Hohenschwangau Castle is a 19th century palace, built on the remains of the fortress Schwangau. Located in the south-western German village of Hohenschwangau and just a ten minute bus ride from the town of Füssen, it is very close to the Austria border.
Built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria, it is also the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Hohenschwangau was the official summer and hunting residence of Maximilian, his wife Marie of Prussia, and their two sons Ludwig (who would become King Ludwig II of Bavaria) and Otto (who also later would become King Otto I of Bavaria).
All of the fountains in the garden reflect the romantic program of the palace’s rooms. The Swan Fountain, shown above, reflect the local identity and knighthood.
While in the Swan Fountain Garden you can get a glimpse of Neuschwanstein Castle on the mountain above. As a child the later King Ludwig II experieinced these mountain regions and romantic murals of Hohenschwangau Castle. This was the beginning of his dream to build his own castle – Neuschwanstein!
The village near the base of Hohenschwangau Castle.
View of Hohenschwangau Castle from one of the balconies of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Getting to Hohenschwangau Castle is pretty easy, just follow these directions to use the train.
