With enchanting grounds, impressive interiors, and amazing history, castles and châteaus are a common sight in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. There are tens of thousands of regal residences to be found in this idyllic corner of Europe and what's more, some of them are on the market! If you're dreaming of a home with towering turrets, private parklands or just plain old kerb appeal, take a look at some palatial properties that are fit for a king or queen...

For many years, this enchanting fairytale castle in the Rhineland-Palatinate area of Germany has been offered up as an impressive holiday home, but it's now on the market and seeking a new owner to start its next chapter. Could you be the one?

Known as Saarfels Castle, the property was rebuilt between 1912 and 1914, in the neo-Romanesque style. Sadly, we don’t know much about its history, but its clear from the home’s striking brick façade that it was designed to impress. The exterior boasts a classic aesthetic, with a prominent turret, brickwork and battlements, yet the interior of the castle is fairly surprising.

The property measures a generous 9,149 square feet, and while some of its 15 rooms are historical-looking, others are entirely modern. The living room, for example, features parquet floors, a sweeping staircase with stained-glass windows and a dominant fireplace, but the kitchen almost looks like it could be found in a contemporary home. Though some of the spaces in the house have been fully renovated, there's still a bit of work to be done to bring this stately German castle up to scratch.

Spread across two levels, there’s a main house with a formal living room, kitchen, dining area, numerous bedrooms and six bathrooms, but there’s also a granny flat located in its own wing – holiday home or guest wing, anyone? There’s even an unfinished basement that’s waiting to be put to good use. Outside, you’ll gain park-like grounds, meadows and wooded areas, as well as outdoor living spaces for soaking up the scenery. If you're in love, then Engel & Völkers has all the details you need, with price available on request.

Proving that you don't always need limitless amounts of money in the bank in order to buy a seriously impressive piece of real estate, this 19th-century castle could be yours for £1 million ($1.6m), or €1.2 million in the local currency. While that might seem steep to some, the historic home offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Listed with Knight Frank, the fairytale home is situated in Regerstätten, in the Steiermark region of Austria. It comes with more than half-an-acre of land, while the interior is spread across three generously sized floors. The current owners have split the floorplan, dividing it into separate living and working areas, meaning the lucky buyer will gain themselves a home and a business premises. Of course, there's also the option to renovate and turn the office areas back into living spaces.

Currently there are five reception rooms, four bedrooms and four bathrooms on the first floor, as well as an outdoor terrace that's ideal for entertaining. Every interior space benefits from lovely original features, such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, elegant light fixtures and French doors. The home's sweeping staircase is a highlight, as is its observatory, which can be found in the very top of the castle's lovely turret.

Outside, things are just as lovely. The home's pretty garden has been beautifully landscaped, with formal flower beds, decorative garden paths and historic statues. The building is also enclosed by vibrant vineyards, so there could even be the opportunity here for the new owner to buy up some local land for the production of wine.

Fancy living in a fairytale castle but don't have the bank account for the whole thing? Then this pad might just be the place for you. This gorgeous historic building has been split in two and one half is currently for sale with Engel & Völkers for £2.9 million ($3.4m), that's €3.5 million. With its impressive 18th-century façade, elegant moat and enchanting landscaped grounds, this is one magical piece of real estate. Let's explore the interior...

The castle was divided into two wings after Second World War and a new owner is now being sought for the right side of the building. Despite only being half a building, the schloss still measures a rather stately 13,454 square feet. Considered to be one of the most important Rococo castles in Upper Bavaria, the original pad was burnt down during the Thirty Years' War, but was rebuilt in 1735 by architect Johann Puchtler.

Known as Sandizell Castle, the interior is refined and regal, and just as striking now as it would have been back in the 18th century. Filled with important antiques, the listing also suggests that the schloss is furnished with pieces by notable artists. The altars, for example, were crafted by Late Baroque sculptor Egid Quirin Asam. Everywhere you look you'll spot beautiful period details, such as light fixtures, parquet floors, full-height sash windows, beamed ceilings, and hand-carved doors.

There are a total of 30 rooms spread across three floors, including an entrance foyer, a formal living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen, a music room and a wood-clad library. Sadly, we don't know how many bedrooms or bathrooms the place has, but it's likely in excess of five. Plus, there's a stunning staircase that leads up to all of the floors, providing plenty of wow-factor for your future guests. There's also a 2.5-acre garden, which is more like a private parkland.

Giving off major Rapunzel vibes, this idyllic property has charm, beauty and bags of space to play with. Listed with Knight Frank for an undisclosed sum, the historic building dates back to the 16th century and lies in the Épendes region of Switzerland, halfway between the cities of Bern and Lausanne. 

The striking structure is set inside a lush, 1.8-acre estate, complete with an infinity pool and summer kitchen. Outside there's also a pool house that harbours a hammam, sauna and solarium, meaning this castle offers the best of both worlds; it’s historic, but bursting with modern touches. Inside, the lovely building has been sympathetically restored (it's listed as a protected cultural property), so is move-in ready. All you'd need to do is pack your toothbrush...and your crown!

In total, the new owner will gain themselves 4,520 square feet of interior space and every single room is overflowing with gorgeous design details, such as high decorative ceilings, rustic wood beams, parquet floors, original built-ins, oversized European fireplaces and retro wallpapers. There are 11 bedrooms and six bathrooms, as well as formal living areas and a kitchen. There’s even a two-bedroom guest annex and two private apartments. But that isn't all...

That's right, there's even a secret room in the basement that would make for an awesome wine cellar or man cave. Though the price of the property hasn't been disclosed, if Knight Frank's price-ascending property listings are anything to go by, then the house is priced somewhere between CHF5.7 million and CHF6.5 million. That's approximately £5 million ($8.2m) to £5.7 million ($9.4m).

This classic Swiss castle is positioned in the country's Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz municipality and was constructed back in 1770. While it might not have turrets, battlements or a moat, this chic castle has plenty of other plus points...

Nestled on a stunning country plot, within touching distance of the waters of Lake Geneva (you can see the lake from some of the castle's windows), this stately home offers 25 rooms, including 10 bedrooms. Set around a lovely internal courtyard, it would make for a truly stunning hotel or imposing family home.

Inside, the abandoned castle is a little rundown, but it's nothing a lick of paint and some mild restoration works couldn't fix. The house is set over three floors and there's more than enough space for a formal living room, formal dining room, kitchen, office and library. From its gorgeous wood floors to its full-height windows, tiled fireplaces, cast iron radiators and silk wallpapers, there's much to love (and retain) about this period property.

Plus, almost every room benefits from sweeping views of the stunning surrounding landscape. What could be better? Got €8.3 million, or £6.9 million ($11.3m), going spare? Then this dreamy property could soon be yours. Belles Demeures has all the information you need to make it your own.

Looking to own your very own European château, just like Dick and Angel Strawbridge? Well, this stunning home on the outskirts of Vienna, Austria, is currently up for grabs, but you'll need a hefty bank account to even consider buying. On the market with Knight Frank for €12 million, that's £10.2 million ($16.7m), the charming château is every bit the dream home.

The castle-esque building is enclosed by 1.7 acres of park-like grounds in one of the most prestigious residential area in Vienna. Sadly we don't know when the estate was constructed, but we do know it currently offers a main house and two outbuildings that are ripe for rescuing.

Inside, the château is absolutely beautiful, thanks to its lovely period details that have been lovingly preserved over the years. From elaborate wood floors to delicate ceiling cornices, full-height French doors and tiled fireplaces, there are plenty of element the new owner will want to maintain.

There's an imposing entrance foyer with a sweeping staircase, a formal living room with a dramatic fireplace and a grand ballroom for hosting lavish soirees. In fact, there are 13 living rooms in total, as well as six bedrooms, making this pad perfect for all of your friends and family. Outside, the gorgeous garden is filled with mature trees and benefits from sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

If you're working with a big budget and fancy bagging yourself a pricey dream home with a few hidden surprises, then Wildberg Castle in Lower Austria might just be the ideal option for you. On the market with Sotheby's International Realty for a cool €16.9 million, or £14.3 million ($16.9m), this listed building is undoubtedly one of a kind.

The property can be found on an elevated hillside plot, surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery. Amazingly, historical records show that Wildberg was first mentioned in documents as early as the 12th century and over the years has belong to an array of important locals, such as Knight Pilgrim Wiltperch, King Ottokar II and the Lords of Puchheim. When you see the interior it isn't difficult to imagine knights, kings and lords living it up in the castle!

Despite its age, the building is incredibly modern, thanks to a recent internal renovation. The sympathetic works have resulted in light-filled living spaces that align contemporary comfort with traditional design, including some preserved medieval elements. There's around 27,000 square feet of living space in the main castle, including 13 bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Pictured is one that is utterly enchanting, thanks to its decorative arched window. But that isn't all...

That's right, this amazing home comes with a secret room, the original dungeon, complete with dark and dank cells! Other rooms include a large banquet hall with a baroque fireplace and frescoes, a smaller banquet hall with a mirrored vault from 1580, the late Gothic smokehouse and the knight's hall, with its old beamed ceiling. Outside, there are almost five acres of land, including the lovely walled garden that sits inside the battlements of this ancient building. How cool is that?

If you're seeking a modern mansion with all the charm, space and style of an historic castle, then your search is most certainly over. This gorgeous property was built in 1996, yet it looks like it's been on this idyllic lake-side plot in Switzerland for centuries.

Described by Knight Frank as a "stupendous 14-room mansion", the property is situated in Chexbres, a Swiss village known for its wineries, and enjoys 180-degree views of Lake Geneva. Built with high grade materials, the house offers plenty of traditional architectural details, such as stone from Bourgogne, magnificent wrought iron work, Versailles parquets and period woodwork.

Inside, you'll find 7,254 square feet of living space, which encompasses formal lounges and dining spaces, a huge kitchen, seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The 14-room main house isn't the only one on the estate, either. There's a caretaker’s cottage and a three-car garage. But that isn't all, this home is full of surprises...

A secret underground tunnel serves as a private art gallery, filled with paintings, and links the two buildings on the estate. Oh, and there's also a luxurious vaulted basement, which serves as a wine cellar and tasting room. But such real estate doesn't come cheap. Listed with Knight Frank for an eye-watering £16.7 million ($27.4m), or CHF 19 million, the impressive castle comes with an impressive price tag to match. If this is living like a king or queen, then we'd happily take the crown.

Loved this? Check out these amazing abandoned castles for sale