Real-Life Castles Inspire Disney Magic

Walt Disney's iconic movies have been an inspiration to millions of people around the world. But did you know that some of his most famous films were inspired by real-life locations? From medieval castles in Europe to a fortress in Norway, we take a look at six places that directly influenced Disney's beloved movies.

One such location is Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. King Ludwig II's 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace was the inspiration for Princess Aurora's castle in Sleeping Beauty and even the iconic Disney logo architecture. Walt Disney himself visited the site during a European tour before designing the park's centerpiece.

Another location that made it to the big screen is Mont Saint-Michel, an island commune in Normandy, France. The dramatic silhouette of this tidal island, with its towering abbey at its apex, was used as the layout for the kingdom in Tangled.

The Château de Chillon in Switzerland also made a splash on Disney's big screen. This medieval fortress located on the shores of Lake Geneva served as the model for Prince Eric's seaside castle in The Little Mermaid.

Disney's first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was heavily influenced by the Alcázar of Segovia in Spain. Perched atop a rocky crag, this medieval castle served as a primary visual reference for the Evil Queen's castle.

The Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland also had its fair share of Disney magic. This 13th-century highland castle on Lake Duich directly influenced the design of Castle DunBroch in Brave. The Calanais Standing Stones, located on the Isle of Lewis, were another key reference point for the mysterious ring of stones.

Finally, Akershus Fortress in Norway was the main source of inspiration for Arendelle Castle in Frozen. This fortress in Oslo features heavy stone bastions and whitewashed brick walls rising straight out of the water, mirroring the architecture of Arendelle Castle.