Hohenschwangau Castle Travel Guide

Hohenschwangau Castle, or Schloss Hohenschwangau, is located near Füssen in southern Bavaria, Germany. It stands on a hill between the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes. Originally known as Schwanstein Castle in the 12th century, it was the home of the Knights of Schwangau. The castle fell into ruin over the centuries, until King Maximilian II of Bavaria purchased it in 1832. He transformed the ruins into a neo-Gothic palace between 1833 and 1837, entrusting the construction to Domenico Quaglio.Hohenschwangau became the summer and hunting residence of the royal family, including Maximilian's son, King Ludwig II. Ludwig spent much of his childhood here and later used it as a base to oversee the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle. The fully furnished rooms showcase well-preserved interiors, including Ludwig II's room and a guest room for Richard Wagner. The castle's 90+ wall paintings depict German mythology and the history of Schwangau.Today, Hohenschwangau Castle is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the castle through guided tours and admire its architecture, interiors, and historical significance.