This past weekend, we were in Heidelberg, Germany, and as we were walking in the same footsteps as German monarchs, it got us thinking, what if you could live like royalty for a day?

Europe is full of castles, and many have been restored across the region so that visitors and tourists can stay the weekend and experience what it's like to live in a castle for a short period.

We did some research and found the best castles in two of the most castle-populated countries, Germany and Scotland, to live lavishly for a weekend.

Germany

Germany has plenty of castles in almost every region that are perfect for a hotel stay.

• Schlosshotel Kronberg: Just outside of Frankfurt lies the Schlosshotel Kronberg, originally Kronberg Castle, built in the 1800s, yet it was transformed into a hotel in the 1960s. With a vast property surrounded by nothing but beautiful greenery, the castle was inhabited by Empress Victoria, the Queen of Prussia, and her family for years to come. In 1967, a fire broke out in the castle and damaged certain areas, but this fire aided in the reconstruction of the hotel as it provided more opportunities to expand their hotel rooms and add amenities like a bar and a restaurant. Now, each of the 61 rooms has their unique qualities. Book your stay in rooms like the Castle Grand Balcony Room, with a full view of the grounds and the golf course, or the Royal Suite, right in the center of the castle and full of historic antiques. The hotel offers a full golf course, picnics in the park, afternoon tea, and four fantastic restaurants to choose from a selection of fine dining options. Guests who have stayed here in the past say the staff is excellent and they feel like they are treated like royalty!

• Hotel Schloss Eberstein: High atop a hill overlooking Gernsbach is Schloss Eberstein. Inhabited by the Ebersteiners during the 12th century, the castle was sold and is now managed by a German entrepreneur. He renovated the castle and transformed it into the hotel that it is today. This castle is also a prominent wedding venue and is home to a Michelin-star restaurant, Werner’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy wine from Schloss Eberstein’s winery just down the road. While the rooms are more modern, there is still a touch of history in each room with antique details in the furniture and plenty of great views overlooking the castle. This castle is also a perfect venue for group events with a full catering option, and many spaces both indoors and outdoors around the castle grounds.

Scotland

Scotland is full of breathtaking castles with unbelievable views out onto the countryside, or overlooking the cliffs. You will truly feel like a royal booking your stay at one of these historic landmarks.

• Glengorm Castle of Mull: Overlooking the beautiful cliffs of the northern part of the Isle of Mull, Glengorm Castle is like something out of a fairytale. As an estate, Glengorm offers a unique experience for guests, as they are allowed to rent their own apartments or cottages, or they can stay right in the center of the castle. The castle is surrounded by walking paths, wildlife, and local farms, so there will always be an activity for guests to participate in. Each room or apartment is equipped with a kitchen and a living room, providing the perfect personalized experience and treating your stay like you truly live in the castle. Stay in a quaint cottage a few miles off the property for an even more authentic Scottish experience.

• Neidpath Castle: Perhaps the most unique and ancient-looking castle lies in Peebles, and previous guests have described the castle as gorgeous and the most romantic setting for a wedding, which is where the castle gets a majority of its popularity. While the castle may not look as lavish on the outside, as it is a fortified tower house, guests will be pleasantly surprised with its interior, more specifically its banquet hall and dining area. Book your stay in Queen Mary’s Chamber or one of the surrounding cottages for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now that you have a little more information on how to live like a royal for a day, it’s time to book your trip!