Christmas Competition: 3rd Place. Congratulations to Mathilda for this excellent list – she has won the third prize of a $25 iTunes music card.
Welcome to our curated collection of the top 35 fairytale castles, hand‑picked for their storybook charm and stunning settings. If you were a princess seeking a dreamy residence, these would be the perfect backdrops for your happily‑ever‑after.
According to Wikipedia, “A castle is a defensive structure seen as one of the main symbols of the Middle Ages…”. I chose castles based on their exterior allure, ignoring interior condition and grim histories, and limited myself to one per country (with a special exception for England).
Top 35 Fairytale Castles
1. Baku’s Wedding Palace

Azerbaijan
2. Schloss Anif

Austria
3. Mir Castle

Belarus
4. Gravensteen

Belgium
5. Summer Palace

China
6. Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

Cuba
7. Hluboka Nad Vltavou

Czech Republic
8. Kronborg Castle

Denmark
9. Leeds Castle

England
10. Warwick Castle

England
11. Fasilides Castle

Ethiopia
12. Olavinlinna

Finland
13. Chateau D’Usse

France
14. Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany
15. Eszterháza Palace

Hungary
16. Khas Mahal

India
17. Falak-ol-aflak Castle

Iran
18. Kilkenny Castle

Ireland
19. Bardi Castle

Italy
20. Himeji Castle

Japan
21. Petra

Jordan
22. Vaduz Castle

Lichtenstein
23. Muiderslot

The Netherlands
24. Malbork Castle

Poland
25. Belem Tower

Portugal
26. Hunedoara Castle

Romania
27. Kazan Kremlin

Russia
28. Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland
29. Alcazar of Segovia

Spain
30. Orebro Castle

Sweden
31. Chillon Castle

Switzerland
32. Krak Des Chevaliers

Syria
33. Rumelihisar?

Turkey
34. Kamianets

Ukraine
35. Boldt Castle

United States

