Deep in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle stands tall with its fairy-tale towers and breathtaking views. This iconic castle attracts millions of visitors each year, but its creation is as intriguing as the view it offers. The story behind why Neuschwanstein Castle was built is filled with mystery, royalty, and even a touch of fantasy.
The man behind the grand design of Neuschwanstein Castle was King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Born in 1845, Ludwig was just 18 years old when he became king, following the death of his father. His reign, however, was anything but ordinary.
Ludwig was known for his eccentric personality, deep love of the arts, and fascination with fairy-tale legends. Unlike most monarchs of his time, he was more interested in literature and music than politics, often retreating from royal duties to immerse himself in the world of fantasy.
It was Ludwig’s passion for fairy tales and romanticized medieval history that led him to the idea of building the castle of his dreams. He envisioned Neuschwanstein as a tribute to the legends and ideals of chivalry, with influences from the operas of Richard Wagner, a composer Ludwig greatly admired. Wagner’s music filled Ludwig’s life, and the king saw himself as a sort of real-life hero in these operatic tales, often imagining himself as a knight or king in a medieval drama.
Construction of Neuschwanstein Castle began in 1869, but it wasn’t a simple project. The site, high in the mountains and difficult to reach, had to be carefully selected. Ludwig chose the location for its beauty, situated between two hills with views of a nearby lake, forests, and mountain peaks. His vision for the castle was to create a dream-like, otherworldly structure that seemed to rise out of the landscape like something straight out of a storybook.
The architecture of Neuschwanstein reflects the king’s fascination with the Middle Ages, but it also blends elements of Romanticism, a movement that emphasized emotion and the sublime. The castle’s towers, turrets, and walls resemble those found in storybooks, with intricate carvings and ornate details that make it appear as though it belongs to another time. Indeed, visitors are often surprised to learn less than 150 years old.
As construction progressed, Ludwig’s obsession with the project grew. He poured enormous amounts of money into the castle with no regard for the financial state of the kingdom. His lavish spending and growing isolation from the public led to tensions with his advisors and the Bavarian government.
At the age of 40, Ludwig dies a mysterious death in 1886 and although his castle was unfinished, it was soon opened to the public for viewing.
Though the king never saw his vision completed, Neuschwanstein Castle quickly became a symbol of his dreams and eccentricity. The castle’s fame grew even more in the 20th century when it inspired Walt Disney’s design for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland.
Today, it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, attracting visitors who come to marvel at its beauty and wonder about the man who dreamed it into existence.
King Ludwig II’s story is tragic and fascinating. His reclusive nature and his obsession with building a castle that could bring to life the world of fairy tales made him a mysterious figure.
If it seems strange that Ludwig’s dream of a private castle was immediately turned into a tourist attract, you’ll be please to know they did at least honor his request by not allowing photos or videos to be taken inside the walls of Neuschwanstein. Now you know why you will only see photos of the most famous castle in the world from the outside.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, primarily focused on luxury family travel. Through her syndication partners, her articles are often published by more than 100 news outlets across the country. Karee enjoys exploring the best of a destination, including history museums, unique things-to-do (indoors and out), one-of-a-kind festivals, and upscale dining and accommodations. She is also a photographer, videographer, and drone pilot.