A Global Tour of Dream Castles: Returning to the Romantic Realm of Fairy Tales
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Beautiful and magnificent castles have always been an essential feature in fairy tales, whether it’s lavish banquets, the meetings and reunions of princes and princesses, or the dwellings of evil queens. Castles always exude a sense of solemnity and mystery...
Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin
Beautiful and magnificent castles have always been an essential feature in fairy tales, whether it’s lavish banquets, the meetings and reunions of princes and princesses, or the dwellings of evil queens. Castles always exude a sense of solemnity and mystery, yet also reveal a touch of dreamy atmosphere that makes people eager to witness their splendid beauty. However, scattered across the world are many unforgettable castles of breathtaking beauty. Whether it’s Neuschwanstein Castle, Chillon Castle, or Château de Chantilly, they are all stunning architectural wonders worth visiting. When set against the surrounding landscapes, they become even more surreal.
Explore the most beautiful castles around the world and relive the romantic settings of fairy tales. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Germany — Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions. It is said that the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland was inspired by this very castle. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Switzerland — Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle is one of Switzerland’s most important ancient castles. Its foundation lies 300 meters deep in Lake Geneva, with the lower part of the castle built along the mountain slope. From the outside, it looks as if it blends with the mountainside and seems to float on the water’s surface. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
France — Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the most spectacular palace in French history. In the early days of Louis XIII (1601–1643), it was just a hunting lodge with a garden. It wasn’t until Louis XIV (1638–1715) ascended the throne that he intended to move the political center here, leading to an expansion project that took 50 years to complete. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
New Zealand — Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle, known for its elaborately decorated ceilings, New Zealand antiques, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its tower. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Croatia — Trsat Castle
This 13th-century castle stands atop a 138-meter hill in the northeastern suburbs of Rijeka. From the fortress, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city of Rijeka, the busy harbor, the entire Kvarner Bay, and the distant island of Krk. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Croatia — Trakošćan Castle
Among the castles scattered across the hills of the Zagorje region, aside from the ancient town of Varaždin, Trakošćan Castle is the most easily accessible. Just a little over an hour’s drive west from Varaždin on fairly flat roads, it is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to the Zagorje area. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Spain — Alcázar of Segovia
Surrounded by thick, sturdy walls, the Alcázar of Segovia serves as both a fortress and a royal palace. Through the changes of history, layers of buildings were stacked or adjoined, forming today’s structure with diverse styles including Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic influences. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Denmark — Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is located by the old moat, embracing a spacious square with a statue of Copenhagen’s founder, Absalon, riding a horse at its center. As the earliest Danish royal residence, it has been rebuilt multiple times after wars and fires. Its evolution is a microcosm of Copenhagen’s history. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Denmark — Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle is located in Hillerød, about a half-hour drive from downtown Copenhagen. This Dutch Renaissance-style red-brick building spans three small islands on an artificial lake, offering breathtaking scenery. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Germany — Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is situated right above where the Lahn River flows into the Rhine. Built in the 13th century by Archbishop Arnold of Trier (Arnold von Isenburg), it held the right and duty to collect tolls in the 14th century. It was once burned down by French forces in the 17th century. In 1823, the castle came into the possession of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, who renovated and expanded it while preserving its medieval architectural style. Though its flat-roofed design resembles that of English castles, overall, Burg Eltz remains a key representative of Rhine Romanticism architecture. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Denmark — Egeskov Castle
The castle was built in 1554. Its owner, Frands Brockenhuus, like other landowners of the time, constructed a sturdy, thick-walled castle to protect himself due to the unstable political climate. Frands chose oak as the main pillar material and planted a dense oak forest around the castle. Over its 400-year history, the castle changed hands multiple times. Aside from renovations, successive owners left behind many personal collections. Unlike other palaces, Egeskov Castle does not focus on numerous reception rooms but rather showcases its collection of artifacts. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
France — Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is referred to as "François I’s grand folly (folie de grandeur)." In reality, the war-busy François I barely had time to stay here, spending no more than eight weeks, while Louis XIV stayed around 150 days. Not to mention Henry II, who was inseparable from Diane de Poitiers at Château de Chenonceau. Thus, the castle was largely abandoned during its first two centuries. The French royal family during the Bourbon dynasty only saw Louis XIV make modifications. It wasn’t until the 20th century that it was redecorated and renovated. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
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