Neuschwanstein swan castle in Bavaria. The best castles in Bavaria Castles and fortresses in Bavaria

The Bavarian region of Germany is famous all over the world for its excellent quality beer and excellent cars, but the advantages of the German region do not end there.

Due to the numerous castle complexes, Bavaria is often called the country of castles and fortresses.

According to the most conservative estimates, there are about 300 castles in Bavaria. The famous route "Romantic Road of Germany" begins in the Free Land, the famous "Road of Castles" passes here, and the creations of Ludwig II will not leave indifferent any lover of palace architecture.

Castles of Ludwig II

There is hardly a single German king who would not leave behind a luxurious castle as evidence of his success and power. Ludwig II was especially successful in this. A subtle connoisseur and connoisseur of art, the “fairytale king” of Bavaria, Ludwig II, planned to build 7 delightful castles, but sudden death under unclear circumstances prevented the plans from being implemented. Ludwig II managed to build only three castles, which were included in the treasury of world architecture. The amazing plans of the king were embodied mainly by theater designers, Ludwig turned to architects less often. Without hesitation, he spent the funds of the state treasury on his fabulous dreams, until he completely lost his mind by the age of forty.

More than 30 million marks were spent by Ludwig II to fulfill his fantasies, after which Bavaria found itself in a severe financial crisis for many years.

However, the efforts were not in vain, and today the legacy of the romantic king of Bavaria attracts the attention of tourists like a magnet. Centuries later, the castles fully justified the money spent on them and became almost the most visited sights of Bavaria. In Neuschwanstein alone, which has long become a kind of hallmark of Bavaria, more than a million people come every year. Luxurious Lindenhof, created by Ludwig II under the influence of the epic work of Richard Wagner, as well as Herrenchiemsee, or, as it is also called, “Versailles in Miniature”, which was intended for the most important events and celebrations, are not deprived of attention. The magnificent decoration of this castle is amazing, you will not find such luxury and splendor in any other Bavarian palace.

Centuries later, the castles fully justified the money spent on them and became almost the most visited sights of Bavaria.

History and modernity

The first castles began to appear in Germany in the 10th-12th centuries. They were erected in order to protect the feudal lords and their property from attacks by their neighbors. The central building of the castle structures was considered to be a watchtower of a quadrangular or round shape, which was surrounded by a powerful wall. Castles symbolized the power and might of the feudal lords, and the tradition of building them on high hills strengthened their protective functions. The castles of Bavaria, built in the 19th century, deserve special mention. Since the urgent need to protect trade routes and the life of feudal lords disappeared, castles were built as symbols of beauty and harmony.

Tickets to castles in Bavaria

You can visit more than 40 castles in Bavaria (including parks and museums) with special cards: annual (45 EUR per person or 65 EUR for two) or two-week (24 EUR / 44 EUR). A complete list of attractions (includes all major castles except for Hohenschwangau) can be viewed on the website of the Bavarian Castles Authority. The card is sold at the box office of all castles and palaces, at the Munich Tourist Office at Alter Hof 1, as well as in the online store (with delivery). The Konigsschlosser card allows you to visit three castles of Ludwig II for 24 EUR: Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee and Neuschwanstein. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

Holidays: December 24, 25 and 31, January 1, the last day of Shrovetide (Shrove Tuesday) - the castles are closed. It is worth considering that photography and video shooting are prohibited in most castles.

Bavaria is a special region of Germany that delights with its incredible natural beauty: beautiful mountains, crystal mountain lakes and lush forests. And also - beautiful castles, most of which appeared here thanks to Ludwig II of Bavaria - the "fairy-tale" king, who built fairy-tale castles in Bavaria.

Neuschwanstein Castle

And, of course, the most popular of the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria is Neuschwanstein, which became the embodiment of the dream of Ludwig II, the main romantic of Bavaria. Next to this marvelous building, which combines fabulous architecture and folk epos, is Swan Lake (Schwansee). The very thing that inspired P. Tchaikovsky to create his famous ballet. It is no coincidence that Neuschwanstein is also called the Swan Castle. Yes, and in its appearance, this graceful, slender white stone building with arched balconies, patterned windows and pointed round turrets, looking up, is swan-like beautiful. Its architecture surprisingly combines Byzantine luxury and pomposity, and a certain Romanesque brutality, and late Gothic refined sublimity. Against the backdrop of a marvelous alpine landscape, Neuschwanstein looks like some kind of fabulous theatrical scenery.

The interior decoration of Neuschwanstein is also original, the main motif of which are swans - painted, wooden, stone and metal, they adorn walls and ceilings, furniture and tapestries, interior stairs and passages. These sophisticated birds create an unusual and enchanting impression.

No wonder this beautiful castle building is recognized as the hallmark of Bavaria.

Hohenschwangau Castle

And opposite the most fabulous castle in Germany - Neuschwanstein, there is Hohenschwangau - a kind of "cradle" of Ludwig II. This castle was built by Maximilian II, the father of the "fabulous" Bavarian king. The first castle building was built on this site back in the 12th century, but during the war with Napoleon it was badly damaged and actually turned into ruins against the backdrop of mountain peaks. In 1829, Maximilian II visited these places and decided to build a new castle. It was erected in the period from 1832 to 1836 and, unlike other severe castle buildings, was painted in an unusually bright yellow color, which fits perfectly into the wonderful landscape of Bavaria, with its green hills and valleys.

Herrenchiemsee castle

And the most expensive and impressive project of Ludwig II was the beautiful palace and park complex Herrenchiemsee - "Men's Island", located in the beautiful Alpine foothills on the island of Herrenvert, on Lake Chiemsee, just 80 km from Munich.

Herrenchiemsee cost Ludwig II 16 million marks. With this money, real splendor was created in Bavaria, a real “Bavarian Versailles”. It was built in the image of the favorite residence of the French monarch, as a kind of ode to Louis XIV. Its facade, layout and decor are an exact copy of the French Versailles, and the interiors of the interior are decorated with sculptures, paintings depicting the "sun king" and, of course, royal lilies - the symbol of the Bourbons.

At the same time, Herrenchiemsee even surpasses Versailles in some parameters with its wealth and luxury. Thus, the famous Hall of Mirrors in Herrenchiemsee is larger than that of Versailles. Surpasses Herrenchiemsee Versailles and in its equipment. In those days, elevators, heating and running hot water were an unprecedented luxury.

Today, a museum dedicated to King Ludwig II is open on the territory of Herrenchiemsee.

Linderhof Castle

Another important residence of Ludwig II was Linderhof. This is a chamber, but at the same time very elegant building, impressing with its luxurious interiors, created by the best artists of Europe.

Thus, the interior of Linderhof is decorated with beautiful paintings and gilding, semi-precious stones, gold-framed mirrors, paintings and tapestries, beautiful vases, figurines, marble fireplaces, ivory chandeliers, porcelain flowers and life-size peacocks. The enfilade of this Bavaria castle includes 10 beautiful halls. Today they are all open to the public. Even modern tourists are amazed by the chic crystal chandelier in the king's bedroom with 108 candles.

Ludwig II's penchant for eclecticism can be seen not only in the design of Linderhof, where baroque intertwines with rococo, but also in the design of the garden surrounding the castle, which combines the best ideas from a laconic English park to luxurious Italian Renaissance gardens. The highlight of the Linderhof castle park is the Grotto of Venus - an artificial cave with original artificial lighting and musical accompaniment, very unusual for that time. In fact, the Grotto of Venus is a prototype of modern color music.

This is the only one of the "fabulous" palaces of Bavaria, built by Ludwig II during his lifetime.

Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn also deserves attention - a medieval castle located between Frankfurt and Würzburg, on the territory of the city of Mespelbrunn. The peculiarity of this castle structure is that it was built in the center of the pond, in the valley of the Elsava River. No wonder Mespelbrunn is also called the "water castle". Today it is one of the most visited water tourist sites in Bavaria, guided tours by the descendants of its first owner.

It is impossible to visit Bavaria and not see the beautiful royal castles. They are all different and all interesting in their own way. What are the most beautiful castles in Bavaria, and which ones are the best to visit first?

in Bavaria (Germany)

This is one of the famous castles of Ludwig II built in Bavaria by the king. Tourists are amazed by the architectural sights and the picturesque landscape around the castle, because for its construction it was necessary to cut down a rock plateau as much as 8 meters down! At the same time, the majestic Neuschwanstein was neither a defensive fortress nor a luxurious royal residence, but was built according to the romantic whim of the king, who spent on his whim a colossal amount for those times - 6 million gold marks.

Today the castle is one of the most interesting sightseeing places in Bavaria. Lovers of literature will especially like it here, because at the behest of the monarch, the decoration of all halls and spacious rooms is dedicated to scenes from German poetry (the Saga of Lohengrin, the Poem of Tannhäuser, the Legend of Parzival).

In the vicinity of the castle there are several beautiful lakes and a bridge from which a wonderful view of Neuschwanstein opens. And you can get here from Munich by train (with transfer) or by road.

Hohenschwangau - the summer residence of the kings

In the same village - Schwangau - there is another palace. Hohenschwangau Castle in Bavaria is often called the White Swan because there are many images of these noble white birds.

Initially, Hohenschwangau was built by the knights as a fortress, but in the 16th century the Schwangau family ceased to exist, and since then the castle has been gradually destroyed. They began to restore it only three centuries later, using the best artists and architects for this. Since then, Hohenschwangau has become the summer residence of the royal family. Today the castle is officially a museum.

The architecture and interiors of the castle are different from the nearby Neuschwanstein Palace. In particular, elements of the Turkish style are noticeable here, the design is dominated by lilac and purple colors and, of course, gold.

The guides will definitely draw your attention to the Wagner piano, which is located in the castle, as well as to the chapel with unique icons, selected by King Ludwig himself.

Linderhof castle in Bavaria

Considered the only castle built during Ludwig's lifetime. He was justifiably proud of his luxurious baroque residence.

The rich interiors of Linderhof amaze the imagination with an abundance of gilding, porcelain, luxurious statues and tapestries.

In addition to the inner chambers, the sights of Linderhof are also the royal lands that are spread around: it is a large park with a picturesque pond, as well as an artificial cave called the “grotto of Venus”. During the reign of Ludwig, receptions and even opera performances were held here.

As a rule, the easiest way to get to this castle in Bavaria is by train. To do this, you need to arrive in the city of Oberammergau and transfer to a bus that will take you to the Linderhof castle itself.

Nymphenburg - the palace of the nymphs

It is located in Munich itself, thanks to which it has about 400 thousand people a year. Nymphenburg can rather be called a palace complex, because, in addition to the main castle, it includes several more pavilions - Badenburg, Amalienburg and Pagodenburg. Their architecture successfully combines the features of the French Baroque and Rococo styles.

In front of the Nymphenburg Palace there is a large square in the shape of a semicircle. The central channel separates from it, which ends with an original cascade, decorated with statues of ancient gods.

The territory of the complex is spread over 200 hectares. In addition to the architectural ensemble, it includes gardens, parks, grottoes and canals. A large number of swans swim in the reservoirs, feeding which is one of the favorite entertainments of visitors.

5 most impressive castles in Bavaria that everyone should see. Tours of Bavarian castles and life hacks for self-guided visits.

The German land of Bavaria has become the birthplace of a huge number of medieval castles, with its own history and unique beauty. Each of the castles is located in a picturesque area, so the trip will be not only informative, but also enjoyable. In the list you will see the 5 most impressive castles in Bavaria:

#one. Neuschwanstein Castle

The most famous castle not only in Bavaria, but also in the world is Neuschwanstein. Built on a high hill at the foot of the Alps, in the small village of Hohenschwangau, near the city of Füssen. It looks so fabulous that you might think that knights and princesses still live near it. Nevertheless, it is practically a "new building" - it was opened to the public only in 1886.

Travelers who are afraid of crowds are better off planning a visit to the castle in the early morning. In other cases, queues and crowds cannot be avoided. You can get to Füssen by bus from Munich.

Interesting to follow the route