50 Interesting Facts of Neuschwanstein Castle Germany

So you are planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria Germany! And why not! As one of the most photographed castles in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is a powerful symbol the world over; thanks to its idealised romantic architecture combined with the tragic love story of its owner.

This famous German castle Neuschwanstein is worth adding to your itinerary of your road trip through Bavarian Alps especially if you are travelling with your children. I did and I am excited to share with you all the architectural highlights of Neuschwanstein Schloss, Neuschwanstein Castle interior, Neuschwanstein Castle history and important tourism information of the Neuschwanstein Castle.

I have highlighted more than 50 interesting facts of Neuschwanstein Castle which will help you understand this gem of Bavarian Alps better.

Road Trip in Germany

Before I proceed further let me tell you I am on my 8th day of our second Europe tour, a road trip through 6 countries in 23 days.

A forced good bye to Switzerland and as per our plans we set off for our next destination from Zurich to Salzburg, Austria, a distance of 342 km to be covered by road. The scenes come floating on my canvas of memory, thanks to the innumerable pictures we took during this long Bavaria Road trip in Germany.

There are at least 16 castles in Germany according to this list here: Castles of Germany. Each of the castles surpassing the other in grandeur! But it is Neuschwanstein Castle which has won the maximum number of admirers. We have not seen many of them in the list but we did the most popular one!

FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. 

Neuschwanstein Castle Fussen

During the road trip from Zurich to Salzburg in Austria we took the detour to Fussen, Germany. Yes, it was for the real Disney castle, the Neuschwanstein Castle. For my daughters it was Cinderella’s Castle.

The roads are remarkably good and as we approached the castle the roads had narrowed and mostly traffic free too. The drive is partly though forests and the castles suddenly become visible at a distance through the branches of the trees. The sight of the castles on the mountain side with trees all around looked magical. I am sure castles excite adults and children alike. To think this once inspired Walt Disney!

We sighted Hohenschwangau Castle nestled in lap of mountains.

Hohenschwangau Castle

The view of the castle and view from the castle were the best part of the tour. A short 30 min guided tour, with no photography permitted inside the castle is not satisfying at all.

The views we got all around was fantastic though. The sight of Alpsee Lake, the Hohenschwangau Castle at a distance; you feel like believing fairy tales are true.

Walt Disney looked for inspiration to stage the story of Sleeping Beauty and in Neuschwanstein Castle he found the answer. Did the mad King Ludwig II (1845 – 1886) ever imagine how his castle would become every child’s dream!

Neuschwanstein Castle almost merging into background.

King Ludwig’s instructions for building the castle: “It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin at Hohenschwangau near the Pollat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles… the location is the most beautiful one could find, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world.”

Unfortunately he did not live long to see his creation complete. Yet even in its incomplete state the castle, particularly the interiors, look grand.

Read onto know the 50 interesting facts of Neuschwanstein Castle that includes sad facts, reasons for building the Neuschwanstein Castle, the far reaching consequences of building this Neuschwanstein Castle, the Neuschwanstein Castle interior, its construction details and history.

Other Names of Neuschwanstein Castle

Schloss Neuschwanstein, as it is called in German

The name has a meaning – The castle’s name, Neuschwanstein, means New Swan Stone and is a reference to one of Wagner’s operas, Lohengrin.

Fairy tale Castle – It is often referred to as the Fairytale Castle Germany due to its picturesque appearance and resemblance to a storybook castle.

It is also known by the names Sleeping Beauty Castle Germany, Disney Castle Germany and Cinderella Castle Germany, Bavarian Alps Castle, Ludwig Castle or simply the Germany Castle.

5 Sad, Unfortunate Facts of Neuschwanstein Castle

1. Incomplete Castle – Did you know Neuschwanstein Castle is an incomplete castle?
2. Construction of the castle began in 1869 and was never fully completed. The project was halted after King Ludwig II’s death in 1886.
3. The castle’s unfinished state means that some parts of the original plans were never realized, including a large keep and an inner courtyard.
4. King Ludwig II only lived in the castle for a total of 172 days before his death. After King Ludwig II’s death, the incomplete castle was opened to the public for tours in 1886. The towers were completed in 1892.
5. Sadly, no photography or filming is allowed inside The Neuschwanstein Castle. You can capture its fairy tale architecture.

Why was Neuschwanstein Castle built?

5 Reasons why the castle was built

1. Neuschwanstein Castle stands as a testament to King Ludwig II’s vision and his love for art, music, and the romantic ideals of the past.
2. The construction of Schloss Neuschwanstein was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was built as a personal retreat and homage to composer Richard Wagner.
3. The castle’s design was inspired by medieval romanticism and features elements from various German castles and palaces.
4. Neuschwanstein Castle was initially intended to be a private refuge for King Ludwig II, away from the public eye.
5. The castle’s location near the Austrian border allowed King Ludwig II to observe his Austrian neighbors from the castle’s windows.

Where is Neuschwanstein Castle?

10 Interesting Facts about Location of Neuschwanstein Castle

1. Dramatic Setting – Did you know the castle’s location was chosen for its dramatic setting? It is enveloped in natural beauty, with towering mountains and lush forests surrounding it.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the Bavarian Alps, near the town of Füssen, Germany.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle’s remote location made construction challenging, requiring the construction of a road and a bridge to transport materials.
4. Neuschwanstein Castle is built on top of the ruins of two medieval castles, Vorderhohenschwangau and Hinterhohenschwangau.
5. The castle’s unique design and stunning setting have made it a popular location for filming movies and TV shows.
6. The castle’s location on the Romantic Road, a popular tourist route, has contributed to its popularity and accessibility.
7. The castle’s picturesque setting and its reflection in the nearby lake have made it a favorite subject for photographers and artists.
8. The castle’s location in the mountains provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
9. The castle’s isolation and unique setting create a sense of tranquility and escape from the outside world.
10. Hilltop Castle – Neuschwanstein Castle is perched on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

5 Important Facts about Construction of Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle’s construction employed advanced building techniques, such as a steam-powered crane for lifting materials.

The castle’s construction cost the equivalent of 6.2 million euros in today’s currency.

The building process was a massive undertaking, employing around 200 workers and taking more than 20 years to reach its current state.

The castle’s construction was partially funded by King Ludwig II’s personal fortune and loans.

The castle’s construction site was a significant engineering feat, requiring large-scale scaffolding and complex construction techniques.

Neuschwanstein Castle Inside

10 Stunning Facts about Interior of Neuschwanstein Castle

1. There are only 14 finished rooms, including living quarters, ceremonial halls, and a chapel, in the Neuschwanstein castle that visitors can explore during their visit.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle’s interior decoration draws inspiration from various sources, including medieval legends, German sagas, and Christian iconography.
3. The castle’s interior is a blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine influences.
4. The castle’s interior is lavishly decorated with intricate woodcarvings, colorful murals, and elaborate furnishings.
5. The Throne Room is one of the most impressive rooms in the castle, featuring a massive chandelier and a throne inspired by Byzantine art.
6. The Singers’ Hall is a large ceremonial room within the castle, featuring a minstrels’ gallery and adorned with murals depicting scenes from Wagner’s operas.
7. Despite its medieval appearance, Neuschwanstein Castle features modern technologies for the time, including running water and central heating.
8. King Ludwig II’s private chambers are also intricately designed and showcase his fascination with Wagner’s mythology.
9. The castle features an artificial cave complete with stalactites and a waterfall, known as the Grotto, which was inspired by Wagner’s Tannhäuser opera.
10. Last but not the least, the castle’s white exterior is made of limestone, giving it a stunning and majestic appearance.

10 Far reaching Consequences of Neuschwanstein Castle

1. Neuschwanstein Castle’s fame and popularity have made it an iconic symbol of Germany and a must-visit landmark for tourists.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle is managed by the Bavarian Palace Department and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. It is estimated that the castle receives around 6,000 visitors per day during peak tourist season.
4. Neuschwanstein Castle attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
5. Neuschwanstein Castle’s popularity has resulted in long queues during peak visiting times, emphasizing the need for advanced ticket reservations.
6. Neuschwanstein Castle’s popularity has led to some concerns about overtourism and the impact on the surrounding environment.
7. The castle’s design and architectural elements have inspired the construction of other buildings worldwide, such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris. It served as the Walt Disney Pictures logo from 1985 to 2006.
8. The construction of Neuschwanstein Castle led to significant financial strain on the Bavarian state, contributing to political tensions at the time.
9. The construction of Neuschwanstein Castle was not well-received by some contemporaries, who considered it an unnecessary extravagance.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and is said to be the model for Disney’s iconic Cinderella Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tourism Information

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Google Coordinates: 47.558022899420166, 10.749843315342702
Open Timings: Open every day 9 AM to 6 PM.
Closed: December 24, 25, 31, and January 1
Ticket Center: The ticket centre is located in village of Hohenschwangau
Best time to visit the castle: there’s no bad time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Tickets: Neuschwanstein Castle tickets cost 17.50 euros for adults and include a guided tour at a specified hour. Tickets for visitors under 18 are just 2.50 euros, and there are also reduced entry prices for seniors, students, and large groups
Important: Tourists can only get inside Neuschwanstein Castle on a guided tour, which is included in the price of admission.

You will like these:

• Castello Visconteo in Locarno
• Castelgrande Bellinzona, Switzerland
• Mirabell Palace and Mirabell Gardens

Pin this for later