Neuschwanstein Castle

Just as Herrenchiemsee paid homage to Loius XIV, Neuschwanstein Castle was an homage to Richard Wagner.

Neuschwanstein Castle is located on a rugged hill above the village Hohenschwangau constructed in a Gothic Revival style. It was King Ludwig II's romanticized idea of a German knight's castle of the Middle Ages. It wasn't completed before Ludwig's untimely death (he only stayed there for 10 days). Ultimately, out of over 200 interior rooms that were planned, only about 15 rooms and halls were finished.

Most notably, the castle was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. There is a swan motif throughout the castle. We bought our tickets and had 3 hours to kill before our turn to see the castle. We wandered around the town soaking on the sights before commencing out 30 minute climb up the hill to the castle..

There is a gorge nearby with a slightly scary bridge that you can stand on and get the best views of the castle.

Approaching the castle.

Best and scariest view.

The gorge below.

A view of the same bridge from the castle. Yikes!

A second castle located at the foot of the mountain is called Hohenschwangau Castle (High Swan County Castle). It was the childhood home of Ludwig II.

Hohenschwangau Castle view from Neuschwanstein Castle with the lake Alpsee.

Cute fountain!

Dominik and the castle.

The boys.

The lake below.