These castles make Disneyland look boring: Discover ones in Ukraine
The most beautiful castles of Europe and Ukraine worth seeing at least once (RBC-Ukraine collage)
Castles of Europe and Ukraine are not just architecture. They are living history you can see, touch, and feel. From the fairytale spires of Neuschwanstein to the majestic walls of Kamianets-Podilskyi, each tells its own unique story.
RBC-Ukraine has gathered the most beautiful castles worth visiting at least once in your lifetime – and some are closer than you think.
Europe: castles that look like a work of fantasy
Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany
The most photographed castle in the world – and for good reason. Ludwig II built it as a personal retreat from the real world, inspired by Wagner’s operas. Outside – fairytale spires above the clouds. Inside – painted halls and a throne the king never sat on: the castle was completed after his death.
Neuschwanstein itself inspired Walt Disney to create Cinderella’s Castle in the studio’s logo.
Neuschwanstein Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
The brightest castle in Europe – literally. Bright yellow and red walls, Moorish towers, Gothic arches – all combined in one building perched on a cliff above the Atlantic.
This is not just a castle – it is an architectural fantasy: Gothic arches, romantic terraces, exotic details. It looks as if someone painted a colorful fairytale onto a living canvas of forest.
This castle is included in the list of Portugal’s Seven Wonders and is one of the country’s most visited landmarks.
Pena Palace (photo: Wikipedia)
Chambord, France
The largest and grandest castle in the Loire Valley. It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci himself had a hand in its design, notably creating the famous double-helix staircase, where people can ascend and descend without ever meeting each other.
Château de Chambord (photo: Wikipedia)
Eilean Donan, Scotland
The most photogenic castle in Scotland, located on a small island at the confluence of three sea lochs. It embodies the rugged yet romantic beauty of the Highlands.
Eilean Donan Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Castles in Ukraine that amaze just as much
Olesko Castle, Lviv region
One of the oldest and most romantic castles in Ukraine. Perched on a hill in the plains, it can be seen from afar. This is the birthplace of Polish King Jan III Sobieski. Inside, there’s a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art.
Olesko Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Pidhirtsi Castle, Lviv region
The Ukrainian Versailles. This palace combines Renaissance luxury with mystique. This gem of Ukrainian Baroque stands amid the plains, resembling a medieval fairy-tale fortress. The palace, side towers, and lavish halls all create the feeling that a prince on a white horse might appear at any moment.
Scenes from The Three Musketeers were filmed here, and legend says the ghost of the “White Lady” still roams its halls.
Pidhirtsi Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress, Khmelnytskyi region
A castle on an island – literally. This ancient fortress stands on a rocky island surrounded by the canyon of the Smotrych River. It looks like a set for an epic movie – yet it is beautifully preserved. One of the most photographed spots in Ukraine.
The fortress was built, rebuilt, and maintained by Lithuanians, Poles, Turks, and Cossacks – each leaving their mark on the architecture. Its towers rise straight from the rocky canyon of the Smotrych River, creating the illusion of weightlessness.
Palanok Castle (Mukachevo)
It towers on a 68-meter extinct volcano. This is not just a castle, but an impregnable fortress that withstood hundreds of sieges. Its history is linked to the brave Ilona Zrínyi, who defended it for over two years.
Visitors should also enjoy the panoramic view of Mukachevo and see the well where, according to legend, a devil resides.
Palanok Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
