Neuschwanstein Castle: A Real-Life Fairy Tale

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” – Anonymous

Close your eyes and picture a magnificent white castle nestled at the top of a hill. You can see its glorious towers and turrets springing up through the mist. Picturesque snow-capped mountaintops and crystal lakes surround it. Many of you may be picturing the well-known Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. After all, we see it at the beginning of every Disney movie. Perhaps you have even been there yourself. But, did you know that there is an actual castle in Europe that inspired Disney’s creation? It sits high in the Alps in southwest Bavaria, Germany. It is called Schloss Neuschwanstein, or New Swan Stone Castle.

This castle was born from the imagination of Ludwig II of Bavaria. This shy king took the throne in 1864 at the early age of eighteen. He is probably best known for the several extravagant fantasy castles he had built. Neuschwanstein Castle is the most famous one of all. King Ludwig II, also known as the Mad King or the Fairy Tale King, loved all things artistic, such as literature and music. Parts of the castle’s 360 rooms are decorated in tapestries and paintings showing kings and queens, knights, and poets. Many pictures illustrate scenes from Richard Wagner’s operas. Some of the most interesting rooms are the Throne Room and a room designed to look like a cavern. His bedroom features a carved wooden bed that took over two years to make. His rooms even feature a secret flushing toilet, which was a luxury during this time. The castle also has an electric bell system used to call his servants and a lift to deliver his food upstairs.

King Ludwig II is remembered as an unusual ruler. Even though he was well loved by many of his people, some began to dislike him because the construction of his castles was very expensive. Some people also believed that he was spending too much time in his created dream world instead of focusing on Bavaria’s needs. He died shrouded in mystery and before seeing his beloved Neuschwanstein Castle completed.

Today Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most photographed buildings in Germany. Millions of tourists travel from around the world to experience this real fairy-tale fantasy come true. And some, like me, have been lucky enough to visit more than once.

“Neuschwanstein castle is a real castle that looks unreal!” Mehmet Murat ildan

If you plan a visit after the renovation (completion scheduled in 2022) and want the best view of the castle, make sure to go to Marienbrücke, or Queen Mary's Bridge. This pedestrian walkway over the gorge requires quite a climb, but the views of the castle, a waterfall, and the surrounding countryside are well worth it.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” Ibn Battuta

You can also tour Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, in the same day. The father of King Ludwig II, Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria, discovered the medieval castle's ruins on a hike. Spontaneously, he decided to buy and rebuild it to the romantic castle you see today. It's no wonder that the young king developed an almost mystical imagination and love of legend and myth.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine

Although King Ludwig II didn't have his own happily ever after, his castles inspired Walt Disney - a man known for crafting happy endings. And perhaps, even more importantly, the Fairy Tale King's creations will inspire you to travel the world and find your own dreams.

“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” Walt Disney