Abandoned Castles and Fortresses That Look Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

17. Rakotz Castle, Germany – A Bridge to Myth

Tucked within the dense woods of Kromlau Park, Rakotz Castle is less a traditional stronghold and more a fever dream of Gothic fantasy. Its most famous feature—the Rakotzbrücke or “Devil’s Bridge”—was commissioned in the 19th century as a tribute to architectural perfection and artistic mystery. The bridge’s sharp, slender arch curves so precisely that it forms a flawless circle with its reflection in the water below. Though the castle itself has long faded into obscurity and the bridge is now closed to foot traffic, the entire site pulses with an almost supernatural energy. Shrouded by mist and framed by still, dark water, the setting feels lifted from a fairy tale—or a dark legend whispered around a fire. The surrounding park, overgrown and wild, adds to the dreamlike atmosphere. Whether visited in the golden light of autumn or under a winter fog, Rakotz Castle isn’t just a destination—it’s a portal into myth, imagination, and nature’s quiet power.