A Real Life Fairy-Tale: Castle Hunting in Germany
One of my favorite things about Europe, is the charming architecture that so many buildings possess. From Gothic cathedrals to Romanesque castles, each structure tells a story. Exploring The Castles of King Ludwig II in Germany, is like walking through a fairy tale. From the extravagant Neuschwanstein Castle to the lavish Linderhof Palace, I lived A Real Life Fairy-Tale Castle Hunting in Germany.
Getting There
The Castles of King Ludwig II are located in the southern part of Germany just north of Austria. This made the drive from where I was staying in Innsbruck, Austria very simple as the castles were only an hour and a half bus ride away. While the nearest airport is in Innsbruck, flying into Munich may be a better alternative because there are more flight options.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Perched on a hilltop in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is the epitome of a real life fairy tale. The timeless charm of the castle transports you to a land far, far away and truly makes you feel like you’re in the company of royalty. Walking up to the castle, its beauty captivated me as it peaked through the trees. This castle was actually used as inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Like I said, it’s a real life fairy tale!
Linderhof Palace
With a perfect backdrop of the Alps, Linderhof Palace is a picturesque castle that blends natural beauty with charming architecture. The eloquently manicured gardens, full of colorful flowers, and decorative features made this palace a great place to stroll around for the afternoon. Walking through the gardens, allowed me to see the complexity of the design and all the details around the palace. The fountain, that can rise up to 72 feet, was one of my favorite features.
Herrenchiemsee Palace
While I only visited two of King Ludwig II’s Castles, the third castle he built was the Herrenchiemsee Palace. This castle was intended to rival the grandeur of Versailles in Paris; however, by the time King Ludwig II died in 1886 the palace was still incomplete, so he never got to see the finished product. Known for its lavish decorations and breathtaking architecture, this palace is definitely on my list of castles to visit next time I’m in Germany.
Photo: Guido Radig | Wikimedia Commons