If you look to the left side of this page you will see there is a new menu you can check out. It's for those lazy people who don't want to do a little bit of work.Because, guys, I'm going to hide a link somewhere in this post. So if you like treasure hunts, you can search for it! From now on, till Christmas this will be an everyday occurring...
Today's list will be about my favorite castles from all around the world. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.
1. Peles Castle, Romania
I will start out with this one, as it's in Romania. Peles Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle placed in an idyllic setting in the Carpathian Mountains, near Sinaia, in Prahova County, Romania, on an existing medieval route linking Transylvania and Wallachia, built between 1873 and 1914.2. Hohensalzburg castle, Austria
This one is in this list because I've actually been there, up in the castle, and even managed to catch a tour of the inside of it. Hohensalzburg Castle is a castle in the Austrian city of Salzburg, atop the Festungsberg. With a length of 250 meters and a width of 150 meters, it is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.3. Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria
To tell you the truth Austria is one of my favorite countries out there. It's no surprise that it's on this list multiple times. The castles from that part of Europe are outstanding. Hochosterwitz Castle is considered to be one of Austria’s most impressive medieval castles. It is situated on a 160 metres Dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Langsee, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in the state of Carinthia. The castle is one of the state’s landmarks and can be seen from about 30 km away on a clear day.4. Neuschwanstein, Germany
I think everyone has heard of this castle already. The internet is full with pictures of it... This fairy tale castle doesn’t have a very long history to brag with, but its beauty makes all of us admire it in silence (and without taking photos of the interiors). It started its life in the 19th century as homage to Richard Wagner. After the death of Ludwig (the king who commissioned it), the castle was open for the public. The grounds have a theatrical aura to them which only helps to bring more visitors (about 1.3 million annually).Does this castle also look familiar? It should because it was featured in many movies and was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park and the Cinderella Castles at the Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.
In order to get to the castle, you should first get to Munich (either by plane or train). Then you need to take a train to Füssen and then a bus in the direction to Schwangau until you reach the stop Hohenschwangau. From the bus station you can walk to the castle (about 30 minutes).
5. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK
And of course there must be a castle from the UK here too. I find the Edinburgh castle fantastic. Perched atop Castle Hill, it dominates the city of Edinburgh. It is one of the few castles in Europe which still have a military garrison (although for ceremonial purposes only). No matter where you are in the castle, the views are delightful. On a clear day, if you look to the north, you can see the mountains of The Kingdom of Fife in the distance.The true beauty of the castle is highlighted during Military Tattoo, which takes place each year on the Esplanade. The oldest structure in the castle is St Margaret’s Chapel which dates from the 12th century.
Edinburgh is served by many low-cost carriers from different European cities.
6. Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest, Hungary
Here is something from Hungary too. We can't pass on Hungary, can we? Vajdahunyad Castle is actually (in part) a copy of the Castle with the same name located in Hunedoara (Transylvania, Romania). The one in Budapest started its life in cardboard at the millennial exhibition in 1896. It was so popular with the locals that it was decided to build it from stone and brick. You can find it right by Heroes’ Square.A Gothic gate leads to the courtyard. Inside, there is a beautiful chapel – where newlyweds love to take their wedding photos – which is flanked by two pseudo-medieval ambulatory with a corner turret. Among the other replicas, there’s also a copy of the castle-tower from Sighisoara Citadel (Romania). Also in the courtyard, we can find the statue of the Anonymus. It is believed that touching its pen brings luck.
Budapest is served by many low-cost carriers so getting to Hungary’s capital is very easy and cheap. Once here, take the metro or the bus to Heroes’ Square. As you stand facing the column, the Castle is in front of you, a little to the right.
7. Forbidden City castle, China
I love the name of this place. It makes me think if all kinds of secret societies and stuff like that. Although I don't know much about the forbidden City, I think it's awesome... Forbidden City Castle was the place of ultimate political power in China between the 14th and the 19th century. Home of one of the most impressive national heritage of China, this is surely a wonder of civilization.8. Hunyad Castle, Romania
Almost forgot this one. Located in the city of Hunedoara, in Transylvania, Romania, the Hunyad Castle was given to the Hunyad family in 1409 and the most important transformation took place during John Hunyadi, between 1446 and 1453.Benefiting from a strategic position, surrounded by a natural water moat, plus the tall and strong towers and the beautiful Gothic architecture, the castle is very impressive and during John Hunyad’s reign it became a very important strategic point. Also, with John Hunyadi being considered one of the greatest Medieval military leaders, the castle got an important historical significance.Also, though not as famous and marketed as the Bran Castle, the Hunyad Castle is often associated with the Dracula legend. And while Dracula’s links to the Bran Castle is only tangential, the Hunyad Castle is more present in the legend, the Romanian voivode Vlad the Impaler on which the character is based, being held prisoner here for 7 years.9. Matsumoto castle, Japan
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior, is one of Japan’s premier historic castles. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.10. Potala castle, China
Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world, reaching 12,359.55ft at the topmost point. Its construction required the labors of more than 7000 workers and 1500 artists and craftsman.
