Germany is known for some of the most beautiful castles in the world. The medieval and late Gothic castles seem to be straight out of a fairy tale, sitting atop mountain peaks and overlooking flowing rivers. Their historical residents range from kings and knights to dukes and damsels, all of which adds to the mystique of the castles. Even better are the amazing artifacts, antiquities, and artworks that can be found on the castle grounds of places such as Burg Altena, Dresden Castle, and Schloss Johannisburg.
1. Neuschwanstein
Found in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th century Romanesque Revival palace that was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria. The palace was his personal refuge but was soon opened to the public after his death in 1886. Visitors may recognize the palace as it was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and has also appeared in movies such as The Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. More than a million people visit the palace annually to explore its magnificence, comprising the gatehouse, the multi-level courtyard, the majestic interior, and the many antiquities and statues scattered throughout the complex.
Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
2. Albrechtsburg
Albrechtsburg Meissen is a late Gothic castle rising picturesquely over the Elbe River valley. Often considered one of Germany’s oldest castles, Albrechtsburg was built in the 15th century and set many architectural trends during its construction. During a guided tour, visitors can explore the courtyard, the slopes, and even the basement vaults of the palace building. Visitors will be able to learn about the history of the palace and the surrounding buildings, the royal residents who lived there, and the craftsman and artists who contributed to the castle’s beauty. Visitors can even end their tour with a glass of delicious Meissner wine.
Domplatz 1, 01662 Meißen, Germany, Phone: +49-3-52-14-70-70
3. Altena
Burg Altena was built in the 12th century on top of Mount Wulfseck by the Counts of Berg. Having been the home of the Counts of Marck, formerly the Counts of Altena, the castle had many residents and visitors over the years. In 1912 the castle was one of the first in the world to be transformed into a permanent youth hostel, which is still present today. Over the years two museums have been added to the castle, the World Youth Hostels Museum and the Museum of the County of Marck.
Fritz-Thomee-Straße 80, 58762 Altena, Germany, Phone: +49-2-35-29-66-70-34
4. Burg Eltz
Nestled for over 850 years within the mystical Eltz Forest is Burg Eltz, or Eltz Castle. Visitors can have a fairytale experience of a preserved beauty that has pretty much remained the same for the past eight centuries. The castle has been unscathed by war and holds many of the original furnishings and antiquities; it is also still owned by the same family who built it. Visitors can explore the many artifacts, the world-class artwork, the serene beauty of the surroundings, and the many species of flora and fauna that can be found here. A guided tour of the interior of the castle displays stunning authentic furnishings from the Middle and early Modern Ages.
Burg-Eltz-Straße 1, 56294 Wierschem, Germany, Phone: +49-26-72-95-05-00
5. Burg Rheinstein
Built in 1316 and then rebuilt in various instances from 1825 to 1844, Burg Rheinstein is a castle that played an important role in Germany’s defenses over the years because of its strategic location. There are many beautiful aspects of the castle that visitors can explore. Some of the more popular are the drawbridges which played a part in their defense plan, the courtyard, which looks over the Rhine, and the castle chapel, which has a wood carved altar piece depicting Jesus at the Last Supper. One of the castle’s courtyards is known as the Burgundy Garden, named after the 500-year-old Burgundy grape vine, which still produces grapes.
Burg Rheinstein, 55413 Trechtingshausen, Germany, Phone: +49-67-21-63-48
6. Burg zu Burghausen
The longest castle complex in the world, according to Guinness World Records, is stunning Burghausen Castle. The complex, which is 1,051 meters long, houses the main castle, an inner courtyard, and five outer courtyards. Parts of the castle are now dedicated to the castle museum, which has numerous Gothic paintings from the Bavarian State Picture Collection; there’s also a monumental picture cycle that illustrates Bavaria’s history. Visitors can explore the outer courtyard, complete with a brewery, stables, and a bakery. Visitors will also appreciate the panoramic views of their surroundings from the viewing platform on the roof of the castle.
Burg 48, 84489 Burghausen, Germany, Phone: +49-89-17-90-80
7. Charlottenburg Palace
The Charlottenburg Palace was built in the late 17th century and is the largest palace in Berlin, Germany. Though it was damaged in World War II, it has since been reconstructed and now houses a mausoleum, a belvedere, a pavilion, a theatre, and a formal garden at the rear of the palace. Visitors can explore the palace grounds; some of the interior includes the Old Palace and the New Wing, with rooms such as the state apartments of Frederick the Great, the winter chambers of Friedrich Wilhelm II, and the Porcelain Cabinet with over a thousand porcelain objects on display. Visitors can also see the crown jewels and the royal silver and fine porcelain tableware exhibited in a special display.
Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin, Germany
8. Dresden Castle
One of the oldest buildings in Dresden, Dresden Castle is also popularly known as the Royal Palace or Dresdner Schloss. For over 400 years the castle was the residence of the electors and kings of Saxony. Now the castle complex has been converted into a museum that houses many sections with items from Germany’s past, such as the Numismatic Cabinet, the Dresden Armory, and the New Green Vault. In the Kupferstichkabinett, or the Cabinet of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, visitors can see over 500,000 objects by nearly 20,000 artists spanning eight centuries, including the works of Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Pablo Picasso.
Taschenberg 2, 01067 Dresden, Germany, Phone: +49-3-51-49-14-20-00
9. Ehrenburg Palace
The Gothic Revival-style Ehrenburg Palace was built in the 1540s and served as the main residence for Coburg’s princes from the 1540s to 1918. The palace was built by Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and titled “Ehrenburg,” which means Palace of Honor, by Emperor Charles V because the palace was constructed without any forced labor. A number of reconstructions have been done over the years as nature took its toll, but the beauty and history the palace has housed is still visible to visitors today in its architecture and its antiquities. The palace is now a museum with exhibits dedicated to the castle’s past as well as art galleries dedicated to the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Schloßpl. 1, 96450 Coburg, Germany, Phone: +49-9-56-18-08-80-32
10. Heidelberg
The ruins of Heidelberg Castle are among the most significant Renaissance structures. The earliest form of the castle goes back to 1214, with renovations and additions made in 1294 and 1750. The castle had been damaged not once but twice by lightning, which caused a fire and destroyed parts of the castle. It has played a significant role in Germany’s history and with the country’s royalty, with residents such as the “Winter King” Frederick V, Elizabeth Charlotte the Princess Palatine, and Count Charles de Graimberg. Now, visitors can explore the ruins that was once inhabited by royalty and visited by the likes of Mark Twain and Theodor Verhas, both of whom have written about their travels to the site.
Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany, Phone: +49-62-21-65-88-80
11. Herrenchiemsee
The Royal Palace of Herrenchiemsee was the brainchild of King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a "Temple of Fame" for King Louis XIV of France, of whom King Ludwig was quite fond. Construction on the "Bavarian Versailles," the largest of the king’s palaces, began in 1878 but was still incomplete when King Ludwig II died in 1886. Visitors can explore the large state rooms, the state bedroom, the state staircase, and the Great Hall of Mirrors. The gardens are in typical Versailles style and filled with fountains and statues. The location is absolutely stunning as the palace is located on an island in Bavaria’s largest lake, the Chiemsee.
83209 Herrenchiemsee, Germany, Phone: +49-8-05-16-88-70
12. Hohenschwangau
The childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Hohenschwangau Castle is a 19th-century palace that was built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria. Over the years, many of the royal family have resided in the castle, with Franz, Duke of Bavaria, continuing to visit the summer residence. Over 300,000 visitors come from all over the world to visit the palace and explore it in detail with a guided tour. From the exterior of the gate, the towers, and the Swan Fountain to the ballroom, salon, and bedrooms, each aspect of the palace is filled with detail.
Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau, Germany, Phone: +49-83-62-93-08-30
13. Hohenzollern
Straight out of a fairytale, Hohenzollern Castle takes visitors on a journey through Germany’s history, which can be seen in its splendid architecture, the magnificent interior, and the interesting artifacts. There are specific guided tours for adults, children, and families so that each person really understands and enjoys their experience. The castle sits atop a bluff beside the Swabian Alps and offers a stunning view of its surroundings. One of the most visited castles in Germany, visitors can see historical artifacts such as the crown of Wilhelm II, a letter from US President George Washington to Hohenzollern descendant Baron von Steuben, and the personal effects of King Frederick the Great.
72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany, Phone: +49-74-71-24-28
14. Lichtenstein
Often called the "fairy tale castle of Württemberg", Schloss Lichtenstein was designed by Carl Alexander Heideloff and built in 1840. While the modern castle that visitors see today was built with inspiration from the novel Liechtenstein, the castle ruins next to it were the original inspiration for the novel itself. The Gothic Revival-style castle is still owned by the Dukes of Urach, but visitors can explore some of the interior with professionally guided tours; the courtyard is open to the general public, letting visitors see the many gun emplacements on the walls.
Schloß Lichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein, Germany
15. Linderhof Palace
Though it is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II, Linderhof Palace is anything but small. The palace was the only one the king saw through to completion before he passed away. King Ludwig had visited the site of Linderhof during hunting trips in his childhood, and when he became king, he soon began construction of the palace. Visitors can now explore the many rooms, such as the Hall of Mirrors, a living room of sorts with mirrors placed to reflect candles a thousand times. The room also has artifacts such as a carpet made from ostrich plumes and a table topped with amethyst, lapis-lazuli, and the Bavarian coat of arms. Places to Visit in Germany
Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal, Germany, Phone: +49-8-82-29-20-30
16. Mespelbrunn
A popular tourist attraction, Mespelbrunn Castle can be found in the Elsava Valley in the Spessart Forest. The moated castle was built in the late medieval and early Renaissance style around the 15th century. Though the castle is open to the public for viewing, it is still owned by the Counts of Ingelheim’s family, who continue to live in the southern wing of the castle. The romantic castle is a perfect day trip for visitors to Frankfurt and Würzburg. The guided tours take visitors through the chapel, reception rooms, and courtyard and provide an opportunity to see castle life and to better understand the family’s nobility in Germany’s history.
63875 Mespelbrunn, Germany, Phone: +49-6-09-22-69
17. Moyland Castle
A popular visitor attraction in the Lower Rhine, Moyland Castle is a stunning moated castle built in neo-Gothic style. The castle has a rich history that eventually led to it becoming a museum dedicated to the works of artist Joseph Beuys. The castle actually houses the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work as well as departments for museum administration, the museum café, a library, concert and event hall, and a space for visiting/temporary exhibitions. The building itself is a stunning piece of architecture enjoyed by visitors for its Tudor-style brick exterior, towers, and a polygonal lantern roof.
Am Schloß 4, 47551 Bedburg-Hau, Germany, Phone: +49-2-82-49-51-00
18. Reichsburg Cochem
Built around the year 1000 by Count Ezzo, Reichsburg Cochem has a rich history involving palatinate counts, a former Queen of Poland, the Staufer Dynasty, and destruction by French troops. The castle was rebuilt in 1868 in the neo-Gothic architectural style by a Berlin business man, Mr. Louis Ravene, to be used as a summer house. Today, visitors can go on guided tours through the castle’s many rooms and courtyards and see antiquities that were collected by the Ravene family over the years. A special tour is available to pique the interest of younger visitors; the tour goes through the Knights’ Hall and Weapons Room, the Romanesque Room, and the dining hall, among other places.
Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem, Germany, Phone: +49-2-67-12-55
19. Schloss Johannisburg
Located in Aschaffenburg, Germany, Schloss Johannisburg was constructed some time in the early 1600s for the Prince Bishop of Mainz, Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg. Designed by architect Georg Ridinger and built from red sandstone, the castle overlooks the River Main. Schloss Johannisburg is one of the most important buildings remaining from the Renaissance period in Germany and is visited by people all over the world. Within the castle grounds, visitors will find the palace chapel, residential rooms fitted with neoclassical furnishings, and a gallery of paintings with works by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Schloßpl. 4, 63739 Aschaffenburg, Germany, Phone: +49-60-21-38-65-70
20. Schwerin
Schwerin Castle is a palatial manor located on an island in the middle of the Schweriner See. The palace had been home to many of the dukes and grand dukes in history and is now the residence of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament. The first record of a castle here goes back to AD 973, but the current palace was mostly built around 1845. Though the place attracts many history and architecture buffs, the castle also has many visitors who are interested in paranormal activity; this is due to the ghost, called Petermännchen, who is said to roam the halls of Schwerin Castle wearing clothes from the 17th century.
Lennéstraße 1, 19053 Schwerin, Germany, Phone: +49-38-55-25-29-20
21. Sigmaringen Castle
The earliest mention of Sigmaringen Castle is in the chronicles of the Petershausen monastery, dating back to 1077. Visitors can still see many of the preserved remains, such as the great hall, the gate, and the keep, within the renovated exterior that stands today. After the castle was rebuilt in 1893 after a fire, only the towers of the earlier structure remain. The castle and the on-site museums can be explored throughout the year while on guided tours. Some of the best aspects are what’s within the castle: The ornate furniture, valuable porcelain objects, paintings, historical objects, and one of the largest private weapon collections in Europe.
Karl-Anton-Platz 8, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany, Phone: +49-75-71-72-92-30
22. Stolzenfels Castle
Stolzenfels Castle was originally a medieval fortress castle that was built in 1259 by the prince-bishop of Trier. The ruins were gifted to a Prussian crown prince in 1823, who then rebuilt the structure as a Gothic Revival-style palace. The castle was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 and includes a donjon, an adjutant tower, a pergola garden, a guard house, and the castle chapel. The castle grounds are some of the most beautiful in Germany and visitors can explore the buildings, the five gardens, the surrounding park, and the Rhineland.
56075 Koblenz, Germany, Phone: +49-26-15-16-56
23. Wartburg
The first German castle to be identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Wartburg Castle lies on a precipice overlooking Eisenach. The castle, which was built in the Middle Ages, still houses many of the original structures from the 12th century; many of the furnishings date back to the 19th century. The impressive castle grounds contains over 1,000 years of German history in its architecture and decor. Wartburg has been home to many historical events, with one of them being the location that provided refuge to Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament into German on these grounds. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, its extensive art collection, and the museum library with a tour or on their own.
Auf der Wartburg 1, 99817 Eisenach, Germany
24. Wernigerode Castle
Built atop the Harz Mountains in the 19th century, Wernigerode Castle is one of the most visited in Saxony-Anhalt. After its initial construction by the Counts of Wernigerode, the castle was rebuilt as a Schloss in the baroque style by Count Christian Ernest in 1710. What visitors see presently is the remains of another reconstruction conducted in 1893 in the neo-Romantic style by Count Otto, a descendant of Count Ernest. Visitors can go on museum tours that take them through the decadently furnished rooms that once housed German nobility. Walking through the terraces and buildings of the castle grounds, visitors will be taken back in time and better understand German history.
Am Schloß 1, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany, Phone: +49-39-43-55-30-30
25. Zwinger Palace
Zwinger Palace was constructed in 1709 during the reign of Augustus the Strong in the heart of Dresden. It was designed by court architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and built in the Rococo style as part of the Dresden fortress. The palace museum complex has many aspects that visitors can explore, such as the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments, the Dresden Porcelain Collection, and the Old Masters Picture Gallery. Other than the famed baroque architecture on the outside, visitors will love exploring inside the palace, which has many remarkable sculptures adorning the gallery walls. One of the most famed aspects is the Crown Gate, which is decorated with gods from Greek mythology.
Sophienstraße, 01067 Dresden, Germany
The 25 Most Beautiful Castles in Germany near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Neuschwanstein
- 2. Albrechtsburg
- 3. Altena
- 4. Burg Eltz
- 5. Burg Rheinstein
- 6. Burg zu Burghausen
- 7. Charlottenburg Palace
- 8. Dresden Castle
- 9. Ehrenburg Palace
- 10. Heidelberg
- 11. Herrenchiemsee
- 12. Hohenschwangau
- 13. Hohenzollern
- 14. Lichtenstein
- 15. Linderhof Palace
- 16. Mespelbrunn
- 17. Moyland Castle
- 18. Reichsburg Cochem
- 19. Schloss Johannisburg
- 20. Schwerin
- 21. Sigmaringen Castle
- 22. Stolzenfels Castle
- 23. Wartburg
- 24. Wernigerode Castle
- 25. Zwinger Palace
Attraction Spotlight: Zwinger Palace
The Zwinger Palace of Dresden in Germany is known throughout the world for its stunningly beautiful architecture of the baroque style. The Zwinger was constructed during the rule of Augustus the Strong in 1709. The exceptional sculptures that adorn the walls of the gallery were created by a variety of artists, and help make the Zwinger Palace one of the capital of the Saxony region’s main attractions.
Built back in the year 1709, Dresden’s Zwinger Palace was originally just an open area used for tournaments, as well as other courtly pursuits, by the nobility of Saxony. The expansive space was surrounded by wooden buildings. Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann, by orders of Augustus the Strong, built the sandstone palace on the open area between the year 1710 and the year 1719. The palace’s galleries and pavilions along the side of the structure’s ramparts were used for an orangery.
The Crown Gate of the Zwinger Palace in Dresden is the most photographed section of the palace. It’s decorated with various gods found in Greek mythology. The Nymphaeum is located next to the Zwinger’s Rampart Pavilion, and is one of the country of Germany’s finest examples of baroque fountains. Several museum can be found today inside of the Zwinger Palace. The Dresden collection of porcelain seen in the palace is one of the world’s largest collections of ceramics.
Another popular attraction with the Zwinger Palace of Dresden is its armoury, which features a remarkable collection of suits of armour, weapons, and garments for ceremonies. Another palace highlight is the Semper Gallery. This popular gallery was constructed according to the plans created by Gottfried Semper between the year 1847 and the year 1854. The Semper Gallery today features the most significant painting collection in the world that date back to the baroque period up through the Renaissance period. The gallery includes the famous Sistine Madonna created by the famous painter Raphael.
With the Arched Gallery, the Nymph’s Bath, and the Wall Pavilion, the Zwinger Palace is full of beautiful architectural details that are as stunning as they are diverse, almost to an overwhelming extent. Visitors can have a better idea of what to pay particular attention to with the help of the Dresden Zwinger Site Map. The site map shows guests where the most important areas of the Zwinger Palace are located. Visitors can also hear various tunes played through through the Meissen Porcelain Glockenspiel.
The entrance that is the most well-known of Dresden’s Zwinger Palace is the Crown Gate. In terms of its architectural style, the Crown Gate is an example of the Italian High Baroque style. At the top of the entrance to the Zwinger, four Polish eagles hold a replica of the Polish royal crown, which was worn by Augustus the Strong from the year 1697 up to the year 1704. Just behind the palace’s French Pavilion, the Nymphs’ Bath lies nearly hidden in the wall of the fortification. The trick fountain is considered to be one of the most beautiful Baroque water features in Europe.
Theaterplatz 1, Sophienstraße, Dresden, Germany, Phone: +49-4-93-51-49-19-20
Attraction Spotlight: Hohenschwangau Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria
Located in Schwangau, Germany, the Hohenschwangau Castle is mostly recognized as the summer home that was used by the Bavarian royal family. This magnificent neo-gothic castle should be on the tour list of everyone visiting Schwangau. More Germany castles
The earliest records of the Hohenschwangau Castle date back to the 12th century. These records detail the Hohenschwangau Castle depict the castle on the high rock site that the current Neuschwanstein castle sits. Although the history of the Hohenschwangau Castle bates back to the 12th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the names of the two castles (Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein) have switched.
From 1397 to 1832 the Hohenschwangau Castle housed various occupants and underwent deconstruction from war. In 1829 Maximillian II of Bavaria discovered the ruins of the Hohenschwangau Castle while he was walking. Although his father wanted him to move into the family castle, Maximillian II decided to purchase the Hohenschwangau Castle and rebuild it.
The castle’s reconstruction began in February 1833 and ended in 1837. The neo-gothic exterior design of the castle can be credited to Domenico Quaglio. After Quaglio passed away in 1837, Joseph Daniel Ohlmuller and Georg Friedrich Ziebland oversaw future renovations of the design.
After the castle was constructed, Maximillian used it as a summer and hunting house for him, his wife Marie of Prussia, and their two sons Ludwig and Otto. After King Maximillian passed away in 1864, Ludwig was crowned king and moved into the room his father occupied. He lived in the castle until construction of his castle, Neuschwanstein, was finished. The site of Neuschwanstein is where the old Hohenschwangau Castle was.
After Ludwig moved, the only person who lived in the castle was Queen Marie until she passed away in 1889. After her death, Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria occupied the 3rd floor of the castle. Under his direction, electricity was installed in the castle. In 1913, one year after Luitpold passed away, the castle became an official museum.
Touring Hohenschwangau Castle gives visitors an insight into what life was like for the Bavarian royal family, and others during the 1800s.
The Hall of Heroes is also known as the banquet hall. This is the largest room in the Hohenschwangau Castle. Visitors can see a beautiful collection of art work that depict various scenes from the time period this castle was build. Highlights include art work that showcase the Wilkinia Saga and Dietrich von Bern.
The Queen’s Bedroom is the bedroom that Queen Mary occupied. Between the vibrant wallpaper and carpet, as well as the brightly hued decorations, visitors can see the Greek and Turkish influences that created the design in this room. The overall bright design can be contributed to the fact King Maximilian II decorated this room after he returned from Greece and Turkey.
The Hohenstaufen Room served many purposes. When King Maximilian II occupied the castle, he used the Hohenstaufen Room as a dressing room. Following his father’s footsteps, King Ludwig II also used this room as a dressing room. But, as he grew older King Ludwig II also used the room as a place to play and listen to music, which is why there is a piano in the corner of the room. Many composers played in this room, most notably Richard Wagner.
The King’s Bedroom is also known as the Tasso Room. King Ludwig II occupied this room and even had a full starry night sky with stars and a moon that illuminated featured on the ceiling.
The Berchta Room is where Queen Mary used to write. Taking inspiration from her bedroom, the Berchta Room features similar colors and wallpaper that Queen Mary’s bedroom had. Other features of this room include gorgeous and delicate ornaments, as well as a mural that depicts the legend behind Charlemagne’s birth.
The Hohenschwangau Castle does not provide many educational opportunities. The only educational program that the castle offers is a guided tour, which allows visitors to learn about the castle and its historical significance in-depth
The Castle Shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift after touring the castle. Some of the merchandise in the Castle Shop includes; books about the royal family and the castle, postcards, drinkware, ornaments, and stuffed animals.
Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau, Germany, Phone: +49-83-62-93-08-30
Attraction Spotlight: Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to visitors in 1886, just seven weeks after King Ludwig II’s death. King Ludwig II had the castle built so he could withdraw from the public life. Today, huge amounts of visitors come every year to explore what was intended to be a private refuge. Neuschwanstein Castle is now one of the most popular castles and palaces in all of Europe. Each year, approximately 1.4 million guests come to see "the castle of the fairy-tale king". During the summer season, around six thousand people visit the castle each day to explore the many rooms intended for only one inhabitant.
It would be hard to have a more idyllic setting for Neuschwanstein Castle. However, the sheer rock walls have to be repeatedly secured and the foundation area must be continuously monitored. The area’s harsh climate also tends to have a detrimental effect on the castle’s limestone façades. These façades will need to be renovated over several years, section by section.
Neuschwanstein Castle is illustrative of the longings and ideals of King Ludwig II, more vividly so than any other building he had built. This castle was designed to be a place where he could retreat to, rather than serve for royal representation. It was at this castle that Ludwig II hoped to escape to a dream world, the poetic world of the Middle Ages, and escape from public life.
The picture cycles seen in Neuschwanstein Castle were inspired by Richard Wagner’s operas. The castle was even dedicated to Richard Wagner by the king. Rather than be modelled directly after the works by Wagner, the pictures were modelled after the legends of medieval times that the composer has used as the basis for his different works.
The pictures seen along the interior walls of Neuschwanstein Castle deal with the topics of guilt, love, repentance, and salvation. Pictures can be seen of lovers, poets, knights, and kings throughout the castle’s rooms. There are three main figures found in the pictures: the Grail King Parzival; his son, the swan knight Lohengrin, and the poet Tannhäuser. These three figures were Ludwig II’s kindred spirits and models.
The Middle Ages at Neuschwanstein Castle were merely an illusion. Behind its medieval appearance, the castle featured the latest in technology of the time, ensuring every comfort for the kind. All of the rooms of the royal residence, or the Palas, were equipped with hot air central heating. The castle also featured running water on every floor, toilets that had an automatic flushing system, and a kitchen with both cold and hot water.
King Ludwig II used a system of electric bells to summon his adjutants and servants in the castle. Telephones were even present on the third floor and the fourth floor of Neuschwanstein Castle. So meals wouldn’t have to be carried laboriously upstairs, a lift was installed as well. State-of-the-art technology of the time was also used in the castle’s construction, such as large window panes, steel construction, and using steam engines to power cranes.
Neuschwansteinstraße 20, Schwangau, Germany, Phone: 49-83-62-93-98-80
