Neuschwangau Castle is the fantasy castle copied by Walt Disney for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disney World. It is one of the castles built by the mad king Ludwig. He lived only a short time in this castle spending most of his time at the castle across the street. Ludwig decorated this castle after his favorite opera. It is a rather young castle as far as castles go. Its actually more modern than Mount Vernon in Washington DC. Ludwig mysteriously drowned a few months after the completion of the castle along with his doctor.
Schwangau, Germany is a pretty little village in the Black Forest about 2 hours from Stuttgart. It is tourist destination around the castles but very quaint. There is a bit of an uphill walk to the castle. It wasn't bad and our 5 year old made it quite easily. A longer less steep trail is available. Carriage rides are available for the faint of heart. The ride is a bit extra. Don't forget the walk/trail behind the castle. The best pictures are taken there.
Buy your tickets to the castle once inside the city of Schwangau. You can buy for just one castle or both. A little further on you can purchase a ride on the horse carriages if you don't want to walk up the trails. Don't forget to the take the easy trail to the area behind the Neuschwangau castle. Its worth the trip. The best photos are taken there. If you feel like hiking further cross the bridge and keep going. It is a nice hike and worth the views.
Stop for a beer and some apfelschorle at the bottom to get your energy up to visit its sister castle across the road. There are plenty of eating establishments around and shopping.
