When people think of Disney, they think Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. When people think of fortress, they think of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. When people think of royalty, they think of Buckingham Palace in England. While these castles and palaces are nice and all, they are only part of what Europe has to offer with castles. Look at these ten unique castles for some royal fantasies.

1. Craigievar Castle—Scotland
   This pink castle is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. For 350 years, it was the home of Clan Sempill. In 1963, the castle was given to the National Trust for Scotland. Among the rolling hills of Grampian Mountains, the pink castle is contrast to the world around it. With some of the Disney castles drawn after this one, it adds to the fairytale appearance with turrets, gargoyles and artwork.
   Other Castles in Scotland: Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Glamis Castle, Craigmillar Castle
2. Bran Castle—Romania
   Bran Castle is a fortress, and if the name rings a bell, it’s because it’s Dracula’s castle. As a national monument in Romania, it was situated between Transylvania and Wallachia. Even if Dracula is fictional, Vlad the Impaler lived here. In the 1200s, it was only a wooden castle, but during the Ottoman Empire, it became glorious. Nowadays, it is used a museum.
   Other Castles in Romania: Peles Castle, Corvin Castle, Poenari Castle
3. Pena Palace—Portugal
   This palace sits on the prestigious list of a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and it also sits on top of a massive hill. While this palace might be well known to some, it has yet to gain popularity among the masses. On a clear day, the castle can be seen from Lisbon, which is 17 miles away (26km). The palace is a national monument and one of Portugal’s seven wonders. After being damaged by a lightning strike and an earthquake, the palace was restored. The bright red and yellow colors lead the way to this palace.
4. Prague Castle—Czech Republic
   This castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. If that wasn’t impressive enough, it is also rather popular. This castle has been essential to power for ages: kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, presidents of Czechoslovakia—also the Bohemian Crown Jewels are hidden within the walls. Within the castle, there are four churches, four palaces, five halls, four towers, seven gardens—and that’s just getting started.
   Other Castles in Czech Republic: Hluboka Castle, Karlstejn, Cesky Krumlov Castle, Kost Castle
5. Alcazar of Segovia—Spain
   This is another castle on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is quite the fortress. Rising from between two rives and near the Guadarrama Mountains, it is noticeable because it looks like the front of the skip with its pointed edge. It has served as a royal palace, prison, college and military academy; the fortress is currently used as a museum. The castle is divided the exterior with a courtyard, moat, drawbridge and keep, and then there is the chapel and a few residences. The four towers watch down below.
   Other Castles in Spain: Bellver Castle, Castle of San Marcos, Royal Palace of Madrid
6. Orebro Castle—Sweden
   For 700 years, this castle watched everyone who cross the River Svartan. The fortress was built to control trade within Sweden. The castle itself is on an island, and many of the royal family did this for protection. With defense towers and a surrounding wall, no one knows why it was built. The castle is now open to the public as it has been for the last 200 years. It may not be as flashy as some of Sweden’s other castles, but it is just as important.
   Other Castles in Sweden: Gripsholm Castle, Kalmar Castle, Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm Palace
7. Predjama Castle—Slovenia
   Predjama Castle is the castle you’ve seen pictures of but never knew the name of it. The castle lies into a cave mouth. It was rebuilt in 1511 after a siege. While being built in a mountain, it was easy enough to invade because it seems like everyone knows where the secret entrance is—because it has a vertical natural shaft to the top of the mountain. During a particular siege, one king was able to get food inside, however he then exposed it. For a while, the castle was robbed through the shaft as well. It may not be the prettiest to look at, but it had a great idea.
   Other Castles of Slovenia: Sneznik Castle, Turjak Castle, Praetorian Palace, Loggia Palace
8. Chillon Castle—Switzerland
   With the Alpes in the back and a large lake in front of you, Chillon Castle offers a different kind of castle. Inspiring The Little Mermaid’s castle, Chillon Castle is built on water. On the outside, it looks like any other castle with towers, but inside, the castle is changed in luxurious hallways and amazing artwork. The castle has changed hands many of times, and at one time was used as a prison. It is Switzerland’s most visited historic monument, according to Chillon Castle’s website.
   Other Castles in Switzerland: Tourbillon Castle, Habsburg Castle, Spiez Castle, Aigle Castle
9. Egeskov Castle—Denmark
   Some people call it a water castle, but actually, it just has a mote. Motes are not as popular as you might think. This castles is built in fortress style after the Protestant Reformation. The only way to cross into the castle was in fact, a drawbridge. However, the mote is only 16 feet or five meters deep. Two towers look down, which include artillery ports and arrow slits. The castle was also the first castle in Europe to have indoor plumbing. Inside the castle, there are chests filled with things owned by the noble family as well as many paintings.
   Other Castles in Denmark: Rosenborg Castle, Christainsborg Palace, Frederiksborg Castles, Amalienborg
10. De Haar Castle—Netherlands
    This incarnation of Kasteel de Haar was brought on after years of being traded over from family to family. The castle gradually fell to ruins and then into complete destruction. When the Rothschild family became owners, they started restoration of the castle. The interior remains clearly Roman Catholic with the high ceilings and stain glass windows. Inside, the Rothschild collection still stands with treats found from across the world, including Japan and China. The outside castle is used for many fairs and markets.
    Other Castles in the Netherlands: Duustede Castle, Slangenburg Castle, Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Het Loo Palace

These ten unique palaces should be a part of every royal fantasy. They may not be the flashiest, but they are some of the most unique that Europe has to offer.