Castles on Mountain Peaks, Colorful Lakes Reflecting Dreams

A Wonderland Where Fairytales and Reality Intertwine | Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich: Finding Sanctuary Amidst Snowy Mountains, Ancient Castles, and Lakeside Serenity—A Journey Through Time, Nature, and Culture Nestled in the embrace of the Alps, a gray-blue, spired castle stands proudly atop a snow-capped mountain, its milky-white exterior gently caressed by the morning mist. This is Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany—the prototype for Disney's iconic castle, and the "dream" that King Ludwig II dedicated his life to creating. Today, I trekked through the snow, traversed the dense forest, and found tranquility and poetry amidst the castle's reflection and the ripples of the lake, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Birth of a Fairytale: A Castle and a King's Obsession The legend of Neuschwanstein Castle began with King Ludwig II of Bavaria. From a young age, he was captivated by the mythical world of Wagner's operas, particularly the story of the Swan Knight in Lohengrin, and vowed to bring this fantasy to life. The castle's design blends Gothic spires, Byzantine golden domes, and the intricate carvings of the Baroque style. Every arched window and fresco is imbued with a fascination for swan imagery—from the swan-shaped faucets to the massive swan frescoes on the dome. Even the king's bedroom, adorned in interwoven deep blue and gold, resembles an opera stage. This "Fairytale King" poured all his passion into this project, but his excessive spending led to a financial crisis in the kingdom, and he mysteriously passed away before the castle's completion. Today, only 14 rooms are open to the public, but every detail speaks to his ultimate pursuit of art and nature: the colored glass and electric lights in the artificial stalactite cave, the Gothic carved wooden bed that took 14 craftsmen 4 years to complete… These hidden corners allow visitors to seemingly touch the soul of 19th-century Romanticism. Hiking Through Snowy Mountains and Lakeside: Healing in Nature The beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle extends far beyond its architecture. It also lies in the beauty of Alpsee and Schwansee. In winter, the mountains are covered in snow, the branches of black pines outlined like ink strokes, and the crunching snow underfoot brings back childhood memories. (Alpsee is next to the main road, while Schwansee requires taking another path at the bend by the yellow castle; there are signs to guide you.) The best spot to admire Neuschwanstein Castle is from Marienbrücke, which offers a panoramic view: the spires pierce the clouds and mist, Alpsee is like an emerald embedded in the mountains, and Schwansee, small and mirror-like, reflects the snowy mountains and flying birds. On a clear day, the lake is a transparent green, snowmelt trickles down to form streams, birdsong and the wind harmonize in the forest, and a few ducks glide across the water, creating ripples—this scene makes one understand why Ludwig II insisted on building his dream here. (The bridge may be closed on snowy days and requires two clear days to reopen.) Travel Tips: How to Plan a Perfect Fairytale Journey 1. Tickets and Time: During peak season (July–October), advance booking on the official website is required. Purchasing a combined ticket for "Neuschwanstein Castle + Hohenschwangau Castle + Museum" is recommended (available on Trip.com). Hohenschwangau Castle holds stories of Ludwig's childhood and Empress Sisi. The winter scenery is stunning, but be aware of the castle's earlier closing time. 2. Transportation: Take a train from Munich to Schwangau (Neuschwanstein. I took a bus from Munich Central Bus Station to Schwangau at 8:30 am on February 20, 2025, and returned from the same stop to Munich Central Bus Station at 4:45 pm. Tickets were purchased on Trip.com) or Füssen, then transfer to bus 73 for direct access. The hike up the mountain takes less than half an hour. Alternatively, take a horse-drawn carriage (paid) for a 19th-century aristocratic experience. 3. Photo Spots: Marienbrücke offers panoramic views of the castle. 4. Neuschwanstein Castle and Marienbrücke are on one side, while Hohenschwangau Castle (the yellow castle), Alpsee, and Schwansee are on the other (Schwansee and the yellow castle are in different directions from the fork in the road). The magic of Neuschwanstein Castle lies in its duality as both a historical fragment and a natural poem. As the setting sun paints the snowy mountains gold and the castle's silhouette fades into the twilight, you'll understand—this is not only the starting point of a fairytale but also a haven for every weary soul.