NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
Welcome to Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen.
Neuschwanstein is a castle of the paradox, it was built in the 19th century in Bavaria, at a time when castles no longer had strategic and defensive purposes.
Schloss Neuschwanstein (german for castle) was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”.
King Ludwig was a great admirer and supporter of Richard Wagner, the world-renowned composer. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in his honor and many rooms in the castle’s interior were inspired by Wagner’s characters. The third floor particularly reflects Ludwig’s admiration of Wagner’s operas.
The Singers Hall, which occupies the entire fourth floor of Neuschwanstein also contains characters from Wagner’s operas. Neuschwanstein literally means “New Swan Castle” referencing “the Swan Knight” one of Wagner’s characters.
While Neuschwanstein’s look is that of a medieval castle, it was equipped inside with state-of-the-art technology at that time. For example on every floor of the castle, there were toilets with automatic flushing systems, as well as an air heating system for the whole castle. Water was supplied by a nearby spring situated only 200 meters above the castle. Neuschwanstein’s positioning is also a fairytale one. It is located in the Alps in Bavaria, Germany, in a magnificent landscape, on the top of a hill. Neuschwanstein overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley.
If you come to visit this castle, you will be amazed by the extremely beautiful landscape that surrounds it. Also, Neuschwanstein lies very close to the town of Fussen, which is also a popular tourist destination in Germany. The construction of the Neuschwanstein castle began in 1869, and originally it was projected to last three years.
But Ludwig II wanted the castle to be perfect, so the immense building was not finished even at Ludwig’s death in 1886 and it is not completely finished to this day. Neuschwanstein Castle has a very beautiful inner garden surrounded by a walled courtyard. It even has an artificial cave.
Neuschwanstein Castle’s inside interior is as beautiful as its outside. Though only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig II’s sudden death in 1886, these rooms were majestically decorated.
The two-story throne room was designed in Byzantine style, with wall paintings depicting angels. Ironically, there is no throne in the Throne Room, as Ludwig died before it was completely finished.
Neuschwanstein Castle Disney
Neuschwanstein Castle is often said to be the inspiration for the “Sleeping Beauty Castle” at Disneyland theme park in California, United States.
The Disney Imagineers visited the Neuschwanstein Castle during the planning and construction of Disneyland, and it is said to have served as a model for the design of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
However, it’s important to note that Disney Castle is an original design and not an exact replica of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Today, Neuschwanstein is the most visited castle in Germany, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year over 1.300.000 people cross its gate.
Neuschwanstein Castle is definitely one of the most charming castles, and there are many interesting known facts about it, that you can see by visiting our Neuschwanstein Castle Facts page.