Neuschwanstein - a castle overlooking the lakes

Every year around 1.3 million tourists visit southern Bavaria to see the "fairy tale castle". It stands proudly on a rock, catching everyone's eye. This is the nineteenth-century Neuschwanstein castle, the most famous of the castles of Ludwig II.

Where is the most visited European castle located, which is the inspiration for the project of the Castle of Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland? In Germany, and more specifically in southern Bavaria. It is called Neuschwanstein and stands in a place with a magnificent view of three lakes: Alpsee, Forggensee and Bannwaldsee. The castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Germany, it is also the most famous of all the castles of the Bavarian King Ludwig II Wittelsbach.

The huge Neuschwanstein premises saved it from destruction during both world wars - they were used as warehouses.

Long Neuschwanstein Castle

The majestic building was built on the initiative of the king, who was passionate about the Middle Ages and chivalric ideals. Louis II wanted Neuschwanstein to have as many romantic references to the old days as possible (hence the slender, tall towers), but without the heavy and bulky defenses typical of medieval buildings of this type.

The construction of the castle took longer than planned as the ambitions of the Bavarian king grew over time. The castle grew with them, the budget was exceeded twice, and after the death of Ludwik II, the building fell into huge debt. It is the financial problems of the building that we owe the fact that it was made available to "ordinary mortals". Willing people could admire its interior for an appropriate fee, which allowed to pay off a part of the debt. Nowadays, the castle can only be visited with a guide during a trip that lasts approx. 35 minutes.

And when can you visit the delicious interiors of Neuschwanstein? From October 16 to March, the castle is open to visitors from 9 am to 4 pm, and from April to October 15 from 8 am to 6 pm. Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket offices at the foot of the mountain (they are no longer available for sale one hour before the castle closes). A normal ticket costs 12 euros, and reduced - 11 euros. People under the age of 18 can enter the castle for free.

Overnight with a view of the castle

After visiting the giant structure proudly crowning the rock, we can get to know the area - its beauty is in no way inferior to the beauty of the castle. We are in the Ostallgäu district belonging to Swabia, famous for its exceptional picturesque scenery. From the north it is decorated with numerous lakes, including the largest, Forggensee with an area of 15.2 km². Also noteworthy is the smaller Bannwaldsee, but more valuable to ornithologists (amateurs and professionals), which is largely a bird reserve.

Those willing to visit the castle will be pleased to come to these areas. The area is beautiful - there is plenty of green and blue, thanks to several large lakes in the vicinity. On the southern shore of one of them, the Bannwaldsee , there is a campsite with the same name. On an area of several hectares, there are numerous parking spaces, a restaurant and a supermarket. There is also a beach with a lifeguard, swimming equipment rental, pizzeria, laundry and drying room. Guests can use the wireless Internet. 2 adults will pay 27 euros per night. A motorhome pitch costs 23.5 euros a day.

Approx. 2 km away is the valley station of the Tegelberg cable car, and there are many hiking and cycling routes around the camp site. Before going to bed, we can take a last look at the lofty contours of the castle on the top of the mountain. Let's think about the Middle Ages and the king who wanted to create the perfect knight's castle.