Children's ages
Neuschwanstein Castle, located in the picturesque Allgäu mountain landscape near Füssen, is undoubtedly one of Germany's most famous and impressive landmarks. With around 1.5 million visitors annually, it has become the country's biggest crowd-puller. The magnificent castle, commissioned by King Ludwig II and constructed between 1869 and 1886, embodies an idealized vision of a medieval castle and seems to have sprung directly from a fairy tale book.
History
Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the "Fairytale King", had Neuschwanstein Castle built as his personal refuge. The king, famous for his romantically extravagant building projects, used the castle for only a few months. In 1886, Ludwig died under mysterious circumstances at Lake Starnberg, which sparked much speculation. After his death, the castle quickly gained worldwide fame and even inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disney Parks.
Architecture and Furnishings
Neuschwanstein Castle is a masterpiece of eclecticism, designed by architects Eduard Riedel and Georg von Dollmann based on plans by theater painter Christian Jank. From the outside, the castle resembles a medieval knight's fortress with towers, battlements, and arches. Inside, visitors will find over 200 lavishly furnished rooms, of which only 14 can be visited. The rooms are richly adorned with gold, velvet, valuable furniture, and historical paintings. The Throne Hall and the Singer's Hall are particularly impressive. The castle's technical equipment was advanced for the time, with telephone lines, battery-operated bell systems, and automatic toilet flushes.
Visit
Neuschwanstein Castle can only be visited as part of 30-minute guided tours. Tickets are available online or at the Hohenschwangau Ticket Center, from where you can reach the castle on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or by bus. A highlight is the view from the Marienbrücke, which offers a breathtaking vista.
After the visit, it is recommended to visit the castle restaurant as well as the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings at the Alpsee, which provides insights into the life of Ludwig II and his family.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Opposite Neuschwanstein Castle lies Hohenschwangau Castle, the former summer residence of the Bavarian royal family. Originally built as Schwanstein Castle in the 11th century, it was acquired by Crown Prince Maximilian in 1832 and remodeled in the neo-Gothic style. Today it belongs to the Wittelsbach Compensation Fund and can also be visited as part of half-hour guided tours.
Around Neuschwanstein
The area surrounding Neuschwanstein offers numerous opportunities for active vacationers. Hiking, cycling tours, and water sports at the nearby lakes like the Forggensee or Alpsee guarantee variety. In winter, the Allgäu transforms into a snowy landscape, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle can be perfectly combined with the old town of Füssen, just a few kilometers away. Medieval houses, narrow alleys, and cozy cafés create a magical atmosphere. The High Castle and the museum in the former Benedictine monastery St. Mang are worthwhile destinations. Füssen also offers various cultural events in the Festspielhaus on the shores of Lake Forggensee.
Neuschwanstein Castle is more than a historic building; it symbolizes romantic escapism and the vision of a dream-loving king. The visit provides an insight into the world of Ludwig II and is a highlight of any Allgäu holiday. Year-round, Neuschwanstein Castle and its surroundings offer a rich program of activities and cultural highlights.