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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eberstein Castle is described by Baden-Württemberg Sotheby's International Realty as the "landmark of the Murg Valley".
Located in picturesque Gernsbach, surrounded by lush vineyards, this romantic and timeless fortress highlights exactly why Germany is known as the castle capital of the world.
Nestled on almost 105 acres of land, Eberstein Castle was constructed in the 13th century and is closely connected with the family of the Margraves of Baden – the ruler of the region. It originally served as a fortress and residence of the rulers, but over the centuries, the castle has been extended and rebuilt several times.
One of the most significant changes took place in the 18th century when architect Friedrich Weinbrenner was commissioned to remodel the castle in the classicist style.
There are 16 double bedrooms within the castle's hotel, as well as numerous enchanting living spaces and even a restaurant. This circular room is magnificent, with its statement ceiling and gilded details.
There's also a hall of mirrors, a castle parlour, a distillery room and a formal dining room that's protected by two (faux) armoured guards.
Vineyards surround the castle and there's also a botanical-inspired garden and numerous stunning courtyards where we wouldn't mind whiling away the hours.
For sale with Baden-Württemberg Sotheby's International Realty in May 2024, for an undisclosed sum, we're sure this grand stately home could be described as priceless!
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.
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 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.
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.
With all the charm, space and style of a historic castle, this gorgeous property was built in 1996, yet it looks like it's been on this idyllic lake-side plot in Switzerland for centuries.
Described by Knight Frank as a "stupendous 14-room mansion", the residence is situated in Chexbres, a Swiss village known for its vineyards, and enjoys 180-degree views of Lake Geneva.
Constructed from the finest materials, the romantic home offers plenty of traditional architectural details, including stone from Bourgogne, magnificent wrought ironwork, Versailles parquets and period woodwork.
Every single room is bursting with lovely touches and, thanks to the home's age, are all in exceptional condition.
Inside, you'll find 7,254 square feet of living space, which encompasses formal lounges and dining spaces, a huge kitchen, seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
The 14-room main house isn't the only one on the estate, either. There's a caretaker’s cottage and a three-car garage. But that isn't all, as this home is full of surprises...
A secret underground tunnel serves as a private art gallery and links the two buildings on the estate. Oh, and there's also a luxurious vaulted basement, which serves as a tasting room and a storage cellar for the finest vintages.
On the market in May 2024 for CHF 19 million, which equates to £16.4 million ($20.8m), the impressive castle is truly unmatched.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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...
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 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...
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.
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.
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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