One of the most fairy tale-esque castles in the world, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace that was created by Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle is nestled atop a forested hill in Bavaria and is renowned for inspiring Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and for the mysterious death of its creator, Ludwig II of Bavaria.

The romanticised architecture and scenic setting of Neuschwanstein Castle set the scene for a perfect photo souvenir, most notably from viewpoints around the castle, including Queen Mary’s Bridge. Touring the inside of the castle reveals opulent rooms and furnishings, including the immaculate Throne Hall, Study and Dining Room.

Guided tours of the castle end at the souvenir shop and cafeteria, where you can pick up trinkets and grab a bite to eat. Neuschwanstein Castle is easily combined with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle in the nearby village of Hohenschwangau, which inspired the hilltop palace.

Getting there

Neuschwanstein Castle is easily reached with a 30-minute walk from Hohenschwangau or by catching the shuttle bus to Queen Mary’s Bridge. You can also drive there in about 1.5 hours from Munich, where you can fly into Munich International Airport.