Romantic Disney-Like Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle (Munich)

Romantic Disney-like Schloss Neuschwanstein is the top fairy tale castle of Bavarian “mad” King Ludwig II. It is one of Germany’s most-loved castles to visit and a popular day-trip destination from Munich and the Romantic Road.

Disney-like Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich in Bavaria — Jeff Wilcox / Wikimedia Commons

Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of the top sights to see in Germany. For many visitors, it is a major reason for traveling to the Bavarian Alps. Few leave disappointed as Neuschwanstein Castle absolutely looks the part. Its medieval, neo-Romanesque looks are almost Disney-like being perched on a lonely rocky hill with the Alps in the background. The castle and its origins are wildly romantic while the natural setting is spectacularly beautiful too. Tickets are best reserved in advance, or book guided tours from Munich.

“Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria and Neuschwanstein

Bavarian King Ludwig II spent many happy childhood summers in Schloss Hohenschwangau — his father’s neo-Gothic fantasy castle in Schwangau. Here, surrounded by images of a romantic medieval past, he probably started dreaming of his own castles and palaces that would surpass any of the numerous similar projects that were popular in Germany during the 19th century.

Ludwig II became king of Bavaria in 1864, aged 21. In the fluid atmosphere of German and European politics of the mid-nineteenth century, the Bavarian king lost much of his sovereign power and by 1871 was basically powerless in a new united German Empire. The Bavarian King had little real ruling to do — this suited Ludwig well, as it allowed him to spend time on his fantasies of building romantic medieval castles. Contrary to popular belief, he spent his own money, not that of Bavaria, on his projects but being unmarried and without an heir led to his downfall and eventual removal from power.

In German, Ludwig II is often referred to as the Märchenkönig (Fairy Tale King).

More Schloss Neuschwanstein Tours at GetYourGuide

Construction of Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle is near Munich in Bavaria

Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle is the best-known and most popular of King Ludwig’s buildings. His aim was to build an old German “Ritterburg” (knights’ castle) and as far as appearances are concerned, he clearly succeeded.

Construction of Schloss Neuschwanstein in the historicist style popular in much of Europe during the nineteenth century started in 1869. The castle mixes Romanesque and Gothic elements into what King Ludwig thought a medieval castle should look like. He frequently changed his mind on the design and the interior is a real mess with numerous unusable staircases, blind alleys, and unreachable spaces.

Only around 20 rooms were ever completed but these have lavish decorations — mostly with scenes from operas by Richard Wagner. The Sängersaal (Singers’ Hall) has scenes from Parzival (Parsifal) and is based on a larger hall in the Wartburg near Eisenach in Thuringia. Both halls have fantastic acoustics and are occasionally used for concerts.

Schloss Neuschwanstein literally means Castle New Swan Rock (or Stone). The name only came into fashion after Ludwig’s death — he referred to it as the Neue Burg Hohenschwangau (New Castle Hohenschwangau).

Great Views of Disney-like Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Schloss Neuschwanstein looks absolutely stunning from the flats of the Lech Valley. Approaching the castle from the north, it is a beautiful white building on a small hill with the Alps in the background. It looks Disney-inspired and many think that Schloss Neuschwanstein inspired Walt Disney.

NOTE: The Marienbrücke is closed for maintenance until at least late 2022. The Pöllat Gorge may also be closed for at least part of 2022.

Even more spectacular are the views of Schloss Neuschwanstein from the mountains. The easiest way to enjoy seeing the castle from above is from the Marienbrücke — a small bridge that spans the narrow Pöllat River Gorge 45 m (148 ft) above a waterfall. It is an easy ten-minute hike from the castle to the bridge.

The interior of Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle can only be seen on a compulsory guided tour. Buying tickets can be an ordeal — reservations are highly advisable.

Schloss Neuschwanstein can easily be reached by train from Munich or on an organized day-trip tour – see Get Your Guide for suggestions. Although tickets for the castles are often not included in tour prices, the organizers may be able to secure tickets on busy days.

Other nearby sights include Schloss Hohenschwangau, Oberammergau, Schloss Linderhof, die Wieskirche and the Romantic Route (Romantische Straße).

More on King Ludwig’s Castles and Palaces

Savings Deals in Bavaria:

Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau:

Schloss Linderhof:

Schloss Herrenchiemsee: