Europe has lots of castles that have been converted to serve as luxury accommodation, and we’ve handpicked some of the best castle hotels for your royal and romantic trip.

England

England is the home to a number of stunningly beautiful castles, and a number of them have been successfully converted into modern day accommodation.

Swinton Park – Masham

Swinton Park was once the home to the Cunliffe-Lister family. These days, however, it serves as a luxury castle hotel with 30 bedrooms for guests to choose from.

This beautiful English castle includes everything you would expect from a castle; long corridors, huge staircases, turrets and of course big beautiful bedrooms fit for a king.

Swinton park castle is the epitome of English country living and it’s easy to see why so many tourists choose to stay here. Prices for a room start around $260 a night, which is incredibly reasonable given the high quality of the accommodation.

Swinton Park Hotel, England by Michael King

Amberley Castle – West Sussex

Amberley Castle is an incredibly old fashioned castle; however the accommodation is both modern and incredibly luxurious.

On the outside, Amberley Castle appears almost ancient. A dated portcullis guards the gateway; but be brave, step through and you’ll be greeted with incredible architecture and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Inside the castle hotel you’ll find 19 luxurious and lavish bedrooms that contain relaxing features such as whirlpool bathrooms and beautiful four poster beds. All of this luxury starts at $375 a night; which may seem expensive but the experience is worth every cent.

There are lots of other castles in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland that you may want to consider, including:

• Ashford Castle – Ireland – Prices start from $488 per night
• Ruthin Castle – Wales – Prices start from $107 per night
• Fenton Tower – Scotland – Prices start from $244 per night
• Balfour Castle – Scotland – Prices start from $320 per night

Amberley Castle, England by Steve Winton

France

Like the English, the French have a long and strong bond with their ancestral monarchy, and over the centuries a number of castles have been built throughout France.

Hôtel de la Cité – Carcassonne

The Hôtel de la Cité is a romantic castle hotel that serves Michelin-starred food accompanied with the finest wine.

This picturesque castle will have you feeling like royalty, and the castle now resides within the protected boundaries of the UNESCO heritage site.

During the day you can expect to share the grounds with tourists and daytrippers, but by night the grounds will be void of people, expect of course for you and your partner.

The Hôtel de la Cité offers some amazing views, and you can be sure that the experience of a stay at this castle hotel will be unforgettable. Prices start from $465 per night.

Hôtel de la Cité – Carcassonne, France by elPadawan

Château de Bagnols

Some people have a very visual expectation of a castle’s features, and when they visit a castle they expect the ‘whole hog’; a drawbridge with a moat, defensive towers and of course defensive arrow holes.

The Château de Bagnols is a French castle hotel that meets and even exceeds even the most picturesque perceptions of a castle. If you’re keen to avoid the contemporary design of modern hotels then you’ll fully appreciate the traditional and lavish décor of the Château de Bagnols.

Antiques and works of art are used to decorate the exquisite and luxurious 21 rooms and apartments, but these incredibly high standards come at a price, as rooms start from more than $500 per night.

Château de Bagnols, France by Corona Mejora Tu Vida

If France doesn’t take your fancy, you can also visit baltictravelcompany to have nice view of castles in Eastern Europe. Also, last but not least some of the European castle hotels appealing to you and your partner:

• Schlosshotel Igls – Austria – Prices start from $231 per night
• Castel Porrona – Italy – Prices start from $193 per night
• Burg Wernberg – Germany – Prices start from $257 per night

Author Bio: Jason Phillips is a travel writer and loves to explore different places in the world. He also works for some travel sites.

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Siam water park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by stephen jones

One of them is the Siam water park. It is found in the Adeje region (Tenerife) and has the popular tower of power. This tower has a notably long slide which ends with a tunnel passing through a shark tank. You should however not be worried as people are protected from the sharks. In addition to this, there is the vertical slide dubbed the dragon on which one slides at a great speed. For the ones who love surfing, the large pool waves with sandy beaches are sure to catch your attention. Simply, there is something for the whole family.

The Tropical Islands in Germany is another great water park in Europe. It has great indoor pools which are large enough to accommodate about 8,000 people. There are many slides in this place and it is up to you to choose the one you want. Presence of an indoor pool means that the family gets to have a wonderful time irrespective of the environment outside. This place has tropical pools and beaches to make the time spent here simply amazing.

Tropical Islands, Germany by Thomas Kamann

When looking at the great parks in Europe, there is one which cannot be overlooked. This is the Alpamare water park ideally located near the shores of Lake Zurich. This park offers both indoor and outdoor pools to families. It is the largest covered park in Europe. Therefore, you can be sure that the children will have ample space to play in and have fun. The area is more than enough and there is no congestion as it is the case with other water parks in other different locations. To make the experience even more wonderful, there is the underwater music in the outdoor pool.

To add onto the options of wonderful places to have fun with the family, there is the Aquariaz water park in France. It happens to be one of the newest family destinations. It is also the highest but not the biggest. Within this park, any type of slide that comes to your mind is readily available. Notably, the place is open throughout the year including the winter season. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places for families during the summer break. However, if one wants to come with the family to Europe and have a wonderful time, you should first consider going for the passport applications.

These popular locations have been presented by Ellen Nicola who has vast experience of the travel industry. She has worked in this industry for about 20 years. She has also been involved with expanding of online information on travel since the inception of the World Wide Web.

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1) Zurich

The number one place to live in Europe is Zurich. Zurich has a tiny population and a wealth of bars and restaurants as well as stunning views of the Alps. Taxes are some of the lowest in Switzerland and its education and medical facilities are superb. It is however extremely expensive and property here comes with an equally big price tag.

Zürich and lake Zürich, Switzerland by MadGeographer

2) Vienna

Voted number two is Vienna in Austria. The whole of the city centre in this beautiful city has been designated a UN World Heritage Site, and the city boasts an excellent education system and superb infrastructure. It hosts around 200 balls a year, the Opera Ball being the most famous, and a regular feature of the Viennese Carnival season.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria by Gryffindor

3) Geneva

Next up and following very closely – if not jointly tied – is Geneva in Switzerland. One of the most attractive and cultured cities in the world, this really is a stunning city and offers a fantastic quality of life. More than 40% of the population here comes from outside of Switzerland which is a testament to its huge appeal.

Brundwick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland by Zeke

4) Dusseldorf

In fourth place is Düsseldorf in Germany with a great infrastructure and international transport system. Set on the banks of the Rhine, another stunning city in which to live – and especially work. This German bastion is known as a business and financial hub, as well as for its renowned artisanal beer, and an intense rivalry with the nearby city of Cologne.

Dusseldorf, Germany by Johann H. Addicks

5) Munich

Munich is very close behind. Possibly best known for Oktoberfest, a two week festival featuring the best in beers. The Munich Biennale is another draw for tourists, and a great example of the rich operatic culture in the city. Known for its publishing houses, Munich is a popular destination for emigrating editors and writers.

Munich, Germany by Diliff

6) Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the largest financial centre in Europe, with significant commercial interests. It is also the most expensive place to live in Germany, but is very family friendly, and is known as a ‘Green City’; with over half of the area within the city limits being protected outdoor space. It also boasts 8 festivals a year and two botanical gardens.

Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Frankfurt, Germany by rupp.de

7) Bern

Number 7 in our list is Bern, again in Switzerland, the world’s second safest city and excellent medical facilities. Like Vienna, the town centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 114 significant heritage sites, making it the perfect expatriate destination for history buffs.

Bern, Switzerland by Daniel Schwen

8) Copenhagen

Number eight in our list is Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, again, an expensive city but it does boast no less than eleven Michelin Starred restaurants, the best international schools and medical facilities. The city is also known for its exquisite promenades and waterfront structures, contributing to the cultural beauty of Denmark.

Amagertorv in Copenhagen, Denmark by Furya

9) Amsterdam

Number nine sees Amsterdam step up to the mark with its liberal attitudes, network of canals and a family friendly reputation. Reliance on cycling helps make the city a healthier place to live, and the gay friendly vibe contributes to the feel good atmosphere for residents. 55% of housing is government owned, with tenants heavily favoured by law – making Amsterdam a haven for renters.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Swimmerguy269

10)Brussels

Finally Brussels in Belgium makes it into our top ten with great schools and a thriving ex pat community. It has a mainly bilingual population, speaking both Dutch and French (making the city more accessible). In addition, 25% of the population are of Muslim background, making it a great place for Islamic expatriates.

Brussels, Belgium by Wouter Hagens

Written by Helen Shepard from Movers International, a professional ex pat with a spirit of wanderlust.

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Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany, has traditionally lived in Berlin’s shadow – but not anymore.

The northern metropolis has become a media and industrial hub in modern times, with Hamburg now one of the most affluent and best places to live anywhere in Europe.

And tourists can’t get enough of Hamburg’s charms. From art to history and music to marathons, the city now attracts over four million visitors each year. Read on to find out about some of the interesting and innovative places to visit when Staying in a Hamburg hotel this year.

St Michaelis Church

A truly iconic landmark of Hamburg, visitors are drawn from across both across Germany and further afield to gaze upon and worship at St Michaelis Church. The glorious Baroque building was originally constructed in 1786 and is dedicated to the archangel Michael. One of the main attractions of the building is the glorious bronze sculpture of Michael vanquishing the Devil, which welcomes tourists as they enter through the main entrance.

Today, visitors can climb St Michaelis’ 132 metre-high spire, where they will be able to soak up fantastic views of Hamburg’s skyline and harbour district.

A view from St Michaelis Church, Hamburg, Germany by Marcus Winter

Tierpark Hagenbeck

Hamburg Zoo was originally opened in 1907 and is the rival of any in Europe. The zoo was the first to pioneer cageless exhibits, and it still uses moats to this day to improve visitor experiences by providing them with panoramic and lifelike enclosures.

The zoo has 210 different species of animals, with tourists able to feed the hugely popular elephants, lions and polar bears during their trip to this highly-respected conservation centre.

Tierpark Hagenbeck, Hamburg Zoo, Germany by Stephan Mosel

Tierpark Hagenbeck: https://www.hagenbeck.de/en/tierpark/start.html

Hamburger Dom

The Dom is the largest fair in Germany and can more than match anything Berlin has to offer in terms of excitement. Held for 30 days in spring, summer and winter, it is located at the heart of Hamburg in front of St Mary’s Cathedral. Tourists can not only enjoy its Ferris wheel and other fairground attractions but buy local delicacies and products from the Dom’s market stalls.

Hamburger Dom, Hamburg, Germany by BineHerzog

Hamburger Dom: https://www.hamburg.de/dom/

Long Night of Museums

This renowned event sees many of Hamburg’s excellent museums and cultural institutions throw open their doors for an all-night extravaganza. The idea might have originated in Berlin but Hamburg has perfected it. Around 40 top attractions, including the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Deichtorhallen, stay open into the night, allowing visitors to enjoy their collections in the unique moonlit conditions.

Hamburg State Opera

The city’s opera company is the envy of art lovers across the world, with Hamburg one of the leading lights in staging productions. Opera dates back to 1678 in the city and is now housed in the innovative Staatsoper building. The company has received international acclaim for its pioneering programme and tourists are as likely to be able to enjoy a world premiere of new and exciting shows as an operatic classic.

Hamburg State Opera: hamburgische-staatsoper.de

What do you want to visit in Hamburg?

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Europa Park, Germany / License: Image author owned

Getting There

Europa Park is situated close to the A5 Autobahn 39 km north of Freiburg. It is a hassle free drive from the channel ports but if you wish to fly the park can be accessed from Basle and Karlsruhe airports both of which have shuttle buses to the park. Europa Park has a dedicated exit from the motorway and plenty of parking and so you will rarely be delayed on arrival in the area.

Layout

The park is ranged in areas themed on European countries and is beautifully landscaped. Each area features rides, attractions, restaurants and shops with something to please everyone in the family. The food is generally excellent, an uncommon occurrence in theme parks, and prices are surprising low for the quality of the food. There are plenty of places to relax and watch the world go by and a scenic lake in the centre of the park affords the opportunity for a pleasant walk when the rides have become too much!

Europa Park, Germany / License: Image author owned

Highlights

There is truly something for everyone at Europa Park. If you want peace and tranquillity you can explore gorgeous gardens with dancing fountains, beautiful woodlands or take a spin around the lake. There is an area dedicated to rides and attractions for small children and family favourites like the log flume and Fjord Rafting.  Serious roller coaster enthusiasts should check out the magnificent steel coaster Silver Star, the launch coaster Blue Fire and the incredible new woodie, Wodan which has the best queue line ever! If that is not enough thrills then there is also a bob sleigh ride, a coaster in the dark and the Matterhorn Blitz, a wild mouse ride with a unique twist at the start. Finally you will not believe Poseidon a visually stunning ride which is a roller coaster and water ride all in one. The best thing of all is that this park runs with relentless efficiency. The queues move quickly and the rides never seem to break down.

Accommodation

You will need more than one day to experience all of the attractions on offer and so an overnight stay will be required. Europa Park offers 5 beautiful themed hotels on site. The newest option is the Bell Rock hotel a masterpiece of New England styling with rooms that feature real wooden floors, oak furnishings and beds for children in the shape of boats. All of the hotels offer excellent dining, bars and entertainment. If the on-site hotels are beyond your budget there are numerous privately run local hotels which are very reasonably priced and are walking distance from the park.

Europa Park, Germany / License: Image author owned

Give it a try!

If you like theme parks and you haven’t visited Europe Park then give this place a try. I know of no other park which is run so well and offers such a fantastic range of attractions for everyone to enjoy. The hotels are superb and the prices very reasonable, there really isn’t a reason not to go.

Sally Stacey is an enthusiatic blogger and theme park fan currently writing on behalf of National Furniture who supllied the fantastic oak furnishings for her new bedroom inspired by the Bell Rock Hotel.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Fuss

Once planning your trip to Harz National Park, beware of the cooler and rainy mountains – although this is not a high mountain range, but due to its geographical location is under constant onslaught of moist ocean air from the North Sea. Local climate is therefore similar to high mountains, reaching the altitude of about 2,000 metres above sea level. Be also prepared for a huge number of tourists, Harz National Park is one of the most visited places in Germany.

Among the most beautiful places to visit are Rübeland cave, the highest peak of national park – Brocken (1,141 m) which is also the highest peak of Northern Germany, Hohneklippen crags, Eckerstausee lake, Falkenstein Castle, Harzgerode Castle, hill top resort of Sankt Andreasberg, or saltwater spa and climatic health resort of Bad Harzburg.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mike Jentsch

The management of national park: Nationalparkverwaltung Harz, Lindenallee 35, D 38855 Wernigerode, Deutschland
Official Website: nationalpark-harz.de

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by sacratomato_hr

Oberstdorf is the gateway to the five ski areas (Nebelhorn, Söllereck, Fellhorn / Kanzelwand, Ifen, Walmendingerhorn) which together have “only” 50 km of slopes, but this may just be ideal for a long weekend.

Right above the city rises 2224 metres high mountain of Nebelhorn with the skiing season lasting until May. It is a good place for snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts. On the other side, six kilometers from the city you can get into the main and largest site of Fellhorn / Kanzelwand that overflows to the Austrian valley Kleinwalsertal. It offers a nice mix of shorter and longer rugged trails with modern comfortable lifts.

Söllereck and Ifen offers rather easier descents and are suitable especially for families with children. The smallest of the local centres is Walmendingerhorn primarily offering a unique experience of skiing in deep snow.

Oberstdorf is naturally very attractive, from Nebelhorn you can enjoy amazing views of 400 Alpine peaks.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by BildSpracheundCo.de

Fares are different in each of five centres, e.g. one-day ski pass to Nebelhorn will cost €37.50 for adults and €14 for children. In the centre of Ifen you will pay €32 for adults and €14 for children.

Oberstdorf ski resort offers all kinds of services at the highest level including spa and wellness activities, rich cultural program and great restaurants and bars. Right on the slopes you will find children’s areas, fun parks, several snowboard parks and a range of extreme sports. Practically under each lift you will find parking place, but you can travel by skibus for free. In addition, a resort offers the longest downhill slope in Germany.

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Photo by Zugspitze.de

The resort in the valley of Loisach river offers a completely ideal ski conditions and hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1936, World Cup in downhill skiing in 1978, FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2011 and many others. It is ideal both for lovers of challenging downhill skiing as well as cross-country skiers. In addition, Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort offers a skating track, slopes for alpine skiing and other winter sports.

Popular resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is divided into two areas; Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze.

Garmisch Classic has 40 kilometers of slopes at an altitude ranging from 700m to 2050m and consists of winding slopes leading below the peaks Hausberg, Kreuzjoch and Osterfelderkopf. Here you find both family slopes and killer black slope called Kandahar, which is the most difficult slope of all in the area.

Slopes on the Zugspitze glacier are situated at an altitude ranging from 2050m – 2962m and are mostly red, nicely rugged. The peak of the highest German mountain offers spectacular views over the surrounding Alpine peaks. Since this area is situated on the glacier, it provides a good snow conditions from November to May

Photo by Zugspitze.de

Ski pass prices and opening hours
You can buy Top Snow Card which allows you to use the extended range of up to 87 lifts in 215 km of slopes in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort and the wider area. Two-day ticket costs €72,50 for adults and €43,50 for children from 6 to 15 years. Seven-day card costs €218 and €131 for children.

The area also offers a top-level service and luxury hotels and atmosphere of a real mountain resort. You can find here also a ski school, rental equipment and a variety of wellness services.

For further information visit Zugspitze.de.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jannis Andrija Schnitzer

The cathedral was built over 600 years. Its eastern part with the chorus and part of the two towers were built in the year 1300. In the 15th century there was added the second floor to the south tower where was placed a bell. Towers were connected with the chorus through a long low building. Cathedral, as we know it today, was built in the 19th century of neo-Gothic style.

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Its official name is Hohen Dom zu Köln. The total length of the cathedral is 144.58 m, width is 86.25 m, and height of tower is 157 m. The median nave is 119 meters long and over 45 m wide, the higher one is the only cathedral in Beauvais, France (48.5 m). The church could accommodate 4,000 people and all windows cover an area of 10,000 m².

Everything that was newly built since 1842, was built according to the original medieval plans.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Mertens

Every year it holds several big events that remind the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. Castle of Frankenstein lies hidden in the beautiful countryside. You can get here quite easily by a transport from the modern metropolis Frankfurt am Main. Frankenstein’s Castle was built in the mid 13th century by Count Konrad Reiz von Breuberg. Later there was built a hospital but from the late 18th century this wonderful medieval building began decay. The real glory of this place then came with the mentioned novel written by Mary Shelley.

During your visit in the Castle of Frankenstein in Mühltal you will certainly enjoy a big amount of adventure. It will be very interesting for the lovers of nature and historical monuments as the beautiful scenery can be found everywhere around castle.

Regardless of the name and history associated with the Castle of Frankenstein, people still make weddings in the chapel in ruins. But the best time to visit Castle of Frankenstein is probably October, when the castle holds Halloween party.

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