This German fortress has a plethora of towers, domes, and wings. Completed in 1857, the castle symbolized the powerful dynasty of its founder, Friedrich Franz II. There are 653 intricately decorated rooms in the castle. Today, Schwerin Castle houses the parliamentarians from the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state, as well as a museum highlighting the castle’s history. The museum area is open for visitors to explore and catch a glimpse of life of the former Grand Dukes who once lived there. Some of the most important pieces of Schwerin’s museum are its 17th century Dutch and Flemish paintings. The fortress is surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it even more ethereal. In the summer, there is a cafe you can visit directly at the base of the main tower. In the winter, you can dine inside the castle!