There’s something spectacular about mountain-top castles. The amount of work and cost that went into regular castles is mind-blowing. But the additional herculean effort and cost in building a castle on a mountain is a whole other ball game.
We have a huge castles section on this site given many were at time homes to nobility and monarchs, and from those many castles we’ve researched, we hand-picked the most spectacular ones built on a mountain.
Below you can scroll down and enjoy these truly incredible structures that will be enjoyed by people for many years. After all, the era of castles is over and so all we have are those built centuries ago.
1. Hochosterwitz Castle
Hochosterwitz Castle is considered one of Austria’s most impressive medieval castles. Located in Sankt Georgen, Carinthia, the castle was believed to be founded in the 9th century.
A deed issued by Louis the German, King of East Francia, donating several of his properties in the former principality of Carantania to the Archdiocese of Salzburg was found.
The castle remained in the possession of the Archdiocese of Salzburg until Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg ceded the castle in the 11th century. The castle was then passed on to different noble families in the following centuries and currently, it is owned by Khevenhรผller noble family.
- Where: Carinthia, Austria
- When: 9th century
- Who built it: Osterwitz dynasty
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Open to the public
- Current owner: Khevenhรผller noble family
2. The Hohensalzburg Fortress
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It was built at the behest of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century to protect their interests.
It was then modified and extended during the following centuries and remained in the possession of the Archbishops of Salzburg for a long period of time before it was surrendered without a fight to French troops under General Jean Victor Marie Moreau during the Napoleonic War of the Second Coalition in 1800 after the last Prince-Archbishop Count Hieronymus von Colloredo fled to Vienna.
Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Tourist attraction
- Current owner: State of Salzburg
3. Hohenwerfen Castle
Hohenwerfen Castle, also known as the sister of Hohensalzburg Fortress were both built by the Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century.
Together with Hohensalzburg, it remained in the possession of Archbishops of Salzburg for a long period of time until the last owner, Archduke Eugen of Austria sold the castle to the Salzburg Reichsgau administration in 1938 and today, the estate is now owned by the state of Salzburg.
About the Hohenwerfen castle
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Tourist attraction / Museum
- Current owner: State of Salzburg
4. Kreuzenstein Castle
Kreuzenstein Castle, locally known as Burg Kreuzenstein is located in the city of Stockerau was originally built in the 12th century by the Counts of Formbach. The castle passed into the possession of the Counts of Wasserburg through marriage later on and became a property of the Habsburgs in 1278.
During the 30-Years War, the castle was conquered for the first time in its history and fell into the hands of the Swedish Field Marshall Lennart Torstensson, who destroyed three parts of the castle on his departure.
It was reconstructed later on by the Counts of Wilczek when it came to their possession. Count Johann Nepomuk Wilczek led the reconstruction in a style entirely different from the original Romanesque-Gothic style, as he rebuilt the castle mixing an old and new medieval architecture style.
Today, the Kreuzenstein Castle was the former titular home of the Lazarus Union Knighthood of Honour and is a great tourist attraction owned by Johan-Christian Count Wilczek.
About the Kreuzenstein Castle
- Where: Stockerau, Austria
- When: 12th century / Reconstructed in the 19th century
- Who built it: Count Johann Nepomuk Wilczek
- Style: Neo-medieval architecture
- What is it now? Museum / Tourist attraction
- Current owner: Johan-Christian Count Wilczek
5. ฤeskรฝ ล ternberk Castle
Located in ฤeskรฝ ล ternberk, Central Bohemian Region, the ฤeskรฝ ล ternberk Castle is a medieval Bohemian castle of the mid-13th century. It was built by Zdeslav of Divisov, later called Zdeslav Sternberg, the family that owned the castle since its construction.
Currently, the castle is a residence that bears a long historical and architectural legacy. It is one of the best preserved Gothic Bohemian castles that attract thousands of tourists across the world.
About the ฤeskรฝ ล ternberk Castle
- Where:ย ฤeskรฝ ล ternberk, Czech Republic
- When:ย 13th century
- Who built it:ย Zdeslav of Divisov
- Style:ย Gothic style
- What is it now?ย Tourist site / Sternberg family residence
- Current owners:ย Sternberg family
6. Bouzov Castle
Located in Bouzov, Czech Republic, the Bouzov Castle is an early 14th-century fortress constructed in the orders of the aristocratic Bลฏz of Bludovec family.
The castle had to change its owner and it was passed onto the Lords of Kunลกtรกt, and later on acquired by the lords of Vildenberk, margrave Joลกt, the Haugvic and the Pod ล tatskรฝ families. The castle was also transformed from gothic style to renaissance and neo-gothic styles.
It was finally acquired by the government of the Czech Republic after the Order of Teutonic Knights expressed an interest in the castle but got denied. Currently, it serves as a national cultural monument and is open to the public.
About the Bouzov Castle
- Where:ย Bouzov, Czech Republic
- When:ย ย 14th century
- Who built it:ย Bลฏz of Bludovec family
- Style:ย Gothic style / Renaissance style / Neo-gothic style
- What is it now?ย Open to the public / Tourist site
- Current owners:ย Czech Republic Government
7. Ksiaz Castle
Founded in the 13th century, Ksiaz Castle, also known as โThe Pearl of Lower Silesiaโ, was home to many noble families for centuries. The Silesian duke Bolko I the Strict made this castle his residence.
The Luxembourg king Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia also resided here for some time. For centuries, the castle belonged to the powerful family of Hochberg until the last Hochberg family owning the castle fell into debt and was forced to sell the property.
Currently, the Seismic Station of Polish Academy of Sciences is holding some part of the estate, while some other parts are open to the public.
About the Ksiaz Castle
- Where:ย Waลbrzych, Poland
- When:ย 13th century
- Who built it:ย Unclear
- Style:ย Gothic style / Baroque architecture / Rococo architecture
- What is it now?ย Tourist attraction / Hotel / Landscape park / Museum
- Current owner:ย Ksiฤ ลผ Landscape Park and Castle Museum
8. Czorsztyn Castle
The ruins of Czorsztyn Castle located in Czorsztyn, Poland was the old home of the noblemen and the customs office on the trade trail from Krakow and Sฤ cz to Hungary.
It was originally a stronghold built in the mid 13th century but was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1720, resulting in total neglect ever since. Today, the ruins of the castle are open to the public.
About the Ruins of Czorsztyn Castle
- Where:ย Czorsztyn, Poland
- When:ย 13th century
- Who built it:ย Unknown
- Style:ย Gothic style
- What is it now?ย Ruins
- Current owner:ย Republic of Poland
9. Schloss Stolzenfels
Schloss Stolzenfels, much commonly known as Stolzenfels Castle was originally built as a fortification by the Prince-Bishop of Trier, then Arnold II. von Isenburg in the 13th century. It became a ruined castle that was bestowed to Prussian Crownprince, Frederick William as a great gift in 1823.
He ordered a rebuilt for the castle during the 19th century, turning it into a Gothic Revival style palace and now serves as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
About the Stolzenfels Castle
- Where:ย Koblenz, Germany
- When:ย 13th Century
- Who built it:ย Prince-Bishop of Trier, then Arnold II. von Isenburg
- Style:ย Gothic Revival style
- What is it now?ย Currently part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley
- Current owner:ย Rhineland-Palatinate
10. The Eltz Castle
The Eltz Castle is a medieval castle located in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany still owned by a branch of the original Eltz family that lived in the castle for 33 generations started in the 12th century.
Eltz Castle is one of the three castles on the left bank of the Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate that has never been destroyed, the other two were Bรผrresheim Castle and Lissingen Castle. Today, the castle is open to the public.
About the Eltz Castle
- Where:ย Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- When:ย 12th century
- Who built it: Eltz family
- Style: Gothic style / Romanesque architecture / Baroque architecture / Medieval architecture
- What is it now?ย Open to public
- Current owner:ย Eltz Family
11. Schloss Hohenschwangau
Schloss Hohenschwangau is the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria in the 19th century.
It follows the style of Gothic Revival architecture located in the German village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Fรผssen, part of the county of Ostallgรคu in southwestern Bavaria, Germany, which is very close to the border with Austria. Today, it is a popular tourist site in Bavaria.
About the Hohenschwangau Castle
- Where:ย Bavaria, Germany
- When:ย 19th century
- Who built it: King Maximilian II of Bavaria
- Style: Gothic Revivalย style
- What is it now? Currently a popular tourist site
- Current owner:ย Bavaria, Germany Government
12. Pena Palace
Located in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera, the Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle that was completed in the 18th century.
It boasts an intentional mixture of eclectic styles including the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance making it so beautiful it was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
It is also serving for state occasions hosted by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.
About the Pena Palace
- Where: Sintra, Portugal
- When: 18th century
- Who built it: Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege
- Style: Romanticism architecture (mix of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance style)
- What is it now? National monument / UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Current owner: Portuguese Republic
13. Neuschwanstein Castle
Located in Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honour of Richard Wagner. The 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace was paid by Ludwig out of his own fortune rather than using Bavarian public funds.
While the castle was built strictly as a home for the king, it was soon opened to the public following Ludwigโs death and since visited by 1.3 million people annually.
About the Neuschwanstein Castle
- Where:ย Located above the village of Hohenschwangau near Fรผssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany
- When:ย 19th Century
- Who built it:ย Ludwig II of Bavaria
- Style:ย Romanesque Revival
- What is it now?ย Currently open to public
- Current owner:ย Bavaria, Germany government
You didn’t think we’d forget the most famous castle in the world, let alone most famous mountain-top castle, did you? Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is nothing short of spectacular. Millions of people visit every year.
14. Bamburgh Castle
The Bamburgh castle sits magnificently atop a bluff on the northeast coast of England. A Glance at the castle reveals a grand, looming, structure. It is backed by a rich and awe-inspiring history.
It was constructed by the Normans in the 11th century and currently acts as an important outpost for English Monarchs, owing to its proximity to the Scottish border.
It is the star attraction of many books and movies because of its romantic and wistful seaside settings and majestic turrets. It is indeed a sight for sore eyes!
More Details About Bamburgh Castle
- Where: England
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Normans
- Style: Gothic revival style
- What is it now: open to the public
- Current Owner: It is owned by the Armstrong family and listed as a Grade 1 property.
15. Corvin Castle
Located in the heart of Transylvania, the Corvin Castle occupies the top of a rocky bluff with a thin bridge for access. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s largest castles that mirrors the pretty and grandiose castles in fairytales.
This masterpiece was built by a military leader, John Hunyadi in the mid-15th century. The gigantic building is partitioned into three large parts; the Knight’s Hall, the Diet Hall and the circular stairways.
Each of these areas is flagged by circular and rectangular towers that played a “defence” role and were used as a prison in the past. The architecture is a gorgeous gothic style that lends brilliance and beauty to its imposing structure.
More Details About the Corvin Castle
- Where: Transylvania
- When: 15th century
- Who built it: John Hunyadi
- Style: Gothic Renaissance Style
- What is it now: Tourist attraction
- Current Owner: Owned by the Ministry of Culture
16. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh castle is a breathtaking Scottish beauty that sits proudly atop Castle Rock. Strategically located, It gives a stunning view of Scotland. This is so that it could serve its defence purposes by giving soldiers a bird’s eye view of the enemy while making it difficult for invaders to reach its perimeters.
The castle is founded on a dramatic history that highlights rifts between England and Scotland. Ownership of the castle changed hands between England and Scotland severally during the first and second wars that birthed independence for Scotland.
Today, the castle is a star attraction for tourists and visitors, offering guided tours, events and scenic views.
More Details about Edinburgh Castle
- Where: Scotland
- When: 12th century
- Who built it: King David the 1st
- Style: Baronial style architecture
- What is it now: Paid tourist attraction
- Current Owner: Scottish Minister and Ministry of Defence.
17. Tourbillon Castle
Looking like something out of a fairytale, Tourbillon castle is shrowded in finesse and undeniable elegance. No questions asked, it is one of the most beautiful castles on earth. It is located on a mount, overlooking the charming Swiss countryside.
It was built in the late 13th century under the leadership of Bishop Boniface de Challant. Like many medieval castles, it features a defensive structure and it is perched atop a steep, hilly, mount. The Tourbillon fortress is surrounded and protected by nature. It boasts a keep, a chapel and a garrison building.
More Details About Tourbillon Castle
- Where: Switzerland
- When: Between the 13th-14th century
- Who built it: Bishop of Sion, Boniface de Challant
- Style: Originally a Romanesque architecture with modern Gothic Style trimmings and additions
- What is it now: Open to the public
- Current Owner: Tourbillon Castle Foundation
18. Vianden Castle
Viaden castle attracts visitors like bees to honey. It is a famous feudal fortress from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The castle was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries to reflect a Roman castle and serve as a Carolingian refuge.
It was owned by the Grand Ducal family for decades before it was handed into state ownership in 1977. Following the change of ownership, it has undergone several restorations that gave rise to its present stately and stunning look.
The highlight of this European beauty is a contemporary, interactive, visitors’ center, located by the entrance.
More Details About Vianden Castle
- Where : Vianden, Luxembourg
- When: Between 11th and 14th century
- Who built it: Charles Arendt
- Style: Romanesque and Gothic
- What is it now: Tourist attraction
- Current Owner: Previously owned by the Grand Ducal family and passed it into state ownership in 1977
19. Lichtenstein Castle
Fondly called the “fairy-tale castle of Wรผrttemberg”, Lichtenstein castle was built on romantic grounds by Count Wilhelm of Wรผrttemberg, in medieval times. It stands tall on an 800 – meters high-cliff by the edge of the Swabian elps.
During World War 11, the tower obtained a scar from an American tank that fired an explosive shell. Fortunately, the castle wasn’t critically damaged, but the shell formed a hole on the wall, which remains to this day.
It is one of the most mesmerizing and appealing castles in Germany with a beautiful romantic background.
More Details About Lichtenstein Castle
- Where: Germany
- When: 13th century
- Who built it: Count Wilhelm of Wรผrttemberg
- Style: Gothic
- What is it now: Open to visitors
- Current Owner: Dukes of Urach
20. Alcรกzar of Segovia
Spain’s most famous castle, Alcรกzar of Segovia, is a historic beauty reminiscent of a fairy-tale castle. Rumour has it that this castle is the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella castle ( that remains to be proved).
Located in the charming town of Segovia, the castle is built upon a rocky outcrop and shaped like a ship’s bow โ One would think the castle is sailing on a mountain top.
The Alcรกzar of Segovia has two main courtyards, a large and a small one. 12 of the castle rooms are open to exploration and they each lead to the courtyards. Each room bears a harmonious fusion of Gothic, Romanesque and Moorish elements.
The most remarkable of the rooms is the Hall of the Kings which is located at the front of the castle and lies within the castle’s distinct ship’s bow.
More Details About Alcรกzar of Segovia
- Where : Segovia, Castile and Leรณn, Spain
- When: Originated from the 7th-9th centuries during the Moorish rule and was reconstructed (from ruins) in the 12th century
- Who built it: Berber Almoravid dynasty
- Style : Features Romanesque, Gothic, Mudรฉjar and Herrerian architecture
- What is it now: Tourist attraction
- Current Owner: Crown of Castille, Monarchy of Spain, Segovia Artillery Academy, Patronage of the Alcรกzar of Segovia
