About
Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein, meaning "New Swan Stone Castle") stands in Schwangau, in the Bavarian Alps of southern Germany. It is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and it is one of the most visited castles in Germany.
What to expect
The castle is the kind of building many visitors picture when they imagine a fairy-tale palace: pale stone towers, steep roofs and a setting among forested hills. It is an attraction built for looking at as much as for living in, so the visit is largely about its architecture, its rooms and the views of the surrounding countryside.
Planning your visit
- Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
- Contact: +49 8362 930830
- Setting: Schwangau is in Bavaria, a region of Germany known for its mountains and lakes
Because the castle draws large numbers of people, it is worth checking directly with the castle before you travel for current arrangements, which can change.
Its place in popular culture
The castle is often linked with Disney, as it served as inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Visitors who know that story may find it interesting to compare the two, though the castle itself is a historic building with its own identity, separate from any film or theme park.
Schwangau makes a natural base for exploring the area, and a visit to the castle fits well into a day or more spent in this part of Bavaria.
