Discover the royal castles around Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein Castle

The fairytale castle

Neuschwanstein Castle was built from 1869 to 1886 under King Ludwig II in a dreamlike setting above Hohenschwangau. Preparatory work began as early as 1868 with the removal of rock for the foundations. The access road was completed in June 1869. The most modern materials and techniques were used: cemented foundations, brick masonry with limestone cladding, and iron-reinforced constructions in the Throne Hall.

Despite all the technology, numerous changes significantly delayed the construction. Ludwig II, who financed the project out of his own pocket, lived in the castle for only a few months and never saw its completion.

Today, Neuschwanstein, with over 1.4 million visitors annually, is one of Germany's most famous attractions. The castle, built according to designs by Christian Jank and under the direction of architect Eduard Riedel, offers fascinating insights into the world of Ludwig II and European historicism.

Royal castles Hohenschwangau

Truly royal excursion destinations

A romantic summer and hunting lodge

Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle traces its roots back to the 12th century as Schwanstein Castle. Throughout its tumultuous history, during which the castle changed owners multiple times, Hohenschwangau Castle was damaged in various wars. In 1832, the castle was rebuilt and renovated in the Neo-Gothic style according to original plans, commissioned by Maximilian II, the father of King Ludwig II. Since then, the castle has shone with appropriate splendour.

The summer residence of the royal family was also the childhood home of Ludwig II and was used by him until his death in 1886.

The history of the king

King Ludwig II

Ludwig was born on 25 August 1845 as the eldest son of Crown Prince Maximilian and Crown Princess Marie at Nymphenburg Palace near Munich. Ludwig spent his childhood and youth at Hohenschwangau Castle and in the royal villa in Berchtesgaden. In 1848, Maximilian became king and Ludwig became crown prince. In his youth, Ludwig attended the operas Lohengrin and Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner. These introduced him to the world of legends and fairytales.

“There is only one animal that can truly delight me. The most beautiful masterpiece of creation is the peacock.", Ludwig II wrote in his diary. In

1864, after the sudden death of King Maximilian II, the crown prince became "King Ludwig II of Bavaria" at the age of 18. As a patron of the arts, passionate builder, and visionary, the fairytale king ruled his country until 1886. His reign also included the war against Prussia, which ended in defeat. The engagement to Sophie of Bavaria, whom Ludwig had known since childhood, did not lead to marriage and was dissolved after several postponements of the wedding date.

In his last years , Ludwig increasingly isolated himself and largely withdrew from public appearances. The mountain of debt, caused by extensive building activities, contributed to dissatisfaction in the government and led to his deposition. The "only true king of this century," as the poet Verlaine once called him, died on 13 June 1886 in Lake Starnberg.

“I am enjoying my stay in the ever-beloved Hohenschwangau, where it is currently particularly splendid and romantic in the full moonlight, very much so, I do a lot of sledding and devote myself to reading. There is always enough time left to feel unhappy in the unloved city.&#8221, Ludwig II wrote to Baroness Leonrod

Linderhof Palace

A modest hunting lodge

Linderhof Palace, a magnificent palace in the style of French Rococo, is located near Oberammergau, about a 50-minute drive from Hotel Villa Ludwig. It was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is considered one of his most splendid royal residences.

The creation of Linderhof Palace began in 1869 when Ludwig II decided to transform a modest hunting lodge of his father's into a grand residence. The palace was inspired by the works of the French King Louis XIV. Many elements in the palace and gardens reflect this influence. The construction took almost two decades and was led by various architects and artists. Today, Linderhof Palace is a popular tourist destination and a fascinating example of King Ludwig II's extravagant vision.

History of the Wittelsbach dynasty

Museum of the Bavarian Kings

Since September 2011, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings has complemented the extensive cultural offerings in Hohenschwangau. The exhibition presents the history of the Wittelsbachs from the beginnings to the present day. State-of-the-art museum technology and informatively and vividly explained exhibits bring the history closer to you.

The museum is located directly on the Alpsee in the former Grandhotel Alpenrose, which was completely modernised and adapted for the exhibition. Through the large panoramic windows, you can enjoy views of the Alps and the royal castles.

Admission times: daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm