A Fairytale Castle in Germany
Get the feeling of being in Disney’s Cinderella castle when you visit the popular Neuschwanstein castle! A fairytale castle in Germany!
About the Fairytale Castle
Neuschwanstein castle, one of the most popular castles in Germany is truly a fairytale castle. It is the blueprint for the Cinderella Castle at Disney World in Florida and the inspiration for the Disney logo. Interestingly enough, the fairytale castle also has many similar characteristics to Versailles and other castles in France. King Ludwig II, the Bavarian King who built the castle, was the godchild of King Louis XIV of France. Throughout his childhood he spent a lot of time at the French palaces while visiting the French monarchy.
Built to replace the ruins of a previous castle, Neuschwanstein castle sits high on a hill with the Bavarian Alps as a backdrop. Sitting above the village of Hohenschwangau surrounded by an evergreen forest, the fairytale castle offers incredible views. Mountains, lakes, and the Bavarian countryside can be seen from the balcony off the Throne room. From the courtyard and other side of the castle you can also view the Marien Bridge nestled wihin the forest.
Construction of the castle began in in 1869 and continued for 17 years. During construction there was an tremendous amount of building materials, labor, and trade for the time period. King Ludwig II was very involved with the design and construction throughout construction mading several changes adding more to the magical theme. Unfortuantely, during construction he lost his soveriegnty and died shortly there after at the young age of 40. After his death, contruction was put on permant hold and the castle was never fully completed.
A Fairytale Castle Tours
Although the castle was never fully complete, a large portion of the castle is still open to the public for guided tours. Tour tickets can be purchased at the ticket center in village of Hohenschcwangau or in advance online. Paid parking is available near the ticket center, but the walk to the castle can take up to 30 minutes. There is an option to take a horse drawn carraige ride up for a fee.
Whether you walk or take a carriage ride up you will begin to feel the magical fantasy as you make your way through the dense forest. The winding paved trail up through the lush overs many small glimpses of the of the Alps and Bavarian countryside; all truely magestic views. If you are more adventurous, there are also many hiking trails that cross the main paved road that you can take you deeper into the woods to explore.
You cannot help but feel like you are part of the royal court of the Cinderella Castle as you pass through the gate house and into the courtyard surrounded by the flagstone castle with it’s many towers and turrets. At the designated time, the tour guide will meet you in the courtyard and take you in. As you start you will get a little history about the castle and King Ludwig II life. You will learn that the castle has a few ongoing themes along with the whimsical atmosphere. Ludwig II was deeply religious, therfore there are many religious depictions, as well as, artwork referencing the story of the Holy Grail. He was very fond of the Swan, a symbol of purity, and displayed many swan statuary and artwork throughout fairytale castle. Most notably is the large porcelain Swan vase in the living room.
The tour will take you through several extravagant rooms of gold or carved walnut with many pieces of art. One of the most notable rooms is the Throne Room with it’s many painted walls depicting Jesus and religious depictions. The room also has a massive gold chandelier with large glass gems throughout and 2 million piece mosaic floor with a scene of fauna and flora.
Furnished in hardwood, the King’s Bedroom is yet another extravagant room in this fairytale castle. An elaborate wood canopy bed with extensive carvings is the centerpiece of the room. Carved at the foot of the bed is Jesus Christ while Mary is at the head of the bed. Carvings of different German cathedrals finish off the massive wood bedframe and canopy. A true masterpiece! The room also holds a wood carved washbasin with a gorgeous swan faucet and Ludwig’s writer’s desk by the window.
The top level of the castle is the gorgeous Singer’s Hall. The room is finished with beautiful artwork depicting the story of the Holy Grail. Most notibly, under the arbors at one end of the room, there is a whimsical painting Klingor’s magic forest.
Amazing the castle also has a Grotto and a dragon guarded round staircase in the north tower. These fun and whimsical features, along with the Swans, are also found throughout the Disney World theme parks and the Cinderella Castle.
In contrast to all these beautiful and extravagant rooms, you will also glimpse the kitchen, scullery, and servant’s quarters. These may be simple and plain, but they are quite large and well equipped.
Although you cannot take pictures inside the castle they do encourage pictures on the balcony outside the throne room. The balcony with its scenic views of the Tyrolean Mountains and Lake Alpsee, and overlooking of Hohenschwangau castle will make you feel like you’re a princess at your own Cinderella Castle.
After the Tour
After the tour, you easily follow the signs to Marien Bridge, named after Ludwig II’s mother Marie. The suspenion bridge crosses over the Pollat Gorge and waterfall offering incredible views of the castle with the Bavarian countryside as a backdrop. You can continue hiking the marked trails through the forest or head back down to the village of Hohenschcwangau.
Tour Tickets
You can purchase tour tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschcwangau Castle, and the Museum of Bavarain Kings at the ticket center or online. The ticket center is located in the village of Hohenschcwangau near parking. The castles and museum are all in walking distance, making it easy to plan a day of castle viewing.
Where to Stay
While visiting the fairytale Castle or any of the other tours, you will want to select lodging in the Bavarian town of Füssen Germany. The quaint town is only minutes away from the ticket center and has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
Other things to do in the Area
While you are in the area as a family vacation or as a couple, there are plenty other things to do near by to make this trip abroad more of an adventure. The following is a list of a few other activities in the area:
- Take a 10-20 minute walk from the Füssen town center to see Lechfall, where the river Lech spills into Lech Gorge.
- Walk another half a mile from Lechfall to the Treetop Walkway that straddles Austria and Germany. Keep in mind there is a small fee to cross.
- Head over to Tegelbergbahn for several adventurous activities. They have a wonderful Alpine Slide in the summer, lots of hiking trails, and rock climbing . If you are looking for more of and adrenaline rush, you can opt to hang-glide or paraglide to view the castles, the Alps, and the Bavarian countryside from above. For more information about pricing and activities go to Tegelbergbahn website.
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