Neuschwanstein, Germany
King Ludwig II was a great nature-lover. His greatest concern was not to spoil the beauty of the surroundings by building Neuschwanstein Castle, and he gave the builders precise instructions to this effect. As you approach the castle, it becomes clear just how well they succeeded. The view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the bridge behind it, the Marienbrücke, is particularly impressive and the views from the castle's many windows are like framed landscape paintings. The king often stood for a long time at the window, looking thoughtfully into the distance: across the plain or at the rugged mountain scenery.
Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public.
The setting of Neuschwanstein could not be more idyllic. However, movement in the foundation area has to be continuously monitored, and the sheer rock walls must be repeatedly secured. The harsh climate also has a detrimental effect on the limestone façades, which will have to be renovated section by section over the next few years.
Since 1990 the Free State of Bavaria has spent around 14.5 million euros on the renovation and maintenance of the castle and improvement of the visitor service.
Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.3 million people visit "the castle of the fairy-tale king". In the summer around 6,000 visitors a day stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant; the place is a little bit too crowdy especially in the summer-time but the landscape is amazingly beautiful.
As a child, King Ludwig II often spent the summer months with his parents at Hohenschwangau Castle. "Here in my beloved Hohenschwangau I am having a splendid time, I am taking advantage of the fine weather we are at last having to go for many long rides in the surrounding countryside", wrote the young Ludwig to his governess in 1867. His father, King Maximilian II, had acquired the castle when he was crown prince and had it rebuilt in the romantic, neo-Gothic style. Ludwig, already living in a fantasy world as a child, was fascinated by the numerous frescoes illustrating various legends and stories. He was particularly attracted by the depictions of the knights of Schwangau, the former owners of the castle. Their heraldic animal, the swan, also became one of Ludwig's favourite creatures.
A combined entrance ticket is available for both Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein.
