7 fairytale castles in Europe that you can actually live in

Incredible castles fit for royalty

With enchanting grounds, impressive interiors and fascinating histories, castles and châteaus are a common sight in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. There are thousands of regal residences to be found in this idyllic corner of Europe and what's more, some of them are available to spend the night in or even own.

If you're dreaming of a home with towering turrets, private parklands or just plain old kerb appeal, take a look at some palatial properties that are fit for a king or queen...

Arenfels Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

There's no denying that Arenfels Castle is one of the most majestic in all of Germany.

Located in Bad Hönningen, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the regal residence has a rich history and, thanks to its 365 windows, 52 doors and 12 towers, has been lovingly nicknamed the 'Castle of the Year'.

Arenfels Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Arenfels Castle dates back to the 13th century, however, a significant reconstruction took place in the latter half of the 16th century, transforming it into a three-winged Renaissance château.

About 300 years later, between 1849 and 1858, the castle was modernised again, with architect Ernst Friedrich Zwirner leading the Neo-Gothic renovation. Sadly, during World War II, the castle was severely damaged during the battles for Remagen Bridge, but it has since been restored.

Arenfels Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Today, Arenfels Castle is available to rent on Airbnb, with numerous rooms available to choose from. This is the Gate Room and features a grand four-poster bed.

There's also the Wellness Room, which boasts an open bathroom in the corner of the bedroom. With a Buddha statue and a freestanding tub, it's the perfect space for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Arenfels Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

There are 15 rooms in total, each unique, but just as luxurious as the next, plus a vinotheque – or wine bar – with an outdoor terrace.

Plus, guests can enjoy access to the rolling vines outside and explore all the Rhine region offers, from forests to hiking trails and river walks.

Burg Plankenstein, Lower Austria, Austria

Known as Plankenstein Castle, or Burg Plankenstein locally, this enchanting fairytale residence is positioned on an elevated plot in the heart of Texingtal, a town in Lower Austria.

800 years old, the castle belongs to Erich, who fell in love with the place when he visited it for a festival many years ago. When the castle landed on the market in 2010, he fulfilled his childhood dream and bought it.

Burg Plankenstein, Lower Austria, Austria

Since then, Erich has dedicated his time to reviving the castle using original materials and attention to detail, while considering contemporary comforts.

He regularly works away, so rents out numerous rooms in the castle on Airbnb enabling lucky guests to experience life inside one of Austria's most remarkable historic homes.

Burg Plankenstein, Lower Austria, Austria

The castle was first mentioned in 1186 and was built by a powerful noble family. Sadly, in the 1800s, the castle fell into a state of disrepair and was partially renovated in the 1970s, before Erich rescued the place.

Today, it's beautifully refined, elegant and historic, with characterful communal rooms boasting impressive antiques, intricate plasterwork and hardwood floors.

Burg Plankenstein, Lower Austria, Austria

There are five bedrooms listed on Airbnb, including the Tower Room, the Knight's Room and Room 23. Each one is uniquely styled, but the Tower Room (pictured) is perhaps the most authentic, with rotund walls, exposed bricks, pretty arched windows and rustic timber accents.

Plus, thanks to the castle's elevated position, many of the rooms enjoy enchanting views across the surrounding countryside.

Edelweiss Castle, Graubünden, Switzerland

Nestled in the Imboden Region in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, Edelweiss Castle isn't just beautiful, it's located in one of the world's most enchanting landscapes.

Just down the road from Lake Cauma and enclosed by mountain peaks, the property is like a beacon for weary hikers and skiers.

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Edelweiss Castle, Graubünden, Switzerland

Sadly, we don't know how old the residence is, but we do know it was constructed in Art Nouveau style, a movement that ran from the 1880s until the First World War. Far from being old-fashioned, the castle has certainly been modernised since its construction.

For starters, it has a lift that will take you from an underground car park or the entrance on the ground floor to your own private apartment inside the castle.

Edelweiss Castle, Graubünden, Switzerland

Laid out over three floors, the apartment comes with a living area, a kitchen, a dining zone, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The space features soaring ceilings, sloping walls, quirky windows and modern furnishings.

Edelweiss Castle, Graubünden, Switzerland

Perfect for six guests, the castle apartment also benefits from mountain views and guests can take in the scenery from their own private rooftop balcony among the turrets complete with lush planting, a firepit and ample seating. 

Schloss Ernegg, Lower Austria, Austria

About as romantic as castles get, Schloss Ernegg is ideally located in the heart of Austria and is over 1,000 years old. It was first documented in 979 when Otto II, a Holy Roman Emperor, gave the land between the two Erlauf rivers to Bishop Wolfgang von Regensburg.

In 1524, Wolfgang von Oed, Emperor Ferdinand I’s cup bearer, bought the castle and his crest can still be found above the tower's entrance.

Schloss Ernegg, Lower Austria, Austria

Originally, the castle featured four towers and was surrounded by a moat. Today, most of its architecture dates back to the 16th century.

The castle has received a lot of renovations and additions over the centuries and Wolfgang von Oed is thought to have added the frescos above the arcades that can still be seen in the courtyard today. 

Schloss Ernegg, Lower Austria, Austria

Schloss Ernegg has belonged to the Auersperg family since 1656 and has been lovingly restored. Today, lucky guests can book their stay on Airbnb.

It can also be hired for weddings and events. Sprawling as well as stunning, the castle can accommodate 50 people at any one time and there are several cottages on-site, too, all located within walking distance of the castle's front door.

Schloss Ernegg, Lower Austria, Austria

All of the rooms are wonderfully traditional and each has its own unique style. Some have exposed beamed ceilings, four-poster beds and grand light fixtures, while others are more pared back, with elegant window coverings and antique furnishings.

There's also a stunning formal dining room, with carved timber doors and a decorative ceiling, as well as enchanting grounds that guests can explore.

Saar Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Located in Serrig, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Saar Castle is relatively modern, as far as castles go. Overflowing with medieval architecture, it has a rich history that dates back to the 20th century.

Originally a Riesling vineyard and production centre, the castle supplied the court of the Kaiser (the ruler of Germany) in 1912 and was owned by descendants of the Rothschild family, according to the Airbnb listing.

Saar Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

The masterful property has been lovingly restored and yet, stepping inside, appears to have been frozen in time.

With antique furnishings, grand fireplaces, a sweeping timber staircase, stained-glass details and glossy wood floors, every room is a celebration of the home’s unique history. This double-height lounge sits at the centre of the house and is one of the finest spaces.

Saar Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Other rooms include a library, a formal living room, a kitchen, seven bedrooms and one bathroom, making it ideal for 14 guests.

Many of the rooms boast large windows with enchanting river and mountain views. 

Saar Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

There’s also an office on the second floor, which would be ideal for budding authors, looking for an inspirational spot to pen some chapters.

Plus, the castle benefits from a private park and two outdoor terraces – perfect for taking in the surrounding scenery and enjoying a morning coffee in true style.

Château du Châtelard, Montreux, Switzerland

Château du Châtelard is a real medieval castle that was built in 1441. Positioned in Montreux, in the heart of the Swiss Riviera, the ancient residence stands proud on a hill, with mesmerising views across the peaks and troughs of the region.

Château du Châtelard, Montreux, Switzerland

The castle is home to endless suites and apartments and this particular one is available to rent via Airbnb.

Quirky and full of character, the apartment comes complete with an open-plan living space, with a bed tucked away in an alcove. There's also a rounded kitchen with a dining zone.

Château du Châtelard, Montreux, Switzerland

The bedroom sits behind a curtain, enabling the lucky occupant to enjoy some privacy. There's also a bathroom and a sofa bed, which means up to four people can stay here.

Everywhere you look you'll spot beautiful period features, such as timber floors, glistening chandeliers and vintage furniture. There are no doubt a few hidden rooms and secret spaces in this castle...

Château du Châtelard, Montreux, Switzerland

Guests can explore the castle's ancient grounds and enjoy access to some of the country's most impressive natural landscapes. In fact, from many of the windows, you can take in vistas of Lake Geneva and the snowy peaks of the Alps. 

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

Château de Vaumarcus is undoubtedly one of the finest relics from the Middle Ages in Switzerland. Positioned on a rocky hilltop, it offers unrivalled panoramic view of Lake Neuchâtel below.

The castle is enclosed by more than seven acres of land and boasts a sprawling, 17,577-square-foot interior. Let's explore...

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland S

Amazingly, the castle benefits from 200 rooms, across six buildings. There’s a château with a dungeon and two apartments, a Palais with seven luxury apartments, a shepherd's house, numerous offices and a reception hall.

Of course, every single room is incredible, with the finest materials, furnishings and fabrics on display.

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

This formal dining room has to be one of the castle's most impressive spaces. With its stunning wooden ceiling, exposed stonework, glossy parquet floor and medieval-inspired details, it's certainly a room that would be fit for a king or queen's banquet. Plus, its windows frame truly unforgettable landscape views.

Château de Vaumarcus, Neuchatel, Switzerland

This romantic bedroom is also a highlight, with its beamed ceiling and incredible four-poster bed. Outside, there are enchanting gardens and terraces for soaking up the scenery.

On the market with Cardis Immobilier Sotheby's International Realty in May 2024, it had an undisclosed asking price, which only adds to the allure of this dramatic and dazzling castle.

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