Neuschwanstein announces itself above the Bavarian treeline like a hallucination â King Ludwig II's white-towered romantic fantasy, begun in 1869, and the direct inspiration for the Disney castle.
What to see
- The Throne Room â a Byzantine-inspired hall of gold mosaics and a blue ceiling of stars, never completed in Ludwig's lifetime
- The Singer's Hall â a vast room built for Wagner opera performances that was never used for them
- The view from MarienbrĂźcke â the iron bridge above the PĂśllat Gorge gives the iconic full-castle view
What to do
- The walk from the village of Hohenschwangau to the castle takes about 40 minutes up a forested hill; horse-drawn carriages and shuttle buses are available alternatives
Take note
- Entry to Neuschwanstein is by guided tour only â book timed tickets well in advance at the Ticket Center Hohenschwangau; same-day availability is extremely limited in peak season