Heard concerning the real-life Disney citadel in Germany? Questioning what Cinderella’s or Sleeping Magnificence’s citadel is modelled after? It REALLY is an precise citadel, in Germany, known as Neuschwanstein Fort and it’s one of the crucial well-known castles in Germany, if not the world!
Not solely are you able to stroll round (and contact!) the partitions of this unbelievable fairytale citadel, you may really go INSIDE Neuschwanstein- and boy is it value it!! Who knew the Disney citadel had a grotto?!!?
Should you’re planning a visit to Germany’s fairytale castles, dreaming about being Cinderella or visiting Sleeping Magnificence’s palace, this information will let you know all the things it’s essential to know, together with whether or not Neuschwanstein Fort actually lives as much as the hype, how greatest to go to the Fort, what NOT to do (you didn’t suppose this go to was going to go easily, did you!?!), and ideas & methods we found throughout our go to to arguably one of the crucial well-known points of interest in Germany.
What’s the Disney Fort modeled after?
Once you consider Fairytale Castles, what springs to thoughts? Does it look something like this?
That is the well-known Disney citadel, and it’s in the beginning of most Disney films, together with Cinderella and Sleeping Magnificence.
FUN FACT: Do you know that the firework is definitely Tinkerbell? (I didn’t know that till lately!)
One other enjoyable fact-did that the Disney Fort is based mostly upon an ACTUAL real-life fairytale citadel? In Germany. That you could go to, and stroll round. It’s known as Neuschwanstein Fort.
Apparently, Mr Walt Disney noticed an image of Neuschwanstein Fort and immediately fell in love with it. He visited the Fort along with his spouse and shortly afterwards the Sleeping Magnificence citadel appeared.
Cinderella’s citadel additionally bears a hanging resemblance to Neuschwanstein!
I’m undecided once I grew to become conscious that the Fort was an actual place. In all probability not that way back, however ever since I’ve been desperately wanting to go to the citadel and see it for myself.
The place is the Sleeping Magnificence and Cinderella Fort?
Neuschwanstein Fort is positioned in Bavaria, Germany, about an hour south of Munich. You may simply go to Neuschwanstein in a day journey from Munich, however when you get an opportunity to go to the world for longer, take it!
The total deal with of Neuschwanstein Fort is: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Are you able to go contained in the Disney Fort?
Yep! A couple of third of Neuschwanstein is open to the general public, and excursions occur most days. You may ONLY go to on a tour (extra on that later!)
Does anybody stay in Neuschwanstein Fort?
Neuschwanstein Fort isn’t occupied. The rationale solely a 3rd is open to the general public is that’s all of the rooms which have been completed earlier than the Fort (and nation!) ran out of cash. It’s a very unhappy story which I’ll share under.
Is Neuschwanstein Fort essentially the most well-known Fort in Germany?
Very probably. It’s definitely one of the crucial visited. Over 1.5 MILLION individuals visited Neuschwanstein Fort in 2017.
1.5 MILLION. In a single yr.
That’s a heck of lots of people. There’s a purpose Germany is legendary for having the perfect fairy story castles within the world- they’ve a few of the greatest castles in Europe.
When is the perfect time to go to Neuschwanstein Fort?
The perfect time to go to this fairytale citadel is NOT IN SUMMER. Keep in mind these 1.5 million individuals? Most of them arrive between June-September. I’ve heard the crowds are ridiculous.
Having mentioned that, in case your solely choice is to go to in excessive season or not go to in any respect, then go to.
Critically, this is among the few locations we’ve visited in Europe that I’d come again to and stand in a large crowd for. It’s a fairytale citadel value ready for!
We visited in April, within the Easter Holidays and that was pretty busy, however bearable. You may also go to Neuschwanstein Fort within the winter – it appears wonderful within the snow, however do watch out when planning a street journey in winter.
Causes to go to Neuschwanstein Fort within the Spring
We didn’t intentionally plan to go to within the Spring. We simply had different plans for July & August (Norway- whoop!), so our solely alternative to discover southern Germany and its stunning castles was in April.
Having mentioned that, we really feel it’s an ideal time to go to. Right here’s why:
- The crowds haven’t actually kicked in but
- The climate has a great probability of being heat. We have been there in April and it was 19 levels C and sunny.
- The spring flowers are BEAUTIFUL
- There’s extra probability of getting a campsite nearby- or a resort when you’re not roadtripping Europe in a camper.
- The workers and staff all around the space haven’t but get sick of vacationers. They’re genuinely smiley and useful. I admit we haven’t examined this idea, however I might anticipate these smiles to be barely extra strained by the tip of summer season!
- The forests are at their greatest. We walked again by means of the woods down the hill and it was simply beautiful.
How you can go to the Disney Fort on a day journey
Neuschwanstein is definitely reached from Munich (it’s about 90-minute drive.) Which suggests you may simply go to Neuschwanstein as a part of a metropolis break or throughout that almost all superior of all superior celebrations- Oktoberfest! Should you’re planning to go to, remember to e book your desk reservations to Oktoberfest prematurely!
Different fairytale castles in Southern Germany and Europe
Should you’re searching for different inspiring castles (and actually, who isn’t?) listed below are another posts it’s best to try:
Tricks to go to Neuschwanstein Fort
We extremely advocate staying in a single day the night time earlier than you wish to go to the Fort, as we consider the perfect time to go is within the morning. Very first thing within the morning. Like, as early as you probably can. So getting a spot to remain the night time earlier than is a superb thought.
Tenting close to Neuschwanstein Fort
Campsite for Motorhomes
We visited Neuschwanstein Fort whereas motorhoming in Germany.
We stayed at a motorhome campsite close to Neuschwanstein Fort at Schwangau, a few 5-minute drive away from the Fort parking zones.
There’s additionally a campsite close to Fussen, which is €15/night time and a 20-minute stroll into the city. If we went once more we’d keep there.
Resorts close to the Disney Fort
Should you’re not in a camper van, the perfect place to remain is Füssen- the closest city and a very fairly place to go to. You would possibly even get a view of Sleeping Magnificence’s citadel out of your bed room!
Füssen has plenty of inns, B&B’s and so forth and is definitely reached by automotive, practice or organised tour from Munich (right here’s a enjoyable information to Munich).
Visiting Neuschwanstein Fort on a day journey
It’s fairly straightforward to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Fort. It’s additionally straightforward to get a bus from Füssen as much as Schwangau (which is the place the Fort is). You may also tie a visit to Neuschwanstein in with a go to to Nuremberg Outdated City or Zugspitze- Germany’s Highest Mountain!
Are you able to keep in Neuschwanstein Fort?
Sadly, no. Wouldn’t that be so cool! Nonetheless, there’s a resort known as Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, which is correct subsequent to the citadel.
Watch our go to to Neuschwanstein Fort, Germany’s fairy story Fort
Earlier than we share our prime tricks to go to the citadel which impressed Walt Disney, watch a video of our go to. It is going to make all my ideas make a lot extra sense!!
Timeline of our go to to essentially the most well-known citadel in Germany!
Right here’s a tough timeline of our go to to Neuschwanstein Fort, so you may plan your individual go to:
- 08:30 Arrived at P4 automotive park (we had to enter the bus automotive park as we have been too lengthy for the Motorhome space)
- 08:35 Walked the two minutes to the ticket workplace and queued for about 4-5 minutes for tickets. We hadn’t booked prematurely.
- 08:58 (precise time on my pictures!) bought into Horse & Carriage
- 09:14 arrived at prime of the hill… after which realised we nonetheless needed to stroll UP. This took us about 20 minutes as we took plenty of pictures and Jade is the world’s slowest walker. Critically.
- Our tour was at 10:45 so we spent an hour strolling across the exterior taking pictures. We didn’t go to Marienbrücke bridge first- however we should always have!
- 10:45 When our tour was known as we entered by means of the computerized turnstile which scans your ticket; then met by our information who handed out earpieces so we may hear him with out him having to shout.
- 11:20 Tour completed. We walked as much as Marienbrucke bridge
- 11:45 At Marienbrucke Bridge. Spent a while taking pictures of the citadel from that unbelievable viewpoint. Determined to stroll all the best way again down the hill and save the poor horses within the warmth. Was a beautiful stroll on a correct path, but it surely’s slightly steep in locations.
- 12:20 Arrived again in Schwangau. Had lunch. Fainted at value. (This was our greatest mistake at Neuschwanstein. Extra on that quickly!)
Some individuals can climb the hill in 20 minutes apparently… I’m in awe of them. I reckon you may undoubtedly shave 10/quarter-hour off all our ‘strolling time’ when you have been in a rush, however the hill is STEEP!!
Planning your go to to Neuschwanstein Fort, Europe- prime ideas!
- Attempt to go to on a transparent, sunny day if in any respect doable. In any other case your view of the Fort could be obscured
- The hill as much as the Fort is VERY STEEP. Even when you get a bus/ horse up. Put on smart footwear and be ready to stare in horror!
- Get a ticket earlier than you go up the hill (see under!)
Getting tickets to go inside Neuschwanstein Fort
The very first thing to know- your entrance into the citadel is timed.
On the backside of the hill, close to Automotive Park 4 which is the place the horse and carriage go from, there’s a ticket workplace. Do NOT climb up the hill with out a ticket until you don’t wish to see inside, as you may’t purchase a ticket up there.
Every ticket has a time on it, and the excursions can be found in lots of languages. English excursions went roughly each half an hour and I assume that’s the identical for a lot of the languages (I consider the languages supplied varies, relying on workers availability. English & German are all the time out there.)
TOP TIP: Consider your time to get UP the hill whenever you’re selecting your tour time– it takes longer than you suppose, particularly if the buses aren’t working, which they weren’t throughout our go to initially of April.
Do it’s essential to e book tickets prematurely for Neuschwanstein?
You may (and in the summertime undoubtedly SHOULD) e book your tickets prematurely to make sure you get the time slot you need. Click on HERE for the official web site.)
When is Neuschwanstein Fort open for excursions?
Neuschwanstein Fort is open all yr aside from Christmas/ New 12 months, however opening occasions range. Examine their web site for full particulars and extra data.
How a lot does it value to go to Neuschwanstein Fort?
In 2018 ticket costs have been 13€/ grownup, underneath 18s free. You may also purchase a mixed ticket for entrance to a few of Ludwig’s different castles too- examine the web site for full data.
How you can rise up the hill to the citadel
There are three doable methods to rise up that VERY steep hill to go inside Neuschwanstein.
- Bus (if it’s working!)
- Horse and Cart
- Strolling
We needed to take the bus, which prices 1.80€ (tickets might be purchased on the bus) however, as a result of upkeep, they weren’t working that day. I don’t know if that is regular within the Spring or not.
As a substitute, we took the horse & carriage (6€/pp) which we thought can be a enjoyable expertise. Heck, I even sweet-talked one of many drivers to allow us to sit up entrance with him, proper behind the horses.
Our first mistake on visiting Neuschwanstein- the horse trip
Let me let you know one thing which is able to serve you properly for the remainder of your life– NEVER sit behind a horse. By no means, ever, ever.
Aside from watching the poor issues sweating & straining to cart (see what I did there?) us all up the very steep hill, they repeatedly broke wind.
Loudly & smellily. And one in all them let go way more than that, proper in entrance of our eyes.
It was, fairly frankly, not an expertise I might rush to repeat.
Having mentioned that, it’s a crazily steep hill and I’ve no want to stroll up it, though plenty of individuals do. So it’s your name.
How lengthy does the horse trip up the mountain take?
In complete, we queued for about 20-Half-hour on the backside of the hill and the journey up took about quarter-hour. So permit no less than lengthy between shopping for your tickets and the tour time.
Extra information on journey particulars might be discovered HERE
The bridge at Neuschwanstein Fort- Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge)
Would you like a photograph of your self with the citadel within the background?
Should you do, you must go onto a picket bridge, above a excessive gorge. Some individuals might not take pleasure in that.
The bridge known as Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) and is simply above the Fort. I consider the bus really has a drop-off level close to there.
Go to the bridge FIRST. As early within the morning as you may.
Plan your tour time round spending half an hour or so first doing the ‘bridge shot’.
How you can discover Marienbrucke
From the principle drop off space on the prime of the hill, comply with the signal for the bridge. Should you can’t see them, stroll up in direction of the citadel.
About midway up, proper subsequent to the citadel on the precise, you’ll see a steel gate with a ‘no-entry’ signal on it. If the gate is open, you’re good to undergo.
The signal is for when it’s locked. Stroll by means of right here and comply with the trail for about 10 minutes. It’s a reasonably steep climb (shocker!) so take breaks and permit further time when you suppose you’ll want it.
Finally, the indicators will level you as much as the left, the place you’ll discover the bridge. Should you’ve completed this all appropriately, you ought to be right here very first thing within the morning with VERY few individuals.
Subsequently, you may take as many pictures as you want of Neuschwanstein Fort with out being jostled, pushed and tutted at. If we went once more we’d DEFINITELY do the bridge first, as by the point we went it was fairly busy.
And in the summertime it will get CRAZY busy! I’m undecided I’d wish to go onto that bridge with an enormous jostling crowd on it.
What to put on to go to Neuschwanstein Fort
You’re going to be doing a LOT of strolling.
Up a mountain.
This isn’t the time for type (or heels.) Put on smart footwear and cozy clothes. (Truthfully, that is my motto for many of my travelling. I’ve by no means actually learnt how you can do cozy & trendy. Should you’ve sussed it, please ship ideas!)
You may carry water bottles into the citadel however anticipate your bag to be checked on arrival on the prime. I’d additionally advocate a hat if it’s sunny as there’s little or no shade.
NOTE: You can not take rucksacks, pushchairs, prams, youngster carriers or every other ‘cumbersome’ objects into the citadel. Pushchairs might be left outdoors however all the things else ought to be left in your automotive.
Diminished Mobility guests
You can not drive your automotive as much as the citadel, even in case you have diminished mobility. They ask you to e book your tickets no less than 48 hours prematurely and provides them discover that you just require further help.
Guide wheelchairs might be taken on the horse-drawn carriage, but it surely’s a STEEP climb after that (no less than 15%). I’m advised the buses have a reducing flooring, however they don’t take you all the best way to the doorway.
Apparently, there’s a particular taxi which might help you but it surely must be taken up the hill earlier than 10am, they usually’re not clear on how you’d get again down once more because the taxi shouldn’t be allowed up the mountain after 1pm. I believe the most secure factor to do can be to contact them prematurely to get clear help.
Going inside Neuschwanstein Fort
So, to recap, it’s best to have allowed your self no less than 90 minutes to rise up the hill, go to Marienbrucke bridge, take pictures/ wander round/ gawk on the unbelievable Disney citadel above you and dream about being Sleeping Magnificence/ Cinderella and so forth.
MAKE SURE you don’t miss the allotted time in your ticket. It isn’t a suggestion. In case you are not there inside 3 minutes of your time, you gained’t be allowed in. And there aren’t any refunds.
Cameras/ movies are forbidden inside the citadel. Which is a disgrace as the inside is beautiful.
(TIP- in the event that they see you together with your digital camera or telephone out, they win poor health shout. There are guards just about in every single place and offended shouty Germans are scary. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
How lengthy is the citadel tour at Neuschwanstein?
The tour across the inside of the citadel is definitely very fast, not more than 35 minutes. The guides are additionally on a strict schedule, so there isn’t a time to ask questions or have a look at something extra carefully as you go spherical, which is a little bit of a disgrace.
Having mentioned that, we’re not followers of lengthy, drawn-out Fort excursions, so it was fairly good for us. And there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to see- together with a fairytale grotto!
King Ludwig really constructed a grotto in his citadel. Give that man some respect!
Alas, I’ve no pictures, so that you’ll have to go see that for your self.
Neuschwanstein Fort- the historical past of the German fairytale citadel
Ludwig & Richard Wagner
King Ludwig (the person who commissioned Neuschwanstein Fort) was a devoted patron of the opera composer Richard Wagner. Some say his assist is the one purpose now we have heard of Wagner at this time.
Ludwig selected to embellish Neuschwanstein with photos of the medieval legends on which Wagner based mostly his operas. The art work and element across the rooms are staggering and extremely stunning. It’s such a disgrace the Fort was by no means completed… however then Bavaria would have gone bankrupt. Let me clarify.
A story of two castles
What I didn’t actually realise till we arrived (I need to be taught to analysis locations higher)is that there are literally TWO castles. Yep, two correct precise castles inside about half a mile of one another. It’s a powerful sight.
The yellow one known as Hohenschwangau and was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II.
I really like the saying that “Hohenschwangau was his actuality, however Neuschwanstein was his fantasy.”
For many who don’t know, King Ludwig II was King of Bavaria. He really grew to become King on his 18th Birthday in 1864 and began constructing castles virtually instantly.
He was younger, fanciful and filled with ‘infantile enthusiasm’ with grand concepts of what the monarchy ought to be. Sadly for the younger King, he was residing in a time of Conflict, and the function of the monarchy was altering quickly. He had been purchased as much as consider in elitism and ‘King by the grace of God’, however these have been now not the sentiments of his individuals or the nations round him. His function was really primarily ceremonial, with little or no energy.
To fight this, the King started to construct unbelievable & imposing castles. In addition to Neuschwanstein, he’s accountable for the constructing of Schloss Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, a partial reproduction of the Palace of Versailles.
He additionally constructed a royal condominium in Munich and had plans for a lot of different elaborate creations.
Hohenschwangau Fort- within the shadow of Neuschwanstein
You may go to Hohenschwangau citadel on the identical day as Neuschwanstein. Further charges apply (until to procure a mixed ticket) and it’s a straightforward (by comparability!) stroll from P4.
Admittedly, we didn’t go to it- I do know my household and there’s solely a lot strolling/ castles they’ll do in a day earlier than I get lynched. Travelling as a gaggle means compromises should be made… and on this case it was Hohenschwangau.
Folks have advised me that it’s value a go to when you notably take pleasure in structure or previous buildings, because the tour is longer and extra in-depth, but it surely pales compared to Neuschwanstein. Should you’ve been, let me know what you considered it.
Neuschwanstein Fort- the prices of constructing it
Ludwig began development on Neuschwanstein citadel in 1869, in addition to a number of different tasks, and virtually instantly the payments spiralled uncontrolled. Certainly, he spent cash so quick and so thoughtlessly that he virtually bankrupted the Kingdom of Bavaria.
With solely 15 out of the 60 rooms within the citadel accomplished, Ludwig discovered himself the equal of 8 million USD in debt. By 1885, with the citadel not even half completed, the banks threatened to take all of it away.
In June 1886, in what seems to be a determined try to cease his spending, King Ludwig was declared ‘insane’ and brought away to Berg Palace in Munich. Lower than 24 hours later, he was discovered lifeless in a lake, regardless of being a wonderful swimmer.
No-one ever decided the reason for his loss of life and the Royal Household have refused all requests to exhume the physique to seek out out. They began to name him ‘Mad’ King Ludwig however I don’t consider he was. I believe he was only a unhappy, lonely, and flamboyant younger man whose solely escapism was dreaming up unbelievable & foolhardy buildings to create and revel in.
The unhappy factor is that the citadel which nearly bankrupted the nation is now one in all its most profitable and profitable vacationer points of interest. Lower than 7 weeks after Ludwig’s loss of life, the citadel was opened to guests as a vacationer attraction. It has by no means been completed.
The place to eat at Neuschwanstein- our second Mistake!
We didn’t see a restaurant in Neuschwanstein itself, however there have been a few eating places on the prime of the hill. As you would possibly anticipate, these are costly.
There are LOADS of cafes and eating places in Schwangau on the backside of the hill close to P4 parking. Critically, it’s a whole avenue filled with consuming institutions and vacationer outlets.
Our mistake
DO NOT go to the primary cafe on the nook by the horse & carriage. I imply, you can- it was good sufficient, however the menu was very restricted, the service was ‘meh’ and the value was extortionate. 85€ for 3 of us for lunch!!!
With no alcohol and just one course. Loopy costs.
If we’d solely used our brains (which I admit have been slightly drained & sun-addled at this level) we’d have walked 50m additional down the street and located someplace higher. I predict the costs listed below are all fairly steep, however on the best way out we noticed Bratwurst stalls and plenty of different consuming locations which might have been quite a bit cheaper and possibly extra satisfying.
How lengthy do you have to permit for a go to to Neuschwanstein?
Our go to took about 5 hours from automotive park to return to the motorhome, together with a cease for lunch. That was a reasonably leisurely tempo in April, with out too many crowds and together with a stroll again down the mountain within the sunshine.
Neuschwanstein Fort- Enjoyable info
- ‘Neuschwanstein’ means ‘New Swan Stone Fort’
- The citadel was cutting-edge. Ludwig even had phone strains put in.
- There was sizzling air central heating
- The kitchen had sizzling & chilly working water
- The bogs had computerized flushes
- The partitions are regular brick, with the white color coming from Limestone cladding, which wants commonly changing. That’s why many pictures of Neuschwanstein have some type of scaffolding in them.
- The constructing shouldn’t be secure and needs to be monitored consistently for motion!
- Over 6000 individuals go to day by day in summer season
- The second flooring and plenty of rooms are nonetheless unfinished
- There was NEVER a throne within the throne room.
- Ludwig solely lived in Neuschwanstein for six months earlier than his loss of life
Wish to see extra stunning castles? Oh ok- listed below are 16 of the perfect Castles in Southern Germany!
Have you ever ever visited Neuschwanstein? Would you prefer to? Let me know within the feedback below- I’d love to listen to your ideas.
