Have you ever dreamt of living in a castle? Feed your imagination with a trip to Eastern Europe! From Romania to Slovakia to the Czech Republic, this region of Europe is filled with breathtaking castles that will take you back through history and make you want to start polishing off your crown.

Bran Castle, Romania

Commonly known as Dracula’s castle, this towering, brooding castle will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook. Nestled in a circle of mountains and overlooking the deep forest of Transylvania, it’s easy to see where this dramatic fortress got its nickname. The castle is an amazing sight to behold during any time of the year, but truly shines during its annual Halloween party, as visitors venture off to explore the dimly lit halls and spooky interior-- if they dare!

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

The Prague Castle is a must-see on any trip to the Czech Republic. Dating back to the 9th century, this giant complex has been home to kings, emperors, and presidents for centuries, and it’s easy to understand why. The Prague Castle looks like a fairytale come to life, with its ornate architecture and idyllic scenery consisting of numerous gardens, courtyards, and historic buildings.

Moszna Castle, Poland

For all you Harry Potter lovers out there, forget about England: the real Hogwarts lookalike is all the way in rural Poland. Visitors will fall in love with the shining windows, dramatic towers, and whimsical purple accents on the roofs. Even better, the castle is situated on a beautiful, sprawling estate that’s perfect for picnicking with family and friends on a sunny day-- who could ask for a better view?

Bojnice Castle, Slovakia

This medieval castle in Slovakia will take your breath away. Situated on a hill overlooking the town, the exterior of the castle is a stunning example of Romantic architecture-- in fact, the castle is a frequent setting for fantasy and fairytale movies! If you go indoors, you’ll also get to browse through the grand collection of artwork and other valuables put in place by the castle’s last private owner in the 1800s. Night tours come particularly recommended, as you’ll get to explore the halls and treasures by candlelight.

Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Talk about epic: the Predjama Castle is a huge Renaissance-style fortress that’s actually built into the mouth of a cave in the historic region of Slovenia. The result is a mysterious, magnificent image that combines the power of nature with that of man-made architecture. During good months, you may even have the chance to explore the cave underneath the castle, and walk through secret passages used during the 15th century!

Blog post author: Hannah Hunt