The Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful and is a landmark not to be missed if you visiting the Bavarian region of Germany. It was the inspiration behind Cinderella’s Castle and its easy to see why. The Castle is perched high up in a wooded section of the alps, overlooking an amazing view of the valley below.
We began this day early and opted to hike up to the castle, which gives you a sense of the difficulty in bringing raw materials up the slope to build the enormous structure. Alternatively, you can take a bus or horse carriage, but there are typically long lines and an added fee. The walk took about about an hour to complete. The primarily dirt road is fairly steep, but with a wide path that makes it easy to traverse. As you approach the castle the view is incredible.
Though it is currently closed to visitors due to restoration work, if you turn right at the top of the path and walk about 15 minutes around to the back of the castle, you can walk along the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), a suspension bridge that spans 115 feet across with a river about 300 feet below. The views of the castle are magnificent from the bridge if you’re willing to join the dozens of tourists from around the world that usually fill it. The bridge is a bit precarious, as it moves quite a bit underfoot. However, if you’re not acrophobic there is no better place for a lasting memory of the castle.
The Neuschwanstein Castle was one of three built by King Ludwig II during the 1800s with New Herrenchiemsee Palace and Linderhof being the others. Ludwig was known as The Swan King and later as The Mad King because he bankrupted the kingdom of Bavaria by building these enormous structures. He died early at age 41 due to unknown causes. It is presumed that his subjects drowned him because of the reckless spending.
Despite Ludwig’s downfall, his spending provides the world with a marvelous tourist attraction. The opulence is plentiful inside the castle walls. The millwork, tapestries and paint are impressive and reminiscent of Romanticism. You will visit the opulent Throne Room, massive dining room and Singer’s Hall where you can almost see the Balls that must have occurred there. The King’s chambers, which include an ornate dressing room and grotto, are adorned in gold and bright colored tapestries.
Neuschwanstein is right out of a fairytale being perched on top of a mountain overlooking the beautiful Alpsee and Schwansee lakes and Hohenschwangau village below. Great photo opportunities abound from balconies directly off the King’s chambers as well as from Mary’s Bridge.
You can only access the Neuschwanstein Castle with a guided tour and timed entry tickets must be purchased in advanced. Tours are given in German and English and audio tours are available in many other languages. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and typically goes through 14 rooms of the castle. Unfortunately, photography inside the castle is prohibited.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Timed entry tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Your ticket is for a specific guided tour time, so allow plenty of time to park, walk or bus to the castle and be available in the tour meeting area ahead of your tour time. If you arrive late you will not be able to join your tour group.
- Parking is available in the town, but you can not drive any closer to the castle.
- Backpacks, strollers and other bulky items may not be brought into the castle. It is best to store these in your car.
European countries are slowly reopening for tourism. We recommend considering these 6 things before booking your trip to be sure you can fully experience your time in Europe!
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