5 Most Beautiful Castles in Europe

Coming from a country where we have no grand castles and royalties, it was a great opportunity for me to see the beautiful castles in Europe. Whenever I travel to somewhere in Europe, I always check if there's a castle nearby to visit.

Below are the 5 most beautiful castles I've been.



5) Trollenäs Castle in Eslöv, Sweden.

Trollenäs Castle is known since the 14th century and has been owned by only two families, Thott and Trolle. It was originally called as Näs castle and was then changed to Trollenäs castle in the 18th century. It was renovated by architect Ferdinand Meldahl in the 19th century to resemble a French renaissance castle.

This beautiful castle has a big garden and a chapel.

4) Hohenwerfen Castle in Werfen, Austria.

Built as a fortress during the 11th century by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg to protect the Salzburg Archbishopric against the forces of King Henry IV. 

Hohenwerfen was used as a castle 'Schloss Adler' in the 1968 film ''Where Eagles Dare'' and part of the castle were used in the mini-series ''The 10th Kingdom'' and the movie ''Just Married''.

3) Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany.

A 19th century Romanesque Revival Palace built by Ludwig II of Bavaria dubbed also as ''the Fairytale King''. 

Neuschwanstein Castle also inspired Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. 

2) El Castell de Guadalest in Marina Baixa, Spain.

Eventhough the castle is now in ruins, El Castell de Guadalest is one of the most beautiful attractions I have ever seen.

1) Lichtenstein Castle in Lichtenstein, Germany.

Built in 1802 by King Fredirick I of Württemberg , the castle was used a hunting lodge located on a cliff in the Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg (Germany).

The castle now, which has large collections of historic weapons and armors, is owned by the Dukes of Urach.

Hohenwerfen Castle

Sometimes, movies inspire us to travel to other places. The 1968 movie ''Where Eagles Dare'' and the mini series ''The 10th Kingdom'' were the reasons why my husband and I went to Werfen, Austria to see the great Hohenwerfen Castle.

Located above Salzachtal valley with a very dramatic view, the castle is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennengebirge Mountain Range.

Built as a fortress during the 11th century by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg to protect the Salzburg Archbishopric against the forces of King Henry IV.  In the later period, it was not only used as military base but also as a hunting retreat by the archbishops of Salzburg. The castle was also used as a prison for Protestants and some noblemen. Rulers like Archbishop Adalbert III, Count Albert of Friesach and Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau were held prisoners in Hohenwerfen Castle.

Nowadays, the castle exhibits a collection of historic weapons and is also a museum of falconry.


Hohenwerfen Castle
Address: Burgstraße 2, 5450 Werfen, Austria
Coordinates: 47° 28′ 55″ N, 13° 11′ 16″ E
Admission: €15 

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg meaning ''Salt Fortress'', derived its name from the barges on the Salzach river carrying salt and the city's fortress, Festung Hohensalzburg.
As the fourth largest city in Austria, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known for its Baroque Architecture, scenic alpine backdrop, birthplace of 18th century composer Wolgang Amadeus Mozart and where the 1965 movie Sound of Music was filmed.


Coordinates: 47° 48′ 0″ N, 13° 2′ 0″ E

Mozart's House in Salzburg

When I was in grade school, I was very eager to take piano lessons. I used to think I could become like Mozart, Bach or Beethoven. It was really funny!!! I was very ambitious! But when I started learning the BASICS of piano, I didn't know it was very hard as it looks easy, and my music teacher??? She's very rough! Well to cut the story short, I only took piano lessons for 3 years and well, I still know how to play but not like Mozart or Beethoven. I play a little bit... hehe!!!
Anyway, it was such a dream come true to go to Salzburg, Austria and finally see where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart grew up. It must be wonderful to be Mozart's neighbor and hear him play sensational music.

Mozart's House

It was closed!!! so unfortunate!!! :(

Mozart's Birthplace
Getreidegasse 9
A-5020 Salzburg
Austria


Here is my favorite MOZART piece!!! :)