Happily Ever After: Six Castles for the Fairytale Dreamer

They are places of happily ever after, where fairytales begin and end, filling our heads with dreams that make our world seem quite mundane.  Castles come in all shapes and sizes, serving as fortresses, rising up in battles or simply as a romantic getaway for royalty.  Here is your chance to experience you perfect ending as your favorite childhood story and watch as the pages unfold before your very eyes as you enter their grand halls.

If you don’t believe in fairytales, you will after beholding these six unique castles.

Germany: Neuschwanstein

We begin with something of a gimme, as Neuschwanstein Castle, created by Mad King Ludwig, is literally a fairy tale castle. Inspired by Ludwig's love of Wagnerian opera, Neuschwanstein is probably recognizable to American's as the inspiration for Cinderalla's Castle at Walt Disney World.

Filled with hidden passageways and centuries worth of secrets, Neuschwanstein tells a story all on its own.

England: Corfe Castle

Sitting on more than 1,000 years of history, the Corfe Castle is as daunting as it is inspiring, mysterious as well as appealing, and becomes an instant memory in the hearts of adults and children who grace its ruined halls looking for a clue to its rich past. Plagued by murder, treason and triumphantly escaping the jaws of the English Civil War, the castle played a great role as a fortress by keeping enemies out from its strategic location in the Purbeck Hills.  Although it was ordered to be demolished by Parliamentarians, there is still an eyeful of wonders that can be seen lurking around its corners from battle reenactments to haunting stories that will shake your core with each step.

Germany: Eltz Castle

Although a gloomy presence does not hover over this castle, it is one of the most unique of its kind.  In fact, it is still under the care of its original owners and its furnishings can be traced back to its very beginnings. A visit to the Eltz Castle is comprised of classic legends of its forefathers; treasures of murals, jewelry and ceremonial weapons; as well as a colorful history well preserved within its towers. You will be in the ghostly presence of emperors and knights and charmed by stories that have brought Emperor Frederick III and Queen Victoria off their thrones to see the Eltz Castle in its majesty. Not only will you be engaged in this profound visit to the past but you are also cordially invited to take a seat amid the presence of German royalty.

Poland: Malbork Castle

Known as the largest castle in the world, there is over 1,000 years of antiquity under the Malbork Castle’s large roofs.  Teutonic knights who used the castle as a fortress to strategize against Polish enemies founded the Malbork Castle in 1274.  Now its rich history takes over every inch of the castle, filling its spaces with sacred exhibitions and tales passed down from its Polish and Prussian heritage.

A true knights’ tale, its roaming halls will take you on a journey to the significance of battles and religion, which are deeply concealed in its gothic, stoned décor.  From the Blessed Virgin Mary Church to the Convent Kitchen, the Marlbork Castle is a classic fortress that continues to lure a multitude of guests who are intrigued by its profound, yet eerie presence submerged in Teutonic order.

Scotland: Balmoral Castle

Dubbed “the Scottish Home to the Royal Family”, you will feel like you have been transported to the pages of a fairytale once you encounter the majesty of this lavish estate.  This grand gesture, which was given to Queen Victoria by her husband Prince Albert as a gift, sits on acres full of lush beauty so serene, you may never want to leave. Most of the queen’s style can still be seen throughout the castle since her death in 1901, but its modern construction only adds the beauty that encompasses its splendid surroundings and baroque architecture. 

Japan: Gifu Castle

You won’t find a history afflicted by kings and queens in this castle, instead it was first owned by a master, Nobunaga, who governed the region from with the Gifu Castle’s walls. Although it slipped out of the hands of its first owner, his spirit continues to roam through the castle, enlightening visitors’ paths with enchanting stories during his time of reign as well as artistic exhibits.  Dramatically perched on Mt. Kinka, the Gifu Castle provides dynamic views of its surrounding landscape, which are matched with sparkling panoramas of the Nagara River.  You will especially want to see the Gifu Castle around 11 pm because it is illuminated with brilliant colors creating a rainbow effect.