Commissioned by the notorious “fairy tale king,” King Ludwig II, the Neuschwanstein Castle, or “Schloss Neuschwanstein” as it is called in German, is a fairy-tale-like palace nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Completed in 1886 as a personal retreat for King Ludwig II, the Neuschwanstein Castle has attracted over 60 million visitors since its opening and remains one of the world’s most-visited castles today.
Neuschwanstein Castle Construction
After King Ludwig II was defeated during the Austria-Prussian war in 1866, he commissioned the Neuschwanstein Castle to be built as a retreat from the modern world. The King wanted the palace to be extravagant and medieval in nature, “it is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau near the Pöllat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles,” he wrote to Richard Wagner, a German composer, and friend that he greatly admired.
The construction of the castle was complicated and took much longer than Ludwig anticipated lasting more than 20 years. The “fairy-tale king” mysteriously passed just 7 weeks before the castle was finished and immediately opened to visitors upon completion, despite the king’s wishes of building a retreat away from the public.
Inside Neuschwanstein Castle
Although King Ludwig II had grand plans for the palace, only 14 rooms were finished and are now open for visitors to view today. The interior of the castle includes a two-story Throne Hall that was designed for Ludwig. Inspired by Byzantine churches, decorations in this room consist of a 13-foot chandelier, a cupola painted with stars, an elaborate mosaic floor showcasing the earth with plants and animals, and other art pieces that represent Ludwig’s interpretation of kingship.
The castle’s interior also features King Ludwig’s Dressing Room, which is complemented by gold and violet silk curtains embroidered with detailed leaves, tendrils, and peacocks, alongside an Oratory, an elaborate Dining Room, a Study filled with mural paintings, a Conservatory, and more!
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
Known as the palace that inspired Walt Disney’s famous “Sleeping Beauty Castle,” the Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most popular tourist sites, attracting more than 1 million people every year! Approximately 2.5 hours by train from Munich, the palace is located in the town of Hohenschwangau and visitors can enter only by taking a guided tour.
Following the tour, visit the picture-perfect “Marienbrücke” (Bridge of Mary), for an impressive view of the castle’s exterior. You can also explore the surrounding towns of Hohenschwangau and Füssen which feature many authentic Bavarian restaurants and shops.
Tour Neuschwanstein Castle Virtually
Can’t wait to see the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle for yourself? Take an online virtual tour by clicking here!