Neuschwanstein Castle is one of three castles built by ‘mad’ Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was born in 1845 and died in 1886.

This fairytale castle sits perched among the natural splendor of the Alps.

Its Neo-Romanesque architecture imitates that of a medieval castle and, in turn, Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Built between 1869 and 1886, only about a third of the castle was actually completed as Ludwig II was found to be mentally unfit by a government commission.

Nearby Marienbruecke (Mary’s Bridge), which spans a deep gorge, provides magnificent views of the castle.