Ludwig II reigned as King of Bavaria from 1864 to 1886. When he assumed the throne at 18 years of age, he was head of one of Germany’s most important families and monarch of the third most powerful state in the German Confederation. He died 22 years later, deposed and powerless, in debt and lonely.
I guide private tours to two of Ludwig’s castles:
- To Hohenschwangau Castle, built by the Knights of Schwangau in the 14th century and renovated by Ludwig’s father in the 1830s. The castle interior is decorated with over 90 murals depicting the history of the castle and the village of Schwangau as well as the Germanic and Old Norse sagas in figures larger than life. Here, Ludwig spent youthful summers and so acquired a fascination with mythology and epic tales of kings and knights and the Holy Grail.
- And to Neuschwanstein Castle, which Ludwig at first intended to build “in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles.” The cornerstone was laid in 1869, and after continued changes throughout the 17-year construction period, the castle turned out more Neo-Romanesque than Neo-Gothic. Ludwig spent his last days of freedom in this castle. Within its walls, he was informed of the declaration of his insanity and of his deposition. Neuschwanstein is considered Ludwig’s first castle—though it remained unfinished at the time of his mysterious death.
On tour to one or both of these castles, we walk along sloping paths through verdant woodland. We see stunning views of the castles and the surrounding countryside. We learn about the history of the region, about the castles, and about the man called the Swan King, the Fairy-Tale King, the Mad King—Ludwig II of Bavaria.
I am an independent tour guide. I guide tours to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles through Special Private Tours. Ask for Stephen. Tours and guide depend on availability. Book early.
Family and friends and those in the know should contact me directly to arrange a custom tour.
See you soon!
