Having visited Cinderella’s Castle when I was very young, I couldn’t imagine anything comparable to the enchantment and fantasy that it possessed. That was until I visited Neuschwanstein last winter and had a first-hand experience with the famous muse.

Story of Neuschwanstein Castle

The isolated location of the castle, between the Alpine foothills in the south and a hilly landscape in the north, was intended not as a defense strategy. Rather it was built to provide a private, quiet place for the reclusive Ludwig II of Bavaria. He had spent his childhood in the family summer residence in the area. When Ludwig became king in 1864, he commissioned the palace named “New Hohenschwangau Castle”. It was to be built over the ruins of two previous family residences, the two Hohenschwangau Castles. It was renamed to Neuschwanstein after his death.

Upon visiting the castle today, you can see that the Hohenschwangau Castle (built over another castle’s ruins) is also still standing within the vicinity of Neuschwanstein. (A bit confusing, I know!).

How To Get There

Getting to the castle can be done by private car or public transport including the train or a bus. To determine the best route for you, check here. Once you have arrived at the town of the castle, there is a still some “obstacles” that remain before you can go inside. For example, it’s located at an altitude of approximately 940 meters.

During our trip, we went up by foot, which took about 30-40 minutes. It was during wintertime and there was a lot of ice and snow. This made the scenery really beautiful, but I wouldn’t recommend going by foot in these conditions as we almost slipped a few times on the ice and it was a long way down! Other options are to arrive by shuttle or even by horse-drawn carriage.

The entrance ticket to the castle must be bought in the city itself as the ticket office. There were many tourists here, even in winter, and it was obvious where to purchase. We didn’t end up going inside (as we are poor students) but I would definitely choose to if given the choice again! I would absolutely recommend going in the summer months, when the foliage is in full bloom as the area around the castle itself is really beautiful and refreshing. Also not to be missed is the Marienbrücke, or bridge that overlooks the castle.

By going on foot, you also could take some breaks along the way. As well, there was plenty of time to stop and admire the breathtaking views that stretched as far as the eye could see, equipped with lakes and little Bavarian villages. Pack a snack and plenty of water though. It’s a long way up and once you reach the castle there are food and drinks options. But, as expected, they were pretty expensive.

[Wikipedia]

While the New Town and coastal areas are thriving sections of the city, my personal favorite part is the original, medieval Edinburgh’s Old Town. Kings and queens, invading armies, the condemned and the celebrated have walked through these streets for hundreds of years and in 1995 the Old Town has been an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

The Start Of Edinburgh’s Old Town Begins With The Edinburgh Castle

The layout of Edinburgh’s Old Town runs similar to many of the old quarters of northern European cities. It begins with the fortification, in this case the picturesque Edinburgh Castle perched on top of a rocky crag (rocky or steep cliff) that has developed from a long extinct volcano.

This crag, known as Castle Rock, was the earliest section of the city to be developed. It is unknown when the earliest fortification was built there, some evidence suggests early settlements to the late Bronze Age, but it is widely accepted that some sort of castle was first erected in the 11^th century.

The Royal Mile

From the Edinburgh Castle, the layout of the Edinburgh’s Old Town slopes down towards the east on the tail of land from Castle Rock. During the 12^th century, Holyrood Abbey was built at the foot of the hill, which created the spine in which medieval Edinburgh grew. This connection between the two is commonly referred to as the Royal Mile. Today there are only ruins of the Holyrood Abbey, but it is a spot not to be missed. Along the Royal Mile, small alleys and streets come from each side, forming a fishbone shape and each offering a cool new place to explore.

During the development of the residential area of the Royal Mile, it was very advantageous to live inside the defensive walls. Since the street area itself is so narrow, the homes had to be built in a multi-story fashion and are considered some of the first “high rise” residential buildings.

On the Royal Mile, you will find the heartbeat of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Not only is it one of the main sections of the world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but it is also full of the oldest visitor attractions and tons of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

St Giles’ Cathedral

Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the Cathedral has been the focal point of the Church of Scotland and the principle place of worship for nearly 900 years. The present church dates to the 14^th century, with a famous crown spire and stands in the center of the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

[Edinburgh Guide], [Time Out]

1. Castles, Castles and More Castles

As Ireland has a rather tumultuous history with conflict, castles were built by the British, Scottish and Irish all throughout the land as defense mechanisms. Even if you don’t have a specific castle in mind, plan a road trip through the countryside and you’re guaranteed to spot some castles!

One of Ireland’s most famous attractions, the Blarney Stone is located in the Blarney Castle in Cork County, one of the most visited castles in Ireland. Legend has it that if you kiss the Stone (a truly acrobatic feat) you will have eternal eloquence (just pretend that it’s not a little gross that millions of other people have kissed the same stone).

While the Blarney Castle may be one of the most popular, it is just one of more than 340 castles built in Ireland. That’s pretty astounding if you consider that the island itself is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Indiana (where there is definitely not more than 3 or 4 actual castles). Cahir, Kilkenny and Dunguaire Castles are definitely worth a visit- evoking the fantastical visions of medieval times.

2. The Cliffs of Moher

Over 12 km long, the Cliffs of Moher are considered one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sites. A straight drop of nearly 220 meters to the wild Atlantic Ocean the sheer size of the cliffs themselves are awe-inspiring, evoking the feeling of being at the end of the world. Coupled with the rough landscape and rolling hills of the country side behind you, the site popped right out of a postcard.

3. The Words: The Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is a nearly 2500 km long stretch of land along Ireland’s west coast, stretching from County Donegal to County Cork. A drive along this route will put you at one with nature and the wild Atlantic, spanning out as far as you can see from the coast. It is along this route that some of Ireland’s most stunning natural sites are located such as Connemara, The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.

4. Four More Words: The Causeway Coastal Route

Another reason to get out and explore the untamed Irish countryside is the Causeway Coastal Route, stretching along the northeast coast of Ireland beginning in Belfast. The gem of this tour is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of 40,000 basalt columns formed by molten lava that has cooled into dark hexagonal stone steps. Legend has it that a great Celtic warrior, Finn MacCool, built the “highway” to Scotland to battle a rival while scientists say it formed 60 million years ago.

Also not to be missed on this route is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a suspension bridge that hovers 30 meters over jagged rocks or the remains of the Dunlace Castle, which is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”.

[Huffington Post], [The Richest], [Readers Digest]

6. Burg Hohenzollern, Baden-Württemberg

One of Germany’s most famous and oldest castles was first mentioned in 1061. Sitting high in the hilltops of the German countryside, the Burg Hohenzollern has been home to the Prussian Royal Family since it was a house on a hilltop in 1061 and then a full castle, built in 1267. It is very rare to find one family in control of a residence such as this for nearly one thousand years but today, the Prince and Princess of Prussia remains the primary caretakers of the property! Visitors can tour the interior of the castle (led by a guide dressed in an authentic Medieval outfit) and during the off-season you can roam through the inside at your own pace. It is recommended to visit in the wintertime, where the castle and its surroundings look like they are out of a winter wonderland! Consult the Burg Hohenzollern website for more information.

7. Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Württemberg

Hanging at the edge of a steep cliff, connected by a series of bridges, the Lichtenstein Castle is an impressive sight. The Knights of Lichtenstein built the first fortress on the site between 1100 and 1150. It was destroyed and rebuilt over a period of years and in 1937 Count Wilhelm used the foundation of the medieval fortress to built the castle that stands today. Today, you can visit the castle and participate in a guided tour. Consult the Lichtenstein Castle website for more information.

8. Moritzburg Castle, Dresden, Saxony

Built in 1542 by Duke Maurice of Saxony, the castle was originally a hunting lodge built in the Renaissance style. Later, it was rebuilt Baroque style, giving it unique architectural aspects. Located just outside of the city of Dresden, the castle was the famous backdrop for a popular German fairy-tale movie “The Hazelnuts for Cinderella” in the 1970s. You can visit the castle and impressive grounds today and sign up for a variety of guided tours. Consult the Moritzburg Castle website for more information.

9. Burg Eltz, Koblenz, Rheinland-Pfalz

Nestled into a lush green valley, the Berg Eltz is one of Germany’s most famous fairy-tale castles. The current structure was built from 1490-1540 and the property has been held in the same family since 1157 (that’s 33 generations!). The Count and Countess Eltz are direct decedents of the original family and continue to live and keep the house today. The Castle is also one of three castles still located in the Rhine region that has not been destroyed or rebuilt significantly over nearly 1,000 years! As the castle is located in the heart of the forest, there is limited access and it is only open from spring to fall each year. You can take a 45-minute hike from the main train station to the castle to see really how beautiful this place is! Consult the Burg Eltz website for more information.

10. Mespelbrunn Castle, Bavaria

Out of a fairy-tale the Mespelbrunn Castle is tucked away in the valley between Frankfurt and Würzburg. It is surrounded by a natural moat, which gives the illusion that the castle is nearly floating on top of the water. It was actually original built as a farmhouse in the 1100s, but numerous fortifications and a tower were added in 1427 to today. Consult the Mespelbrunn Castle website for more information.

And there’s more beautiful German castles yet to come!

1. Löwenburg, Hessen, Kassel

Modeled after a real Medieval knight’s castle, the Löwenburg (Lion’s Castle) was the private residence of Landgrave Wilhelm IX from 1793 to 1800. It is an architectural gem that served as both a fortress and leisure palace, with many turrets, bay windows and elaborate decorations. Although it fell into ruin after the death of Landgrave, it is today part of the larger Wilhelmshöhe Park and open to the public as a museum. Inside, you can see the former ornately decorated living rooms, an extensive weapons collection, a rich assortment of historical furniture, paintings, tapestries and medieval stained glass windows. Consult the Löwenburg Castle Website for more information.

2. Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

One of the most picturesque settings, Schwerin Castle is located on an island in the middle of Lake Schwerin, Germany’s third largest lake. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful and most important castles of Romantic Historicism in Northern Europe. This location has long provided strategic protection and there has been a fortress there since the year 973, when the Slavs settled in the area. The building you see today was commissioned, expanded and rebuilt by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin between the years of 1845 and 1857 to include 653 rooms! Surrounding the castle grounds is a Burggarten garden and extensive parkland inspired by local traditions and French castle along the Loire.

Today, you can visit the Museum Schlöss Schwerin, full of artwork, an extensive porcelain collection and a collection of royal hunting and decorative weapons. The castle is also the home of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Consult the Schwerin Castle website for more information.

3. Ahrensburg Castle, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein

Just a quick day trip from Hamburg is the Ahrensburg Castle, built in 1595. Although it was originally referred to as a mansion, today it maintains the name of “castle” and is a symbol of the town of Ahrensburg. It serves mainly as a museum and event venue. Throughout the year you can find summer theatres performances, musical concerts and even a medieval market. Consult the Ahrensburg Castle website for more information.

4. Heidelburg Castle, Baden-Württemberg

Featured in a previous article, the Heidelberg Castle is a must-see on any trip to Germany! During its full glory it was considered one of the most impressive in Germany and even today its ruins towering over the town below are still a striking sight. The original castle was completed in the 13^th century and has endured a serious of expansions, fires, attacks and rebuilding throughout the years. Today, you can visit the exterior grounds, with beautiful views of the valley below, but a private tour is required to visit the interior. Consult the Heidelburg Castle website for more information.

5. Stahleck Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate

Looking to go back in time to the Middle Ages? Have no fear! Stahleck Castle is now open as a youth hostel, dating back to the year 1135. Surrounded by peaceful woods with a beautiful view of the Lorelei Valley in the Rhine Gorge. The main streets near the castle has been restored to give an impression of what it may have looked like in the middle ages with cozy courtyards and wine taverns. Want to book a room? Click here.

Stay tuned for more of Germany’s most beautiful castles!