Fairytale Castles of Europe: Trakai, Corvin, Spis, Bran
Explore four iconic European castles across Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia: Trakai Island Castle near Vilnius with its striking red-brick fortress on Lake Galve, the Gothic-Renaissance Corvin Castle in Transylvania, the imposing Spis Castle in northeast Slovakia, and the legendary Bran Castle in Romania's Transylvania region. This 1,915 km route connects some of Europe's most architecturally significant medieval fortifications.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Trakai Island Castle
- End
- #4 Bran Castle, Romania
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Trakai Island Castle — Medieval castle set upon a small island in Lake Galve, just outside Vilnius. Once strategically important to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
- Corvin Castle — Gothic-Renaissance style castle in Transylvania, one of the largest castles in Europe, surrounded by myths and legends.
- Spis Castle — Massive fortress in northeast Slovakia, built in 1241 and expanded over centuries due to its cultural and political importance to the Kingdom of Hungary.
- #4 Bran Castle, Romania — Medieval fortress perched on a rocky hilltop in Transylvania, famous for its association with Dracula folklore and Gothic architecture.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Trakai Island Castle was restored to its original look and style in the 1960s. The Gothic and Romanesque features look particularly striking when viewed from across Lake Galve.
- Tip
- Corvin Castle in Transylvania has been featured in numerous television shows and films due to its fairytaleesque appearance.
- Tip
- Conwy Castle features two hulking barbicans and eight large towers, considered one of the finest examples of military architecture in Europe.
- Tip
- Swallow's Nest was built in 1911 and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visit to experience its precarious clifftop setting overlooking the Black Sea and stunning views.
- Tip
- Cochem Castle was destroyed in 1688 and later restored in Gothic Revival style. The views from its turrets and towers of the valley and river are particularly impressive.
- Tip
- Spis Castle now serves as an educational museum and offers commanding views over hills and valleys from its battlements.
- Tip
- Hohenzollern Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. The current castle was completed in 1867, though a fortress has stood on the site since the 11th century.
- Tip
- Alcázar of Segovia is now a popular museum with a well-equipped armory and weapons collection. The palace has elegant rooms and halls covered in art and fine furnishings.
- Tip
- Bran Castle has many rooms housing Queen Marie's extensive art and furniture collection. Visit for its amazing architecture and beautiful setting in a lush valley.
- Tip
- Pena Castle was completed in 1854 and features vivid yellow and red walls visible from its hilltop setting in the Sintra Mountains just outside Lisbon. Views from ramparts and gardens are excellent.
- Tip
- Eilean Donan is located where three lochs meet in Scotland. The original castle dates to the 13th century, but the current structure dates to the 20th century. Famous from numerous films.
- Tip
- Neuschwanstein Castle was completed in 1886 and inspired the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland. The interior contains incredible artworks and precious paintings.
Video on this route
12 Beautiful Fairytale Castles in Europe - Travel Video