Serving as the summer residence and hunting lodge of King Ludwig II, Hohenschwangau Castle was constructed by his father, King Maximilian II in the early 19th century. It lies in a picturesque Bavarian village near the border with Austria, with its beautifully preserved interior open to visitors on guided tours.

Marvel at the New Gothic architecture of Hohenschwangau Castle, with its external appearance inspired by the medieval castle that was originally on the site. Step inside to explore the castle’s opulent interior, with many of the royal apartments decorated with murals painted by Moritz von Schwind and Ludwig Lindenschmidt.

Hear how young Ludwig first learned about the legend of Lohengrin while admiring the “Knight of the Swan” murals and the romantic opera that Richard Wagner later dedicated to the king. Hohenschwangau Castle is a 30-minute walk from its more famous sister, Neuschwanstein Castle, a Romanesque Revival masterpiece built atop the old Schwangau fortress.

Getting there

Hohenschwangau Castle is a 10-minute drive from the Füssen railway station or can be accessed by the number 72, 73 and 78 buses that stop nearby. Munich International Airport is just under two hours’ drive from the castle.