Neuschwanstein Castle is the most famous castle of the Bavarian King Ludwig II. More than any of his other castles, Neuschwanstein represents the ideals and principles of the so-called "Märchenkönig" ( Fairy Tale King). He was fascinated by the middle ages and wanted to live in his own world of dreams. Neuschwanstein was modeled on a knight's castle. The picture sequences in the castle's interior show famous sagas. Saga characters like Tannhäuser and Parsifal served Richard Wagner, one of the most famous German composers of the 19th century, as models for his operas. King Ludwig II adorded Richard Wagner and even devoted Neuschwanstein castle to him.
Even if the construction was in a style of the middle ages, the technology was very modern. The castle had running water, central heating and a telephone connection. The construction of the „New Castle of Hohenschwangau“, as it was called in the beginning, started in 1868. Ludwig II did not outlive its completion. The bower and the square tower were added in 1892, 6 years after Ludwig's death.
Nowadays, you can only visit the castle with a guided tour. Tickets are available at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau, which is located at the foot of the castle grounds. To get up to the castle you can either walk (about 30min), take a hoarse drawn carriage, or a bus. The 30 minute tour of the castle's interior starts on the upper floor, where the servants' rooms are located. Afterwards you will explore the king's living and show rooms. After the tour, you are welcome to visit the historic kitchen.
Neuschwanstein amazes over 1,3 Million visitors each year and is therefore one of Europe's most visited castles.