By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
Beautiful and magnificent castles have always been an essential highlight in fairy tales—whether it’s lavish banquets, reunions and encounters between princes and princesses, or the dwellings of wicked queens. Castles exude a sense of solemnity and mystery, yet also reveal a touch of dreamy atmosphere, making people eager to witness their splendid beauty. Around the world, there are many unforgettable castles worth visiting, such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Château de Chillon, and Château de Chantilly. When set against the surrounding landscapes, they become even more dreamlike.
Travel around the world to visit stunning castles 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 — Château de Chillon
Château de Chillon is one of Switzerland’s most important ancient castles. Its foundation lies 300 meters deep in Lake Geneva, and the castle is built along the mountain terrain. From the outside, it appears as though it is merged with the mountainside or floating on the water. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
France — Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the most spectacular palace in French history. In the era 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 intricately decorated ceilings, New Zealand antiques, and the panoramic view 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 accessible. Just a little over an hour’s drive west from Varaždin on relatively flat roads, it has become a must-visit destination for most travelers 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 that showcases diverse styles including Ancient Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Denmark — Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is located by the old moat, surrounding a spacious square with a statue of Copenhagen’s founder, Bishop Absalon, riding a horse at its center. As Denmark’s earliest royal residence, it has been rebuilt multiple times after wars and fires. Its evolution reflects 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 troops in the 17th century. In 1823, the castle came into the hands of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, who renovated and expanded it while preserving its medieval architectural style. Although the flat roof resembles British castles, overall, Burg Eltz remains a significant representative of Rhine Romanticism architecture. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Denmark — Egeskov Castle
Built in 1554, the castle’s owner, Frands Brockenhuus, like other landowners of the time, constructed a sturdy castle with thick walls to protect himself amid political instability. He chose oak as the main pillar material and planted a dense oak forest around the castle. Over its 400-year history, Egeskov Castle has changed ownership multiple times. Aside from renovations, successive owners have left behind numerous personal collections, making it different from other palaces—there are fewer formal rooms to tour, but it boasts a rich collection of artifacts. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
France — Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is known as “François I’s grand folly (folie de grandeur).” In reality, the war-busy François I barely had time to stay here—he spent 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 of the Bourbon dynasty only saw modifications by Louis XIV, until it was redecorated and renovated in the 20th century. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
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