From formidable medieval fortresses to serene spa retreats, European castles in the 21st century serve a slightly different purpose to their original intent – and we fully approve.
Staying at the best castle hotels in Europe allows you to soak up the heritage and charm of these historic buildings while enjoying truly unique luxury experiences. Read on as we explore 14 of the finest castle hotels in France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
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France’s most historic and luxurious castle hotels
France is home to tens of thousands of castles, often in the form of elegant châteaux that showcase refined architecture and elaborate gardens. Many of these have been converted into stunning hotels fit for royalty.
Château de Bagnols
Nestled among the vineyards of Beaujolais, Château de Bagnols is among the finest castle hotels in France, offering everything you would want from a five-star establishment. This golden 15th-century stone fortress is complete with a soothing luxury spa, verdant topiary garden, and individually decorated rooms providing modern comforts. The hotel has several indulgent dining options, including the haute creations at 1217, while it’s also a stone’s throw from Paul Bocuse’s celebrated restaurant, L’Auberge – one of many highlights on our luxury driving tour of France.
Château d’Audrieu
If you have a penchant for history, you’ll have a ball at Château d’Audrieu, in the heart of the Normandy countryside. Not only will you stay in a grand 18th-century château, but you’ll also be just a short drive from both the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry. The gorgeous original exterior of this stunning castle hotel remains largely untouched, while the interior has been renovated to five-star standards, featuring traditional period furniture, a heated outdoor pool, and its gourmet restaurant, Le Séran.
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Château de Fonscolombe
Castle hotels in Provence don’t come much finer than Château de Fonscolombe – just 20 minutes from the stunning city of Aix-en-Provence. Surrounded by parkland, vineyards and landscaped gardens, this 18th-century castle has benefitted from a recent renovation. Rooms are plush and graceful, while guests can enjoy full run of the château’s public areas, take a moment in the luxury spa, or indulge in classic French fine dining at La Table de L’Orangerie, with produce sourced from the château’s vegetable gardens.
Château de Bourron
Closer to Paris, in the town of Fontainebleau, Château de Bourron is a gem. Surrounded by a spring-fed moat, this stunning 17th-century castle has been brought into the 21st century with a recent renovation, where period furniture and traditional fabrics meet modern conveniences like walk-in showers, in-room massages, and Wi-Fi. The nearby fine-dining restaurant Les Prémices, located in the castle’s old stables, is well worth a visit. For a truly special occasion, you can secure exclusive use of the entire castle, including all nine rooms.
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The best castle hotels in Germany
Known as schloss, German castles are famous for their fantasy-like appearance, surrounded by rugged landscapes and dense forests. With around 25,000 of these stately fortifications in Germany, castle hotels are certainly in abundance.
Schloss Lieser
Described as a contemporary interpretation of a 19th-century castle, Schloss Lieser has serious ‘wow’ factor. Located in the heart of the famous Moselle valley, it’s the perfect base from which to explore local wineries and unwind with a glass of Riesling. The hotel features long corridors, a cosy library, peaceful spa and fine-dining restaurant, Puricelli. At the end of a relaxed day, retire to your elegant room and take in the view of the Moselle river.
Schlosshotel Kronberg
Completed in 1893 for German Empress Victoria – daughter of the iconic British Queen Victoria – Schlosshotel Kronberg is a castle with a rich history and a regal atmosphere. Today, you can stay in one of 61 individually furnished rooms, play a round at the on-site 18-hole golf course, and indulge your appetite. The hotel has two gourmet restaurants, a cosy American bar, and a special winter cottage that serves cosy specialties like fondue during the colder months.
Hotel Burg Trendelburg
In the central state of Hesse, Hotel Burg Trendelburg is regarded as one of the best castle hotels in Germany. With over 700 years of history, this castle hotel features a striking 40-metre tower, which legend says was occupied by Rapunzel herself. It feels like a mythical adventure, with atmospheric rooms, suits of armour on display, and a medieval banquet hall. Fantasies aside, this restored historic gem is a worthy location, with an upscale restaurant, luxury spa and restorative salt house.
Schloss Fuschl (Austria)
While not actually in Germany, Schloss Fuschl is close enough – just 30 minutes from the city of Salzburg and the German border. It’s too good to leave off this list, with its fairytale facade and magical location on the banks of Lake Fuschl, offering the best lake views in all of Austria. As well as the main 15th-century castle, with its comfortable rooms, myriad dining options and luxurious Asaya Spa, you can indulge in one of the lakeside chalets, complete with private saunas and fireplaces.
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Stunning castle hotels in Italy
Italy is a haven for luxury travellers, boasting opulent hotels in Tuscany, Lombardy, Piedmont and beyond. There’s no shortage of castles, which typically reflect a blend of medieval fortresses and Renaissance palaces, emphasising grandeur and art. Here are our picks for the best castle hotels Italy has to offer.
Castello di Casole
A favourite here at UDT is the ancient Castello di Casole, with its magnificent views of the rolling Tuscan hills and vineyards. First built more than 1,000 years ago, this lavish hilltop castle hotel gives you a luxury base from which to explore the joys of Tuscany. Enjoy truffle hunting in the day, then savour a locally inspired dinner in the outdoor courtyard. Of course, you can’t leave without a visit to the unique spa, where local grapes and rosemary feature in restorative treatments. This is without a doubt, one of the finest castle hotels in northern Italy.
Castello di Guarene
Originally built in the 18th-century, Castello di Guarene is now an exclusive five-star hotel perched above the UNESCO-listed Langhe vineyards. Inside, the rooms reflect the castle’s heritage, but with the modern comforts you’d expect from a high-end hotel. The hotel’s mystical spa is a real highlight, complete with a magical cave setting accessed through an ancient escape tunnel. After building an appetite from all that relaxing, you can indulge in traditional Piedmontese dishes at the excellent restaurant complete with well-stocked wine cellar.
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Castello Del Nero
In the delightful Chianti region, Castello Del Nero is something of an all-star. This 12th-century castle is adorned with original features, including Renaissance frescoes and original ceilings, but benefits from fresh new interiors by modern designer Paola Navone. It’s located in the idyllic Tuscan countryside, yet you can easily access both Florence and Siena with complimentary shuttle services. Dining at Castello Del Nero is also a pleasure, with three restaurants including the Michelin-starred La Torre, showing off inventive regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Castello Di Monterone
Overlooking the wonderful city of Perugia in Umbria, Castello Di Monterone is an arresting sight. Parts of this romantic castle date back to the 13th century, with the interior decor showing off old stone walls, curious frescoes and authentic artefacts from the past 800 years. Rooms show off medieval charm with modern luxuries, such as air conditioning and a minibar. With Perugia and Assisi within easy driving distance, it’s a great base for exploration – not to mention relaxation, with a tranquil spa, fragrant rose garden, and gourmet restaurant.
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The best and grandest castle hotels in Switzerland
Castle hotels in Switzerland tend to be more modest and functional than those in other countries as many Swiss castles were built and renovated during later periods, reflecting newer architectural styles. Here are our favourites.
Château d’Ouchy
Sitting on the banks of Lake Geneva, the distinctive Château d’Ouchy is a magnificent castle hotel dating back to around 1170, although it’s been rebuilt and renovated many times over the past 850 years. Today, it’s a resplendent destination hotel with 50 rooms, all of which offer contemporary furnishings alongside original features. Relaxation comes easily at Château d’Ouchy, with a spa, bar and 57˚ Grill steakhouse. The castle is also well located, steps away from the lake and the carefree lakeside resort of Ouchy.
Schadau Castle
Built in 1852, Schloss Schadau opened its doors as a gorgeous boutique hotel in 2019, but has quickly become regarded as one of the best castle hotels in Switzerland. Located in the historic Schadau Park, on the shores of Lake Thun and in the shadow of the Bernese Alps, the hotel’s stunning setting is matched by its gorgeous architecture. The beauty continues inside, with an impressive Gothic-style sandstone staircase, ornate dining room, and lovely au milieu bar, which is certainly worth a sherry or two.
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Tour Europe in luxury and stay in epic castle hotels with Ultimate Driving Tours
Make your fairytale castle dreams a magnificent reality by joining us to stay at a selection of the best castle hotels in Europe. Whether it’s as part of our signature luxury driving tour of Europe or any of our bucket-list European adventures, you will enjoy nights at boutique five-star properties, dine at celebrated restaurants and experience latest-release supercars as you explore the continent.
If you want to learn more about any of our European luxury experiences, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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