Castles in and around Munich - Part I

Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of the most visited tourists attractions and the inspiration for Disney.
German language and culture

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Today we are going to share with you the best three castles to visit near Munich.  Take the chance to go there with your German friends and chat in German!

Schloss Neuschwanstein
Inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner, King Ludwig II had this beautiful castle built in the 1860’s.  If you are familiar with Wagner’s work, you will recognise scenes like those from Tristan and Isolde, dotted around the castle interior.  Neuschwanstein directly translated means new swan stone. This name derives from Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin”, a fictitious character who was a Swan Knight.

The best way to get here with your German friends is by taking the train to the town of Füssen, from where you can get a bus directly to the castle.  You can buy a “Fahrkarte” for the journey at Hauptbahnhof or online.  It’s best to book and buy your tickets a few days in advance.

Fun Fact: Walt Disney also visited Neuschwanstein which he later sketched and used for the castle in his Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella stories. Also the castle of the Disney logo represents Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Schloss Nymphenburg
You will find this beautiful “Schloss” in the West of Munich in the area of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg.  It is easily accessible by tram.  The castle is set in a 180-hectare park and is a great place to go jogging with your German friends. In Winter, you can try “Eisstockschießen” and “Schlittschuhlaufen” on the canal to the front of the castle. 

Additional Fact: King Ludwig II was born here on 25th August 1845.

Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee
The new castle Herrenchiemsee is on an island in Chiemsee.  It’s quite an adventure to get there!  You and your friends can take a boat with the “Chiemsee-Schifffahrt” to the island.  Once on the island you can walk or take a “Pferdekutsche” to the castle.

Additional Fact: King Ludwig II had it built in the style of the castle at Versailles in France. 

You see, all three castles were of “König” Ludwig II. Figure out: Are there more castles of King Ludwig II?

Which castle do you think you will visit first? And which one you liked the most?  Let us and other readers know in the comments below!

Did you know?
We also offer intercultural meet-ups, events and exchange opportunities to enable you to socialize and to support (intercultural) learning. Check out our Meetup “Foreigners Feeling Comfortable in Munich”.
(Here you will find all updates about new meet-ups, registration is via Eventbrite.)

Vocabulary

Das Schloss (die Schlösser) – the castle
Der Zug (die Züge) – the train
Die Fahrkarte (die Fahrkarten) – the ticket
Der Hauptbahnhof – the main railway station
Dornröschen - Sleeping Beauty
Aschenputtel – Cinderella
Das Eisstockschießen – curling on ice
Das Schlittschuhlaufen – ice-skating
Die Schifffahrt (die Schifffahrten) – shipping
Die Pferdekutsche (die Pferdekutschen) – horse-drawn carriage

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