Detailed review by yankin
yankin(28)
Birmingham, United Kingdom99%
The castle Neuschwanstein is an impressive spectacle. However, it is disappointing, that the guided tours are so short!
Neuschwanstein Castle7
Ratings
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Accessibility
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"Must See"-Factor
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Budget Friendliness
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Architecture
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Condition
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SHORT HISTORY
Bavarian king Ludwig II spent his youth in the Hohenschwangau castle, which was surrounded by fir forest and had a lake just at the feet of the castle. That, subsequently, had an influence on the Neschwanstein castle, his most ambitious project, that he decided to realize. And so the fairy tale castle was built between 1869 and 1886.
Obsessed by the idea of the ideal castle, Ludwig II was spending a lot of money on to it's construction. In turn, his mother was dissatisfied with it and Parliament was trying everything possible to reduce the cost of it. Maybe that led to the declaration, made by a special state commission, recognizing the King of being insane.
What is more interesting, is the death of the King 3 days later. His body was found together with his doctor's in the lake Starnberger. The mystery of his death was never disclosed. However, there are many stories and legends about it. And until nowadays there still remains a wooden cross in memory of the king Ludwig II on the shore of the lake.
SURROUNDINGS AND FIND A WAY
The castle stands on the hill in about 20-40 minutes walk from the ticket office. It is also possible to get there riding on the horse carriages, but for a fee, of course. This used to cost 3 Euros. You can also choose the walking path between long and pleasant or short, but steep.
Surrounded by the fir forest, it is definitely a precious piece of nature. Once you got to the top, you are free to use public toilets and get a rest at the platform right at the foot of the castle. It opens a wonderful view onto the mountains and part of Neuschwanstein castle.
Once you enjoyed the view from the platform, go further up. You then will get to the back of the castle. If you will follow the walking path, it will eventually bring you to the gates. Pass through it and you are free to walk around and make pictures, while waiting for the tour to begin. Once the lit number correspondents with the one on your ticket - that is it.
IN THE CASTLE
THRONE HALL is the room you get to see first! It wasn't finished, but still impressive. Wall paintings equating the saints, the Jesus and 6 kings. The floor has a mosaic finish. Above us (our guided group) hanged precious chandelier in the form of a Byzantine crown of gilded copper. It was intended for 96 candles!!! This room is gorgeous, but you can't really walk around due to some restrictions.
DINING ROOM is a mix of paintings and oak. In the middle of the room stands a figure on the dining table. It depicts the battle of Siegfried with the dragon and is made of gilt bronze. The food used to be transported to the room in an elevator from the kitchen.
BEDROOM is the most impressive room in the whole castle! The wall paintings are mainly devoted to the history of Tristan and Isolde. The whole room is a mix of deep brown and soft blue colours and the neo-gothic style. Many pieces as well as the bed are made of oak. 14 woodcarvers (!!!) were working on this room for many years.
The bedroom adjoins a small CHAPEL. It is devoted to the Louis IX of France. And as the bedroom, it is carried out in the neo-gothic style.
DRESSING ROOM impresses with the ceiling. It is painted that way, that you feel sky above you - very beautiful. It gives this room some sort of simplicity and freedom. Another element of the room is the most beautiful door trim on the door that leads to the living room.
The attention in the LIVING ROOM attracts the big white swan (a container for plants or flowers) and the small room, separated by columns. The saga of Lohengrin is the theme of the wall paintings. The swan motives are seen as well on the curtains and coverings. The soft blue colour is adding the appearance of the room some freshness. And the chandelier finishes the look.
One level higher is situated the SINGERS' HALL. It occupies the biggest part of the 4th floor. Once you stepped in you feel the whole mighty of the hall. However, it is a combination of the Festival Hall and the Singers' Hall. Wall paintings are telling the saga of Parzival and the Holly Grail. The ceiling adorns 3 gorgeous chandeliers, but around the hall are plenty of candlesticks.
On the way out our group past the KITCHEN, which looked spacious and empty.
SOME INFORMATION
Guided tours are available in English and German. It is possible to get the Audio guided tours as well. ( In my opinion, if you do understand German, it is the best choice.) Tours are about 25-40 minutes long.
On the busy periods, I got an impression, that they are trying to make the tour shorter, to get as many groups as they can. As well the groups are large and when you are in a small room, like "Bedroom" it is impossible to walk around the way you would like it.
The ticket for the Neuschwanstein castle can be purchased also as the combo-ticket for two castles (Hohenschwangau castle), which will be cheaper. To have a look at the price and opening times, I think is better online.
The queue in the morning in front of the ticket office is definitely nothing compare to the one in the afternoon. Because this place is so popular among the tourists, it might take up to 10 minutes to get to the tickets on the busy days. It might be even longer.
There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and kiosks to get you through the day. Kiosks are also offering souvenirs.
We arrived by car. The parking space is of a good size, but expensive!
Another way of getting here is by bus from Füssen. Bus routes 73 and 78.
