Heard concerning the real-life Disney fort in Germany? Questioning what Cinderella’s or Sleeping Magnificence’s fort is modelled after? It REALLY is an precise fort, in Germany, referred to as Neuschwanstein Citadel 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 fort, you may really go INSIDE Neuschwanstein- and boy is it price it!! Who knew the Disney fort had a grotto?!!?
In the event you’re planning a visit to Germany’s fairytale castles, dreaming about being Cinderella or visiting Sleeping Magnificence’s palace, this information will inform you every part it’s worthwhile to know, together with whether or not Neuschwanstein Citadel actually lives as much as the hype, how greatest to go to the Citadel, what NOT to do (you didn’t assume 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 sights in Germany.
What’s the Disney Citadel modeled after?
Once you consider Fairytale Castles, what springs to thoughts? Does it look something like this?
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 Citadel is primarily based upon an ACTUAL real-life fairytale fort? In Germany. You could go to, and stroll round. It’s referred to as Neuschwanstein Citadel.
Apparently, Mr Walt Disney noticed an image of Neuschwanstein Citadel and immediately fell in love with it. He visited the Citadel along with his spouse and shortly afterwards the Sleeping Magnificence fort appeared.
Cinderella’s fort additionally bears a putting resemblance to Neuschwanstein!
I’m unsure after I grew to become conscious that the Citadel was an actual place. Most likely not that way back, however ever since I’ve been desperately wanting to go to the fort and see it for myself.
The place is the Sleeping Magnificence and Cinderella Citadel?
Neuschwanstein Citadel is positioned in Bavaria, Germany, about an hour south of Munich. You’ll be able to simply go to Neuschwanstein in a day journey from Munich, however should you get an opportunity to go to the world for longer, take it!
The total handle of Neuschwanstein Citadel is: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Are you able to go contained in the Disney Citadel?
Yep! A couple of third of Neuschwanstein is open to the general public, and excursions occur most days. You’ll be able to ONLY go to on a tour (extra on that later!)
Does anybody reside in Neuschwanstein Citadel?
Neuschwanstein Citadel isn’t occupied. The explanation solely a 3rd is open to the general public is that’s all of the rooms which had been completed earlier than the Citadel (and nation!) ran out of cash. It’s a extremely unhappy story which I’ll share under.
Is Neuschwanstein Citadel essentially the most well-known Citadel in Germany?
Very presumably. It’s actually one of the crucial visited. Over 1.5 MILLION folks visited Neuschwanstein Citadel in 2017.
1.5 MILLION. In a single yr.
That’s a heck of lots of people. There’s a purpose Germany is known for having one of the best fairy story castles within the world- they’ve among the greatest castles in Europe.
When is one of the best time to go to Neuschwanstein Citadel?
One of the best time to go to this fairytale fort is NOT IN SUMMER. Bear in mind these 1.5 million folks? Most of them arrive between June-September. I’ve heard the crowds are ridiculous.
Having stated that, in case your solely possibility 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 fort price ready for!
We visited in April, within the Easter Holidays and that was pretty busy, however bearable. You may also go to Neuschwanstein Citadel within the winter – it seems wonderful within the snow, however do watch out when planning a street journey in winter.
Causes to go to Neuschwanstein Citadel 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 stated 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 had 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 should you’re not roadtripping Europe in a camper.
- The employees 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’d count on these smiles to be barely extra strained by the top of summer season!
- The forests are at their greatest. We walked again by way of the woods down the hill and it was simply attractive.
Methods to go to the Disney Citadel on a day journey
Neuschwanstein is definitely reached from Munich (it’s about 90-minute drive.) Which suggests you could possibly simply go to Neuschwanstein as a part of a metropolis break or throughout that almost all superior of all superior celebrations- Oktoberfest! In the event you’re planning to go to, remember to e book your desk reservations to Oktoberfest upfront!
Different fairytale castles in Southern Germany and Europe
In the event you’re searching for different inspiring castles (and actually, who isn’t?) listed here are another posts it is best to try:
[irp posts=”5827″ name=”16 Amazing Fairytale Castles in Southern Germany (with map!)”]
[irp posts=”5330″ name=”Hohenzollern Castle”]
[irp posts=”4902″ name=”Tintagel Castle & Merlin’s Cave”]
Tricks to go to Neuschwanstein Citadel
We extremely suggest staying in a single day the night time earlier than you wish to go to the Citadel, as we consider one of the best time to go is within the morning. Very first thing within the morning. Like, as early as you presumably can. So getting a spot to remain the night time earlier than is a superb concept.
Tenting close to Neuschwanstein Citadel
Campsite for Motorhomes
We visited Neuschwanstein Citadel whereas motorhoming in Germany.
We stayed at a motorhome campsite close to Neuschwanstein Citadel at Schwangau, a couple of 5-minute drive away from the Citadel 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.
Lodges close to the Disney Citadel
In the event you’re not in a camper van, one of the best place to remain is Füssen- the closest city and a extremely fairly place to go to. You may even get a view of Sleeping Magnificence’s fort out of your bed room!
Füssen has a number of resorts, B&B’s and so forth and is definitely reached by automobile, practice or organised tour from Munich (right here’s a enjoyable information to Munich).
Visiting Neuschwanstein Citadel on a day journey
It’s fairly straightforward to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Citadel. It’s additionally straightforward to get a bus from Füssen as much as Schwangau (which is the place the Citadel 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 Citadel?
Sadly, no. Wouldn’t that be so cool! Nonetheless, there’s a resort referred to as Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, which is true subsequent to the fort.
Watch our go to to Neuschwanstein Citadel, Germany’s fairy story Citadel
Earlier than we share our prime tricks to go to the fort which impressed Walt Disney, watch a video of our go to. It should make all my ideas make a lot extra sense!!
Timeline of our go to to essentially the most well-known fort in Germany!
Right here’s a tough timeline of our go to to Neuschwanstein Citadel, so you may plan your individual go to:
- 08:30 Arrived at P4 automobile park (we had to enter the bus automobile park as we had 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 upfront.
- 08:58 (precise time on my pictures!) received 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 a number 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 referred to as we entered by way of the automated 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 fort 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, however it’s somewhat steep in locations.
- 12:20 Arrived again in Schwangau. Had lunch. Fainted at price. (This was our largest mistake at Neuschwanstein. Extra on that quickly!)
Some folks can climb the hill in 20 minutes apparently… I’m in awe of them. I reckon you could possibly positively shave 10/quarter-hour off all our ‘strolling time’ should you had been in a rush, however the hill is STEEP!!
Planning your go to to Neuschwanstein Citadel, 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 Citadel is perhaps obscured
- The hill as much as the Citadel is VERY STEEP. Even should you get a bus/ horse up. Put on wise 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 Citadel
The very first thing to know- your entrance into the fort 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 no 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 many of the languages (I consider the languages provided varies, relying on employees availability. English & German are at all times out there.)
TOP TIP: Think about your time to get UP the hill if you’re selecting your tour time– it takes longer than you assume, particularly if the buses aren’t operating, which they weren’t throughout our go to firstly of April.
Do it’s worthwhile to e book tickets upfront for Neuschwanstein?
You’ll be able to (and in the summertime positively SHOULD) e book your tickets upfront to make sure you get the time slot you need. Click on HERE for the official web site.)
When is Neuschwanstein Citadel open for excursions?
Neuschwanstein Citadel is open all yr aside from Christmas/ New Yr, however opening instances range. Examine their web site for full particulars and extra info.
How a lot does it price to go to Neuschwanstein Citadel?
In 2018 ticket costs had been 13€/ grownup, below 18s free. You may also purchase a mixed ticket for entrance to a few of Ludwig’s different castles too- verify the web site for full info.
Methods to rise up the hill to the fort
There are three doable methods to rise up that VERY steep hill to go inside Neuschwanstein.
- Bus (if it’s operating!)
- Horse and Cart
- Strolling
We needed to take the bus, which prices 1.80€ (tickets might be purchased on the bus) however, as a consequence of upkeep, they weren’t operating that day. I don’t know if that is regular within the Spring or not.
As an alternative, we took the horse & carriage (6€/pp) which we thought could 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 inform you one thing which can serve you nicely 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’d rush to repeat.
Having stated that, it’s a crazily steep hill and I’ve no want to stroll up it, though a number of folks do. So it’s your name.
How lengthy does the horse trip up the mountain take?
In whole, we queued for about 20-Half-hour on the backside of the hill and the journey up took about quarter-hour. So permit not less than lengthy between shopping for your tickets and the tour time.
Extra data on journey particulars might be discovered HERE
The bridge at Neuschwanstein Citadel- Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge)
Would you like a photograph of your self with the fort within the background?
In the event you do, you must go onto a picket bridge, above a excessive gorge. Some folks might not take pleasure in that.
The bridge is named Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) and is simply above the Citadel. 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’.
Methods to discover Marienbrucke
From the primary drop off space on the prime of the hill, comply with the signal for the bridge. In the event you can’t see them, stroll up in direction of the fort.
About midway up, proper subsequent to the fort on the best, 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 way of right here and comply with the trail for about 10 minutes. It’s a reasonably steep climb (shocker!) so take breaks and permit additional time should you assume you’ll want it.
Ultimately, the indicators will level you as much as the left, the place you’ll discover the bridge. In the event you’ve achieved this all appropriately, try to be right here very first thing within the morning with VERY few folks.
Subsequently, you may take as many pictures as you want of Neuschwanstein Citadel 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 unsure I’d wish to go onto that bridge with an enormous jostling crowd on it.
What to put on to go to Neuschwanstein Citadel
You’re going to be doing a LOT of strolling.
Up a mountain.
This isn’t the time for model (or heels.) Put on wise footwear and comfortable clothes. (Actually, that is my motto for many of my travelling. I’ve by no means actually learnt learn how to do cozy & trendy. In the event you’ve sussed it, please ship ideas!)
You’ll be able to convey water bottles into the fort however count on your bag to be checked on arrival on the prime. I’d additionally suggest a hat if it’s sunny as there’s little or no shade.
NOTE: You can not take rucksacks, pushchairs, prams, little one carriers or some other ‘cumbersome’ gadgets into the fort. Pushchairs might be left outdoors however every part else ought to be left in your automobile.
Decreased Mobility guests
You can not drive your automobile as much as the fort, even when you have diminished mobility. They ask you to e book your tickets not less than 48 hours upfront and provides them discover that you simply require extra help.
Handbook wheelchairs might be taken on the horse-drawn carriage, however it’s a STEEP climb after that (not less than 15%). I’m informed 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 will help you however it must be taken up the hill earlier than 10am, and so they’re not clear on how you’d get again down once more because the taxi just isn’t allowed up the mountain after 1pm. I believe the most secure factor to do could be to contact them upfront to get clear help.
Going inside Neuschwanstein Citadel
So, to recap, it is best to have allowed your self not less than 90 minutes to rise up the hill, go to Marienbrucke bridge, take pictures/ wander round/ gawk on the unbelievable Disney fort 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 fort. Which is a disgrace as the inside is gorgeous.
(TIP- in the event that they see you together with your digital camera or telephone out, they wailing 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 fort tour at Neuschwanstein?
The tour across the inside of the fort is definitely very fast, not more than 35 minutes. The guides are additionally on a strict schedule, so there is no such thing as a time to ask questions or take a look at something extra carefully as you go spherical, which is a little bit of a disgrace.
Having stated that, we’re not followers of lengthy, drawn-out Citadel 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 fort. Give that man some respect!
Alas, I’ve no pictures, so that you’ll have to go see that for your self.
Neuschwanstein Citadel- the historical past of the German fairytale fort
Ludwig & Richard Wagner
King Ludwig (the person who commissioned Neuschwanstein Citadel) was a devoted patron of the opera composer Richard Wagner. Some say his help is the one purpose we now have heard of Wagner at the moment.
Ludwig selected to embellish Neuschwanstein with photos of the medieval legends on which Wagner primarily based his operas. The paintings and element across the rooms are staggering and extremely stunning. It’s such a disgrace the Citadel 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 have to study 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 is named 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 individuals 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 dwelling in a time of Battle, 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 had been now not the emotions of his folks or the nations round him. His function was really primarily ceremonial, with little or no energy.
To fight this, the King started to construct incredible & imposing castles. In addition to Neuschwanstein, he’s answerable 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 Citadel- within the shadow of Neuschwanstein
You’ll be able to go to Hohenschwangau fort on the identical day as Neuschwanstein. Extra charges apply (until you got 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 will do in a day earlier than I get lynched. Travelling as a gaggle means compromises must be made… and on this case it was Hohenschwangau.
Individuals have informed me that it’s price a go to should you notably take pleasure in structure or outdated buildings, because the tour is longer and extra in-depth, however it pales compared to Neuschwanstein. In the event you’ve been, let me know what you considered it.
Neuschwanstein Citadel- the prices of constructing it
Ludwig began development on Neuschwanstein fort in 1869, in addition to a number of different initiatives, 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 fort accomplished, Ludwig discovered himself the equal of 8 million USD in debt. By 1885, with the fort 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 superb swimmer.
No-one ever decided the reason for his demise 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 luxuriate in.
The unhappy factor is that the fort which nearly bankrupted the nation is now one in all its most profitable and profitable vacationer sights. Lower than 7 weeks after Ludwig’s demise, the fort 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 may count on, 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 complete road 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 had been somewhat drained & sun-addled at this level) we’d have walked 50m additional down the street and located someplace higher. I predict the costs listed here 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 doubtless extra satisfying.
How lengthy must you permit for a go to to Neuschwanstein?
Our go to took about 5 hours from automobile 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 Citadel- Enjoyable info
- ‘Neuschwanstein’ means ‘New Swan Stone Citadel’
- The fort was state-of-the-art. Ludwig even had phone traces put in.
- There was scorching air central heating
- The kitchen had scorching & chilly operating water
- The bogs had automated flushes
- The partitions are regular brick, with the white color coming from Limestone cladding, which wants repeatedly changing. That’s why many pictures of Neuschwanstein have some kind of scaffolding in them.
- The constructing just isn’t secure and must be monitored always for motion!
- Over 6000 folks 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 demise
Wish to see extra stunning castles? Oh ok- listed here are 16 of one of the best Castles in Southern Germany!
Have you ever ever visited Neuschwanstein? Would you wish to? Let me know within the feedback below- I’d love to listen to your ideas.
