Neuschwanstein
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History
Neuschwanstein Castle was an ambition of King Ludwig II
of
Bavaria, also known as the “Mad King”. He was passionate about Romanesque medieval architecture,
and the castle was intended as a homage to Richard Wagner. The legendary version of the castle's history claims that
Ludwig, being forced upon the throne at age 18, and suffering a great defeat on the battlefield at 20, suffered a slip
into insanity already prepared by his troubled personality and homosexual tendencies. The castle was said to be his
refuge from the world, and not only a physical one, hence the fairy tale aspect of the edifice.
Construction began in 1869, and the cliff plateau which the foundation was laid on previously hosted two other castles, which have been demolished to make way for Neuschwannstein. In 1886, upon his death, it wasn't yet completed - Ludwig used to impose impossible deadlines, and workers sometimes labored night and day. The positioning of the castle wasn't making things easier, and the project saw the replacement of many architects and artisans. The Gateway Building was the first to be complete, and quickly became the king's home.
Although he never planned to make the castle public, six weeks after his death, the castle was open to visitors by the regent Luitpold. By 1899, the debts have been acquitted. It survived the two World Wars due to its positioning, despite the SS' plans to blow it up in 1945, to prevent the riches being captured by the enemy.
Architecture
Though apparently medieval, the castle is actually Romanesque, and the interior was everything but medieval, equipped with running water, toilets, and hot air, while the kitchens were equipped with automatic spits and cupboards that could be heated. The castle is centered around the works of Richard Wagner, with whom the king was close, and even obsessed with. In the center, there is a theater, intended for opera performances as homage to Wagner's art. The paintings depict the themes in Wagner's compositions.Perhaps the most spectacular aspect of the interior is the grotto - a passageway along a castle corridor built in a style similar to Disneyland. It is here where the mythology of Tannhäuser
is represented, in a
theme-park of sorts environment.A notable motif present in the castle's living room is displayed in a corner, shaped like a swan. Literally meaning “New swan stone”, Neuschwannstein reflects Ludwig's obsession with the Swan Knight, featured in Wagner's composition “Lohengrin”. Being a recluse in turn, the king strongly identified with the Swan Knight's personality, whose final tragedy was his implacable loneliness.
The Throne Room was created as the Grail-Hall of Parsifal, another character and motif which the king used to identify with. Fashioned in the Byzantine style, and inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Constantinopole, this two-storEy hall was completed in the year of the king's death, and, ironically, the only item missing is the throne.
Visiting
The road to the castle can be traveled by foot, which takes about 30-45 minutes, or you can get there via a carriage for €5 ($5.75) ( €3 ($2.88) downhill). Buses are also available, but prices vary frequently. Tickets can be purchased from the foot of the cliff. The price for a ticket is €9 ($10). To visit the interior, you have to visit by guided tours, which only occurs at fixed hours. Tours for disabled people are held only on Wednesdays. Photography is forbidden when inside.The castle is open every day (except holidays) from 9 AM to 6 PM during summer (April - September), and from 10 AM to 4 PM in winter (October - March).
How to Get There
To reach the castle by train, get off in Füssen, then bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau - you can also walk this distance if you feel like admiring the scenery, with the Hohenscwangau castle to be situated on the way.
Other Attractions
Germany's “Romantic Road”, stretching from Würzburg to Füssen can be combined with a visit to the castle. Also, from Neuschwanstein Castle there are great views of the Bavarian setting, especially the alpine lakes, like the Alpsee. If you get to the castle, you definitely don't want to miss a small walk to the Marienbrücke Bridge, from where you can take excellent pictures. From the bridge, you can see the Hohenschwangau Castle, which can also be visited.Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.
Author: aelumag. Last updated: Sep 26, 2014
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