Visit Hohenschwangau Castle | Explore King Ludwig II’s legacy

Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria's fairytale escape

Nestled amidst the Bavarian Alps, Hohenschwangau Castle isn't just another historic site. It's a glimpse into the life of a real-life fairytale king, Ludwig II. Built by his father, Maximilian II, as a summer retreat, the 19th-century castle boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a rich interior adorned with frescoes. Beyond its beauty, Hohenschwangau holds historical weight. It was Ludwig's childhood playground, sparking his lifelong fascination with medieval knights and Arthurian legends—a fantasy reflected in his more famous creation, Neuschwanstein Castle. A visit to Hohenschwangau offers a captivating look at the roots of a king who continues to inspire.

Who built the Hohenschwangau Castle?

Crown Prince Maximilian, later King Maximilian II of Bavaria, discovered the ruins of a medieval castle called Schwanstein while on a hike in 1819. Enchanted by the location, he purchased the ruins and embarked on an ambitious project to rebuild them in the Romantic architectural style. Construction lasted from 1833 to 1837. Maximilian envisioned Hohenschwangau not just as a residence but as a homage to medieval German history and legends. The resulting castle reflected his passion for knighthood and sagas, becoming a retreat for him and his family, including his son, the future King Ludwig II.

History of the Hohenschwangau Castle

• Origins (1819): Crown Prince Maximilian, later King Maximilian II of Bavaria, discovered the ruins of a medieval castle called Schwanstein while on a hike. He was enchanted by the location and decided to buy the ruins.
• Transformation (1833-1837):  Maximilian II envisioned Hohenschangau not just as a residence but as a homage to medieval German history and legends. He embarked on an ambitious project to rebuild the castle in the Romantic architectural style. The resulting castle reflected his passion for knighthood and sagas, becoming a retreat for him and his family, including his son, the future King Ludwig II.
• Royal inspiration (Mid-19th Century): King Ludwig II spent much of his childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle. The castle's beauty and its connection to medieval legends would leave a lasting impression on him.
• A new dream (1868): After he acceded to the throne, Ludwig II set out to build a “New Hohenschwangau Castle"—what we know today as Neuschwanstein Castle. He envisioned Neuschwanstein to be an even more impressive recreation of a medieval-style castle, a fairy-tale vision of monarchy.
• Shifting plans (1868-1886): The construction of Neuschwanstein was a complex and ever-evolving project. Ludwig II was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his desire to incorporate modern features into the castle. This, along with the challenging mountaintop building site, caused delays. As the project progressed, Ludwig II also made changes to the plans, such as replacing guest rooms with a grand Throne Room.
• Legacy (1886-Present): Neuschwanstein was never fully completed. Ludwig II died in 1886, and the castle was opened to the public as a museum shortly thereafter. Today, both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles are popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.