The dreamy and fairy-tale atmosphere of the Romantic Road is given by the characteristic towns that are found along the way, but it is not only the villages that give it this magic. The lion’s share, in fact, is undoubtedly taken by the Hohenschwangau Castle and the Neuschwanstein Castle, the iconic manors of this journey. Travelers’ interest is predominantly absorbed by these two 19th-century buildings located near the Austrian border. The context and the panorama in which they are situated make these two castles the favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world. The Hohenschwangau Castle was not part of the fortresses built by Ludwig II, but it certainly influenced his dreamy and visionary character, inspiring him for the construction of his future residence, Neuschwanstein Castle. We know for certain that in the 12th century, the Hohenschwangau Castle had already been built because it was mentioned in an official document of the time, and we also know that for four centuries it belonged to the Knights of Schwangau. The castle then experienced a period of decline and was heavily damaged by Napoleon’s troops. Only in 1832 was the building purchased by Maximilian II of Bavaria and was renovated in the following four years thanks to the work carried out by Domenico Quaglio, who gave it that neo-Gothic style that can still be admired today. Even though it is not one of the castles built by Ludwig II, we know that the atmospheres of Hohenschwangau Castle deeply marked the young son of Maximilian. Inside its rooms, Ludwig had his first contact with Nordic sagas and Teutonic legends. His fervid imagination began to soak up the stories that were lost in myth, increasing the fascination that the young man had for Germanic epics. Thus, young Ludwig lived and grew up inside the castle, filling his eyes and mind with legendary stories that gradually imprinted themselves in his head. The story of the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, was the one that impressed him the most. But the castle was also a meeting place between young Ludwig and the composer Richard Wagner, who used to play the upright piano to brighten Massimiliano di Baviera’s days and evenings. Ludwig spent his entire childhood here, and once the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle was completed, Hohenschwangau Castle became his summer residence. The castle with its characteristic yellow color stands out against the wonderful surrounding panorama, with spires and turrets towering over a characteristic and marvelous alpine territory. 6000 square meters, 200 rooms, 4 floors are just some of the numbers of this imposing castle. The monumental entrance portal is flanked by a facade of red bricks and two circular towers. Upon crossing the threshold, you enter the two-story honor courtyard. The interior, as we have already mentioned, is very large and is divided into numerous rooms that the king equipped with all the comforts of the time, such as running water. The largest room in the castle, occupying the entire fourth floor, is the Hall of Heroes, used as a ballroom and decorated with frescoes recalling Parsifal and Lohengrin. Inside there is also a marble bust of Ludwig. Particularly remarkable is the Hohenstaufenzimmer, the dressing room then used as a music room. Inside it, you can admire Richard Wagner’s piano and the telescope through which Ludwig observed the progress of his new manor’s construction. Obviously, as in all respectable castles, there cannot be missing the Throne Room that resembles a church and is decorated both with images of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles and with angels painted on the veils; nor can there be missing the King’s Bedroom with wall references to Armida and Rinaldo’s events told in Jerusalem Delivered. And then we come to Queen Maria’s bedroom, mother of Ludwig II and wife of Maximilian, which has a different decoration than the castle’s iconographic plan. The king was enchanted by the Greek and Turkish lands he had recently visited and decided to have his consort’s bedroom decorated in Moorish style. But the queen also had a writing room, Berchta’s Room, decorated with episodes related to Charlemagne’s life and his mother, Berchta precisely. For those interested in delving deeper into the life, history, and events of the Wittelsbach dynasty and Ludwig II, we recommend visiting the Museum Bayerischen Könige, located at the foot of the castle where, among other things, Ludovico’s blue velvet cloak is exhibited. Remember that you can purchase a combined ticket at the ticket office to visit both the museum and Hohenschwangau Castle. How to get to Hohenschwangau Castle? Just follow the signs from Füssen to Schwangau and then follow the signs that will take you directly to the castle parking lot. If you arrive by train, once you get off at Füssen station, you must continue by bus to Hohenschwangau ticket office. From here you can reach the castle entrance on foot in 20 minutes or by horse-drawn carriages that will take 10 minutes to get you there. Guided tours are only available in English and German while Italian audio guides are available. Dogs are not allowed inside. We recommend buying tickets online during peak periods (summer and weekends) to avoid unnecessary waiting in line and remember that you can buy a combined ticket that will give you access to both this manor and the more famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Where to Stay near Hohenschwangau Castle If you do not want to move away from this enchanted area of castles and are looking for accommodation, you can consider booking a room at Hotel Alpenstuben, located next to the castles’ ticket office and offering comfortable rooms. If you want to admire Neuschwanstein Castle from your hotel suite, you can choose to stay at Hotel Müller, just 10 minutes’ walk from Hohenschwangau Castle. Alternatively, you can choose the romantic atmosphere of Suite Hotel Villa Ludwig at the foot of both castles.