Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a castle located near the village Hohenschwangau in the state of Bavaria in Germany. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/howtoget.htm It was built for King Ludwig II (1845 - 1886) of Bavaria in the late 19th century by Eduard Riedel, Georg Dollmann and designed by Christian Jank. The king himself only spent a few months in the castle and died before the castle was finished. http://www.german-way.com/neuschw.html After King Ludwig II’s death, the castle was opened to the public. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/index.htm Neuschwanstein is one of three castles of King Ludwig II. The other castles are Linderhof Castle and Herrenchiemsee Castle. http://www.german-way.com/ludwig.html In english Neuschwanstein means “new swan stone”.

Every year around 1.3 million people visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which is famously known for being the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. People can visit the castle almost year-round. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/index.htm The current owner of Neuschwanstein Castle is the Free State of Bavaria. http://www.hohenschwangau.de/552.0.html

“More beautiful and habitable than the lower castle of Hohenschwangau.” - King Ludwig II wrote in a letter to Richard Wagner. Hohenschwangau Castle is located below Neuschwanstein Castle in the town of Hohenschwangau. It is possible to see Hohenschwangau Castle from Neuschwanstein. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/idea/index.htm

The exterior of Neuschwanstein was inspired by the style of the old German knight’s castles. The most noticeable structure is the high tower, which stands 45 metres tall. It provides a wide view of the castle’s environment. The castle is entered through a gate flanked by two towers. It is the only part of the castle with high-contrast colors (red). Located behind the gate is the lower courtyard, which is connected to the upper courtyard via stairs. Following the upper courtyard is the entrance to the Palace. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/history.htm

The interior of “the castle was not designed for royal representation, but as a place of retreat.” The pictures and paintings that line the interior walls of the castle were inspired by operas of Richard Wagner, a friend of King Ludwig II.The castle was build with over 200 different rooms to accommodate guests and servants. http://www.german-way.com/neuschw.html http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/interior.htm