The oldest castles in the world that are still open for visitors unveil centuries of history within their walls and stones.

It’s been continuously occupied by the Eltz family, a noble line, ever since. ... This long lineage makes it one of the best preserved castles in Germany. Photo: Getty Images.

Eltz Castle, Germany. ... Queen Elizabeth’s sister, Margaret, was also born in the castle. Today, Glamis is occupied by the 19th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Vrabelpeter1/Getty Images.

Germany. You would be hard pressed to visit every castle in Germany. It’s estimated that 25,000 fortifications and strongholds sprawl across the German Republic.

Travelers looking to live out a fairy tale should head to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, ... 1869. By 1873, parts of the castle could be occupied by Ludwig II, ...

Windsor Castle, situated in Berkshire, has been home to British kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years - it's the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world ...

Germany tried twice in the 20th century to conquer Europe and very nearly achieved that goal in World War II. In fact, not since Napoleon did any one country control so much of the continent. Here ...

One estimate suggests there were at one time 25,000 in Germany alone. ... Originally dating back to 1375, the castle once long occupied by Dutch nobility was rebuilt from a ruin in 1650, ...

Situated on a forested hilltop in northern Germany, Sparrenburg Castle has towered overthe surrounding city for over 700 years. But, as archaeologists were recently reminded, even such a prominent ...

Three castles have actually occupied the site, with the most recent incarnation completed in 1867. With over 300,000 visitors annually, it is one of the most toured castles in all of Germany.

You would be hard pressed to visit every castle in Germany. It’s estimated that 25,000 fortifications and strongholds sprawl across the German Republic. Many are in states of collapse or disrepair.