16 | Central Europe Destination Guide
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
Nestled amongst the Bavarian Alps,
Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-
century masterpiece commissioned
by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, often
referred to as the "Fairy Tale King."
Construction began in 1869, driven
by Ludwig II's vision of a medieval-
style castle that would embody his
love for music, art, and the legends
of old. Inspired by Richard Wagner,
the castle's architecture blends of
Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine
elements, creating a fantastical
structure that seems straight out of a
storybook. The castle's lavish interiors,
adorned with intricate frescoes and
opulent furnishings, reflect Ludwig's
artistic passions and his desire to
create a personal retreat away from
the pressures of royal life.
MARKSBURG CASTLE
Painstakingly carved into the
slate bedrock of a mountain peak,
Marksburg has long stood as one of
Germany's most formidable castles.
Built in the 12th century, it is the
only medieval-era stronghold in the
Rhine Valley that has never been
destroyed, a testament to its robust
defenses and strategic importance.
The castle has witnessed the rise and
fall of dynasties, each leaving its mark.
The castle's distinctive butter-churn
tower, named for its unique shape
with a narrower upper section, adds
to its iconic profile. Navigate narrow,
winding staircases to discover the
wine cellar, a bedroom, dining area
and the impressive kitchen of the
Gothic Hall building.
