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Fort in Europe tour bestows upon the continent its history, building splendor, and military past. These timeless building-framed witnesses of warfare, political power, and cultural evolution for centuries. Drawn to their high walls, intricate defenses, and strategic location, often with the most stunning landscapes as their backdrops, these historic structures have many forts restored into museums showcasing artifacts, weapons, and interactive exhibits. Some forts still host reenactments, festivals, and guided tours to provide the visitor with first-hand experiences of the past.
10 Incredible Forts In Europe You Can Explore
Europe boasts several renowned forts, each rich in history and architectural splendor. Here are ten of the most renowned forts in Europe:
1. Alhambra, Spain
Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons
The Alhambra is a palace-fortress complex in Granada, Spain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first fortress was built in the 9th century, later enlarged by the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries, and became the seat of Moorish rule in Spain. The Alhambra is renowned for its intricate Islamic architecture, glorious arabesques, calligraphy, and geometric patterns. Within the complex are the Nasrid Palaces, the gardens of Generalife, and the Alcazaba fortress. After the Reconquista of 1492, it was adapted to use by the Spanish monarchy, Charles V went and added a Renaissance palace.
Location: Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Timings: 8:30 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: € 30
2. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s symbol, built on Castle Rock- a piece of volcanic formation that has been in use to defend for over one thousand years. These are known to be the records of a royal castle here during the reign of David I in the twelfth century. The castle has had a very central place in Scottish history and was the setting for battles, sieges, and royal successions. The castle is home to the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) and has the Stone of Destiny, which was used during the crowning ceremony of Scottish and British kings and queens.
Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: £19.50
3. Kraków Wawel Castle, Poland
Photo: Lidia Stawinska / Wikimedia Commons
The Wawel Castle, Krakow, one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Poland, was built originally in the 11th century as a royal residence for Polish monarchs beginning in the 14th century under King Casimir III the Great. The building showcases a phenomenal amalgamation of various architectural styles, like Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. The Wawel Cathedral is where Polish rulers had their coronation and burial. Other buildings in the castle complex include the Royal Apartments, the Crown Treasury, and the popular-renowned Wawel Dragon’s Den steeped in Polish legend and folklore.
Location: Wawel 5, Kraków, Poland
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Photo: Softeis / Wikimedia Commons
Neuschwanstein Castle is a well-known castle and a popular tourist destination in Bavaria, Germany. Construction began on the castle in 1869 under the orders of King Ludwig II. The Castle was designed as a romantic retreat based on medieval chivalry and Germanic mythology. The fairy tale profile of the castle complete with lofty spires, turrets, and its matchless alpine contours has established it as a symbol of fantasy architecture. The castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Although made to give a medieval look, this castle came with modern amenities for its time, like running water, central heating, and an elaborate ventilating system.
Location: Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: €15
5. Château De Chambord, France
Photo: Ввласенко / Wikimedia Commons
Set within the lush landscape of the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is one of the most acclaimed of France’s Renaissance castles. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1519 as a hunting lodge, the majestic structure is the most stunning expression of the combination of French medieval and Italian Renaissance styles. It offers its visitors a rich and beautiful façade, complex towers, and what would definitely be the pièce de résistance- the unrivalled double-helix staircase that is said to have been inspired by none other than Leonardo da Vinci.
Location: Chambord, Loire Valley, France
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: € 16
6. Hohensalzburg Fortress, Austria
Photo: Andreas Stiasny / Wikimedia Commons
The Dutch portion of the Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest fully preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, and fills its sky above Salzburg, Austria. Construction began in 1077 under the auspices of Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein and expanded during centuries for the protection of Salzburg’s rulers. It took a key role in regional conflicts but was never captured in battle. It has great defensive walls and a central courtyard, accompanied by the Salzburg Bull, a mechanical organ affixed in the 16th century. Visitors will find medieval chambers inside, with the fine Golden Hall and the Golden Chamber.
Location: Mönchsberg, Salzburg, Austria
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
7. Dover Castle, England
Photo: Neptuul / Wikimedia Commons
Contended with appropriate medieval defenses, this fortress was synonymous with the defense system of the country, to encroach upon it on the key to England. It was built during the reign of King Henry II in the 12th century. It then became the massive keep or the secret wartime tunnels or the ancient lighthouse of Romans-one of the oldest surviving structures in Britain. Visitors can admire the medieval Great Tower, tour interactive wartime exhibits, and view stunning coastal vistas. As one of the largest castles in England, it lives on as a beacon of national defense and a leading tourist destination.
Location: Dover, Kent, England
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: £ 22
8. Spis Castle, Slovakia
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Located upon a hill in eastern Slovakia, Spis Castle is among the largest castle ruins in Europe. Constructed in the 12th century, it later emerged as one of the most significant fortresses of the Kingdom of Hungary. The castle complex showcases both Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, along with a great keep and defensive walls and a chapel. It formed part of important regional politics until its abandonment in the 18th century. Now it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a prime tourist site. Its ruins give vistas of the hilly countryside surrounding it and have exhibitions on medieval life-from armor, weapons to everyday objects like utensils. Its dramatic ruins have been used as filming sites for historical movies.
Location: Žehra, Slovakia
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: € 8
9. Malahide Castle, Ireland
Photo: Jonjobaker / Wikimedia Commons
The Malahide Castle, located on the outskirts of Dublin, has a history spanning over 800 years. The castle was constructed in the 12th century and occupied by the indefatigable force of the Talbot family until the close of the 20th century. The grand building is complemented by medieval architecture combined with Georgian influence, around 260 acres of lush parkland and botanical gardens. Its Great Hall includes within it paintings of historic importance, antique furniture, and tapestries.
Location: Malahide, near Dublin, Ireland
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: € 14
10. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Photo: Lynx1211 / Wikimedia Commons
Mont Saint-Michel, a staggeringly monumental fortress island off the coast of Normandy in France, is probably among the most popular features in the country. The small monastery, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, set up in AD 708 has become a powerful Benedictine abbey today. It was well fortified over centuries, had a strategic location, and consisted of large defensive roles during many sieges by the English in the Hundred Years’ War. The island is dominated by the abbey’s soaring Gothic architecture- spires and intricate stonework. It is termed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and would attract millions of visits every year.
Location: Normandy, France
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
The European landscape is dotted with truly legendary fortresses and castles, each testifying to the history, strength, and architecture of its time. From mighty ramparts to fairy-tale-like castles, a tactile experience carries the visitors back in time to feel the historical essence. Castle exploration broadens the approach toward cultural heritage and military insight while boasting sightseeing to wind down with pleasant memories. Is your historical adventure calling? Book your trip with TripXL to your favourite European country.
Cover Photo: Thomas Evraert / Unsplash
