Europe’s landscape is dotted with thousands of castles, but some of the most
intriguing are abandoned ones. These forgotten fortresses tell stories of opulent
wealth, fierce battles, and mysterious disappearances.
From crumbling towers in Scotland to deserted châteaux in France, these
abandoned castles hold centuries of history within their weathered walls.
Château de Noisy (Miranda Castle) – Celles, Belgium
This neo-Gothic masterpiece was built in 1866 by the Liedekerke-Beaufort family
after fleeing the French Revolution. During World War II, it served briefly as an
orphanage before being abandoned in 1991 due to maintenance costs.
Though now demolished, its haunting beauty captivated urban explorers for decades with its ornate turrets and grand spiral staircases that led to nowhere.
Burg Hohenecken – Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
This imposing 13th-century hill castle is one of Germany’s finest examples of
Staufer-era architecture. Once serving as a crucial defensive position in the
Palatinate Forest, it was partially destroyed during the Nine Years’ War in 1689.
Its dramatic ruins include a massive bergfried and unique pentagonal tower design that
has fascinated historians for centuries.
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Kilchurn Castle – Argyll, Scotland
Standing proudly on a rocky peninsula at Loch Awe’s northern end, this 15th-century
fortress was originally built by the Campbells of Glenorchy. A lightning strike in 1760
severely damaged the castle, and the powerful Highland clan abandoned it to the
elements.
Today, its skeletal remains rise dramatically from the misty Scottish landscape.
Château de Chambord – Loire Valley, France
Though not completely abandoned, vast sections of this massive 440-room château
remain empty and untouched. Built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I, it features
distinctive French Renaissance architecture, including 282 fireplaces and 84
staircases.
The empty halls echo with tales of royal intrigue and lavish hunting parties.
Predjama Castle – Postojna, Slovenia
Built within a cave mouth 400 feet up a cliff face, this castle remained impregnable
for centuries. Its most famous resident, the knight Erazem, survived a year-long
siege before being betrayed by a servant.
The castle’s remote upper chambers have been abandoned since the 16th century.
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Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England
This 14th-century moated castle appears pristine, but its interior stands roofless and
empty. Built to defend against French invasion, it saw little military action and was
partially dismantled during the English Civil War.
The castle’s reflection in its moat creates a hauntingly beautiful mirror image.
Dunnottar Castle – Stonehaven, Scotland
Perched atop a rocky headland surrounded by cliffs dropping 160 feet to the North
Sea, this ruined fortress protected the Scottish crown jewels from Oliver Cromwell’s
armies. The abandoned great hall once hosted kings and queens but now houses
only nesting seabirds.
Castle of Zafra – Guadalajara, Spain
This isolated 12th-century castle, standing on a sandstone outcrop 5,000 feet above
sea level, has been abandoned since the 15th century. Its remote location and
minimal restoration have preserved its authenticity, making it a favorite among
history enthusiasts and film producers.
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Spiš Castle – Žehra, Slovakia
One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, this UNESCO site covers
nearly 10 acres. A mysterious fire in 1780 left much of the upper castle abandoned
and untouched.
The massive ruins tower over the surrounding landscape and have survived centuries of wars and neglect.
Olsztyn Castle – Silesia, Poland
This 14th-century fortress survived numerous sieges but was abandoned after the
Swedish Deluge in the 1600s. Its distinctive white limestone towers stand like
sentinels above the Polish countryside, and the castle’s deep wells and underground
passages remain largely unexplored.
Poenari Castle – Argeș County, Romania
Often called the ‘real’ Dracula’s Castle, this clifftop fortress was one of Vlad the
Impaler’s main strongholds. Accessible only by climbing 1,480 concrete stairs, its
remote location and dark history have left it largely abandoned.
The crumbling walls offer spectacular views of the Transfăgărășan highway below.
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Château de Mesen – Lede, Belgium
This 18th-century neoclassical castle was a prestigious girls’ school before being
abandoned in the 1970s. After decades of neglect, its grand ballrooms and ornate
classrooms fell into spectacular decay.
The castle’s elegant facade masked crumbling interiors until its eventual demolition in 2010, but photos of its final years continue to captivate urban explorers.
Menlo Castle – Galway, Ireland
Hidden beneath thick ivy, this 16th-century castle was abandoned after a tragic fire
in 1910 killed the last inhabitant. Local legends speak of a hidden room that has
never been found.
The castle’s green-shrouded walls blend seamlessly with the Irish countryside.
Burg Wolfsegg – Bavaria, Germany
Since the 13th century, this small but well-preserved castle has stood atop a
limestone hill. It protected important trade routes through medieval Bavaria. The
castle was abandoned in the early 19th century when its last noble residents moved
to a more comfortable mansion.
However, its thick defensive walls and Gothic architecture remain largely intact.
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Kalø Castle Ruins – Rønde, Denmark
Connected to the mainland by a 0.9-mile medieval road, these ruins stand on a small
island in Kalø Vig bay. Built in 1313 to control a peasant uprising, the castle was
abandoned in the 17th century.
The massive foundation stones still show the castle’s impressive size and strategic importance.
Château de Rochendaal – Hasselt, Belgium
This once-elegant château functioned as a military facility and later served as a
hospital during World War II. The building fell into disuse in the post-war period and
was eventually abandoned.
The château’s distinctive architecture and location made it a notable landmark in the region until its demolition.
Dunluce Castle – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Built on the edge of a basalt cliff, this castle’s kitchen famously collapsed into the sea
in 1639, taking seven servants with it. The abandoned ruins have weathered
centuries of Atlantic storms, and their dramatic location has inspired artists and
writers for generations.
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Čachtice Castle – Čachtice, Slovakia
Infamous as the residence of Elizabeth Báthory, the ‘Blood Countess,’ this castle
was abandoned after she died in 1614. Its thick walls once imprisoned the notorious
noblewoman accused of killing hundreds of young women.
The remote hilltop location adds to its sinister atmosphere.
Castle Stalker – Argyll, Scotland
Though occasionally inhabited, this four-story tower house sits abandoned most of
the year on a tidal islet. Built in the 14th century, it was the scene of numerous clan
battles.
The castle is only accessible by boat during specific tide conditions.
Château de Fougeret – Queaux, France
This 15th-century château gained notoriety for its reported paranormal activity, which
led to its abandonment in the 1960s. Recent owners have documented unexplained
phenomena throughout the building.
The château’s isolated location in the French countryside adds to its mysterious atmosphere.
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Finding Your Castle Adventure
These abandoned castles represent just a fraction of Europe’s forgotten fortresses.
Each tells a unique story of power, ambition, and eventual decline. While some have
found new life as tourist attractions, others remain truly abandoned, waiting for
adventurous explorers to discover their secrets.
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