Seeing Neuschwanstein Castle in person, surrounded by stunning winter landscapes, was even more incredible and magical than I could ever expect. It truly took my breath away.

While soft snowflakes drifted from the sky, the castle stood tall against the pale blue sky. Its towers and mountains surrounding it were dusted with snow, looking like something out of a fantasy book. It's actually known to be the inspiration behind Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, and being there in real life felt surreal, like stepping into a scene you only see in movies. 

History

Neuschwanstein Castle’s name means “New Swan Castle.” This castle was built with a romantic ideal in mind rather than a seat of power by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886). Deeply influenced by the operas of Richard Wagner, Ludwig designed the castle as a tribute to the opera composer. He filled it with German legends and themes, particularly the Swan Knight Lohengrin; swans appear frequently as decor, symbolizing purity and grace.

Ludwig grew up in nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, a 19-century reconstruction of a medieval fortress built by his father, King Maximilian II. The castle was decorated with murals of romantic tales and German legend, many of which shaped Ludwig’s imagination, they can still be appreciated from the inside of this castle. Hohenschwangau Castle served as the family’s summer residence and offers stunning views of the surrounding alps and lake.

New Hohenschwangau Castle, later renamed Neuschwanstein, was built on the site of two former smaller castles. Construction began in 1869, but the castle was never fully completed. Ludwig lived in the castle for only a few months before being declared mentally unfit to rule. Soon after, he passed away under mysterious circumstances in 1886 and the castle was opened to the public.  

Today, Neuschwanstein stands as one of the most iconic examples of romantic architecture in the world. It wasn’t built for defense, but as a dreamlike escape, making it a unique castle in Europe and proving how creative and eccentric Ludwig was. 

I visited Neuschwanstein castle in December 2022, drawn by desire to learn more about this historical place. While I was exploring Germany as a tourist for a couple of months, I felt a personal connection to Bavaria, as part of my family is from the region. 

From my very first week in Munich, I frequently heard stories about King Ludwig II from my uncles who grew up in Bavaria, the eccentric king known for transforming castles ruins into fairytale-like masterpieces. 

Details

Tickets and tours:

To avoid a long wait in lines, I recommend purchasing your tickets online through their official website. While it is possible to buy tickets on site, arriving early is essential, especially during summer. The standard ticket includes access to both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle, along with a 30-minute guided tour inside both. 

Tours are available in multiple languages for the same cost, and audio guides are often provided if the guided tour in your language preference isn’t available. 

Getting there:

1. By train:  If you’re located in Munich or its surroundings you can take the train to Fussen which is the closest town to the castle and from the Hohenschwangau (Fussen) train station take the bus to the castle or walk the 30-min route from the train station to the destination. 

To buy a train ticket, you can use the Deutsche Bahn website or app. You can purchase a one way ticket for regional trains or a day ticket, which is advisable if you will be using multiple transport like the bus and train, the day ticket also allows unlimited travel within Munich for the entire day.

2. By car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car. There is parking available at the castle, though I suggest arriving early since it can get crowded during peak tourist season. 

Additional Tips to Consider

• Photography: This is not allowed inside the castle during the tour, so take your time to take pictures of the exterior and surrounding scenery before or after your visit.

• Weather and clothing: The walk to the castle can be steep and slippery during winter months. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the season. If you’re visiting during summer months, make sure to stay hydrated and wear sun protection. 

• After the tour: Explore the areas where you’re allowed in the castle before exiting it. When the tour is over, you’re welcome to visit the souvenir shop, along with the restaurant and take a look at some of the different areas inside and outside the castle, including the kitchen, that shows the original cooking utensils. Also visit all the stores outside the castle, and don't forget the stunning lake, which is a 10-minute walk from the castles. 

My overall impressions were that this tour is totally worth it, from the views in the area to exploring the castles and learning about the history. You get to walk inside the rooms of the castles, which makes the tour fascinating. Visitors also get to see the original furniture, art, and decoration of the place. 

When I visited the Neuschwanstein castle, some of the rooms were under renovation, which caused the rooms that we visited to be limited. It was still educational and fun. The extensive renovation project that began in the 1990s is completed.

Stephanie Leon is a Guatemalan-born artist and writer based in Utah, currently pursuing a degree in Art and Design at Utah Valley University. Her work is deeply influenced by her personal journey, cultural background, and love for arts. Outside of her creative projects, she enjoys reading, painting, traveling, spending quality time with friends and family, and caring for animals—a passion close to her heart.