Hidden among the stunning lakes and mountains of Bavaria are the fairytale creations of an eccentric 19th century king. King Ludwig II of Bavaria, known locally as ‘mad’ King Ludwig, built some of the most visually stunning castles the world has ever known, providing inspiration for the setting of many of Walt Disney’s fairytales.
Ludwig was only 18 when he succeeded to the throne and famously ignored the poor state of affairs in Bavaria, instead spending all the royal revenues on lavish and extravagant architectural projects. He is now revered and well-regarded among many Bavarians today who see his legacy as an important attraction for tourists and a source of pride. There are many castles dotted around the landscape of Bavaria but the following castles provide essential viewing:
Neuschwanstein Castle
flickr/Alf Igel
Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps the most famous in the world, perched on a cliff edge it is admired for its breathtakingly beautiful design and marvelled at for its impossible engineering. This is the castle that sparked the imagination of Walt Disney and was the model for the film ‘Sleeping Beauty’.
The palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II as a homage to Richard Wagner, the composer he was obsessed with, and was intended to be used as a personal refuge for the king. Ludwig was so desperate to live within his fantasy that he moved into the unfinished castle in 1886. The king died shortly after, having only occupied the palace for less than six months and within days, Neuschwanstein Castle was declared open to the public.
The castle has never been finished and instead of the 200 rooms that Ludwig had proposed, the castle only features 15 fully completed rooms and halls. The interior of the castle is open to the public via guided tours only where you can explore the Hall of the Singers, Throne Hall, Study Room, Drawing Room, Dining Room and Bedroom.
Hohenschwangau Castle
flickr/Werner Böhm
Hohenschwangau Castle was built by Ludwig’s father, King Maximillian II, on the remains of the fortress Schuangau. The castle was the childhood residence of Ludwig, offering an intimate insight into his life and how he became inspired to build his fantasy castles.
The castle has been kept intact and is exactly how it would have been found in 1836 with grand paintings in every room and stunning 19th Century décor. Access to the interior of the castle is available through guided tours only.
Linderhof Palace
flickr/Nathan Rupert
Linderhof Palace was the smallest project that King Ludwig II undertook and was also the only one completed in his lifetime. The palace was inspired by the French Palace of Versailles, which is evident in both the exterior and interior designs.
It is worth taking time to explore the surroundings grounds where Ludwig commissioned fantastic sculptures, fountains and gardens. Beyond the palace is a grotto where Ludwig would retreat to listen to his beloved Wagner and was the first place in Bavaria to generate electricity.
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