Castles in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps one of the most fairy-tale like castles in existence. It was used by Disney as a loose model for their signature castles at their Disney World theme parks around the world. It was built for King Ludwig II in 1969-1886. Only twelve rooms were ever finished inside, as the King both bankrupted Bavaria with his maniacal building spree, and suspiciously drowned along with his doctor before it was ever finished. Inside, the twelve rooms that are finished are phenomenal. See the 3D Gallery 1 (accessible from the main Castles and Fortresses page) for another, different view, in three dimensions!

All images ©1993, Jeffrey L. Cooper, except for the top left image, ©1992, Jeffrey L. Cooper

Hohenschwangau
This was the castle of King Maximillian II, and was the birthplace of King Ludwig II. It was built in 1832-36 and sits across from the site where Neuschwanstein was built fifty years later. This view is from Neuschwanstein, which site considerably higher on a mountainside.

Left image, ©1993, Jeffrey L. Cooper
Right image, ©1992, Jeffrey L. Cooper

		the 1st century, B.C. It sits on a ridge along the river. The current castle was finished in the 15th century. It is over a kilometer long, and is the longest existing castle in Europe. It is walled in and has a partial moat as well as six courtyards. All images ©1993, Jeffrey L. Cooper
	Burg Burghausen Burghausen sits right on the Austrian border. All views across the river are into Austria. Fortifications were started in the 11th century, though buildings have been there since the 7th century. People have been here since

Linderhof Castle
Linderhof is really a tiny castle that is less than an hour from the "big two" of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. It was also built by King Ludwig II. It is a Rococo style and sits amid beautiful gardens and a fountain.

©1993, Jeffrey L. Cooper