Viagens e Vídeos

Image credit: Adriana Vieira & René Schaap

Germany - Schwangau

Two beautiful castles in the Black Forest region

The Schwangau region, located in southern Germany (formerly the state of Bavaria), is also known for its beers and the Alps, and is very popular with skiers in winter. It is also home to two of the most important castles in Germany: Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau. When we look at the mountainous landscape on the shores of Swan Lake (Schwansee), it really feels like we are immersed in a fairy tale. And this was the place chosen by the King of Bavaria, Ludwig II, to make his great dream come true! To have the castle as his official residence, since at first it was just the family's summer home. For Ludwig: “this place was paradise on earth”.

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The white color of the building's exterior contrasts with the green of the beautiful forest and mountains that look like a frame surrounding this work of art, Neuschwanstein. This imposing castle inspired Walt Disney to create the one from Cinderella. It was conceived by the eccentric sovereign, who spared no effort or money to make his idea a reality. But this was only one of three castles built by him during this period (1845-86). Ludwig was an admirer of Wagner's operas, so he was in charge of building a music room in the castle especially for the composer.

If you are there and want to have a wide view of the castle, follow the path and walk to a bridge in front of the castle! It is very high and from there you can take the best photos!

In the Schawangau region, there is another castle to visit. It is Schloss Hohenschwangau. If you don't want to walk up to this castle, which is close to the first one, one tip is to go up by horse-drawn carriage. It's fun and you can enjoy the scenery, as well as gaining energy for your next visit!

Of different beauty, but no less admired than its neighbor Neuschwanstein, Scholss Hohenschwangau was fortified during the Middle Ages. Parts of it were destroyed during the Tyrolean War, but his heir, King Maximinian II (1832), ordered its reconstruction in the neo-Gothic style. Today, the castle has four floors built on medieval foundations. You can walk around the castle and stroll through the beautiful garden.

In the same region is the city of Fussen. It could be said that it is the last city on the Romantic Route, but it is a must-see. Many people who want to see the castles end up staying in this city, because of the ease of getting around. The landscape is breathtaking.

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Neu Schwanstein
Hohen Schwangau