Neuschwanstein Castle and its beautiful story

The Neuschwanstein castle has as much awesomeness as its history. On one part we see a medieval-style castle with neo-Gothic inspiration and Romanesque designs. But when you discover that it is the object of a person’s fantasies the whole story becomes more interesting.

The foundation for the Neuschwanstein castle was laid by King Louis II who was also nicknamed the Mad King Ludwig but the building couldn’t be concluded in his lifetime.

The King had grown up in a Hohenschwangau castle with epic decoration drawn from historical, legendary, and poetic sources.

So when he became king, he aspired to build something more legendary, and grander to serve as his palace. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long enough to see the castle complete.

Neuschwanstein Castle
Picture by robroskopp98 on flickr.com

A Brief History of the Neuschwanstein castle

The construction of the Neuschwansteincastle started in 1869 shortly after Louis II became the king of Bavaria.

It was originally named the New Hohenschwangau Castle and modeled after the castle where the new king grew up but with grander and more elaborate composition.

Some say the King’s original idea was to create a real version of a fairy tale castle that would leave fans awestruck; he succeeded partly in doing this. In 1886, the castle was opened to the general public upon King Ludwig’s death.

Here are some of the most asked questions about the Neuschwanstein castle:

1. Where is the Neuschwanstein Castle and How can I get there?

The castle is located at Neuschwansteinstrate 20, 87645 Schwangau, Near Fussen in Allgau, Germany.

If you drove down, it is advisable to park at the village of Hohenschwangau before you move on (the parking facilities are often run by private individuals so it may cost you a little amount of money). 

Directions: Take the A7 motorway, when you get to the end of the road, follow the B17 and you will start seeing signs on the direction to go. There is also public transport available.

2. How old is the Neuschwanstein castle?

The Neuschwanstein castle is at least 136 years old.

The site where the castle sits today had 2 smaller buildings which were demolished in 1868 to make room for the building of the new castle.

It was eventually opened to the public in 1886 in the memory of King Ludwig and has since then undergone a series of maintenance and renovations until its current state was attained. 

3. Most alluring wonders of the King’s Bedroom

You will remember that the Neuschwanstein castle was built for the King’s private residence which explains why there is an amazing King’s bedroom behind its walls.

Eight (8) out of the ten people who visit the Neuschwanstein castle mention the King’s bedroom as one of the best sites to see.

It has a leitmotif drawn after the Legend of Tristan and Isolde (a romantic tale about King Meliadus’ Prince – Tristan.

The story states that Tristan returns to form a battle fatally injured, but was saved by Isolde who used magical herbs to heal him. The duo falls in love and insists on getting married despite being from two enemy tribes but were faced with a new kind of challenge when King Marke desired Isolde for marriage.

The lover’s tales end with sorrow as they died in each other’s arms). 

You can find beautiful Leitmotif of the lovers, their pictures, and carvings scattered all around. The room also has a beautiful chandelier and a tiled stove.

The King’s bedsit at the corner of the room with blue silk coverings, with unimaginably artistic embroidery. It is a must-see.

4. What is the Neuschwanstein Castle known for?

The castle is known for quite a handful of features that leaves visitors awestruck, such as:

  1. The portraits, carvings, and leitmotif were drawn after legends and stories. Walking into its halls, one would experience tens of stories through the amazing art and interior designs.
  2. The amazing blue-blacking turrets of Neuschwanstein castle also make it distinguishable and extremely beautiful. The castle sits at a cliffside, making it almost surreal; it is a great site to see and this attracts many tourists.
  3. It has a rich history and it is one of the most toured castles in the world and has attracted at least 61 million tourists so far). 
  4. The castle is about 213 feet tall and measures about 65, 000 square feet. About 100 rooms were initially planned but only 14 have been completed to date (those are open to the public)
  5. It is the inspiration for some of Disney’s fairy tales such as Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. Many visit just to see the closest real version of what their favorite fiction castles look like.
  6. The 13 feet tall chandelier and murals of the Throne room are more than epic.

5. What is the meaning of Neuschwanstein and how did it get its name?

The name Neuschwanstein is the German for New Swan Stone Castles.

It was named after the Swan Knight Lohengrin (of the Lohengrin legend), one of King Ludwig’s favorite characters and the designer (Richard Wagner) inspiration.

6. Who owns the Neuschwanstein Castle?

The castle is owned by the Bavarian State, while Hohenschwangau is owned by the descendants of Ludwig II.

7. Nearby hotels you can lodge in

Are you considering a visit to the castle? Here are some of the nearby hotels you can lodge in:

  1. Villa Ludwig in Hohenschwangau
  2. City Fereinwohnung Fussen 
  3. Vitalhotel Wiedemann
  4. Luitpoldpark-Hotel
  5. Hotel Ruchti, etc.

There are many hotels in Hohenschwangau and Fussen, you should carefully check their facilities and your budget in choosing any of your choices.

8. Getting to the Neuschwanstein Castle by Train – The nearest Train Station

The nearest train station to the Neuschwanstein castle is the Fussen train station which is 5km away.

9. Distance to the Neuschwanstein from some parts of Germany

Munich – Fussen

By road, it is about 117.6 kilometers apart and will take you about 1hour 50 minutes to travel. If you are traveling by train, it will take you about 2 hours 50 minutes. The average cost of a travel ticket per hour is £57.

Frankfurt – Fussen

From Frankfurt, Germany, it is about 425.7km to reach the Fussen by road. That may take about 4hours 30 minutes to reach your destination. 

From Fussen, it is about 20 minutes bus ride to arrive at Schwangau, where the castle is.

Entry Fees

Adult: £15

Children: free (if under 18 and accompanied by parents)

Seniors (over 65 years of age): £14

Pupils & companions of disabled people: free

You can purchase the tickets online with an extra charge of £2.50 or from the Hohenschwangau ticket center if you choose the latter option, you have to get your ticket before proceeding to the castle, otherwise, you won’t be allowed to go in.

Tickets are personal and cannot be exchanged.

10. Best Time to Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle

The castle opens all week long, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am every April to October 15 and from October 16 to March 15 it is open for 6hours between 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. They however close up for Christmas and New Year Celebration for four days; December 24-25 and on the 31st to January 1st. 

Further reading