7 perfect castles and palaces

'Castlecore' is a new trend – and a river cruise is a fabulous way to visit, so whether you love the sight of a Sleeping Beauty palace or a classic turreted castle, here’s our pick of the best.

By Graeme Green

A good castle and palace never really goes out of style. But 2025 has been declared the year of ‘Castlecore’ by Pinterest, a trend influenced by the popularity of Game of Thrones and Lord of The Rings – think luxurious fabrics, pointed arches, chandeliers and giant fireplaces.

Nothing beats seeing the originals, though, not just for interior design tips but for a chance to soak up the atmosphere and get an up-close and personal history lesson. And the fact that so many castles and palaces were built in strategic hilltop locations above urban areas or next to rivers means they’re usually accessible to visit, especially from river cruises – just step off the boat and back in time.

Here are seven of Europe’s most beautiful and remarkable castles, all possible to visit on a river cruise, with tips on what not to miss when you go:

Reichsburg Castle

Cochem, Germany

The original castle is over 1000 years old, but it was reimagined and rebuilt in the 19th century, the changes largely responsible for its romantic fairytale-esque appearance, including a central keep, imposing battlements and jutting turrets. It’s surrounded by the Moselle Valley’s little villages and Riesling-producing vineyards. Cochem’s charming Old Town is filled with timber-framed houses, small shops and lively market squares – all well worth leaving the boat for. 

Don’t Miss: The Knight’s Hall, with its wooden ceiling, stained glass windows and antique weaponry.

Visit Reichsburg Castle on these cruises

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Koblenz, Germany

Ehrenbreitstein is one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Sitting 120 metres above the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, it was occupied by French forces during the Napoleonic Wars. The military stronghold was also used to store cultural artefacts during World War II. 

In its current form, including impressively thick sturdy walls, it has never been conquered, which suggests all the building alterations worked out well. Getting to and from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a highlight – there’s a scenic cable car ride from Koblenz’s historic city centre that crosses high above the Rhine. 

Don’t Miss: The on-site museums, including the House of Photography, House of Archaeology and the Landesmuseum Koblenz (regional art and history). Also take time to explore the underground tunnels and enjoy the view from the fortress over the German Corner where the two rivers meet.

Visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on these cruises

Eltz Castle

Wierschem, Germany

With a cluster of buildings that includes eight towers, each measuring up to around 40 metres high, the fairytale feel of this castle is accentuated by the fact the castle is encased by the dense, dark green Eltz Forest. The medieval castle, built in the 12th century, reaches upwards from its perch on a 70-metre-high rock spur, surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach river, in the hills near Wierschem in west Germany. The castle has been owned by the Eltz family for 34 generations and has managed to stay erect even during periods of conflict. 

Don’t Miss: The Armoury contains weapons, armour and other items from the 14th to 17th centuries, including swords, bows and arrows, shields, muskets and what are believed to be the oldest remaining cannon balls in the world.

Visit Eltz Castle on these cruises

Würzburg Residence

Würzburg, Germany

The owners of the Würzburg Residence probably never struggled for space when they had guests over – the stately building has nearly 400 rooms. One of the most important Baroque palaces in Europe, it’s located in the Bavarian city of Würzburg. A blend of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, the residence has played host to European dignitaries, including Napoleon and Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. 

One of the most remarkable features is the grand staircase, which is crowned by the world’s largest fresco, painted by the Venetian master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. There are also opulent rooms filled with tapestries, paintings, antique furniture and other treasures, as well as a chapel and the landscaped Court Garden, which has neat lawns, trimmed hedges and Baroque statues. Despite suffering severe damage during World War II air raids, the palace has been meticulously restored. In 1981, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Don’t Miss: The Staircase Hall, featuring Tiepolo’s sprawling fresco, and the grand Imperial Hall, decorated with marble, gilded stucco, mirrors and ceiling frescoes.

Visit Würzburg Residence on these cruises

Mateus Palace

Vila Real, Portugal

Located near the town of Vila Real in northern Portugal and overlooking the Corgo River valley, Mateus Palace is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the country, not least the symmetrical white façade, with ornate windows and striking pointy turrets and towers. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, the building has been seen around the world on the labels of Mateus rosé wine. The palace, classed as a National Monument, was originally a private residence for a wealthy family and still belongs to their descendants. Inside, rooms are stuffed with period furniture, paintings and religious artefacts, while the library has rare and ancient printed manuscripts and books. 

These days it’s an arts and culture hub, serving as the setting for concerts and events, including summer festivals. Outside, the mirror-like waters of a lake, built in the mid-1900s, creates an almost perfect reflection of the house, so you can see it in double. 

Don’t Miss: The gardens, including the tranquil reflecting lake, vineyards, vegetable gardens, fountains, orderly hedges and colourful flowerbeds.

Visit Mateus Palace on these cruises

Gödöllő Palace

Gödöllő, Hungary

Originally built in the first half of the 18th century, it’s not hard to see why this palace became a favourite getaway for Queen Elisabeth, known as ‘Sissi’, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, and her husband Franz Joseph I. With smart white outer walls and red roofs, the palace complex showcases wonderful Baroque architecture, with an elongated U-shaped layout and a central domed hall, and it’s surrounded by more than 60 acres of tranquil gardens with winding paths, fountains and centuries-old trees. 

Inside, there’s a grand staircase, the extravagantly decorated Grand Hall, and rooms with ornate ceilings and gilded furniture. The palace was used as a barracks and nursing home during the Soviet occupation but it’s since been returned to its 19th-century splendour. 

Don’t Miss: The Queen Elisabeth Exhibition where you can see her personal items, clothing replicas and reconstructed private rooms, as well as Sissi’s private suite within the Royal Apartments.

Visit Gödöllő Palace on these cruises

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg, Germany

Former residents include Frederick V, who married Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of the King of England – the pair were known as the ‘Winter King’ and the ‘Winter Queen’ of Bohemia. The humble original construction began in the 13th century but, like so many strongholds, it endured tough times, including major fire and damage caused by multiple strikes of lightning. The sprawling site now blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with red sandstone outer walls, tidy terraced gardens and the famous carved stone arch, the Elizabeth Gate. 

As well as the castle, a guided tour of Heidelberg is an opportunity to check out the Old Town’s winding alleys, Germany’s oldest university, the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) and the Jewish Quarter, as well as the Karl Theodor Bridge. 

Don’t Miss: The Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. Created in the 1700s, it once contained 221,000 litres of wine.

Visit Heidelberg Castle on these cruises