One of the world’s most-visited castles is Neuschwanstein Castle, or Schloss Neuschwanstein in German. In the southwest of Bavaria, flanked by the Bavarian Alps in the background, Neuschwanstein is often said to look straight out of a fairytale. And there’s a good reason for that: It was actually intended to be part of a real-life fairytale.
Neuschwanstein Castle was built for Ludwig II of Bavaria, who, charmingly enough, was called the “fairytale king.” Following the Austro-Prussian war and Ludwig II’s loss of power, he sought to build this castle as his retreat from the modern world.
Built atop castle ruins starting in 1869, it’s a castle that favors the dramatic—by design. Neuschwanstein Castle was fully meant to be over-the-top and capitalize on old-world theatrics. The initial intent of the fairytale king was to bring medieval themes to life, and the interiors of the castle execute on that, featuring artwork with knights, nobility, artists, and romantics.
Meaning “New Swan Stone," the legendary castle was named for the Swan Knight, a Richard Wagner opera character. The whole castle was, in fact, dedicated to Wagner, a close personal friend of Ludwig II. Wagner’s influence on the castle is tangible; the interior has more than a few paintings inspired by his works.
AlphaOmegaGreece says
One of the world’s most-visited castles is Neuschwanstein Castle, or Schloss Neuschwanstein in German. In the southwest of Bavaria, flanked by the Bavarian Alps in the background, Neuschwanstein is often said to look straight out of a fairytale. And there’s a good reason for that: It was actually intended to be part of a real-life fairytale.
Neuschwanstein Castle was built for Ludwig II of Bavaria, who, charmingly enough, was called the “fairytale king.” Following the Austro-Prussian war and Ludwig II’s loss of power, he sought to build this castle as his retreat from the modern world.
Built atop castle ruins starting in 1869, it’s a castle that favors the dramatic—by design. Neuschwanstein Castle was fully meant to be over-the-top and capitalize on old-world theatrics. The initial intent of the fairytale king was to bring medieval themes to life, and the interiors of the castle execute on that, featuring artwork with knights, nobility, artists, and romantics.
Meaning “New Swan Stone," the legendary castle was named for the Swan Knight, a Richard Wagner opera character. The whole castle was, in fact, dedicated to Wagner, a close personal friend of Ludwig II. Wagner’s influence on the castle is tangible; the interior has more than a few paintings inspired by his works.
OnCastles says
Nice one! Thx. Here are a few more pictures: Things nobody tells you about Neuschwanstein und Hohenschwangau
COL_Fantastic says
Dang that lighting, friggin great shot! Beautiful castle with such a cool tour.