When it comes to Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein, full name “New Swan Stone Castle”), it seems that everyone is familiar with it, and no one is a stranger to it.
This dreamlike castle, built by Bavaria’s most beloved King Ludwig II from 1869 to 1886, is located at the southern end of Germany’s Romantic Road and at the northern end of the Alps, surrounded by surrounding mountains. At the foot of the mountain, it is complemented by the Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau, also known as the Old Swan Castle, High Swan Castle) and the Alpsee, with Austria just beyond the mountains.
This building, hailed as the “world’s most beautiful fairytale castle,” is not just a facade of a fairytale world, but its interior is also filled with mythological frescoes. The entire Neuschwanstein Castle is a treasure trove of art presented to the public. No matter what season people visit Neuschwanstein Castle, they are all mesmerized by the harmonious scenery. Every year, millions of people from around the world come to admire the charm of Neuschwanstein Castle. In recent years, this romantic ancient city has even become a popular honeymoon destination for many couples.
Apart from the scenery, the mysterious life of the castle’s owner – the fairytale King Ludwig II (Ludwig II, 1845-1886) himself, is also a major reason why people are drawn to visit. This king, who stood at 1.91 meters tall, had a perfect appearance reminiscent of a handsome king stepping out of a fairytale world.
He ascended to the throne of Bavaria at the young age of 18, but due to the outbreak of the Prussian War, his reign lasted only two years. Afterward, he devoted all his efforts to the construction of beautiful castles throughout his life. The cause of his death remains a mystery to this day, and even today, German historians are still debating it.
(Extended Reading: Neuschwanstein Castle: The Medieval Dream of a King and Fairytale-Like Castle)