Bavarian Fairytale castle!

Neuschwanstein castle:

What was once termed as an eccentric dream of King Ludwig II, is now the most beautiful and one of the most visited castle in the world. Who would have imagined that his vision would become one of the iconic structure of the country.

Neuschwanstein Castle as seen from Marienbrücke

Positioned on top of a hill, surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of Bavarian alps overlooking the Alpsee and Pöllat waterfall. This legendary castle served as an inspiration to build the Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The Neuschwanstein castle literally means New Swan Stone castle. It was occupied by King Ludwig II in 1886, though he never lived to see his vision fully realized.

Located in southern most tip of Germany, near the Austrian border, and nestled within the Alps is this fictional village of Schwangau and it's beautiful castles. The Neuschwanstein castle can be reached by a 20min hike from the Schwangau village and another 15min hike further to reach the Marienbrücke or catch the bus to reach the hill top stress-free.

Entry inside the palace is restricted to guided tours and no photography is allowed. The palace has an annual footfall of over 1.5m visitors, so reserve your tickets well in advance.

Glimpses of the castle during the hike uphill

The palace courtyards within the Neuschwanstein Castle

Rear view of the Neuschwanstein Castle

The best views of the castle is perhaps from the Marienbrücke. The bridge is built in 1845 over the Pöllat gorge. The view from the bridge looks so unreal that it appears straight out of a fairy-tale book.

Marienbrücke over the Pöllat waterfall

Hohenschwangau castle, Alpsee and the Bavarian alps as seen from the Neuschwanstein balcony.

Hohenschwangau castle is another attraction of the Schwangau town, built in the Gothic style on a small hill above the Alpsee lake.

Hohenschwangau castle

Alpsee lake

View from the Hohenschwangau castle

Neuschwanstein castle as seen from the Hohenschwangau castle

How to reach Schwangau?
Catch the train from Munich to Füssen and take a bus further to reach Schwangau or book a day trip from Munich through one of the tour operators from Munich station.

Marienplatz, Munich city square