Neuschwanstein Castle is a limestone palace in Bavaria, Germany, which means New Swan Marble Palace. It was initially known as The new Hohenschwangau Palace since it was intended to be a spectacular replica of Ludwig II's family's house, Hohenschwangau Palace. The walls were composed of brick and were adorned with light-colored sandstone.
The work was halted after his death in 1886, and the fantastical palace was opened its doors for the public. This castle was seen by Walt Disney, who used it as an influence for the Cinderella and Aurora castles in Disneyland.
The appeal of Neuschwanstein's splendor lures more than a million visitors to its gardens per year.
Getting There
- Visitors can either drive, take a bus, or travel through a train to the castle.
- The nearest train station is Fussen, from where tourists can ride a bus to the destination.
What To Explore
The King's Bedroom
- The king's chamber is extremely lavish, as in the whole of Ludwig II's palaces.
- Blue silk chair covers with quilted and appliquéd tigers, ducks, jewels, blossoms, and the Bavarian crest of armor adorn the royal bed in a neo-gothic aesthetic.
- The sink vanity, which has a stream in the shape of a silver-plated duck, is among the most distinctive elements.
- Miniature swans also adorn Eduard Wollenweber's pedestal sink setup, which includes a jug of water, scrubber, and wash bottles.
The Singer's Hall
- The King's Singers' Chamber was among his favorite tracks, and it's the most impressive sight in the palace, second only to the Throne Chamber.
- The chamber was never utilized for major feasts or live events. It was Ludwig's tribute to medieval knights and tales.
- A tunnel with a colorful tray ceiling decorated with ribbons commemorating the identities of minnesingers can be found beyond the museum's concrete barrier.
- The roof panels on the adjacent glass doors are engraved with illustrations associated with the Parzival mythology, such as the soaring Lucifer, who misplaced a jewel from his crown during his descent from which the Holy Grail was later formed.
The Throne Hall
- The 3rd and 4th levels and the entire western half of the Palas are occupied by this beautiful parish chamber with its gigantic chandelier.
- Roman cathedrals, particularly Munich's All Saints Court Cathedral, were used as inspiration for the Throne Chamber.
- Ludwig's vision of monarchy is exemplified by this mix of chapel and throne chamber: he saw himself not only as a ruler by Divine mercy but more as an intermediary between Lord and the entire world.
Dressing Room
- The dressing chamber is styled after a garden pavilion, complete with an aesthetic roof artwork of a gardening bower with a canopy of tendrils.
- The chair coverings and drapes are composed of lavender velvet with an exquisite design of foliage, vines, and pairings of peacocks stitched in golden.
- The king's jewelry chest is kept in the oriel alcove.
Dining Hall
- The dining hall paintings, which are set with wood paneling embellished with bas-relief moldings, portray Eschenbach and some other minnesingers.
- On the dinner table are granite and gilded brass showpiece depicting Siegfried slaying the serpent.
- The tapestries are highly complex and are composed of crimson satin with golden needlework and decorations.
The Salon
- The parlor features a chair-filled sidebar isolated from the rest of the space by pillars.
- The huge oak cabinet is painted with vignettes from medieval literature and is designed after a chest of drawers from the Wartburg.
- The artworks in this chamber depict episodes from the Lohengrin epic, which Ludwig II was particularly fond of due to the Grail Knights and swan imagery.
- The drapes and blankets, like the bedroom, are composed of bluish satin and handcrafted with swans and flowers.
Where To Eat
Restaurant Alpenstuben
- Alpenstuben is an eatery with good staff and hearty Germanic dishes.
- The food is both local and superb, and the buffet is noted for its enormous quantities.
- Spaghetti with fish and creamy sauces, fillet steak and bacon with roasted potatoes, and frothy apple crumble with cream are some of the standout meals.
Hirsch Restaurant
- Hirsch Eatery focuses its concept on the conventional with a touch of innovation, with exquisite Bavarian delicacies and a beautiful ambiance.
- Grilled chicken breast, risotto with prawns or beef steak, cooked feta cheese, and other meals are on the list.
Schlossbrauhaus Schwangau
- The location is a Bavarian craft brewery with a modest, rustic décor that emphasizes its concept on the excellence of its beverage selection, unique meals, and a pleasant ambiance that is traditional to the area.
- The eatery is perfectly located for a good supper, being only a few minutes' strolls from the Palace and boasting a wonderful setting that allows guests to gaze out at the spectacular rugged mountains.
- Broccoli crème broth, a European delicacy of broccoli with shallots and fresh garlic, as well as artichoke casserole, are all on the list.
Restaurant Kelari
- Kelari, a Greek specialty diner, provides a touch of Santorini design to the Bavarian Alps.
- The restaurant offers native Greek food such as seafood salads, anchovies, gyros, and grilled chicken, among other delicacies.
The palace has a rich and distinctive background, and it is a significant element of German heritage. It has a one-of-a-kind charm, perched up in the Southern Alps and overlooking woodlands and rivers. This German palace has a fairy-tale-like aspect to it. Neuschwanstein Palace combines the finest of both worlds and is a must-see attraction for many Disney fans.