SCHLOSS HOHENSCHWANGAU

The origins of the castle go back to the Middle Ages, more precisely to the 12th century when the fortress of Schwanstein (literally "Swan Rock"), as it was then called, was mentioned for the first time. It was not until the 19th century that the place was given a second lease on life. During a hunting trip, Crown Prince Maximilian (1811-1864) - the future Maximilian II of Bavaria and father of Ludwig II - discovered the ruins of the old fortress. He immediately fell in love with the place and decided to buy the ruin to build a royal summer residence (1832-1836). The scenographer Domenico Quaglio was in charge of the refurbishment and gave the castle the purest neo-Gothic style. Rather modern, the castle had a running water system and was electrified in 1905. Unlike the castles built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, which belong to the Bavarian state, Hohenschwangau Castle is still owned by the Wittelsbach family.

On the second floor, the frescoed Swan Knight Room illustrates the legend of Lohengrin. The swan is, moreover, absolutely everywhere, a symbol inherited from the first builders, the knights of Schwangau. Among the most beautiful rooms in the castle are the Queen's room in the oriental style (the family stayed in Greece and Turkey) and the Hall of Heroes. The frescoes in Hohenschwangau, created by the artist Moritz von Schwind, all depict historical or mythological scenes: Lohengrin of course, but also Parsifal or the Nibelungen. The composer Richard Wagner stayed at the castle and you will see his bust in an anteroom. Every summer of his youth, Ludwig II came here with his parents and his younger brother Otto. In love with this magical place surrounded by forest and overlooking the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes, he never forgot it and chose this place to realize his dream, Neuschwanstein, right across from his father's castle. In his bedroom, a telescope can be seen pointing towards Neuschwanstein: every day, Ludwig looked through the eyepiece to follow the progress of the construction. Although Ludwig II is associated with the castles of Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, it was in Hohenschwangau that he spent most of his time.

If you don't take the guided tour, don't miss the charming garden at the foot of the castle, which is accessible to everyone: it is decorated with beautiful fountains and offers superb views of the surrounding area.