Castles and Gardens of Europe

Neuschwanstein Castle’s UNESCO status fails to attract more tourists

Neuschwanstein Castle, the iconic fairy-tale landmark in Bavaria, was elevated to UNESCO World Heritage status in July 2025, sparking hopes of a surge in visitors. However, months later, local officials report no such influx, leading to widespread disillusionment among residents and businesses in the nearby municipality of Schwangau. / READ MORE /

News

Fresh fish at Moritzburg’s traditional ‘Fish and Forest’ festival

Moritzburg, near Dresden, once again drew thousands of visitors to its annual ‘Fish and Forest’ festival, centered around the traditional netting of the Moritzburg Castle Pond. The event celebrated local fishing traditions, regional cuisine, and the picturesque cultural landscape surrounding the baroque hunting lodge. Sunshine and stormy weather While Saturday offered golden autumn sunshine and... / READ MORE /

Schönbrunn Palace (@Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Severin Wurnig)

Places

Schönbrunn Palace: Splendor of a lost Empire

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is undoubtedly the most famous of all the palaces of the Habsburg Empire. It has captivated visitors for centuries, offering a glimpse into the lives of one of Europe’s most powerful dynasties. For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Vienna’s imperial past, a visit here is essential. Whether you’re wandering through the lavish state rooms or losing yourself in the vast parklands, Schönbrunn promises an unforgettable journey through time. / READ MORE /

News

Live like royalty: A Scottish castle awaits its new owner

Have you always dreamed of living in a real castle? Now’s your chance. Kinloch Castle, a stunning Category-A listed masterpiece on the wild and beautiful Isle of Rum, is up for sale. This Victorian gem, nestled in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history while embracing the rugged charm of island life. / READ MORE /

News, Places

Knepp Castle: Rewilding in the heart of Sussex

In the rolling countryside of West Sussex, England, lies Knepp Castle: a 3,500-acre estate that has become synonymous with one of the most ambitious and successful rewilding projects in the UK. / READ MORE /

Places

De Haar Castle: A Dutch fairy tale

Ask a child to draw a castle, and you’ll get something resembling Kasteel de Haar: turrets, thick brick walls, and red-and-white painted shutters. This is the image from the Grimm fairy tales, later firmly embedded in the collective memory by Disney. In the 19th century, architect Pierre Cuypers was the go-to man to transform the castle ruin that was De Haar into a castle that was both comfortable and fairy-tale-like. / READ MORE /

History, Places, Travel

A most stupendous palace: The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

During our summer holiday in the Italian Alps, my wife and I set out to visit the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, located roughly ten kilometres south of Turin, Italy. Expecting a charming historical site, we were unprepared for the grandeur that awaited us... / READ MORE /

News

Norwich Castle reopens after restoration

Norwich Castle, one of England’s most significant Norman fortresses, has reopened to the public following a five-year, £27.5 million restoration project that has transformed the medieval landmark into a world-class heritage destination. / READ MORE /