If it wasn’t for the glorious and world renowned Neuschwanstein just a stone-throw away, the Hohenschwangau Castle might have never achieved its fame. Schloss Hohenschwangau, as the Germans call it, is best known as the childhood home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle was built by King Maximilian II, Ludwig’s father, on the ruins of the Fortress Schwanstein.
The king discovered the place while wandering around the beautiful area of Schwansee (Swan Lake) and decided to create a fairy tale castle with decorative towers and turrets, portals and crenellated parapets. He rebuilt the old fortress in the style of a medieval castle and decorated it with scenes from medieval legends, choosing the swan as its emblem it. Hohenschwangau translated literally means “High County of the Swan.”
It is however unfair for the beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle to be so close to the flamboyant Neuschwanstein and always be compared to it. The much older Hohenschwangau has its own architectural merits and shares the same magnificent setting as its famous sister, overlooking Schwansee (Swan Lake) and the beautiful valley below. But the close proximity to Neuschwanstein is also an advantage. Both castles make great day trips from Munich, so if you come to see one, you’ll most likely see the other as well.
The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden with swan fountains. The exterior is stunningly beautiful, painted with a striking dark yellow color. The view from many windows give a truly dazzling view of the scenery around. As opposed to the opulent Neuschwanstein, this castle is less ornate but feels warmer and has a more homy atmosphere.
Walls are filled with beautiful paintings, and it’s a place you feel like you want to live in. This is probably because it was actually used as a residence. The castle has many elaborately painted rooms, but the one that stands out the most is the Hall of the Swan-Knight that depicts scenes from the classic tale of Lohengrin, the Swan-Knight sent in a boat pulled by swans to rescue a maiden who can never ask his identity.
Schloss Hohenschwangau is a really special site that will help you better understand the evolution of King Ludwig’s personality and how he came the neighbouring Neuschwanstein came to exist.
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Lorri
As always, your photos are beautiful. One of these days I’m going to make it to Hohenschwangau. I’ve been to Neuschwanstein a few times (not my favorite to be honest) but when traveling with friends and family, it is where they want to go. I love Linderhof!
Anda Galffy
Yea, I know that. However, I have to say that Neuschwanstein is never a disappointment for me, as a photographer.
Victoria@celebratetheweekend
I did not go inside this castle as spent the afternoon (after visiting Neuschwanstein) boating at the Alpsee lake. There is a great view of both castles from it. The whole area around the 2 castles is truly magical! Wonderful images as always, Anda!
Linda Bibb
That’s a part of Bavaria we haven’t been to yet. Coincidentally, when I mentioned Schloss Hohenswangau to Dan, he knew about it. Apparently both castles were already on his list of things to see when we finally get there.
I know you said that photography isn’t permitted inside, but someone managed to finagle it. I found a wonderful YouTube video that will convince almost anyone that they shouldn’t overlook it (https://youtu.be/THldSdRHtHE). I hope you get a kick out of seeing it again.
Anda Galffy
Thank you, Linda. I tried to take a few photos inside Neuschwanstein and barely got away unpunished.
Tatiana
Oh, that looks beautiful… Germany really has some amazing places!
Ruth - Tanama Tales
I saw this castle from afar when I visited Neuschwanstein. Too bad we didn’t stop since it looks like a good place to take a stroll and, like you mentioned, learn more about King Ludwig’s (a very interesting character).
Shandos
I’ve only visited Neuschwanstein (like many visitors), but would love to also visit this castle if I return one day. It’s a pity that photography is forbidden inside both of the castles!
Hitch-Hikers Handbook
I’ve heard of this castle before! It looks like a fairytale! I would love to visit it one day!
annette charlton
I have been in the vicinity of Neuschwanstein Castle a couple of times before but my travel has been for work and heavy commitments have not permitted exploring time. I still plan to visit the castle, however, I will now also add Hohenschwangau Castle to my tour.
Meg Jerrard
Thanks for the introduction to Hohenschwangau Anda – I only spent a few days in Munich while in Germany, so I’ll admit to being one of those who took the trip to see Neuschwanstein but then didn’t take in any other castles. I would love to get back and have the opportunity to explore more and take in Hohenschwangau, especially as you say some people like this more!
Thanks for the inspiration – hopefully Germany can be on the list for 2016 🙂 … I went in winter last time, so hopefully maybe summer this year.
Anda Galffy
The two castle are so close to each other, it’s a pity you didn’t get to see Hohenschwangau.
Brooke of Passport Couture
The view of SwanLake from the castle is reason enough for me to move here, if I could. Love the design and architectural details!
Stefan
Hohenschwangau castle looks magical, like something from a fairy tale. Ah those feisty Bavarians sure know how to make decent buildings 🙂
Heather Widmer
Wow! Hohenschwangau Castle is incredibly beautiful and that view is incredible. Judging from your photos, it doesn’t look nearly as crowded at the Neuschwanstein castle. I’ll be sure to pay a visit to Hohenschwangau the next time I’m in Germany. Thanks for the recommendation!
Anda Galffy
It’s pretty crowded too, heather, but it’s a pity to miss it if you go to visit Neuschwanstein.
Alexandra
Wow such a gorgeous castle! Adding this to my long European Wish list, thanks for sharing!
Rhonda Albom
What a charming castle, that I, like so many others, have missed. Thanks for sharing these photos. Fairy-tale castles like this always make me smile.
Anda Galffy
Still time to go see it, Rhonda.
Priya
Hohenschwangau Castle looks gorgeous, we have to make sure to visit it when we go to visit Neuschwanstein castle someday!
Natalie
I, probably like most tourists, visited Neuschwanstein castle, but not Hohenschwangu Castle. Your article makes me curious about how Hohenschwangu looks on the inside, especially since you said it felt like a comfortable place to live. I didn’t have that same feeling about Neuschwanstein. Although, the outside was just gorgeous, especially in the snow!
Anda Galffy
Hohenschwangu Castle looks very beautiful inside, but unfortunately photography is forbidden.
Corinne
Anda, Hohenschwangau is certainly worthy on its own, but I’ve never been inside and that’s because Neuschwanstein always steals the limelight. Maybe someday. Love your photos.
Anda Galffy
Some people like Hohenschwangau castle more than Neuschwanstein, Corinne, so it’s really worth visiting.
Elaine J. Masters
What a beautiful castle to wander. I envy you the long time to do so and knowledge of the region.
Anda Galffy
I have relatives in Bavaria, Elaine. That’s why I go there often.
Arnie
Bavaria is where my family lives and we have been to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau multiple times. Hohenschwangau is beautiful in its own right and is much homier than Neuschwanstein. Lovely images, Anda.
Anda Galffy
Thank you, Arnie. Next time I go to Bavaria I’ll remember to ask for somee tips from you