Neuschwanstein, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is the most famous German castle and part of our list Top Ten Sights and Attractions in Germany.
But compared to other castles in the country, Neuschwanstein is neither old, nor was it ever built for defense. Ludwig II of Bavaria constructed this fairy tale castle in 1869, with the help of a stage designer, for pure pleasure; he built it as a fantastic summer retreat.
Ludwig, who was allegedly mad, never enjoyed his dream castle – before Neuschwanstein was completely finished, he drowned in a lake nearby.
Ludwig II admired Richard Wagner, and Neuschwanstein is a homage to the German composer. Many scenes of Wagner's operas are depicted in the interior of the castle. In fact, Neuschwanstein shares the same name as the castle in Wagner's opera Lohengrin.
Despite the castle's medieval appearance, Ludwig built in modern technologies of the day, such as flush toilets, running hot and cold water, and heating.
Until today, the exact circumstances of Ludwig's death remain unexplained; some say he committed suicide, others believe he was murdered.
Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.
- Address: Alpseestrasse 12, 87645 Hohenschwangau, 73 miles southwest of Munich
- Phone: 08362 - 930 830
- By Car:
Take the Autobahn (motorway) A7 into the direction of Ulm-Füssen-Kempten; when the Autobahn ends, just follow the signs to Füssen. From Füssen, drive the B17 into the direction of Schwangau, and then continue to Hohenschwangau. - By Train:
Take the train to Füssen, then hop on the bus Nr. RVA/OVG 78 into the direction of Schwangau; get off at the stop Hohenschwangau/ Alpseestraße.
- April-September: 09:00a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- October-March: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- You can only visit the lavish interior of the castle as part of a guided tour; a tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
- English tours are available; tours for wheelchairs are available every Wednesday
- Buy your tickets at the Ticket Center Hohenschwangau, located just below the castle.
- Cost: €9 for adults, €8 for students; kids under 18 free
- You can take a horse-drawn carriage up the hill to the castle (€5)
- No photographing or filming is allowed inside the castle – for best panoramic pictures, take the walk up to Mary’s bridge, which crosses a spectacular waterfall and gives you a breathtaking view of Neuschwanstein and the plains beyond
- Neuschwanstein is very crowded in summer (6,000 visitors a day); the best time to visit is spring or fall
- Combine Neuschwanstein with a visit of the Castle Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig spent most of his life; it's lesser known, but no less spectacular
- Neuschwanstein is the highlight of the scenic drive Romantic Road
Have a look at Photos of Germany's Romantic Road
Visit the Website of Neuschwanstein
