At the Neuschwanstein Castle, in the Swabia region of the German federal state of Bavaria

 "I am convinced that there are universal currents of Divine Thought vibrating the ether everywhere, and that any who can feel these vibrations is inspired."

-- Richard Wagner
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(in the Swabia region of the German federal state of Bavaria) The old town of Füssen is a great base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this fantasy fortress atop a rock ledge over the Pöllat Gorge.

+ Louis II spent much of his childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle, a neo-Gothic, medieval-inspired castle elaborately decorated with scenes from legend and poetry.

+ Despite the main residence of the Bavarian monarchs at the time being one of the most extensive palace complexes in the world, King Ludwig II of Bavaria felt the need to build a new palace on the remote northern edges of the Alps as a retreat, but also in honor of composer Richard Wagner, whom he greatly admired.

+ After his accession to the throne in 1864, Louis set out to build a “New Hohenschwangau Castle” (as Neuschwanstein was called until after his death) which he intended to be an even better reproduction of a medieval-style castle in line with his fairy-tale vision of monarchy.

+ The foundation stone for Neuschwanstein was laid in September 1869. Although Louis expected the entire project to be completed within three years, only the gateway building was inhabitable by 1873. The technical fittings were completed some four and a half years later, and the castle remained incomplete in 1886, when Louis died (by drowning). He had lived there, off and on, only some six months in total. Weeks after his passing, the unfinished castle was opened to the public as a museum.

+ Neuschwanstein is known as a castle of paradox. It was built in a time when castles were no longer necessary as strongholds, and, despite its medieval design, Louis also required it to have all the newest technological comforts. The structure is complete with a walled courtyard, an indoor garden, spires, towers, and an artificial cave. The castle is equipped with running water throughout, including flush toilets and hot water in the kitchen and baths, and has a forced-air central heating system. The dining room is serviced by an elevator from the kitchen three stories below. Louis even made sure the castle was connected to telephone lines, although at the time of its construction very few people had telephones.

+ Louis was a patron of Richard Wagner (best known for creating several complex operas), and wall paintings throughout the castle depict the legends that inspired the composer: the life of Parsifal in the fourth-floor Singers’ Hall; the Tannhäuser saga in the study; and Lohengrin in the great parlor.

+ Despite remaining unfinished, Neuschwanstein Castle became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, receiving about 1.3 million visitors each year, with as many as 6,000 per day in the summer. (It also served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.)