Destination Articles

Neuschwanstein Castle - the Fairytale Castle

It’s no wonder Walt Disney styled his Fantasyland Castle on Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. Bavarian King Ludwig II was fascinated by all things Wagner, and back in 1867 he commissioned the building of the impressive Neuschwanstein Schloss (Castle), not far from the Hohenschwangau Schloss where he grew up in picturesque Bavaria. The castle was to be a place of retreat for Ludwig II where he could immerse himself in a dream world – the Middle Ages, a period which fascinated him.

The first stone was laid in 1869, but the castle was still not completed when Ludwig died in 1886. Seven weeks after his death,  Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. The shy king had built the castle in order to withdraw from public life – now vast numbers of people came to view his private refuge.  The castle was finally completed in 1891.

A tour through Neuschwanstein gives you a wonderful insight into the opulence and grandeur of royal life in the late 1800’s.  Ludwig spared no expense in the building of his magnificent retreat, and its location high on a hill with views to the beautiful surrounding lakes, is stunning.

A trip to the Castle is a great day out, and there are a number of interesting walks in the area which are popular.

Neuschwanstein Castle is near the Forggensee in the Allgäu, very close to Schwangau, and is within easy driving distance from both Munich and Innsbruck.  You can also BOOK A DAY TOUR to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

For more information visit the Neuschwanstein website.

Photos courtesy of www.neuschwanstein.de and www.germany-tourism.de