Discover the Fairytale Castles of 5 European Destinations

Europe is a continent that blends art and austerity, elegance and simplicity, modernism and tradition, and fascinating contrasts. Castles, enduring structures that have withstood the test of time, are woven throughout its rich fabric. Each stone in these imposing buildings, created centuries ago, reverberates with historical tales, serving as enduring reminders of the continent's rich past. 

This journey takes us across five different European nations, where we will visit some of the most beautiful castles, each of which is a tribute to the architectural prowess and historical tales of its own country.

Portugal

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Portugal's castles are a stunning reflection of its history, which includes Moorish invasions and the Christian Reconquista. The Pena Palace, located in the picturesque town of Sintra, is a colorful display of a variety of architectural styles. It offers a sweeping perspective of the town and the glistening Atlantic Ocean beyond as it stands erect atop a hill. The Castle of the Moors, a mountaintop fortification from the eighth century that serves as a monument to Portugal's past, is another relic of Moorish control. 

Amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the Sintra Mountains may be had from within its defended walls. The historic Belém Tower in Lisbon, with its recognizable four-story turret, has stood as a silent watchman over the city since the Age of Discovery.

Scotland, UK

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Scotland is a country with a long history and untamed terrain, and its picturesque countryside is dotted with a tapestry of castles. Edinburgh Castle, located in the center of Scotland's capital city, is perched on Castle Rock and provides a sweeping perspective of the city's various architectural styles. Its fortified walls are home to some of the most priceless artifacts in the country, including the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The Dunnottar Castle is located to the north, positioned on a rocky clifftop with a view of the North Sea. Its eerily lovely ruins murmur legends of kings and sieges. 

The Eilean Donan Castle, which is tucked away in the Scottish Highlands' stunning scenery, is a must-see. This famous castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland because of its location, where three sea lochs meet. If you choose to book your rail tickets at Rail Online, you can comfortably tour these well-known locations. This gives you the flexibility to explore at your own leisure while taking in a memorable adventure across the breathtaking Scottish highlands.

Germany

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Germany has an amazing variety of castles, which reflect the country's turbulent history and architectural development. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria mesmerizes with its idyllic splendor. This storybook castle, built by King Ludwig II, is a spectacular example of Romanesque Revival architecture and is encircled by the breathtaking Bavarian Alps. The Hohenzollern Castle, perched atop Mount Hohenzollern, is another masterpiece of architecture. This castle gives a captivating view of the surroundings thanks to its gothic towers and turrets. 

The Heidelberg Castle, a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, is another important landmark in Germany. The Neckar River is visible from its magnificent remains, which bear witness to the castle's interesting history of battles and lightning strikes.

France

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The magnificent châteaux and powerful strongholds of France, a country renowned for its rich culture and fashion, are everywhere. With its distinctive French Renaissance design, the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is a prime example of the opulence of the French monarchy. The complex layout includes a central keep and four enormous bastion towers at each corner. 

Another symbol of regal splendor, the Château de Versailles, offers more than simply a castle. A large mansion, lavish gardens, and elaborate fountains make up the complete estate, which functioned as a representation of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. 

Last but not least, the Normandy fortified island community of Mont Saint Michel is a wonder of medieval construction perched on a rocky island. 

Romania

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As we enter Romania, we are greeted by a region rich in myth and lore, particularly the Dracula story. A must-see is Bran Castle, which is frequently linked to Bram Stoker's well-known vampire. The fortification from the 14th century stands out against the Carpathian Mountains with its soaring spires and white stone walls. 

The Corvin Castle, located further into Transylvania, is one of the biggest castles in all of Europe. Visitors are transported back to the Renaissance era by its gothic architecture, huge towers, and extensive bridge. Peles Castle, meantime, is one of Romania's finest examples of German new-renaissance architecture and is located in the picturesque Carpathian foothills.

We can witness the fusion of history, culture, architecture, and human endeavor in the magnificence of castles. Every castle has a story to tell, including accounts of ancient civilizations, mighty kingdoms, ambitious architectural designs, and frequently stormy history. Let these stories reverberate in our minds as we leave this voyage, serving as a reminder of Europe's enduring appeal and our ongoing quest to learn about the world's many cultures and history.