Secure your Neuschwanstein Castle tickets and take a guided tour
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The 19th-century fairy-tale like castle in the village of Hohenschwangau sits on top of a Bavarian hill and overlooks the land below is one of the most famous and recognised castles in the world!
It was commissioned by 'King Ludwig II of Bavaria' in 1869, who as it happens, was also known as the "Fairy tale King" or the "Swan King."! He had a deep fascination with mediaeval legends and sought to create a grandiose and romantic castle that reflected his idealised vision of the Middle Ages.
The king wanted the castle for a personal retreat, not as an official royal residence, so it was built in a strategic and dramatic location overlooking the village near Füssen in southwest Bavaria so he could enjoy the views of his kingdom. The castle was opened to the public soon after his death in 1886 in order to help pay the debts he had accrued during its construction.
The design is a blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine and was influenced by the works of Richard Wagner, the renowned composer who also happened to be a close friend of King Ludwig II, as well as by various romanticised interpretations of mediaeval themes.
Even though the castle was never actually finished, it is still often described as having a fairy tale-like appearance with good reason, it's got soaring towers, turrets, and ornate decorations as well as a picturesque setting amidst the Alpine landscape.
The interior is equally as impressive. Designed with more than 200 rooms, of which only around 15 were finished, the rooms are lavishly decorated. The Throne Room, Singers' Hall, and King's Bedroom have intricate wood carvings, colourful murals, and elaborate furnishings, as you would expect for a castle built for a king!
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany's most popular attractions and it is widely recognized as a symbol of romanticism due to King Ludwig II's vision and imagination.
It's also said that the castle inspired Walt Disney and his designs of the famous Cinderella Castle at Disneyland and other Disney theme parks.