As children, we are all fairly obsessed with fairytales and their happy endings. And even though we eventually find out that reality is a bit different, but come on, we manage to sail by! But if you are into fairytale-like palaces and castles, then you are in a for a treat. Because we recently dug out a lot about the ‘fairytale’ Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, which actually inspired the Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland. Yes! In fact, this 19th-century marvel is said to have also inspired the castle in the Cinderella movie which released in 1950. And its insides are just as beautiful as the outside. Read on to know all about it. Who knows, you may end up visiting the place in a few years!
All About The Neuschwanstein Castle
The picture above looks like the same place, right? Nah! What you see on the left is the actual Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and the one on the right is the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland. Now you believe us?
Located in Bavaria, Germany, The Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II and it opened to the public in 1886. Being the popular tourist spot in Germany, it is built in an area of 65,000 square feet. It is perched on a high hill and its highest tower reaches up to 213 feet.
Image Source: inspiront 
Image Source: Iconic Europe
Why is it a fairytale-like structure?
There’s actually a pretty interesting legend behind why this castle is so, well, fairytale-ish. It was referred to as “the castle of the fairytale king” because of Ludwig’s eccentric nature. In 1866, his kingdom of Bavaria lost the war and had to accept an alliance with Prussia. This made the King lose all his powers. So, the castle became the centrepiece of Ludwig II’s imagined kingdom, where he could be a true royal. Maybe that’s why he intended the castle to be insanely huge, with 200 rooms! Sadly, that could not be possible, and the Kind died before it could be completed.
Inside The Castle
Despite the original plans, only 15 rooms are currently finished — and visitors can view them. Once you reach inside the castle, you can view the cave-like grotto, the king’s bedroom, the Singer’s Hall, Throne Hall, Study Room, Dining Room, among others. The highlights of the dressing room include the magnificent ceiling painting, and murals illustrating the works of poets. And yes the entire room is finished in rich gold and violet silks, which makes it look unbelievable!
Image Source: barrainformativa 
Image Source: barrainformativa
Disney’s inspiration
Image Source: Unsplash 
Image Source: Unsplash
It is rumoured to be the real-life inspiration for the castle in the Disney classic, Cinderella which was released back in 1950 and also for the Sleeping Beauty located at the Disneyland. you can clearly spot the striking resemblance! It is said that before Walt Disney began constructing Californian theme park, he, along with his wife, took a trip to Europe that included a stop at Neuschwanstein. Maybe that’s where he got the inspiration from.
One of the highlights of the castle’s walls is Marienbrücke, the bridge which hangs over a waterfall and offers the picturesque views of Neuschwanstein. Once you are done with the tour, do spend some time exploring the wooded trails around the castle, which gives countless opportunities to admire the nearby Bavarian Alps.
Today, more than 1.5 million visitors come to see Germany’s fairy tale castle which makes it one of the most visited castles in the world!
(Featured Image Source: happytowander)
