Surely you watched cartoons with your children more than once and saw an unusually beautiful fairy-tale castle in the picture of a sleeping beauty. You will be surprised, but such a castle exists in reality and it is located in Germany.
Where is Neuschwanstein?
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in South Bavaria. High in the Alps you will find a small cozy village called Schwangau. Two castles brought him popularity: Neuschwanstein and the nearby Hoeschwantain castle. Literally the name of the castle can be translated as "a new swan cliff".
Excursion to Neuschwanstein begins with a walk on the way to the hill. Walking to the castle takes no more than 25 minutes, while the nature around in conjunction with fresh air delight all visitors. You will not find cars here, so you can only get there by foot or hire a horse cart.
It is best to inspect the castle from the surrounding hills. You can walk along the bridge of Mary, there also opens a fascinating view of the nature and the castle. During the summer, all excursions to the castle of Neuschwanstein in Germany are slightly shorter, as the flow of tourists almost doubles compared to the autumn and winter seasons. That is why many advise to visit the winter Neuschwanstein. The views there open up no less exciting, and snow-covered mountains in general want to contemplate constantly.
History of Neuschwanstein Castle
When considering the castle of Neuschwanstein in Germany from a distance, it may seem that it is a toy. At first glance, it seems that the ivory towers seem to soar in the air against the background of green spruces. With closer examination, the castle seems very harmonious and a bit fairy.
In Bavaria, the castle Neuschwanstein appeared thanks to King Ludwig II. He built the castle exclusively for himself, and not for the public. There is an opinion that Ludwig wanted to demolish the castle after his death. But even in spite of all this, we have the opportunity to admire the fairytale structure and its environs.
The construction of the castle began in 1869 and lasted about 17 years. In Germany, Neuschwanstein is not just another castle built by the rulers, it is dedicated to German legends and to the knight Lohengrin. Initially, the castle was conceived as a fortress in the Gothic style. But the project gradually changed and the Gothic fortress turned into a romantic five-story castle. It is this style in the opinion of the king himself that suited very well and corresponded to the legend. At first examination it may seem that this is not a real building, but a theatrical decoration. In a way, this is true, since the creation of the castle was directed by the theater artist Christian Yanka.
Neuschwanstein in Germany is difficult to call pompous and artsy, it is rather romantic and similar to a theatrical performance. Of 360 rooms there are several really impressive, for example, the Hall of Singers. This room is practically a copy of the hall in the castle in Wartburg. The ceiling with wooden decoration and zodiac signs and unsurpassed ornaments on the walls. In Ludwig's time, this hall was not used, but now there are annual concerts there.
The king's bedroom is worthy of attention. A huge bed in the Gothic style is crowned with intricate carvings. The walls are decorated with paintings depicting the legend of Tristan and Isolde. To the bedroom adjoins a small chapel of the king, dedicated to Louis of France, after whom the king was named.
Most striking is its grandeur throne room. Two-story hall with columns, decorated with imitation of lapis lazuli and porphyry. The marble steps are built to the platform with the throne. Although the castle was not completely built, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful and amazing in the whole world.