Built For Seclusion - Neuschwanstein Castle

Sep 30

The name Neuschwanstein means “new swan”and this castle is often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty” or “Cinderella” Castle. The exterior of the castle is breathtaking, and it was built across from his childhood home, Hohenschwangau Castle. King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as The Mad King, built this castle for seclusion. Construction began in 1869, and would take sixteen years to complete, while much of the interior still remains unfinished. King Ludwig II would never see the completion of the castle.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy it!

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Black-eyed Susan growing on a grassy hill

Hohenschwangau Castle across the way from Neuschwanstein Castle. Hohenschwangau Castle is a 19th-century palace and was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II.

Both the Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles share this village.

A few of the other village buildings

Another view of Hohenschwangau Castle

This is a view of the castle from a viewing area near by. The castle gives off a more “new construction” look.

Entering the enormous castle’s courtyard

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Looking up at the imposing 65,000 square foot castle

The castle against the awesome mountain backdrop

Neuschwanstein was built in a time when castles were no longer necessary, despite its romanticized medieval design.

After visiting the castle while on vacation with his wife, Walt Disney was inspired by this castle to build his own Cinderella castle.

Much of the interior tour was spent climbing stairs in several towers

The castle has two-hundred rooms, mostly unfinished. The tour allows you to see about fourteen room.

The mountain and valley view from the castle terrace

Castle widow

Picturesque castle looks like something right out of a fairytale

A view of the castle from the village

Some of the village building with mountain backdrop

A bit about “Mad” Big Ludwig II of Bavaria. He the ultimate introvert and was not ready to rule at the age of 18, when his father died in 1864. He is said to have lived a double life, entertaining a succession of gay lovers and spending millions of dollars on fairytale castles and lavish works of art. He lived in his own enchanted dream world as a romantic, a lover of architecture, art and music, forgetting about politics and state affairs. The King was not really “mad”, but merely an eccentric living in a world of dreams. A man that was more of a dreamer than a ruler, and spent far too much money on extravagant projects that lead to borrowing causing bankruptcy and his replacement and his murder.

What you should know:

Castle interior photography is strictly prohibited
You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day exploring the grounds and village. The castle tour itself is about 40 minutes.
There are a few options for food and drink options in the village.
You can only take a guided castle tour.
Tours are time-specified, if you are late, there is a chance you will get turned away.
There is a shuttle bus to take you part of the way up to the castle. The shuttle bus fee is in addition to the castle entrance price.
There are tour options that include both Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle. Because of time restraints, I only did Neuschwanstein Castle.
You can also book a tour online, in person or through Viator
Open seasonally; check the website for days and hours of operation.

For more information: Neuschwanstein Castle

Location: NeuschwansteinstraBe 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany