Neuschwanstein- The Real Cinderella Castle in Bavaria Germany
June 28, 2010 MuseumChick
After hiking the trail up the Bavarian Alps foothills from the small town of Hohenschwangau (nearby to Füssen) I discovered a real Cinderella Castle- the magical, Neuschwanstein Castle.
Bavarian King Ludwig II dreamed up this castle in 1868. King Ludwig was a long-time admirer of the 19th century German composer, Richard Wagner (pronounced Vagner) and much of the castle was inspired by his operas including my personal favorite, Tristan and Isolde.
Walking around the castle without a tour guide is prohibited. So, I got my ticket and waited in line for my number to be called- much like waiting for your number at a deli counter. But the line moved fast and soon…
…I was in. I've been told that the tour guides are notoriously boring and the groups can be large. Mine was about 25 people meandering through the rooms together, gunning for a spot closest to the guide so we could hear her tales through an incomprehensible accent. But it was all worth it for a look inside this unique and amazingly well preserved castle.
The castle amazingly survived despite heavy bombing during WW 2 in Bavaria. The detailing and colors are still prominent and you don't need much of an imagination to sense its grandeur.
In the Throne Hall, under a Byzantine modeled chandelier is…
…an intricate mosaic floor.
Following the tour led through hallways with openings to many smaller eating and sitting rooms.
Then the tour led up stairways with banisters decorated with carved dragons…
…And windows that overlooked an amazing view.
Then a kitchen that would make even the worst cooking-phobe, like me, want to cook. Much of this kitchen, including the copper pots and pans are original furnishings from the time of King Ludwig II. The cylindrical wooden block in the middle is where meat was chopped and towards the back are roasting spits.
A model of the castle and 19th century construction pictures hang on the walls at the end of the tour, along with a gift shop, of course.
And the way back down leads to this small cafe and my last glimpse of the castle on the hill in the distance before jumping on the bus back to Munich.
Comments
Alabina 05.8.2012
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Philip Koch 03.24.2012
Danee, my grand daughter Maya who just turned 4 this month has had a total fixation on castles and princesses for the last 2 years. I will show her this blog post and she’ll be in heaven.
MuseumChick 03.25.2012
Hi Philip- Happy Birthday to Maya! That’s very sweet that she is so interested in castles. Have she ever been to Belvederes Castle in Central Park? Not much like Neuschwanstein but the closest castle I can think of.
Joseph McEvoy 01.28.2012
Visited this castle in 1974 and it was totally amazing. Most of the wall paintings are from Wagner operas. King Ludwig is even painted into one of the wall paintings as you enter the building.
MuseumChick 02.1.2012
Hi Joseph- I didn’t know that King Ludwig painted some of the decor himself- very interesting. Thanks for your comment!
MdAmor 08.18.2011
I have been through Bavaria, but have not made it to the castle. I have been to Disney though!
seanlyoung.com 03.22.2011
Love the pics! My great-great-great grandfather was a construction worker for the castle and was promoted to foreman the last 5 years of construction. Neuschwanstein will always have a place in my heart. It’s very beautiful.
MuseumChick 03.24.2011
That’s so special that your g-g-g-grandfather worked on Neuschwanstein. He must have been a master at what he did because the castle is incredible! Thanks for sharing
jt 12.29.2010
I was at this castle about two months after you.
Photography inside the castle is strictly prohibited.
How did you manage to snag so many nice shots?
Thanks for posting them, I only snuck one or two before being firmly reprimanded!
MuseumChick 12.29.2010
I snuck them too. I used my small camera so they couldn’t see and my group was HUGE so they couldn’t keep track of anyone. I didn’t use my flash so they didn’t notice.
copper pots and pans 08.20.2010
This castle looks amazing. This look's like a good place to go to for vacation. I bet this castle has everything fancy sofas, big gardens, copper pots and pans, marble floor ex. This is one amazing castle.
nate 01.12.2012
actually most of the inside of the castle is unfinished. Only a few of the rooms are actually finished and decorated. Pretty dissapointing. But the castle itself is absolutely amazing!
MuseumChick 01.17.2012
Hi Nate- I thought is was amazing also, unfinished and all. Thanks for your comment!
Elaine Peters 08.17.2010
I'd never seen any interior information, so those were really special! Thanks for all the care and skill in taking the amazing pix.
Danee Gilmartin (Mus 08.9.2010
Hi Chris, Thanks for your advice. I wanted to visit Herrenchiemsee but ran out of time. Hopefully I'll be back one day
Chris 08.6.2010
Be sure to take the hike over the suspension bridge behind the castle. The views and photos from the bridge are spectacular. Also, if you have the time visit two other castles / palaces built by Ludwig II, Herrenchiemsee nearer to Munich and Linderhof, a real treat.
Neuschwanstein castl 07.27.2010
Very informative post. Its very interesting to read. Images are looks beautiful. visit at the Neuschwanstein castle Bavaria Germany becomes the must. On the earth, so many castles are available but this one is unique and as well as amazing that is boardered with fabulous beauty all around.
Patty Valdes 06.30.2010
Thanks for the review, I'm going to visit the castle with my boyfriend by the end of July, so after reading and seeing your beautiful pictures, I'm more than excited! can't wait to be there!
Marie Therese Smith 06.28.2010
Been here… it's just gorgeous. The hike up was such a trek, though. I walked it, while my companion took the horse and buggy 1/2 way up. STEEP doesn't even begin to describe, but it was AWESOME! The views were truly amazing. Thanks for sharing interior shots.