Neuschwanstein Castle or how Ludwig II realized his dream

Neuschwanstein Castle translated from German means - a new swan stone. The atmosphere around and inside the attraction is no less romantic than the name. It is one of the most popular attractions not only in Germany but also in the world near the city of Füssen, in southwestern Bavaria, near the border with Austria. The popularity of the castle is confirmed by the annual number of tourists who come to visit an amazing, fabulous place. Judge for yourself, every year Neuschwanstein in Bavaria is visited by about 1.5 million tourists, the daily influx of visitors can exceed 5.5 thousand. The idea of ​​construction belongs to the monarch Ludwig II. A detailed overview of the castle - the history of construction, what to see inside, how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich - read our article.

Photo: Neuschwanstein, Bavaria

General information about Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Each castle is shrouded in a certain raid of mysticism and magic, but a huge number of legends, romantic stories, and fairy tales are associated with Neuschwanstein Castle. Poems were dedicated to him, filmed in films, and even if you have been to Disneyland, you probably noticed that the Sleeping Beauty castle was created based on the palace in Bavaria.

So, Neuschwanstein in Germany is recognized by locals as the standard of a fairytale castle - he hid on a picturesque slope in the silence of the Alps, it is hidden by tall trees, which, like persistent soldiers guard the peace of the sights. By the way, the castle was built based on fairy tales, around and inside Neuschwanstein is a mixture of reality and fiction, rich history and romantic legends.

Perhaps the idea to build a magic castle in a wonderful place in Germany arose with Ludwig II, when he alone enjoyed the mountain beauties. The ruler of Bavaria preferred hermitage and a fictional world filled with heroes of fairy tales and legends. His favorite hero was Lohengrin - Knight Swan, who saved the girl.

Interesting fact! Near the castle there is a mountain bridge, named in honor of Maria Frederic of Prussia - the mother of the German ruler. From the bridge the palace is visible in full view, it is not surprising that an observation deck has been equipped here today.

The untypical history of the castle

The ruler of Bavaria was friends with Richard Wagner, which is probably why the project was based on the theater scenery for the production of “Lohengrin”, as well as the projects of the Wartburg castle, which in the 19th century became a symbol of German romanticism.

The history of the castle can be told quickly - the construction of Neuschwanstein began in 1869, unfortunately, the main inspirer and author of the project did not live to see its opening. The castle doors opened two weeks after the death of its author. Earlier, another castle was built on this site - Schwanstein. The future German ruler was brought up in the neighboring castle, which was the residence of the Wittelsbach, its walls were decorated with tapestries and paintings with scenes from various legends that attracted a romantic, impressionable boy from childhood.

In 1864, young Ludwig took the throne and, four years later, began construction near the residence of his father. Why is the history of Neuschwanstein in Germany atypical? At that time, European castles were built to demonstrate power, but in the case of the castle in Germany, the situation is different - it was built to please the monarch as his personal toy.

Interesting fact! It is reliably known that the king of Bavaria spent on the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle a huge sum for those times - 6 million gold marks. Locals are still joking - in order to recoup such expenses, the attraction must be visited by every inhabitant of the planet.

Under the pretext of madness, Ludwig is removed from the throne and after a short period he died on the lake, according to the official version it was suicide, but the locals do not believe it. This verdict was issued by a medical commission in Munich, it happened in the summer of 1886. There is evidence in historical documents that the verdict was issued without examining the suspect and without the testimony of witnesses. Before the tragic death, the monarch managed to live in new chambers for only 172 days. At the time of his death, only a third of the chambers inside the castle were ready. By the way, a psychiatrist was killed along with the king under the same unclear circumstances.

Interesting fact! Despite such serious expenses from the treasury, Ludwig II was preserved in the memory of the Germans by the good Bavarian king. A rich funeral was arranged for him, and death is still called the most mysterious murder in the history of Germany. The place where the monarch died is marked with a cross.

Photo: Neuschwanstein Castle
Historians claim that the German ruler, not knowing it himself, not only spent money on the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle, but invested money profitably in the future of the country.

Castle architecture

A road leads to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, over which horse-drawn carts will drive you, driven by colorful cabmen in traditional hats decorated with feathers. Drive to the castle entrance will not work. You must admit that modern cars will destroy the special fairy tale flavor that envelops the entire palace. Cars are left in parking lots equipped near the village of Hohenschwangau. Tourist buses also stop here.

Good to know! Given the daily influx of tourists to the castle, the organization of excursions requires special clarity and coherence. This procedure is more like registering passengers on an airplane flight.

The ticket office is also here at the foot of the mountain. Each tourist needs to reserve a place in one of the excursion groups, since Neuschwanstein is closed for free visits.

Near the attraction there is a lake, in the mirror surface of which the Alps and the castle are reflected. It is believed that this is the cleanest lake in Germany. A little to the right is a green field on which a small church is built, a little further - the village of Schwangau and Lake Forggensee. To the left you can see the Hohenschwangau Castle, and nearby - Swan Lake.

For the construction of the Neuschwanstein castle was carried out on one of the Alpine mountains, the monarch chose a plateau located at a level of 8 meters below the peak as a site. Architecture - typical of the Middle Ages. According to the project, the castle was supposed to have 5 floors, but not all were built. Together with the main construction works, the gates were erected, they were completed in 1873, the castle was completed 10 years later - in 1883.

In 1861, the monarch attended the premiere of the opera Lohengrin (author - Richard Wagner). From that moment, the life of the ruler of Bavaria changes dramatically, because he saw on the stage the images that had developed in his mind when he lived in his father’s castle, as well as the prototype of the future Neuschwanstein castle. Soon, the monarch personally met Wagner, which was the beginning of a sincere friendship. The king paid the debts of Wagner, became a philanthropist.

Interesting fact! The ruler of Bavaria dreamed that Wagner worked in a new castle, but the plans did not become a reality.

If you've seen the Walt Disney studio screensaver at least once, you've probably noticed a beautiful castle. This is the "residence" of Sleeping Beauty - the heroine of a feature-length animated film, which was released in 1959. Neuschwanstein Castle inspired the creation of the castle from the screen of the authors. True, if you follow the historical chronicle exactly, the real prototype of the castle of the heroine of the work of Charles Perrault is not in Germany, but in France - Usse Castle, it was built in the 15th century. The German interpretation of the tale was written by the Grimm brothers in 1812, and Neuschwanstein Castle was built at the end of the 19th century. The castles are indeed similar, but it is believed that the latter does not have prototypes, since this is a fantasy product of Ludwig II himself. The Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Gothic style is clearly traced in the appearance of the castle. Inside the castle there is a mixture of different styles - Moorish, non-baroque.

The construction was made of marble, as well as sandstone. It was also planned to build a tower, it had to proudly rise and decorate the architectural project, the church was supposed to be inside, but the government did not allocate funds. In addition, they did not finish the terrace, the bathhouse and the chambers of chambers.

What can be seen inside Neuschwanstein Castle

In Neuschwanstein Castle, 8 rooms on the 3rd floor are decorated for visitors - a bedroom, a study, a throne room, a living room, a dining room, a singers room. Despite the huge amount spent on construction, inside the palace looks quite modest. In the basement are rooms for servants. In addition, separate staircases were built to move the servants around the castle.

Interesting fact! It is noteworthy that all the decor used in the design of the premises is the result of the monarch’s passion for Wagner’s works.

Neuschwanstein: photo inside the castle

In the hall of singers, Ludwig embodied the idea of ​​Wartburg halls. The description of the chambers of the palace must begin with the name of this hall, since the residence was built around the hall of the singers. The room is decorated with wall paintings, which depict heroes and scenes from legends. Unfortunately, the room was not used during the king’s life, for the first time a festive concert was held here only 50 years after the death of Wagner.

Another impressive room in the castle - the Throne Hall - it was not completed, but, nevertheless, it looks impressive. The king wished that the hall had a basil-like bookmark with a niche where the throne stood. In this way, Ludwig demonstrated his connection with God. Above the throne place hang portraits of six monarchs, who were ranked among the saints. There are also images of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and John. The mosaic floor shows visitors animals and plants. The columns and stairs in the hall are made of marble.

The royal chambers are decorated with carved oak panels, the curtains are embroidered with silk. By the way, the royal chambers consist of several rooms - a bedroom, a chapel, a living room, an office and a chapel. Of particular interest to tourists is the royal bedchamber, decorated in the Neo-Gothic style, decorated with carvings and ornaments. Over a dozen masters worked on the design of the bedroom for almost 5 years. The walls are decorated with paintings depicting scenes from the work "Tristan and Isolde."

It’s difficult to name a single style in the design of Neuschwanstein Castle, because in the chambers there are Gothic, Moorish and Baroque motifs. The interior is more like a magical scenery for a fairy tale.Find out RATES or book any accommodation using this form

Practical information

1. Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, Schwangau.
2. Castle Schedule:

From 01.04 to 15.10 - from 7-30 to 17-00;
From 16.10 to 31.03 - from 8-30 to 15-00.

3. Ticket price:

Full - 13 euros, tourists under 18 years old admission is free;
The cost of visiting castles Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau - 25 euros;
A combined ticket gives you the right to visit the castles of Neuschwanstein, Herrenkimsee, Linderhof - 26 euros (valid for 6 months).

4. Website: here.neuschwanstein.de.

Important! Ticket offices close an hour earlier than the castle.

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich on your own

The easiest way to get inside the castle is from Munich. The most profitable option is to purchase a comprehensive Bayern Ticket, it costs 25 euros and gives you the right to use all types of public transport. The ticket is valid from 9-00 on weekdays, and on weekends the ticket starts at night. You can also buy a ticket from Munich to Füssen at the box office or machine, the cost is 22 euros. How to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich by train and how much the ticket costs, see the official website of German railways.

Important! There are no direct flights from Munich to Fuyusen, you will have to make a transfer to Bukhlo.

In Füssen, you need to take the bus to Neuschwanstein Castle. If you want to plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity, rent a crew of the 19th century.

Another way to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich on your own is to rent a car. You need to go along the A4 highway in a westerly direction, next to the sign "To Schwangau" you should turn south. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Another way - how to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle - the route Munich - Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 60 km from the resort you need to turn in the direction of Schwangau. The route is quite winding, so it is better to use the navigator.

Prices and timetables on the page are for August 2019.
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Useful Tips

1. After buying a ticket, be sure to look at the time of the visit and the group number, you must get into the castle on the specified date, otherwise the Germans, who are pedantic, will send you back to Munich.
2. The surroundings of the castle are no less interesting - the Allgäu valley, the bridge, from which excellent photographs of the palace, Lake Schwansee, Alpsee are obtained.
Alpsee Lake
3. At the entrance to the castle, tourists are given an audio guide in the required language.
4. Inside photos and videos are prohibited.
5. The peak of the season is the second half of summer.
6. The duration of the tour is 30 minutes.
7. Planning your trip is best in the early morning or afternoon. In the afternoon there is a large influx of tourists and it is difficult to buy tickets.

Europe is famous for palaces that are built in the mountains or the countryside, but the most popular, is rightfully considered Neuschwanstein Castle. Many do not even suspect that they saw him in many films, but believe me - a trip to the sights in Germany will be an unforgettable adventure in life.

Royal castles of Bavaria and their history:

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