I grew up sketching towers on my school folders. So last year, I booked the tickets and went. I spent spring and summer hopping across Europe, one castle at a time. I learned a lot—like how stone stairs can beat a gym day, and how fog can make a palace feel like a dream you almost remember.
Were they worth it? Yes. Mostly. Let me explain.
If you're mapping out your own turret-to-turret trail, check the guides on European Guesthouse for routes and cozy bases that don’t blow the budget. Their write-up on the best road trip routes in Europe was gold when I needed to string rural fortresses together.
Neuschwanstein, Germany — Pretty, crowded, and uphill
I went in May, when the trees were bright green. I took the train to Füssen, then the bus to Hohenschwangau. The walk up is no joke. It’s steep. I sweated through my light jacket and then got cold at the top. So, layers matter. If you want the history, photos, and ticket details ahead of time, peek at the castle’s official site before you go.
Inside, no photos. The tour is short, but the rooms look like a storybook. My favorite spot wasn’t inside, though. It was the bridge, Marienbrücke. The view there? Wild. Clouds hugged the cliffs. People waited for selfies, and I waited too. Worth it.
Tip I learned the hard way: book a timed ticket. And if the shuttle is full, just start walking. It’s faster than standing in line forever.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland — Cannons, views, and the 1 o’clock boom
I visited on a windy day in June. The esplanade had bagpipes in the distance, which sounds cheesy, but it gave me goosebumps. At 1 p.m., the gun fired. I jumped even though I knew it was coming. Details on opening hours and that signature cannon blast live on the Edinburgh Castle official page if you’re the planning type.
The Crown Jewels sparkle like they’ve got stories. Mons Meg, the big cannon, looks chunky and tough. The view over the city, with Arthur’s Seat in the back, hit me in the chest. Later, I grabbed a warm steak pie down on the Grassmarket. I ate it with cold fingers and a big grin.
Château de Chenonceau, France — Gentle and green and very human
I biked from Amboise on the Loire à Vélo path and rolled in dusty and happy. This place sits over the River Cher like it’s floating. The gardens smell like herbs and roses, and the florist room made me want to run home and arrange peonies, badly.
I brought a picnic and ate by the water. A duck stared me down. I gave it one grape and felt judged, but also seen.
Pena Palace, Portugal — A fairytale… that fog can swallow
Sintra gave me a moody day. Bus 434 up, tight turns, slow going. The palace colors pop—red, yellow, blue—and then vanish in mist. It felt like walking through cotton. Kind of magic, kind of chilly.
The terrace wind pushed my hair straight back. I held my pastel de nata like it was a tiny heater. I did the park paths too, which were quiet, mossy, and way less busy than the palace line.
Bran Castle, Romania — The “Dracula” one that isn’t, but still fun
I went in September and tried the chimney cake outside first. Warm sugar on my hands. The castle has narrow stairs and small rooms. It’s more home than fortress, and the wood creaks like it’s whispering. The Dracula stuff is touristy, sure. But the hilltop view is strong, and I liked poking around the courtyard. I even bought a silly bat magnet. No shame.
Alcázar of Segovia, Spain — A ship of stone and a thigh workout
From Madrid, I took a morning train. The alcázar looks like a ship nose cutting the sky. I climbed the Tower of Juan II—152 tight steps. My legs burned. The view over the red roofs and the aqueduct was crisp and clean, like the air had been washed.
I ate cochinillo after (roast suckling pig). Crispy skin that shattered a bit. Not fancy. Just perfect.
Eilean Donan, Scotland — Mist, midges, and a bowl of soup
I drove there on a gray July day. The castle sits where three lochs meet, and the stone bridge makes the photo we all know. I took that photo. Twice.
When the wind paused, the midges came. Tiny, bossy, and rude. I ducked into the café and got cullen skink. Hot, smoky, potato-rich soup. I felt my shoulders drop. The tide was low then, so seaweed framed the base of the walls. It smelled clean and wild.
Český Krumlov Castle, Czechia — Fairytale lanes and a bear in the moat
I walked over cobbles in shoes that were too soft. Rookie move. The castle has a baroque theater you can tour in small groups. It’s fragile and a bit strict, but fascinating. Also, yes—there was a bear in the moat. It stared like I owed it rent.
The Cloak Bridge viewpoint gave me a sweeping look at red roofs and the looping river. I bought a trdelník and got sugar on my sleeves. Again.
Conwy Castle, Wales — Weathered stone, big sky
I hit it on a day with sideways rain. The towers are open to the wind, and you can walk the town walls. I did, even with damp socks. The slate tones, the sea air, the gulls yelling—it all felt raw and honest. Less polish. More heart.
Windsor Castle, England — Polished and powerful
I went on a weekday morning and still queued for security. St George’s Chapel made me whisper without thinking. The State Rooms shine, but not cold. I liked the details in the wood and the quiet in the chapel the most. If you can time it, catch the Guard change. Yes, it’s crowded. Still worth watching once.
What I loved
- Views that make you stop talking mid-sentence
- Little clues of real life: kitchens, chapels, worn steps
- How each place felt different—soft at Chenonceau, bold at Edinburgh, playful at Pena
- Local food right after: pie, soup, pastries—it helps you remember
What bugged me
- Crowds, especially midday
- Timed tickets that sell out fast
- So many stairs (bring knees that don’t complain)
- Random closures or scaffolding that photobombs your big shot
Sometimes, though, I met fellow travelers who said the bustle and occasional curious stares actually added a thrill to the experience—like enjoying the idea of being on display. If that tug of exhibitionism intrigues you, the deep-dive on candaulisme unpacks the history and modern etiquette of consensual “being seen,” so you can explore the concept safely and with clear boundaries. And if your itinerary eventually takes you across the Atlantic to the American Midwest, you might appreciate the option to connect with a welcoming, trans-friendly companion through TS Escort Bismarck, a listing site that lets you browse verified profiles and arrange a discreet, respectful meet-up—perfect for turning a quiet layover into a memorable, confidence-boosting night out.
Quick tips I wish someone told me
- Go early or late. Lunch hour is the worst.
- Check the castle’s site the night before. Hours change.
- Wear real shoes with grip. Cobblestones don’t care about your ankles.
- Carry layers. Stone halls hold cold, even in summer.
- Pack a tiny snack and water. A calm brain drinks first.
- Audio guides help, but sometimes a short live tour hits better.
Costs, in plain terms
I paid a wide range. Some places felt fair for what you get (Conwy, Chenonceau). Some were pricey but still special (Neuschwanstein, Windsor). Student and family tickets help. City cards can cover a few spots in big towns. I kept a simple rule: if the view stuck in my head all day, the ticket was fine.
Families and access
Kids love cannons, drawbridges, and secret-feeling stairs. Strollers? Tough. Many routes are tight or uneven. A carrier works better. Most big sites have some ramps and helpful staff, but older towers are stair-only.
My small, honest regrets
I should’ve worn wool socks in Scotland. I should’ve booked Neuschwanstein a week earlier. I should’ve left more time for the gardens at Chenonceau. And I should’ve packed one less outfit and one more snack.
So… are castles in Europe worth your time?
Yes. Not every single one. But enough of them. Pick a few that match your mood. Want drama? Edinburgh or Segovia. Want romance? Chenonceau or Pena. Want a moody postcard