Wander Through Wonder: Real Castles That Inspired Fantasy Legends

Rocky Dimico • July 15, 2025

Explore the magic behind the myths in this fantasy traveler's castle bucket list.

When we think of fantasy—knights, dragons, wizards, and sprawling kingdoms—one image that always captures the imagination is the castle. From Tolkien's Minas Tirith to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, these iconic strongholds are more than set pieces. They are the fantasy.

The good news? Some of the most awe-inspiring castles that inspired or were used in these stories still stand today—and you can visit them.

As a fantasy travel specialist, I help fans explore the real-world places that shaped their favorite tales. Here are some of the most magical castles across Europe that will transport you straight into the pages of a fantasy novel.

Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany

The Inspiration for Disney's Fairy Tale Castles
Towering over the Bavarian Alps, this 19th-century masterpiece inspired everything from Cinderella’s Castle to countless fantasy illustrations.
Surrounded by forest, lakes, and misty peaks—it's straight out of a dream. There are a number of other castles in the area, so you can actually see a couple while in the area. There is also a walking path (closed in the winter...kind of), where you can go out on a bridge and get that amazing photo that everyone wants.

Alnwick Castle – England

Hogwarts Filming Location
Used in the first two Harry Potter films, this medieval castle hosted broom-flying lessons on its lawn.
You can even take part in Harry Potter-themed events while exploring centuries of history. Be Careful when traveling to Scotland for this one, they close in the winter. So you don't want to make your epic journey all the way their for nothing.

Château de Pierrefonds – France

A Real-Life Camelot
Rebuilt in the 19th century, this fairytale French chateau was used in the BBC series Merlin and resembles the Arthurian legends come to life.
It’s richly romantic, atmospheric, and just a short drive from Paris. If you're looking for fantasy style things to do in France, then this must be on your list.

Bran Castle – Romania

Dracula's Castle
While not confirmed as Vlad the Impaler's home, this spooky Transylvanian fortress inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. It features numerous torture devices, and the vibe is just naturally creepy in general.
Perched on a cliff, it’s a must-see for vampire and gothic fiction fans. While I usually say spring is a great time to travel for many of these, in this case, I have found late fall, early winter to be the best time. You get many pictures with the fog and snow, not to be missed.

Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland

A Highland Fantasy Dream
Situated on a small tidal island, this iconic Scottish castle has appeared in Highlander and numerous fantasy visuals.
It feels remote, dramatic, and cinematic—perfect for a misty morning adventure. If you want the castle to yourself, you'll have to go early, and maybe take a chance and rent a car. Otherwise you'll be fighting the crowds for that amazing photo opportunity.

Hohenzollern Castle – Germany

Gothic Meets Romanticism
Less known but jaw-droppingly magical, it looks like something from The Witcher or a Tolkien map.
Perched high above the Swabian Alps, it's the very definition of a hidden gem. To get to this amazing castle, you're going to need to rent a car, or use a combination of train and public transportation. But don't let that deter you, it's definitely worth the work.

Scottish Castle - Highlander - Highlands

Fantasy Travel Tips: Visiting These Castles

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer great lighting and thinner crowds. For many of these I would recommend April as a great month, but if you're going to Romania, well, I would have to say October for that extra spooky season.

Book in Advance: Especially for tours like Alnwick (Harry Potter) or Neuschwanstein. They tend to sell out quickly, especially in the summer. And if you're going to Neuschwanstein, be prepared to wait in line for a shuttle to the top or a 40 minute walk.

Pair Castles by Theme: Gothic? Go Bran + Hohenzollern. Magic? Alnwick + Pierrefonds.

Want Even More Fantasy Adventure?

Planning a Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones trip? Check out my other blog posts here.

Want to include these in a broader European fantasy itinerary? Contact me here and I’ll help you craft your own personal quest.

Let Me Help You Travel Like Royalty

You don’t need a crown to explore the world of castles. Whether you want to walk where wizards once flew or explore the misty mountains of myth, I’ll help you plan a journey that brings your favorite legends to life.

Start your fantasy castle adventure here

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