One of the most photographed castles in the world, and the inspiration for perhaps the most famous castle of the 21st century, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, this majestic beauty is a must-see if you’re ever in Munich or southern Germany.
Overview:
- The Catle's Interesting History
- Louis' Medieval-Inspired Architecture
- Hohenschwangau village
- Making your way to the Castle
The Catle's Interesting History
Built by the “Fairy-tale King”, Ludwig II, in honour of renowned composer Richard Wagner, the castle is brimming with stories to be told, rooms to get lost in and architecture to be admired. Interestingly, whilst looking like that of a medieval castle, Neuschwanstein was built in the 19th century, a time when castles no longer had strategic or defensive purposes in Bavaria. Construction began in 1868 and was still incomplete at the time of the King’s death, 18 years later in 1886.
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Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
Louis' Medieval-Inspired Architecture
This fascinating castle is a neo-gothic, medieval-inspired castle that contains precious detail and scenes from poetry and Germany’s medieval lifestyle. The fairy-tale vision that Louis had definitely came to life even after his death. Christian Jank, the castle’s painter, had a Romanesque design and vision, modelling it after a Byzantine Basilica.
The interior features star-decorated blue vaulted ceilings, red columns, spectacular wall paintings, a small chapel, a throne room with gold leaf and carvings, and so much more. There is even a Singer’s Hall on the fourth floor of the Castle, featuring elaborate scenes from Richard Wagner’s operas. It also has an excellent acoustic for musical performances.
Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
Hohenschwangau village
Your very own fairy-tale will begin when you step back in time in the village of Hohenschwangau. Due to having both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles in its vicinity, the village is brimming with quaint restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops, and thankfully has managed to retain its old-worldly charm. Tickets for entry to the castle must be purchased at the ticket centre in the village unless you are part of a tour of course. You can also reserve tickets in advance, but you’ll need to collect them here before heading up the hill.
Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
Making your way to the Castle
There are a few different options for making your way to the castle, including a horse-drawn carriage! You can also take the shuttle-bus, or if you’re eager, take the steep 40-minute walk to the top. Whichever way you choose, make sure you cross Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) at some point in your visit. This is where you’ll take the quintessential photo with one of the best views of the castle, plus the bridge itself crosses a spectacular river gorge that really needs to be seen to be believed.
Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
Are you ready to pack your bags and charge your cameras to capture this incredible experience? Check out our Alpine Discovery and Germany tours where we visit Bavaria and the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle.
Contact our friendly team of Travel Specialists to start planning your German adventure today!
Frequently asked questions
Why did Disneyland use this castle as their Sleeping Beauty Castle?
Neuschwanstein’s beauty, location, architecture, and attention to detail inspired Walt Disney to replicate it for their Sleeping Beauty castle. Disney Imagineers found the castle to be perfect for Cinderella and the Sleeping Beauty's Romanesque style, where timelessness was a crucial feature.
What is the Neuschwanstein Castle used for now?
The castle was initially intended to serve as a private residence for the king, who unfortunately passed away before the castle was finished. After the death of the King in 1886, it was opened to the public seven weeks later, now receiving more than 1.3 million visitors annually.
What does Neuschwanstein mean?
“New Swan Stone” Castle
which when directly translated isn’t entirely correct. The name refers to “the Swan Knight” which was one of Wagner’s opera characters.
