Castles in the Sky

Like a sculpted dream, Neuschwanstein castle rises in the Bavarian mountains. Built by 'Mad' King Ludwig of the ruling Wittelsbach family beginning in 1869, the castle was equipped with the modern technology of the day, including electricity, running water, and telephone service..

                     Neuschwanstein would later serve as inspiration for Walt Disney and his fairy tale castles.

 

A view of the castle from Mary's Bridge (named after Ludwig's mother) which spans the Pollat Gorge.

Neuschwanstein towers above his father's castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, a family hunting lodge for the Wittelsbach family until 1912. The family still owns the castle, although it is open for public tours.

Ludwig spent 17 years building his dream castle, but only lived in it for 172 days when he was declared mentally unfit to rule. He was removed from the palace and found dead in shallow waters two days later. Whether he committed suicide or was murdered remains a mystery. 

The third of the King's major Palaces was Linderhof, smaller than both Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee. Linderhof was the only palace he occupied for any significant period of time. Interior photos were not allowed, but the palace is yet another example of opulence and the King's fascination with French palaces. The fountains and grounds are stunning. The family opened the King's palaces to the public soon after his death and all are major attractions today. Neuschwanstein alone attracts more than 700,000 visitors annually.