Recently, we have been seeing his photos a lot, but in fact, Neuschwanstein Castle has always stood before our eyes for years, only ‘that’ place whose name we do not know.. Neuschwanstein, which is the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty tale, the sultan of our hearts, helped the castle, which is photographed thousands of times every day at Disneyland, to take its current form and even finds its place in its logo; It is one of the most visited structures in the German state of Bavaria.
About #Neuschwanstein Castle: The Story of Neuschwanstein
If we take the reality of Walt Disney and Disneyland aside, Neuschwanstein is located right in the middle of nature, as if it promised to take those who come to Füssen, Bavaria, on a journey back in time. The story actually dates back to the 1800s.. King of Bavaria, famous for his psychological problems, II. The construction of the castle, which Ludwig wanted to be built as his summer castle, inspired by his own dreams, started in 1869.. It is said that Neuschwanstein, which took 17 years to build, was the place where Ludwig, who ascended the throne at the age of 18, when he was a young boy, also spent his days of depression.
While building the palace, II. Ludwig would often come to the specially built Marienbrücke bridge to watch the progress and watch Neuschwanstein.. The castle, which was built by the kingdom without any expense, by literally wasting money, was partially completed at the end of 17 years.. However, Ludwig’s problems did not allow him to enjoy Neuschwanstein, and at the end of the third week he went to live in the castle, II. Ludwig was found dead mysteriously here.
The castle projects that Ludwig wanted done before his death left the kingdom in debt with the money he spent on decoration, while the castle was built in 1886. open to the public. Today, over 1.5 million people visit Neuschwanstein in Romanesque and Gothic styles, which is perhaps the most important tourist spot in Bavaria.. In addition, Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle are the last stop of the famous Romantic Road route, which covers the beauties of this region.
Where is #Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the village of Hohenschwangau in Ostallgäu, Bavaria, Germany. Located 4 km from the larger town of Füssen, Ostallgäu, together with Neuschwanstein,. It is also home to Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig spent his childhood.. Anyway, one of the reasons why Ludwig wanted Neuschwanstein Castle here is because he has a great command of its nature.
Although the names of towns and municipalities seem a bit complicated due to the state system, briefly The place you should come to see Neuschwanstein; first Füssen, then Hohenschwangau on the slope of the Bavarian mountains.
How to Get to #Neuschwanstein Castle
The easiest way to get to Neuschwanstein Castle is from the Bavaria Ticket, whose system I explained here catching the train to Füssen from Munich. A day ticket for two will cost around 27 Euros.
Füssen is not very close to Munich; Therefore, it takes an average of 3 hours to reach here by local trains where the Bavarian Ticket is valid.. After arriving at the train station of Füssen, you can take the bus number 73 and 78 to Schwangau by going to the stop on your right at the exit.. You will arrive in Schwangau in 10 minutes.
The bus times are determined according to the trains to and from Füssen, so there are no minutes every minute.. Assuming that you will spend 2-3 hours in Neuschwanstein and its surroundings, do not forget to check the times of the train you will use on the return, on the Deutsche Bahn page, so that you do not stay there.. For the return bus you will take to catch the train in Füssen, you can look at the poster hanging at the stop in Schwangau and ask the booth next to it.
A Few Hours at #Neuschwanstein Castle
Maybe the first Munich, which has been our dream for a very long time I couldn’t find a more suitable subtitle for Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the biggest reason for our trip.. After arriving in Schwangau, first walk down the street with a few kiosks, a few hotels and a souvenir shop to get to the castle.. Oh, where is this place now, don’t think. This is a tiny village.. I can say the road to the right of the bus stop you got off.. If you are confused, at worst, follow the Asians who have come here in droves; they’re definitely going to the castle.
Turn right and you will see a stop on the road you entered. If the roads are not covered with snow in the winter and it is not Saturday, the bus for Neuschwanstein leaves from here.. It’s better to take the bus from here, as the castle is located a bit on the hill.. Although I do not know the price, I guess it is 2-3 Euros maximum.. Second alternative; phaetons you can ride from here. Although it is not an alternative for us, it is possible to reach the castle by taking a few people.. The carriage, of course, is the most expensive solution.
Unfortunately there was no bus as we went to see the castle on Saturday. Of course, we never thought of this alternative, as we love animals and do not like the idea of a carriage.. Saying there is a reason, we made the sun and gave ourselves to the way of the castle in the sharp cold of December.
I can say that we reached the hill where the castle is located in about 30 minutes by walking uphill.. Although we were a little cold at first, I can say that we were not very impressed after a while, we even took off our coats after a while.. You’re already warming up as you climb, something like ‘you get used to it’. Walking this road is probably the best thing to do. As you go up the hill, you witness wonderful views on the side of the road.. For example; one of them is Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig lived as a child.
Turn around at the point where you see Hohenschwangau in a lush valley; because right here you can photograph Neuschwanstein from afar. Since it is extremely large, the places I mentioned immediately take its place among the must-sees.
Then keep curling up and walking. When you pass the crowds, you will come to the entrance of the castle.. The place that used to be tiny from afar is now here with its majesty that you cannot fit in a single frame even if you lie on the ground.
Speaking of the entrance gate, you can also tour the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle. For this, you can buy your tickets here or you can get them from the tourist info you will see when you arrive in Schwangau.. However; Neuschwanstein, II. Its decoration was not completely finished as it was left unfinished with Ludwig’s death.. So, as you research, you will find that the castle is not as famous inside as it is outside.. Based on all this information, we didn’t want to go inside, since the daylight hours are low in December as well.
When you come to the front of the castle, you will realize that it is not possible to see the building completely.. The bridge-like terrace opposite is also insufficient for this.. You seem a little disappointed; But don’t give up too soon! Follow the path to the right of the castle and chase after the Marienbrücke bridge. The road is normally closed with wires, but thanks to our Asian brothers, they managed to open it too.. After all, you have reached the necessary condition by climbing the road; let’s see, now jump a little, jump!
Follow the path and it takes 10 minutes to reach the bridge. This bridge between two tiny hills offers one of the most beautiful views of Neuschwanstein Castle.. If you’re lucky and the weather is clear, you can take that picture you always see on Instagram right here.. You will also see the natural wonders of Bavaria around the castle.. Example; Forggensee lake just behind Neuschwanstein.
Another place where you can watch the castle; You can reach it with the trekking route you will use after crossing the Marien Bridge on foot.. Of course, for this place you need to be in good condition, dressed appropriately and with trekking shoes.. While danger of death warnings are already staring you in every corner, in December, we couldn’t be so bold with our astronaut outfits and left that to other summer travellers.. If you go and take photos, tag us on Instagram too so we’ll be happy to see it..
If your plans this year are to see Munich or to follow the Romantic Road route, be sure to add Neuschwanstein Castle to your travel list.. If you have time, you can spend 2-3 hours in Füssen on your way back and see another sweet Bavarian town.. I’m sure you’ll love it too, with its small square and pastel-colored houses!
You can find other photos and notes about Neuschwanstein Castle and Bavaria on my Instagram account with the hashtag #journavelbavaria. Have a nice trip!
Click for Munich Travel Notes.
Click for Nuremberg Travel Notes.