Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, or Schloß Neuschwanstein, is one of the most fabulous castles ever built. It is located near the towns of Füssen and Hohenschwangau, in southwest Bavaria, in Germany. Neuschwanstein was built in the 19th century by Ludwig II, the King of Bavaria, an ardent fan of composer Richard Wagner. It is one of the two major castles within the area, the other being Schloss Hohenschwangau, built by Ludwig's father King Maximillian II. Ludwig II, nicknamed mad King Ludwig by the English on account of his eccentricities, but more benignly in German as der Märchenkönig, or fairy-tale king, also built several other castles, including Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, and had plans for a few more.

When it was built, Neuschwanstein Castle was known as New Hohenschwangau Castle. It was only after the death of the king that it was renamed Schloss Neuschwanstein, meaning "New Swan Stone Castle", after the castle of the Swan Knight Lohengrin in Wagner's opera of the same name.

Neuschwanstein reflects King Ludwig's whimsical character. The castle was designed by Christian Jank, his thearical set designer Christian rather than an architect. Architectural expertise for the project was provided first by Eduard Riedel, the Munich court architect, and then by Georg Dollman and Leo Von Klenze.

The castle was built using the king's private money, not using the state budget. It very nearly bankrupted the royal family, however. Nevertheless, the government accused him of ruining Bavaria financially with his lavish construction projects.

On 10 June, 1886, the government declared Ludwig insane and placed him under house arrest. This was based on the recommendation of Professor Bernhard von Gudden, the head of a team of psychitrists, despite not having examined the king and using hearsay as "evidence". Ludwig's uncle Prince Luitpold was made regent.

Three days later, at 11:30pm on 13 June 1886, King Ludwig II was found dead, alongside Professor von Gudden. Both of them were found floating in the waters of Lake Starnberg. There was much mystery surrounding their death; it was summarily explained as suicide by drowning, but the actual cause is never known or truthfully explained.

Despite his tragic fate, King Ludwig II was popular with his subject. At one point they even tried to prevent the government from arresting him. He endeared himself to the country folks, often stopping to chat with the farmers and labourers. To them, he was "Unser Kini", or "our darling king".

Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. It is also nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

How to go to Neuschwanstein Castle?

Take the A7 motorway (European Highway E532) in the direction of Ulm-Kempten-Füssen until you reach the end and exit at Füssen. From Füssen, take Federal Foad B17 in the direction of Schwangau. Look for signboard for Hohenschwangau. There is only private parking facilities at Hohenschwangau, and it costs €4.50.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located which is in the state of Bavaria, Germany, close to the border of Tirol, in Austria. Neuschwanstein Castle is closest to the village of Hohenschwangau. You can park your car there and hike up to the castle on foot. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to walk. There is no parking space between Hohenschwangau and the castle. Neuschwanstein Castle is located just outside the town of Füssen, near the Forggensee Lake, in the Allgäu mountains, very close to Schwangau, close to the border of Tirol, in Austria. The path to the castle starts in the village of Hohenschwangau. This is where you should park and buy your admission ticket before you set off for the castle. The hike up to the castle will take you approximately 30 minutes.

You can tour Neuschwanstein Castle through guided tours only. Photography is not permitted inside. Tours are available in German and English, and last approximately 35 minutes. You are expected to climb 165 steps and descend 181. Tours must be booked at least one day in advance.

Audio guided tours are also available. These also last around 35 minutes, and are available in French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Czech, Slovenian, Russian, Polish, Mandarin, Portuguese and Hungarian.

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Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
by Softeis (GFDL)

Neuschwanstein Castle
by ©galilaeus in Panoramio

Neuschwanstein Castle with a dramatic sky
by © Marco De Candido in Panoramio

Neuschwanstein Castle in winter
by d. yalamidis-gr in Panoramio

Neuschwanstein Castle in summer
by Adriano Plati in Panoramio

Neuschwanstein Castle on a clear day
by Orcsik Robert in Panoramio

Schloss Neuschwanstein
by N. Hamann in Panoramio

Neuschwanstein Castle in autumn
by © Roland1 in Panoramio

Schloss Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany
by Hans Sterkendries in Panoramio

Map: Neuschwanstein Castle

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