Neuschwanstein Castle: Pure Magic

To the south of Munich, proudly stands the jewel of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle. Constructed solely by Bavarian hands using solely Bavarian materials, this monument is the work of a different kind of King: Ludwig II, or Louis II, if you prefer. It's no coincidence that Neuschwanstein will bring fairy tales to mind: it served as the model for Disney's Sleeping Beauty's Castle.



This gargantuan work, erected in the 19th Century, revitalised the Bavarian economy, providing work for the locals, and today still remains a vital centre in the region, attracting thousands of visitors anxious to experience the magic of Disney in its original form. The goal of its creator was precisely this: to evoke a Grimm Brothers fairy tale.



Set in the South of Munich amidst mountains, vales and lakes, is the dream-like figure of Neuschwanstein Castle. Its style is indisputably Neo-Renaissance, with a facade distinguished by its solemnity. The castle’s most remarkable features are its height and the way its architecture is perfectly adapted to the hill upon which it stands. If you plan on taking a guided tour however, make sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes because you will be climbing over 200 steps.

The sombreness of its facade takes a surprising turn once you enter the castle's richly-decorated interior, with Rococo touches and scenes from the operas of Ricard Wagner. The designer wanted the inside to be surprising and he succeeded, blending Renaissance and Baroque art with just a hint of Moorish Iberia. If you had the chance to tour the castle's more than 360 rooms by yourself, you would realise that the images on the walls and hallways echo with the violins, cellos and basses of Wagner's genius.



The great crystal chandeliers, the tapestries and the regal furnishings covered in gold will give you a taste of how kings lived in times past. For this very reason, if you visit, you will understand why the castle was nominated to hold a place amongst the New Seven Wonders of the World. From the outside, Neuschwanstein Castle appears as a giant resting against the hillside, watching over the Bavarian monasteries, castles and homes below, but on the inside, it houses valuable works of art, the most captivating of which are the Renaissance, religious and mythological paintings.



To further heighten the fantasy of being a prince or princess, you can arrive at the castle by horse-drawn carriage. In this way, you will also be able to better appreciate the region's abundant nature and carefully preserved medieval atmosphere. Without a doubt, the best time of year to visit is during the winter, when extensive snowfall covers the trees and hillsides in white. Many of the hotels in Munich offer private tours of the castle, but it is just as easy to arrive by auto or public transport (taking a train to Füssen and then a bus to Hohenschwangau). If you’re looking for magic, then a trip to Neuschwanstein should be on your itinerary.



Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.