Neuschwanstein Castle: Bavaria's Fairy-Tale Icon

Neuschwanstein Castle

Perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most photographed buildings in the world and the inspiration behind Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

History

The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 as a private retreat and homage to composer Richard Wagner. Ludwig died in 1886 before the castle was finished, and only about a third of the planned interior rooms were ever completed.

What to See

• The ornate Throne Room, styled after a Byzantine basilica
• The Singers' Hall, decorated with murals from Wagner's operas
• Sweeping views of the Alpsee lake and surrounding Alps from the Marienbrücke bridge

Visiting Tips

The castle is only accessible by guided tour, and tickets often sell out in summer, so booking online in advance is strongly recommended. The nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig grew up, makes a good companion visit.