Skinny, spindly and spellbinding Burg Eltz rests atop a rocky outcrop in a forested river valley. This castle has been owned by the same family for over eight centuries and visitors can learn about this history on guided tours. Approach via the Eltz Castle Panorama for a view you'll never forget.

A national symbol of Lithuania, Trakai Island Castle is unique due to its location on an island and its enchanting red color. The fortification is the former residence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and in later years was turned into a prison. (Surely, having to spend your remaining days here couldn't have been too bad?)

While popular culture would have you believe that all castles come complete with moats, they are actually few and far in-between. This Danish beauty does, and it is regarded as the best-preserved moat castle in Europe. The location was selected to help keep people out, but today all are welcomed for educational tours.

They're simply aren't enough superlatives to describe this Bavarian beauty. Interestingly, Neuschwanstein Castle was built in modern times as an homage to medieval German castles. And as far as fairytale credibility is concerned, Walt Disney is said to have used it as inspiration for Cinderella's Castle.

Marooned a small tidal island in the Scottish Highlands, you will find this small-but-spectacular castle. The castle was once the stomping grounds of ancient Scottish clans and after falling derelict, it was restored to its former glory during the early part of the 20th century.

A gothic wonder, Corvin Castle sits upon a rocky precipice in the heart of Romania. It was originally was built to be a defensive fortification but later became the residence of a Transylvanian ruler. Inside, the impressive Knight Hall will make you feel like you've walked on to the pages of a medieval tale.

Hohenzollern Castle is known for its stunning views. It sits at the crossroads of Lake Constance, the Black Forest and the city of Stuttgart and the castle is still owned by the former royal family. Spend a day here learning about its riveting history and sampling local Swabian delicacies.

This colorful, animated-looking castle looks like something straight out of a children's classic. The Palace of Pena sits atop the town of Sintra and the vibrant residence shows off a myriad of architectural styles and influences.

Located atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Dover is England's largest castle. While it dates to medieval times, it also played an important role in both recent World Wars. Combine a visit here to the nearby cliffs to get a proper introduction to English heritage.

As you approach Ch?teau de Chambord in France, the series of spikey chimneys, gables and terraces are sure to be the first thing that grabs your attention. Inside, the beauty unfurls in the form of a grand double helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and dozens of lavish rooms.

Have you always been curious about what it would be like to combine a castle with a cave? Then head for Predjama Castle, Slovenia's most unique abode. The castle is nestled into steep cliffs and once was the home of a robber baron who used a series of secret tunnels to withstand a siege.

While it may not look like a castle in the traditional sense of the word, this royal palace in up-and-coming Cambodia is as regal as they come. The gilded grand home is still the residence of the ruling family of Cambodia and visitors can get up-close-and-personal on a guided tour.

Soaring above the town of Edinburgh from its position on Castle Rock, this fortress has played a major role in Scottish history. On the castle grounds you will find St. Margaret's Chapel -the oldest building in the city-and Mons Meg-a massive cannon that was once famous all over Europe.

One of the Loire Valley's most alluring locales, Ch?teau de Chenonceau spans the River Cher, which makes it one-of-a-kind. Outside, you are bound to be will be enthralled by the colorful gardens and maze while inside, you will be surrounded by splendor.

Bodiam appears to float on its moat, which, after all, is the quintessential image of an English castle. Yes, it's easy to envision knights entering through the front and scurrying up to shoot arrows at attackers below.

Japan might not be the first place that jumps to mind when the topic of castles comes up, but the Land of the Rising Sun is home to several fine versions. The haunting white Himeji is the most iconic, with the graceful building said to resembles a heron in flight.

This angelic Irish abode sits beside a placid lake and was originally meant to simply be a lavish home. After passing through the hands of multiple families it found its way to the Benedectine nuns who have called it home since 1920. No trip is complete without a stroll through the Victorian walled garden.

Cesky Krumlov is the Czech Republic's most storybook stop and this castle is the highlight of any trip to the town. Perched above Cesky's cobbled streets, this residence dates from the 11th Century. Today, you can take in artifacts from its glorious past and even spot the live bears that also call the castle home.

In 1873, the King of Romania set out to re-create some of the romance of yesteryear, and it's safe to say he succeeded beyond his wildest expectations. This plush palace was the summer residence for Romanian royalty for decades and today is one of the country's most popular attractions.

Windsor is the both the oldest and largest still-occupied castle in the world. The Queen still spends many of her weekends here and if you swing by this summer, you might just score an invite to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle-set to take place at the castle's St. George's Chapel.

Perched upon an outcrop high above the town of Segovia, this palace was originally built to be a defensive fortress. In later years, it simply became a plush residence and it has gone on to become a symbol for this captivating Castilian city.

The Dutch are known for their distinct lack of flashiness, but the Van Zuylen family bucked that trend when they built Kasteel de Haar. It became the biggest castle in all of The Netherlands when it was constructed in the early 1900s, where it immediately became the setting for jet set get-togethers.

Edward I of England built a series of defensive castles in Wales, but Conwy might just be the most perfect. It is home to eight round towers and a large set of walls which were meant to surround an entire English settlement.

Beynac sits high above a romantic meandering river in one of France's most beautiful regions: The Dordogne. Follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart by visiting this chateau and taking in its view over the "Valley of Five Castles".

Another homage to the castles of the medieval era, Lichtenstein Castle was constructed in the 19th century as a romantic re-creation. It is still owned by the same family that built it and they welcome visitors to learn all about their family's love affair with the residence.