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 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 fort, you possibly can truly 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 you must know, together with whether or not Neuschwanstein Fort actually lives as much as the hype, how finest to go to the Fort, what NOT to do (you didn’t assume this go to was going to go easily, did you!?!), and ideas & tips 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 fort, and it’s at the beginning of most Disney motion pictures, 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 you understand that the Disney Fort is based mostly upon an ACTUAL real-life fairytale fort? In Germany. Which you can go to, and stroll round. It’s referred to as Neuschwanstein Fort.
Apparently, Mr Walt Disney noticed an image of Neuschwanstein Fort and immediately fell in love with it. He visited the Fort together with his spouse and shortly afterwards the Sleeping Magnificence fort appeared.
Cinderella’s fort additionally bears a hanging resemblance to Neuschwanstein!
I’m undecided after 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 fort and see it for myself.
The place is the Sleeping Magnificence and Cinderella Fort?
Neuschwanstein Fort is situated 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 in the event you get an opportunity to go to the world for longer, take it!
The total handle of Neuschwanstein Fort is: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Are you able to go contained in the Disney Fort?
Yep! A few 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 dwell 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 extremely unhappy story which I’ll share under.
Is Neuschwanstein Fort probably the most well-known Fort in Germany?
Very probably. It’s definitely one of the crucial visited. Over 1.5 MILLION folks visited Neuschwanstein Fort in 2017.
1.5 MILLION. In a single 12 months.
That’s a heck of lots of people. There’s a cause Germany is known for having the most effective fairy story castles within the world- they’ve a few of the finest castles in Europe.
When is the most effective time to go to Neuschwanstein Fort?
The most effective 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 choice is to go to in excessive season or not go to in any respect, then go to.
Significantly, this is likely one of 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. It’s also possible to 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 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 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 in the event 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 principle, however I’d count on these smiles to be barely extra strained by the tip of summer season!
- The forests are at their finest. We walked again by way of the woods down the hill and it was simply beautiful.
Tips on how to go to the Disney Fort on a day journey
Neuschwanstein is definitely reached from Munich (it’s about 90-minute drive.) Which suggests you would simply go to Neuschwanstein as a part of a metropolis break or throughout that the majority superior of all superior celebrations- Oktoberfest! In the event you’re planning to go to, remember to e-book your desk reservations to Oktoberfest prematurely!
Different fairytale castles in Southern Germany and Europe
In the event you’re in search of different inspiring castles (and actually, who isn’t?) listed below are another posts you need to take a look at:
Tricks to go to Neuschwanstein Fort
We extremely advocate staying in a single day the night time earlier than you need to go to the Fort, as we consider the most effective 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.
Motels close to the Disney Fort
In the event you’re not in a camper van, the most effective 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 lot of inns, B&B’s and so forth and is definitely reached by automobile, prepare or organised tour from Munich (right here’s a enjoyable information to Munich).
Visiting Neuschwanstein Fort on a day journey
It’s fairly simple to get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Fort. It’s additionally simple to get a bus from Füssen as much as Schwangau (which is the place the Fort is). It’s also possible to tie a visit to Neuschwanstein in with a go to to Nuremberg Previous 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 referred to as Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, which is correct subsequent to the fort.
Watch our go to to Neuschwanstein Fort, Germany’s fairy story Fort
Earlier than we share our prime tricks to go to the fort which impressed Walt Disney, watch a video of our go to. It’s going to make all my ideas make a lot extra sense!!
Timeline of our go to to probably the most well-known fort in Germany!
Right here’s a tough timeline of our go to to Neuschwanstein Fort, so you possibly can plan your individual go to:
- 08:30 Arrived at P4 automobile park (we had to enter the bus automobile 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 (actual time on my pictures!) obtained 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 lot of pictures and Jade is the world’s slowest walker. Significantly.
- 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 must 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 way in which again down the hill and save the poor horses within the warmth. Was a beautiful stroll on a correct path, but it surely’s a bit of steep in locations.
- 12:20 Arrived again in Schwangau. Had lunch. Fainted at price. (This was our greatest 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 would positively shave 10/quarter-hour off all our ‘strolling time’ in the event 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 in the event 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 Fort
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 out a ticket except you don’t need to see inside, as you possibly can’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 all the time obtainable.)
TOP TIP: Consider your time to get UP the hill while you’re selecting your tour time– it takes longer than you assume, particularly if the buses aren’t working, which they weren’t throughout our go to at the start of April.
Do you must e-book tickets prematurely for Neuschwanstein?
You’ll be able to (and in the summertime positively 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 12 months apart from Christmas/ New 12 months, however opening occasions differ. Verify their web site for full particulars and extra data.
How a lot does it price to go to Neuschwanstein Fort?
In 2018 ticket costs have been 13€/ grownup, beneath 18s free. It’s also possible to purchase a mixed ticket for entrance to a few of Ludwig’s different castles too- examine the web site for full data.
Tips on how to stand up the hill to the fort
There are three doable methods to stand 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 could be purchased on the bus) however, as a consequence of upkeep, they weren’t working 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 experience
Let me inform you one thing which is able to serve you effectively 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 among them let go rather 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 lot of folks do. So it’s your name.
How lengthy does the horse experience 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 a minimum of lengthy between shopping for your tickets and the tour time.
Extra data on journey particulars could be discovered HERE
The bridge at Neuschwanstein Fort- Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge)
Would you like a photograph of your self with the fort within the background?
In the event you do, it’s important to 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 Fort. I consider the bus truly has a drop-off level close to there.
Go to the bridge FIRST. As early within the morning as you possibly can.
Plan your tour time round spending half an hour or so first doing the ‘bridge shot’.
Tips on how to discover Marienbrucke
From the principle drop off space on the prime of the hill, observe 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 fitting, you’ll see a metallic 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 observe the trail for about 10 minutes. It’s a reasonably steep climb (shocker!) so take breaks and permit further time in the event you assume you’ll want it.
Finally, the indicators will level you as much as the left, the place you’ll discover the bridge. In the event you’ve completed this all accurately, you ought to be right here very first thing within the morning with VERY few folks.
Subsequently, you possibly can take as many pictures as you want of Neuschwanstein Fort with out being jostled, pushed and tutted at. If we went once more we might 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 need 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 model (or heels.) Put on wise footwear and comfortable clothes. (Truthfully, that is my motto for many of my travelling. I’ve by no means actually learnt find out how to do comfortable & trendy. In the event you’ve sussed it, please ship ideas!)
You’ll be able to carry water bottles into the fort however count on 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’t take rucksacks, pushchairs, prams, baby carriers or another ‘cumbersome’ gadgets into the fort. Pushchairs could be left exterior however every part else must be left in your automobile.
Decreased Mobility guests
You can’t drive your automobile as much as the fort, even in case you have diminished mobility. They ask you to e-book your tickets a minimum of 48 hours prematurely and provides them discover that you simply require further help.
Guide wheelchairs could be taken on the horse-drawn carriage, but it surely’s a STEEP climb after that (a minimum of 15%). I’m advised the buses have a reducing ground, however they don’t take you all the way in which to the doorway.
Apparently, there’s a particular taxi which may 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 is just not allowed up the mountain after 1pm. I believe the most secure factor to do could be to contact them prematurely to get clear help.
Going inside Neuschwanstein Fort
So, to recap, you need to have allowed your self a minimum of 90 minutes to stand 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’s not a suggestion. If you’re not there inside 3 minutes of your time, you received’t be allowed in. And there aren’t any refunds.
Cameras/ movies are forbidden throughout the fort. Which is a disgrace as the inside is beautiful.
(TIP- in the event that they see you along with your digicam or cellphone out, they wsick 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 isn’t any 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 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 truly constructed a grotto in his fort. Give that man some respect!
Alas, I’ve no pictures, so that you’ll must go see that for your self.
Neuschwanstein Fort- the historical past of the German fairytale fort
Ludwig & Richard Wagner
King Ludwig (the person who commissioned Neuschwanstein Fort) was a devoted patron of the opera composer Richard Wagner. Some say his help is the one cause we’ve got heard of Wagner right now.
Ludwig selected to brighten Neuschwanstein with photographs of the medieval legends on which Wagner based mostly his operas. The paintings 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 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 formidable sight.
The yellow one is named Hohenschwangau and was the childhood house of King Ludwig II.
I 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 truly grew to become King on his 18th Birthday in 1864 and began constructing castles nearly instantly.
He was younger, fanciful and filled with ‘infantile enthusiasm’ with grand concepts of what the monarchy must be. Sadly for the younger King, he was dwelling 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 not the sentiments of his folks or the international locations round him. His function was truly primarily ceremonial, with little or no energy.
To fight this, the King started to construct improbable & 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’ll be able to go to Hohenschwangau fort on the identical day as Neuschwanstein. Extra charges apply (except to procure a mixed ticket) and it’s a simple (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 should be made… and on this case it was Hohenschwangau.
Folks have advised me that it’s price a go to in the event 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. In the event you’ve been, let me know what you considered it.
Neuschwanstein Fort- the prices of constructing it
Ludwig began building on Neuschwanstein fort in 1869, in addition to a number of different initiatives, and nearly instantly the payments spiralled uncontrolled. Certainly, he spent cash so quick and so thoughtlessly that he nearly 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 and cease his spending, King Ludwig was declared ‘insane’ and brought away to Berg Palace in Munich. Lower than 24 hours later, he was discovered useless 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 just about bankrupted the nation is now one among its most profitable and profitable vacationer points of interest. 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. Significantly, it’s a whole 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 have been a bit of 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 way in which out we noticed Bratwurst stalls and lots of different consuming locations which might have been so much 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 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 Fort- Enjoyable details
- ‘Neuschwanstein’ means ‘New Swan Stone Fort’
- The fort was cutting-edge. Ludwig even had phone traces put in.
- There was scorching air central heating
- The kitchen had scorching & chilly working water
- The bathrooms had automated flushes
- The partitions are regular brick, with the white color coming from Limestone cladding, which wants often changing. That’s why many pictures of Neuschwanstein have some type of scaffolding in them.
- The constructing is just not secure and must be monitored continuously for motion!
- Over 6000 folks go to daily in summer season
- The second ground and lots 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 below are 16 of the most effective 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.
