Neuschwanstein Castle is a magical construction full of medieval and Gothic architectural details that refer us to the golden age of the Andersen brothers' tales.
Between towers, beautiful frescoes painted on its walls and an imposing throne room, Neuschwanstein Castle stands out as the most beautiful, the most visited and therefore the most photographed in Germany.
This is how the castle looks:
How many people visit Neuschwanstein Castle each year?
Currently around a million and a half visitors come to Germany to see its castles and Neuschwanstein Castle is among all the most requested.
What should you know about Neuschwanstein Castle?
Let's see here everything you need to know about this wonderful work of German architecture:
1. Where is Neuschwanstein Castle located?
This amazing construction is located in Bavaria, Germany, its name can be translated as the New Swan Stone castle.
It was initially known as the New Hohenschwangau Castle since it was thought to be the recreation of the Hohenschwangau Castle in which Louis II grew up. However Schloss Hohenschwangau is now under the shadow of Neuschwanstein.
Its current name refers to Wagner's musical "The Night of the Swan", which was the favorite opera of Louis II, a fervent admirer of the composer. However, this name was later assigned to the death of Louis II of Bavaria.
To get to Neuschwanstein Castle, visitors should go to the Hohenschwangau area, where the ticket sales point is located.
2. How tall is Neuschwanstein Castle?
It is not really very tall, the tower with the highest altitude reaches about 213 feet, however it is its position strategically located on a hill on the edge of a cliff, which gives it that imposing aspect of height and distinction.
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3. When was Neuschwanstein Castle built?
Although its construction was ordered in the summer of 1868, the first foundation stone was laid in 1869, on September 5. By 1873 some areas of the castle were ready and had been inhabited by Louis II of Bavaria, but sadly he did not see the work completed.
In 1892 the Bower and Square Towers were finally completed. The castle was opened to the public 15 years after the beginning of its construction, time after the death of its founder.
Among the initial plans it had been considered that the castle would have more than 200 rooms, however when the funds for the project were cut, only a dozen of them had progressed in the construction of them.
In the end, construction was estimated at approximately 65,000 square feet.
4. Why was Neuschwanstein Castle built?
A little vanity and a lot of achievable dreams are the initial ingredients in the construction of this castle.
Louis II of Bavaria's life was a bit eccentric and his taste for Wagner's music and the classics of the German chivalric era inspired his mind for the construction of the castle.
Hence, Neuschwanstein is considered a castle emerged from fairy tales. Not in vain that was what its founder wanted from the beginning.
In a letter to Wagner, who was also his friend, Louis II reveals his intentions to make the castle the reconstruction of the old castle of his childhood, but in the style of the time of the German cavalry.
His intentions went even beyond a medieval structure and a chivalric style, Bavaria had even visualized the views from the towers, what people would see when they looked out of them. The breathtaking views of the plains, mountains and more.
It was his main intention that it be more beautiful than the castle of his childhood, at least that is how he revealed to Wagner. Although by the time the work was finally launched with foundation, Louis II was already powerless, it is believed that construction continued for political reasons.
Other voices indicate that it was built by a very personal interest of Louis II of Bavaria to live in an intimate and private way his need and dream of reigning, hence he built the castle to live in it as a king.
5. What was the life of Louis II of Bavaria like?
King Ludwig II of Bavaria lived very comfortably in his childhood at Schloss Hohenschwangau. Since childhood his parents had observed his penchant for theater and classical music, especially that of Richard Wagner.
At the age of 18, still very young, Louis II was appointed King of Bavaria, a reign that would last only two years due to the Austro-Prussian war, in which Prussia was victorious and both the politics and the military power of Bavaria were taken by that nation.
6. Is it true that this castle inspired Disney fairy tales?
Although Disney stories, we already know, are the reconstruction of traditional fairy tales that have already existed since ancient times, it is no less true that Neuschwanstein Castle served as inspiration for some of the settings in their films.
The most outstanding is the animated film of "Cinderella" from 1950, in which the white-fronted castle with blue towers refers directly to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Another Disney castle that commemorates Neuschwanstein and recreates it with striking resemblance is the Sleeping Beauty Castle actually built in one of the Disneyland parks.
Shortly before starting its construction, Walt Disney traveled with his wife to Neuschwanstein and returned with the clear idea of building a castle like that of Louis II Baviera for his park. This is a clear example of the impressive impact and enchanting power of the original castle.
7. What is the best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle?
All year round is a good time to visit the castle, either in the bright summer sun or with the beautiful snow-capped mountains in winter, but you may prefer to avoid the peak months of July and August when more than 6,000 people cross its walls. daily.
The queues to acquire entrance tickets are always long, to avoid them the ideal is to arrive very early at the Hohenschwangau ticket sales center, or when the afternoon begins to fall after 3:00 pm.
To make the most of your visit and enjoy it to the fullest, it is better to plan a two-day stay, so you can enjoy each section of the castle calmly and appreciate its architectural details and collections.
The months of November and December are quite low in terms of the presence of tourists, so it is good to take advantage of this season to visit the castle and spend a dreamy Christmas.
8. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in autumn
Autumn is a good time for romantic souls who want to visit the castle, the landscape changes its color, the climate is mild and the sky radiates a beautiful light that goes from a radiant sun to a soft and warm light.
The best thing is that by autumn the August visitors have already been reduced and the castle can be appreciated more comfortably.
Similarly, an added fact to its charm is that the trip can be synchronized in order to enjoy the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich, the music festival that takes place over 16 days between September and October.
9. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in winter
Although it is a dreamlike place with its snow-capped mountains and the typical aspect of a cold country, going to the castle in winter can become somewhat complicated, especially since part of the attraction such as its Marienbrücke or Mary’s Bridge viewpoints are closed.
The cold is intense, it can pass -0 ° C, that is to say that it is really very cold, and to travel with children or even older adults would be a complication. So it is good to think about it a bit before opting for these dates.
10. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in spring
A trip to the castle in spring is a trip full of color, with the green of the forests, the flowers and the contrast of the white complexion of the castle under a spring sun. The climate is good, cool and without humidity. The visitors are not many and surely you will be able to obtain wonderful photos.
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11. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in summer
Summer is the favorite time of vacationers, largely because it coincides with school holidays for children and young people, therefore there are always more tourists in the castle and in any other tourist spot in Germany.
But if you don't dislike crowds or if you prefer warm weather to travel, the summer season is an ideal date to visit the castle and enjoy the radiant sun, you just have to arm yourself with patience for the long lines to access the facilities.
12. What is the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle like?
We have already talked a lot about the exterior of the castle, but its interiors are also captivating.
It is believed that most of its decoration and especially the third floor were dedicated to Wagner's opera "The Night of the Swans", hence the frescoes on the walls portray his scenes.
Although the plans of its founder were numerous rooms, only 14 of them managed to materialize, which can be seen because they are open to the public.
The guided tour of the castle includes access to the caves of the caves, the Singer’s Hall and the King’s room among other attractions.
13. Visit the changing room of Neuschwanstein Castle
Surely you have ever imagined what a king's wardrobe is like, his many elegant suits, jewelry and even his vain luxuries, well in Neuschwanstein Castle you can enter the dressing room of King Louis II of Bavaria.
Inside the dressing room you can see the magnificent ceiling frescoes and murals depicting the work of famous poets such as Hans Sachs and Walther von der Vogelwide. The entire room is decorated in shades of gold and violet that inspire romance.
14. The Throne Room
One of the most captivating spaces in the castle is the throne room, the space most desired and planned by Louis II in his long-awaited dream of remaining king. It is a space that has little to envy to the best Byzantine cathedrals.
With two stories high, frescoes on its walls, a painted dome, a 13-foot-tall chandelier, and a carefully crafted mosaic floor, it is without a doubt the most dedicated space in its design, albeit much to the sadness of its founder. he never got his throne there.
15. The Neuschwanstein Castle Bridge
Returning to the exterior of the castle, we cannot forget the Marienbrücke bridge, which crosses over a waterfall offering indescribable but highly photographic views.
When descending from the bridge, it is mandatory to walk along the wooden paths designed with the aim of offering the visitor the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
16. Excursions to Neuschwanstein Castle
The only official guided tour that allows access to the interior of the castle are the groups organized by the department of the Bavarian Palace; However, there are numerous companies that offer tour packages that include visits to other nearby castles.
The tours of these companies are usually one day, they include a visit to Linderhof Castle, Hohenschwangau and the nearby towns as well as a visit to the outside of Neuschwanstein. These packages can start at $ 45 and do not include entrance fees to the castles.
The visit offered by the Gray Line company, for example, includes part of the access to Neuschwanstein, the visit to the castle of Linderhof inspired by Versailles, as well as a short walk in the town of Oberammergau.
To get there from Munich, visitors can travel with Mike’s Bike Tours, who also offer a tour of the Bavarian Alps and a parade at the end of the castle visit.
17. How to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle?
There are many options that can be obtained in Munich to move to the castle without joining a group of tourists or a package tour. Trains and buses are the order of the day to get there cheaply.
Munich is two hours away by private car, following the main A7 motorway to Füssen or Kempten. Cars can be parked in the Neuschwanstein car park located in the town of Hohenschwangau.
To go by train from Munich, the stop is at Füssen station, from there visitors must take a local bus to town. In the same way, there are local buses, both urban and intercity, that facilitate access to those who arrive from Garmsich or Innsbruck.
18. Transport from Hohenschwangau
All tourists visiting Neuschwanstein Castle have to first reach the village of Hohenschwangau, where the Ticketcenter is located, as well as the parking lots and some tourist attractions such as the Castle of the Bavarian Kings.
Once the tickets have been purchased, the castle can be reached on foot, by bus or in beautiful carriages drawn by steeds. The walk takes 30 to 40 minutes and you have to consider a very steep climb that can reduce your strength to enjoy the castle.
On the other hand, the buses are not very expensive, just about € 2.60 round trip, these buses transfer visitors from parking lot P4, but they will not leave you properly in the castle, you still have to walk between about 10 and 15 minutes.
In severe weather seasons, buses cannot travel, so visitors must reach the castle on foot or by carriage. Another reason to visit in less cold times.
The horse-drawn carriages add a special and magical touch to the experience, they will really make you feel that you live in the time of the great kings and princesses; However, its value is somewhat expensive considering that it varies both round trip and return starting at € 9.
Just like the buses, the carriages cannot go directly to the castle, so you will always have to walk between 5 to 10 minutes. A point to keep in mind when traveling with children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
19. How do you buy tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle?
The ticket sales center is located in the town of Hohenschwangau, all tickets are purchased there although they can be booked in advance online. Tickets have a cost of € 13 and all include the guided tour at a specific time.
Children and young people under 18 have free access and older adults, as well as large groups and students have a reduced price.
20. Information about the guided tour
To enter the interior of the castle can only be done on a guided tour, which is already included in the ticket price. The languages in which the visit is carried out are English and German, but you can also opt for audios that have 16 different languages.
The visit takes approximately 35 minutes and includes stops at the throne room and the room inspired by the story of Tristan and Isolde.
21. Neuschwanstein Castle Hours
The castle's opening hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, between April and October 15. As of October 16 and until March, the hours are between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Although the castle is open most of the year there are four important dates when it is closed, on December 24, 25 and 31 and on January 1.
22. Where to stay near Neuschwanstein Castle
In the town of Hohenschwangau there are different inns and hotels that offer a cozy stay, but for an even more fairy tale experience do not hesitate to visit Villa Luis, one of the newest hotels in the area.
23. Restaurants near Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle itself has its own restaurant, the Neuschwanstein’s Café & Bistro. You can also visit the Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein located in the village, in the latter you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the castle.
According to the stories of the town, the artisans and workers who worked in the construction of the castle used to dine in this restaurant when it was still a canteen in the 19th century.
24. Things to do near Neuschwanstein Castle
In addition to visiting Neuschawanstein Castle, visitors should take the opportunity to visit the town of Hohenschwangau; Linderhorff Castle (one of the castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria), and of course Hohenschwangau Castle where he lived his childhood.
25. Interesting facts about Neuschwanstein Castle
People with disabilities can find it very difficult at Neuschwanstein Castle, starting with the long access walks, bridges, stairways, steep slopes, among others.
The castle has not yet been adapted to the accessibility of people with disabilities but this is largely due to its location.
Another important point is that despite being the most photographed castle in Germany, photographs inside the castle are prohibited, this as a preventive measure to take care of the frescoes and decorations from exposure to flash lights.
So to show that you were there you will have to take advantage of the exterior spaces for photographs, and use your mental camera to save the best memories of the interior of the castle.
What is the history of Neuschwanstein Castle?
The history of this castle located in the Bavarian Alps is not as beautiful as its appearance. Its construction was commissioned by Louis II of Bavaria in 1868, two years after Austria and Bavaria were conquered by Prussia after the Austro-Prussian war.
In this war Luis II of Bavaria was stripped of his monarchic powers, which allowed him to retire with his resources to live his dream life among palaces and servants. But Louis II could not see the work finished as he died mysteriously in 1886.
The final towers of the castle were completed in 1892, six years after the death of Louis II. However, a few weeks after his death, the castle was opened to the public and from then on it became one of the most beautiful and most visited exhibits in Germany.
As you can see, Neuschwanstein Castle is undoubtedly a fascinating place and a must-see on your trip to Germany. It is the golden opportunity to live, even for a day, that magical world of the fairy tales that accompanied your childhood.
