Über dieses Reiseziel
Neuschwanstein Castle stands as one of the most famous and photographed buildings in Germany, embodying the romantic ideals of the 19th century. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869, this fairy-tale castle was intended as a retreat for the reclusive king and as a homage to Richard Wagner, whose operas heavily influenced the castle's design and decoration. Perched dramatically on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, the castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. The Romanesque Revival architecture, designed by Eduard Riedel, features elaborate towers, ornate interiors, and fantastical decorations that bring medieval legends to life. The castle's interior is just as spectacular as its exterior, with richly decorated rooms including the Throne Hall, inspired by Byzantine church architecture, and the Singers' Hall, designed to honor Wagner's Tannhäuser opera. Unfortunately, Ludwig II died in 1886 before the castle was completed, having lived in it for only 172 days. Today, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes over 1.3 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle served as inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and continues to capture imaginations with its fairy-tale appearance. Despite being unfinished at Ludwig's death, with only about one-third of the planned rooms completed, the castle remains a masterpiece of 19th-century Romantic architecture and a symbol of Bavaria.