There are many incredible and famous castles around the world. Even here in the UK, we have a few jaw-dropping structures like Windsor Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and even Buckingham Palace. But none of those are believed to be the world’s most famous, or the one that inspired one of the most recognisable logos of all time: the Disney logo.
The castle that did, looks like something straight out of a fairytale, with tall white walls, pointed towers and a mountain backdrop that makes it one of the most photographed places in Europe. Official figures show that it attracts more than a million people every year, and many believe it also helped shape the design of Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles.
The castle is called Neuschwanstein, and it’s found in the Bavarian Alps near the village of Hohenschwangau in southern Germany.
It was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century as a private escape.
He was fascinated by medieval myths and music, especially the operas of Richard Wagner, and wanted a retreat that brought those stories to life.
But he died before it was finished, and the castle was opened to the public just weeks after his death in 1886.
Only about 15 rooms inside the castle were ever completed, including the Throne Room, King’s bedroom, Singer’s Hall and a man-made cave that runs between the main rooms.
The rest of the building was never finished. Today, the castle is managed by the Bavarian Palace Administration.
According to the official Hohenschwangau website, it is now believed to be the most famous castle in the world and has recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Visitors can explore the inside of the castle on guided tours, which must be booked in advance online.
There are detailed murals, golden chandeliers and artwork based on Wagner’s stories.
Despite being built in the 1800s, the castle even had running water, flushing toilets and an early telephone system to facilitate communication within it.
The best view of Neuschwanstein can be found at Marienbrucke, a bridge that looks across the valley and shows the entire castle from above.
The nearest town is Fussen, and you can either hike up to the entrance or take a shuttle bus.
Although Walt Disney never confirmed the inspiration, historians and tourism officials believe Neuschwanstein helped shape the look of the Disney logo and the castles in Disneyland and Disney World.
After all Mr Disney visited Neuschwanstein Castle on a European trip with his wife, Lillian, before the construction of Disneyland in California, likely in 1955.
For tickets and full visitor information, go to hohenschwangau.de.