A fairytale castle in the Bavarian Alps
Neuschwanstein was built in the late 19th century by Ludwig II of Bavaria, a king obsessed with medieval legend and Wagner's operas. Its white towers rise from a crag above the Pöllat gorge, backed by alpine peaks and lakes. The interiors, only partly completed, are lavishly decorated with scenes from Germanic sagas. The best view is from the Marienbrücke footbridge. Next door is Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig grew up, and the Alpsee lake. Tickets are timed, so book ahead.