Get the Royal Treatment at Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany

Don’t miss out on touring Hohenschwangau Castle during your next trip to Bavaria.

Hohenschwangau Castle was owned by King Maximilian II, the father of King Ludwig II, and the Bavarian royal family used it as a summer and hunting house. At the age of 18, Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria discovered the scenic Hohenschwangau castle ruins on a hike and spontaneously bought and rebuilt it.

© Mary Melnick

Today, the castle is privately owned and often still visited by descendants of the royal family. Even though it is privately owned, travelers can take a tour. Throughout the tour, guests are led through the different floors and rooms of the castle while learning the history of the family and the story of the design.

During the tour guests have the opportunity to explore the royal family’s separate quarters, communal areas, and even get to see some of the stunning gifts the family was gifted throughout the years, each one more extravagant than the other.

More than 90 percent of the castle has not been renovated, so most paintings and furnishings are original. Most of the paintings were painted directly on the wall and tell the story of the royal family’s experiences and favorite things.

Since the castle is old, there are no elevators and more than 90 steps, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.