From ancient fortresses to romantic ruins, Europe’s castles take on an ethereal beauty in winter. Step inside these magical fortresses where fairytales, legends and history come alive against a frosted backdrop.
There’s a certain stillness to winter that makes castles all the more enchanting at this time of year. When the crowds fade and frost paints the battlements, their stories feel closer — whispered through candlelit halls, echoing across moats and frozen forests.
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic winter weekend in the UK or a snow-laden European escape, these are the castles worth travelling for.
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1. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most-photographed landmarks — and in winter, one of its most spellbinding.
Perched where three lochs meet and framed by snow-tipped hills, it’s a vision of Highland romance. The 13th-century fortress sits on its own tidal island, accessible by a stone bridge, and offers sweeping views that look lifted from a Celtic legend.
Fly into Inverness, hire a car and let the drive through Glen Shiel unfold like a scene from a dream.
2. Corvin Castle, Romania
In the heart of Transylvania, Corvin Castle rises like a Gothic apparition. Its pointed towers, drawbridge and blood-red roofs create a fairytale silhouette that feels made for winter mist.
The castle’s history is as dark as it is captivating — it’s said its stone walls once imprisoned Vlad the Impaler.
It’s also one of the largest castles in Europe and, despite its grandeur, remains blissfully under-visited — a hidden gem reachable from Timisoara in under two hours.
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3. Château de Chambord, France
The jewel of the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture.
In winter, its intricate turrets and chimneys stand out starkly against pale skies, while deer wander through the frost-covered estate. The double-helix staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is worth the trip alone.
Visit in the off-season for quiet grandeur and the soft hush of the Loire under winter light.
4. Warwick Castle, England
Towering over the River Avon, Warwick Castle is a living slice of English history, originally built by William the Conqueror. Its ramparts, towers and dungeons come alive in the chill of winter, when festive lights illuminate the Great Hall.
The surrounding market town makes a perfect base for a cosy seasonal getaway steeped in medieval charm.
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5. Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Predjama Castle is one of Europe’s most extraordinary sights — a fortress built directly into the mouth of a cave. Perched on a 400ft cliff face, its limestone setting and hidden tunnels give it an otherworldly appeal.
In winter, icicles hang from the surrounding cliffs and the castle feels almost mythical.
Just over an hour from Ljubljana, it’s a must-see for architecture-lovers and adventurers alike.
6. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Rising above the cobblestone streets of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle commands panoramic views of the city below.
In winter, its ramparts look particularly majestic against crisp blue skies or drifting snow.
Time your visit with the Christmas markets in Princes Street Gardens for a fairytale city break.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
High in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein is the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty — and with good reason.
Its turrets, towers and terraces gleam beneath a blanket of snow, set against the rugged peaks of Southern Germany.
The best views are from the nearby Marienbrücke bridge, from which the castle appears suspended in cloud.
8. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Set along the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle combines Norman fortifications with elegant 19th-century interiors.
In winter, its vast parklands are serene, the lawns sparkling with frost beneath a pale sun.
The nearby medieval streets of Kilkenny are filled with independent cafes, breweries and museums, making it an ideal destination for a quiet, culture-filled retreat.
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Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Rising from a forested hilltop like a mirage, Hohenzollern Castle is a dream of turrets and towers.
During winter, when fog drapes its ramparts and snow dusts the Swabian Alps, it feels like a scene from a snow globe.
The castle also hosts a Christmas market that’s among the most atmospheric in Germany.
10. Alnwick Castle, England
Known as Hogwarts to fans of the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has a cinematic beauty that only intensifies in winter.
Surrounded by the rolling countryside of Northumberland, it’s one of England’s grandest private residences — still home to the Duke of Northumberland.
Visit on a crisp day to wander through its courtyards and frosted gardens.
11. Bran Castle, Romania
Perched on a cliff in the Carpathian Mountains, Bran Castle’s gothic profile has long been linked to the Dracula legend.
By winter, with candlelit corridors and mountain mists swirling below, it’s easy to see why.
The surrounding Transylvanian countryside offers cosy inns and snow-blanketed forests — perfect for a moody winter escape.
12. Balmoral Castle, Scotland
The private Scottish residence of the royal family is pure Highland poetry in winter. Granite turrets, pine forests and frozen lochs create a landscape of quiet beauty.
While the castle itself closes to visitors in winter, the surrounding Cairngorms National Park is open for hiking and photography.
13. Pena Palace, Portugal
Rising from the misty hills of Sintra, the candy-coloured Pena Palace is pure whimsy.
Although Portugal rarely sees snow, the palace takes on a haunting, dreamlike beauty in winter’s low light.
Wander the terraces in the early morning before the fog lifts and the pastel facades glow against the Atlantic sky.
14. Leeds Castle, England
Set on two islands surrounded by a shimmering moat, Leeds Castle is often called ‘the loveliest castle in the world’.
Dating to 1119, it’s especially beautiful in winter, when candlelight flickers through the windows and the grounds host Christmas events.
Just an hour from London, it makes for an idyllic weekend break.
15. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Towering over the Salzach Valley near Salzburg, Hohenwerfen Castle offers cinematic Alpine views.
The medieval fortress today hosts exhibitions and falconry displays, but in winter its snow-covered setting steals the show.
From the battlements, you can gaze across endless peaks and pine forests cloaked in white.
Feature image: Canva
