Bavaria is home to numerous castles and palaces, including arguably the most famous in the world: Neuschwanstein Castle attracts millions of visitors annually, who make the pilgrimage to the site from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip there yourself, don’t miss the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle. It captivates visitors not only with its idyllic setting and charming appearance but also with its fascinating history, which is closely linked to Neuschwanstein.
The first Schwanstein Castle
As early as 1050, a “Castrum Swangowe” was mentioned for the first time, where the Knights of Hohenschwangau resided. However, this castle was not today’s Hohenschwangau Castle, but rather the more fortified and higher-situated double castle of Vorder- and Hinterhohenschwangau, which later became Neuschwanstein Castle. The name “Schwanstein” first appeared several hundred years later in a document from 1397 and referred to today’s Hohenschwangau.
Due to its state of disrepair, the castle underwent repeated renovations over time until it was finally slated for demolition in 1821. Prince Ludwig von Oettingen-Wallerstein then purchased the castle to save it and began repairing it, but he did not keep it for long. Crown Prince Maximilian II was actually supposed to receive Hohenfüssen Castle from his father, but he fell in love with the estate above Lake Alpsee and claimed it for himself instead. He renamed it Hohenschwangau, and the castle has borne its current name ever since. Under his stewardship, however, it not only received its new name but also its current Neo-Gothic appearance.
Hohenschwangau Castle served as a summer residence for the family of Maximilian II, where his son and later King Ludwig II spent his childhood. He had his own castle built on the grounds of the former Hohenschwangau double castle, which bore the name “Neue Burg Hohenschwangau” until 1886. Only then did he rename it Neuschwanstein Castle. Later, he wanted to have a similar complex built from Falkenstein Castle, but this never came to fruition during his lifetime.
A visit to Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is unmistakable thanks to its yellow facade, angular towers, and striking battlements. It is surrounded by dense green forest, from which it stands out strikingly. From here, you can overlook Lake Apl and Lake Schwansee, which was what made the castle so special to Max II. Inside, Hohenschwangau has remained largely unchanged since its renovation in the 19th century. The Biedermeier furniture is still the same, and in every room you’ll find impressive paintings and artwork.
Hohenschwangau has served as a film set for many movies about the life of Ludwig II. In addition, the Augsburger Puppenkiste filmed the fairy tale movie “Brüderchen und Schwesterchen” here. You can visit Hohenschwangau Castle year-round and take a guided tour of the premises. We recommend combining your visit with a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is just a half-hour walk or a four-minute drive away. Tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle, including transportation, are available here.
