A haunting end for a fairytale king, an inspiration for iconic Disney movies, and a glimpse into the magical Bavarian countryside–Neuschwastein Castle envelopes travellers in a dream woven with wistful nostalgia.
The journey to such a place begins in the capital of Bavaria. Munich, Germany is full of rowdy beer gardens (especially during its annual Oktoberfest celebration) and intriguing history wrapped up in the towering peaks of the Alps and the encompassing Gothic architecture. The city will welcome you with the chimes from the Glockenspiel as it recounts a knight’s joust during the historical wedding between Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Larraine in 1568.
With a belly full of beer and bratwurst, embark on the two hour journey out into the Bavaria countryside. Before being tempted to sleep by the twists and dips of the lulling hills, remember that this journey heads straight toward the Alps, a perfect route for stunning views.
No matter the season, Neuschwastein and its surrounding landscapes are truly a sight to see. However, I would recommend going during Autumn. This is a particular time in which tourism is at a halt in between Oktoberfest and Christmas market season, so the crowds are very manageable. If that does not convince you, then surely the promise for some of the most golden foliage will–Germany has the most beautiful fall leaves I have ever seen.
The golden surroundings make the neighboring Hohenschwangau Castle a stunner as well. The orange stone mingles with the array of burnt colors in such a seamless way that the line between the natural and artificial disappears completely. As your gaze travels up through the Alps, the bright colors begin to fade into a clean white crisp from the snow capped mountains, making the white limestone of Neuschwastein blend into a natural canvas as well.
The winding path up to and past Neuschwestein Castle allows you to see from the perspective of the famous pictures and paintings with your own eyes. Marienbruke (Mary’s Bridge) hangs above a calming waterfall and suspends viewers right next to the side of the fairytale castle. You will be filled with the same inspiration as Disney had for Sleeping Beauty from this view. Stepping into the castle itself will give you an even deeper understanding of its fantastical lore conjoined by the late King Ludwig II–an understanding that will forever have to remain in your mind alone as there are no pictures allowed inside the mysterious castle.
When your foot crosses the doorway, you are crossing a threshold into another realm full of whimsy romanticism and fairytales. Here, the walls do talk. Each room is dedicated to a different legend. The King’s bedroom is home to Tristan and Isolde, the Throne Room emulates The Holy Grail, the living room is adorned with scenes from Lohengrin, and the ballroom features a mural of an enchanted forest strikingly similar to that of Bambi–yet another evident source of Disney inspiration. There is even a man made grotto cave inspired by the opera Tannhäuser.
The magical essence emulating from Neuschweinstein creates a tangible world of imagination. However, the biggest tale of all within these castle walls was sourced in reality. King Ludwig II built this castle on the grounds of a love for fairytales and nostalgia, yet it was used as a source of evidence for his madness. With Tristain and Isolde watching, Ludwig was dragged from his room after being deemed insane and unfit to rule in the year 1886. He died under “mysterious” circumstances along with his doctor just a day later. Ludwig’s tale runs deep with no end as we will never know what truly happened to him.
In the heart of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle stands not just as a monument of stone and spire, but as a living embodiment of dream and tragedy. Legends come alive and history whispers as the line between fantasy and truth blurs as seamlessly as the castle itself fades into the misty mountains. Though Ludwig’s story is steeped in mystery, his vision rises above for others to find the purpose of fairytales once again.
OCTOBER 2025