Nestled in the Bavarian Alps and overlooking Hohenschwangau Valley is the idyllic, 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle. Built at a time when castles were no longer strategically critical to defense, the mysterious Ludwig II insisted on having his own lavish hideaway and ordered the castle to be built anyway. Ironically, just a few weeks after the king’s passing, the Romanesque palace intended for him alone opened its doors to the general public. Today, millions of people travel to Neuschwanstein Castle to explore the shy king’s private refuge, and enjoy its stunning landscape and vistas. Often called ‘The castle of the fairy-tale king’, Neuschwanstein Castle and the story of its fanciful reclusive king have garnered much international attention, making it one of the most popular castles in Germany. Not even mogul Walt Disney was immune to the charms of this famous German castle. Disney’s iconic castle depicted in the movie Sleeping Beauty and its real-world Disneyland counterpart were inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle. Between the sweeping views and the captivating legends of the mad King Ludwig II, exploring Neuschwanstein Castle is the perfect way to spend a day in Germany.

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