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