5 Must Visit Water Castles Around The World

A water castle is a castle or stately home whose site is entirely surrounded by moats or natural water bodies. The water that surrounds the castle was used as an obstacle to hinder an attacker. In many places in Europe, castles that had formerly been fortified changed their role or were converted over the course of time so that they became largely representational and residential buildings.

# Červená Lhota Castle, Czech Republic

Červená Lhota is a château situated about 20 km (12.5 mi) north-west of Jindřichův Hradec in south Bohemia, Czech Republic. It stands in the middle of a lake on a rocky island. Its picturesque Renaissance building is a destination of thousands of tourists every year. The name Červená Lhota means "red village" and can be explained by the color of the château's bright-red roof tiles.

# Schloss Nordkirchen, Germany

Schloss Nordkirchen is located in Westphalia, Germany, and was built in 1703 to 1734. It is known as the "Versailles of Westphalia" as it is the largest of the partly moated castles in that region. The castle stands on a rectangular island surrounded by a broad moat-like canal. At the island's four corners stand four small free-standing pavilions.

# Moritzburg Castle, Germany

Moritzburg Castle is a Baroque palace in Moritzburg, in the German state of Saxony, about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) northwest of the Saxon capital, Dresden. The castle has four round towers and lies on a symmetrical artificial island. It is named after Duke Moritz of Saxony, who had a hunting lodge built there between 1542 and 1546. The surrounding woodlands and lakes have been a favourite hunting area of the electors and kings of Saxony.

# Vischering Castle, Germany

Vischering Castle in North Rhine-Westfalia is the most typical moated castle in the Münster region of Germany. This region has one of the highest German concentrations of castles, palaces and fortifications. The castle consists of outer defensive courtyard, defensive gateways, moat, drawbridge, main building and chapel. The sandstone walls, the red tile roofs as well as their reflection in the moat provide many harmonious views from the wooded surroundings.

# Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania

Trakai Island Castle is an island castle located in Trakai, Lithuania, on an island in Lake Galvė. The castle is sometimes referred to as "Little Marienburg". The construction of the stone castle was begun in the 14th century, and around 1409 major works were completed. Trakai was one of the main centres of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the castle held great strategic importance.