Europe is filled with magical destinations, and the continent’s castles and palaces are no exception. Kirsten Maxwell of Kids Are A Trip shares some of her favorite places to explore European history a bit off the beaten path. Check out her favorites in her picks for the coolest castles in Europe to add to your bucket list!
Caerphilly Castle – Caerphilly, Wales
Just outside the Welsh capital city of Cardiff lies Caerphilly Castle. Wales is often overlooked, but it is home to some of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The country claims close to 600 castles, some better preserved than others. Caerphilly is the largest castle in Wales, built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert “The Red” de Clare, Lord of Glamorgan to defend against Llywelyn the Last. He made quite a statement.
You’ll be enchanted by the waterside view of Caerphilly Castle.
Spread over 30 acres, this concentric castle was the first of its type in Great Britain. Today visitors can admire the ambition of de Clare as they cross over the draw bridge, climb the towers, and explore the massive defensive walls. The views of the surrounding Welsh countryside are breathtaking! Don’t pass up a photo op with the South Eastern Tower. It tilts 10 degrees which is more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Castle of the Moors- Sintra, Portugal
Perched high above the city of Sintra, Portugal lies Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors), a castle dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries and the Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula. In 1147, the castle was conquered by Portugal’s king, King Afonso Henriques. In 1755, a massive earthquake in Lisbon affected the architecture of the castle, and it sat in a state of disrepair until 1842.
At this point, King Ferdinand II built the Pena Palace up the hill and did not want to see the castle as the eyesore it had become. He made plans to restore the Castle of the Moors and make it a place for contemplation and relaxation. The castle’s ruins include winding, narrow defense walls with stunning views of the nearby Pena Palace and the town of Sintra below. Within the complex are the remains of a mosque and houses of the original Moorish inhabitants. It’s a beautiful UNESCO site for exploring and admiring the surrounding countryside.
Chateau de Castelnaud – Dordogne Valley, France
The medieval fortress of Castelnaud in France was built in the 12th century on the side of a cliff overlooking the beautiful junction of the Dordogne and Céou Rivers. Its history is entwined with that of Chateau de Beynac, the castle across the river. Castlenaud was under English control during The Hundred Years War and Beynac was controlled by the French. The two had many disputes over the years and ownership changed hands many times.
Sunrise at Chateau Castlenaud and the river Dordogne France.
Today the castle is home to the Museum of Medieval Warfare, featuring over 250 pieces of armor and weapons. Many of the castle’s rooms are available to visit, including the dungeons, kitchen, and artillery tower. Outside are full sized trebuchets and other weapons of war, and there are sword fighting and archery exhibitions depending on the season.
Frederiksborg Castle – Hillerød, Denmark
Frederiksborg Castle is a quick train ride from Copenhagen, but feels a world away. Built in the early 17th century by Danish King Christian IV, the castle is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. The castle was the royal residence for Danish kings until a fire destroyed most of the original structure in 1859. The majority of the restoration was funded by the owner of Carlsberg Breweries, who subsequently established the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg.
Frederiksborg Castle brings your favorite childhood fairy tale to life.
Today, the castle is referred to as the Danish Versailles. There is an extensive artwork collection, stunning cathedral, and marvelous Baroque gardens. It’s a fairytale castle unlike any other.
Heidelberg Castle – Heidelberg, Germany
The red sandstone of Germany’s Heidelberg Castle dominates the Heidelberg skyline. The imposing fortress sits high above the Neckar Valley on Königstuhl mountain. Originally built in 1214, the castle evolved over the centuries as different German electors added their own structures to the castle. In 1764, the castle was struck by lightning, causing a massive fire and destruction. Partial restoration of the complex began in the 19th century, but only one building, the Friedrich, was restored.
Heidelberg Castle is home to the German Apothecary Museum, the World’s Largest Wine Barrel (really, it holds more than 58,000 gallons and has a dance floor above it), and beautiful gardens. Open air performances and concerts happen regularly during the warmer months, and the summer features fireworks over the castle. Give ample time to explore the complex as there is history around every corner.
Which castles in Europe top your must-see list? Here’s to many magical moments ahead!
Kirsten Maxwell
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