Something magical is located in the heart of southwest Bavaria, Germany, high on a hill above Hohenschwangau village. It's a beautiful fortress that has captivated millions, the Neuschwanstein Castle. This masterpiece of the 19th century is known as the "Disney Castle."
Take a moment and get on a journey to explore why this magic castle is celebrated as the inspiration for Disney's iconic Cinderella Castle in Disney World and Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland.
Where is Neuschwanstein Castle?
Neuschwanstein Castle, the gem in Bavaria's crown, is located in southwest Bavaria, Germany. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 1800s, an interesting fact is that this castle was first intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king, but it was opened to the public right after he died in 1886. Since then, it has welcomed over 60 million visitors and has been the muse for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle!
The Layout of the Castle
Our favorite part is that the layout is symmetrical, a rectangular marvel with three stories adorned with small, round, arched windows. Turrets and towers grace its exterior, and a central courtyard adds to its grandeur.
Inside the castle, you can see a blend of Medieval, Renaissance, and Naroque elements. The Throne Room, Singers' Hall, and King's Bedroom are among its notable features. Each part of the castle is a mark of King Ludwig II's passion for art and fantasy.
Disney Inspiration
We are going to tell you a secret but shh... The similarity between Neuschwanstein Castle and Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle is no coincidence. The Bavarian masterpiece served as the muse for Walt Disney's iconic structure. The Disney castle, with its drawbridge, moat, and turreted towers, mirrors the charm and elegance of Neuschwanstein.
Visitors that want to check out Sleeping Beauty's Castle can take a tour, walking and learning about its history, and enjoying stunning views from the towers. The castle stands as a symbol of fairytales brought to life, making it a MUST for anyone visiting Disneyland.
When is the Best Time to Visit Neuschwanstein?
We recommend you these dates for a more enjoyable visit
- Visiting in the Summer Months: Warm weather, open castle tours, but expect crowds. Weekdays are preferable.
- Visiting in the Spring or Fall: Pleasant weather, but castle tours may not be available. Less crowded, especially on weekdays.
- Visiting in the Winter: Beautiful, but snow may affect accessibility. Tours may be closed, but weekdays are less crowded.
Transportation Information
Doing our research, the best way to reach Neuschwanstein is by car, approximately two hours from Munich. Buses from Munich to Schwangau are available, the last step to get there is by a short walk to the castle.
Important Things to Know about Neuschwanstein
- Tour Availability: 9 am to 6 pm (last tour at 5 pm); closed on Tuesdays.
- Accessibility: Walk uphill to the castle, not wheelchair accessible.
- Weather: Dress in layers, it can get chilly, even during Summer.
- Crowds: Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
You can always check Neuschwanstein and then visit Disneyland and Disneyworld to see if Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty did a good job with their own Castle designs. Send us a message, and let us handle everything from here!
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