10 most beautiful castles in Europe

They’re grand, historic fortresses, and to see the best of them you have to go to Europe — or check out these photos.

Mont Saint-Michel

Built high on a peak, Mont Saint Michel near Normandy, France, is one of medieval architecture’s greatest achievements.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh from its position on the Castle Rock. Through sieges, invasions, power struggles and murder, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland has stood the test of time.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Beautiful view of the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace. Built for King Ludwig II, this castle is set on a rugged cliff with a scenic mountain landscape near Fussen, Southwest Bavaria, Germany.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle is situated beside the village of Glamis in Angus. It is the home of the Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and is open to public. It also has the reputation of being the most haunted castle in Scotland.

Windsor Castle

With a Queen Victoria statue and a flow of tourists in the foreground, Windsor Castle is the official residence of the royal British family in Berkshire. At 900 years old, Britain’s Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle and oldest royal residence in the world.

Château de Chambord

The castle of Chambord is the largest of the Loire castles. It was built between 1519 and 1547 near a bend in the river Cosson, a tributary river of Beuvron which then throws itself into the Loire. In 1981, it was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was made famous by Henry VIII in the 16th century, who used it as one of his primary residences. Now, tourists spend time in its beautiful garden and enjoy the sunny weather.

Prague Castle

Back when it was first built, Prague Castle provided a political and spiritual center for a country struggling toward unification.

St. Michael’s Mount

St. Michaels Mount is a medieval castle and is owned by the National Trust. It can only be accessed during low tide by walking over the causeway.

Leeds Castle

Located in Kent, England and built in the 16th century, Leeds castle was used by Henry VIII as a residence for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.