sights on a trip to Vienna. Visitors can get an authentic impression of how the Habsburgs once lived in the original state rooms with their ornate ceilings, large murals and golden details. On a visit to the castle Schönbrunn, one should definitely also plan enough time to have a look at the garden complex and the oldest zoo of the world that is also located on the premises. For those who haven't had enough of the enchanting palaces, the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere is the perfect accommodation: the hotel is not only a direct neighbour of the Belvedere Palace, but from the rooms you also have an outstanding view over the baroque building and its large gardens.

Andaz Vienna am Belvedere
hyatt.com/en-DE/hotel/austria/andaz-vienna-am-belvedere/vieaz
Arsenalstrasse 10, Vienna, Austria, 1100
+43 1 205 7744 1234

Bran Castle, Romania

Deep in the former Transylvania in Romania, the legendary Bran Castle is enthroned on a rock, which lies between rolling hills and dense forests. Not only when the fog settles around the castle in the cold season, a creepy atmosphere prevails there, because Bran Castle is considered the Dracula Castle, which served as a model for Bram Stoker in his famous novel about the bloodsucking vampire Count Dracula. Whether the Wallachian prince Vlad III Drăculea, also known as "Vlad the Impaler", who served as the historical model, really ever lived in this castle, however, is not proven. Nevertheless, the castle is well worth seeing, as it towers over the landscape and, with its historic furniture and other furnishings, gives an impression of the time when Bran Castle was home to a ruler.

Atrium Panoramic Hotel & Spa
atriumhotels.ro/atrium-hotel-panoramic-despre-noi/
Strada Trei Brazi No. 20
+40 751 078 733

Alhambra, Spain

Filigree vaults and colonnades decorated with mosaics, artfully designed water basins and spacious gardens - this is what awaits visitors to one of Europe's most visited attractions: the Alhambra fortress in Granada, which covers an area of around 13 hectares. The beautiful castle complex is an impressive example of how something very special can be created when two cultures meet. As not only the name Alhambra is said to go back to the Arabic term for "red palace", but also the Moorish architectural style is excellently shown. It is not for nothing that the castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the world and belongs to the UNESCO world cultural heritage. Since Alhambra is located in the middle of Granada, a visit can be wonderfully combined with a city trip to the Andalusian city. A particularly stylish place to stay is the Alhambra Palace Hotel, which is located just outside the old city walls and offers a spectacular view over Granada.

Alhambra Palace
h-alhambrapalace.es/en/
Plaza Arquitecto García de Paredes 1, 18009 Granada (Spain)
+34 958 22 14 68

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Undoubtedly one of the most fabulous castles in Europe is Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. This was built around 1869 as the Bavarian King Ludwig II's idealized idea of a medieval knight's castle. Today, tourists can take a guided tour of the fairytale castle, which sits on a narrow ridge offering a magnificent panorama of the countryside, and admire the throne room and the regent's magnificent chambers. Those who would like to spend the night like King Ludwig II once did will certainly enjoy Das König Ludwig Wellness & Spa Resort Allgäu, which pampers its guests on a royal level in the immediate vicinity of Lake Forggensee.

The König Ludwig Wellness & Spa Resort Allgäu
koenig-ludwig-hotel.de/
Kreuzweg 15, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
+49 (8362) 88 90

Palace of Versailles, France

If you are planning a romantic trip to Paris, you should not miss the opportunity to visit a special sight outside the city: the Palace of Versailles. The former main residence of the French kings until the outbreak of the French Revolution is the largest palace complex in Europe and hard to beat in terms of splendor, because Louis XIV transformed the former hunting lodge in his megalomania into a gigantic fairy-tale castle that is unparalleled. Still today, one can be amazed by the baroque state rooms of approximately 51.000 square metres, the gardens, water games, statues, paintings and the hall of mirrors. In addition to the main palace, three other palaces located in the park can also be viewed.

Hotel Plaza Athénée
plaza-athenee-hotel-paris.at-hotels.com/en/
25 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, France
+33 1 53 67 66 65

Leeds Castle, England

Probably the oldest castle on our list is Leeds Castle in Kent, UK, which has been there since 857. The white stone towers of Leeds Castle rise out of the landscape like something out of a fairy tale and are a real feast for the eyes. Amidst beautiful parkland and gardens, the castle sits on an island surrounded by the moat, as it once served as a Norman fortress and was optimally protected from attackers due to its location. Visitors today can still explore the Gloriette, walk the maze, stroll through the extensive gardens, watch falconry displays or even take a boat trip on the lake. Visitors even have the option of staying overnight right on the grounds of the spectacular moated castle. The elegant Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast offers guests modern, comfortable rooms and the opportunity to linger in the castle garden with free-roaming peacocks. You can enjoy the unique atmosphere on site while the gates have long been closed to other visitors.

Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast
leeds-castle.com/Accommodation/Stable+Courtyard+Bed+and+Breakfast
Leeds Castle, Broomfield Rd, Kingswood, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom
+44 1622 767823