Neuschwanstein: King Ludwig‘s dream castle and its secrets | History Stories Special
No other place is as charged with myths, legend and secrets than Neuschwanstein Castle. The childhood dream of a young prince became the most exciting building project in the world, when
the foundation stone of the castle was laid on September 5, 1869. Today, Bavaria's most famous building is inextricably linked to the fate of its builder, King Ludwig II. "The sudden death of the king gave the castle a brilliant start in its career as a tourist attraction," says Ludwig, Prince of Bavaria, a relative of the fairy-tale king. "It's a built fantasy. You're not in a house, you're in a dream."
Even when it was built, the castle seems to have fallen out of time. It's the perfect symbiosis of high-tech and medieval. The feeling of not being understood and accepted caused the monarch to slip into ever more enraptured dream worlds. Neuschwanstein became his last refuge.
King Ludwig II. was denied the opportunity to live in his palace in its completed state. On June 12, 1886, he was arrested. The mysterious death of the King in Lake Starnberg a few days later makes the "fairytale king" legend. Six weeks after his death, the castle was opened to visitors, partly to prove how "crazy" the king was.
For decades, the castle lay dormant. It survived two world wars unscathed, misused by the Nazis during the Third Reich as a warehouse for looted art. At the end of the Second World War, US troops reached Neuschwanstein. The castle finds itself on the list of must see sights for GIs stationed in Germany. And so photos of the Bavarian dream castle enter the living rooms of many Americans. On this History Stories special, we reveal the secrets of the castle that became a symbol for a different Germany and immortalized in Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
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00:00 Intro
01:42 The Castle of Ludwigs childhood
05:44 Ludwig becomes the King
08:50 The idea of the Castle
16:03 The construction
20:20 The Rooms and Wonders of the Castle
30:47 Financial Problems
36:04 The Mad King Ludwig?
38:19 The Mysterious Death
43:40 Ludwigs Legacy
50:45 Outro
Пікірлер: 789
A man who loved fairy tales so much that he became one. Truly amazing story.
@AndreaLuiseCa.-rr1im
9 ай бұрын
only m. Opinion ThaT The Former Kanzler of AusTria Mr S. Kurz looks like The King L. II?
@user-lk3bz1mm2s
6 ай бұрын
Seems the question remains.. at whose expense friends?
@user-lk3bz1mm2s
6 ай бұрын
Just how many “king (s)” must their be to OUR history, who rob to glorify oneself. That is actually not insanity, that is narcissism at its most destructive.. literally “bought” hook line and sinker, by his people, or at least many. Truth is great. Whatever that is.. a duck, a duck, a duck. Whatever it is, call it by its right name lol
Kink Ludwig II was a genius and was a kind person. We can say he basically built castles for his passion but automatically making millions every year for Germany tourism forever. He probably made money for his own country more then any kings in the world by far. Sadly nobody knew then.
@kaloarepo288
Жыл бұрын
The whole thing came about because of the influence of Wagner who was an infinitely greater genius than king Ludwig - Wagner's influence on operatic and orchestral music was enormous reaching down to our own day with scores for the Lord of the Ring movies influenced by Wagner!
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Good point 💰
@danielt.3152
Жыл бұрын
I agree the tourism dollars prove he was a genius ahead of his time. Look at Egypt, the pyramids and Egyptian culture museums generate billions annually all you need is sustained peace and safety and affordability for tourists. Today even King Tut works harder than any Egyptian alive today going on tour with his entourage of relics. Today Germany,Austria and European castles help keep things fun, interesting,educational etc. I would definitely go to see any castle. Look at the tour of London, I have been there an amazing collection of armor, medieval weapons , swords etc very cool
@MidMo4020
Жыл бұрын
Great comment!! Hadn’t considered that. I was married to a German girl in my younger days. She was Bavarian. Got to go on the “good tour” of Neuschwanstein. Mostly Germans. Their tours and guides were done according to language. Germany looks just like my home state of Missouri but Germany has an ancient vibe that’s hard to explain..
@theotherohlourdespadua1131
Жыл бұрын
Not really a genius. The castles were never meant to be seen by the public, those were all for him and him alone. If you want to give congratulations to making these as successful tourism spots, thank the Bavarian State Government who immediately turned the castles and palaces as public monuments by 1889...
Basically a whimsical man that had the resources to actually create his dreams. Most of us wish we could do the same.
I must say that it looks like the castle is being kept in mint condition. Stunning.
@stephaniegilcher4577
Жыл бұрын
It's undergoing massive renovation work now for the first time!
@zyourzgrandzmaz
8 ай бұрын
It's insane to see. It's a blessing it wasn't ruined by the Nazis or communism.
@ScorpioBornIn69
3 ай бұрын
@@zyourzgrandzmaz The part of Germany the castle is was in West Germany since it was founded and liberated by American troops therefore wasn't under communism.
@maddog788
3 ай бұрын
You have to visit if you ever get the chance i visited a lot of castles in my life but Neuschwanstein is a level above the rest.
@attsealevel
3 ай бұрын
ScorpioBornIn69 - good correction - not sure why communism was even mentioned.
This is the one place in the world that moved my soul the most. Just to get to the castle was no easy task. In my case, I was very fit but also 5 months pregnant. We took the carriage, pulled by a horse. When the horse began shooting gass bombs, we were told we would walk the rest of the way. We we plugging upwards only to have elderly European ladies blow past us, like we were standing still. To give you an idea how high up we were, they were having hang gliding competitions off the nearest mountain! Once you stand in some the most beautiful rooms in the world, you are left breathless. The throne room can not be honestly seen unless you are actually there. The kitchen and music rooms were created by greatest minds on earth. The paintings are to die for. I always wanted to take my daughter there. Unfortunately, that dream would never come to fruition. But these memories live forever in my heart.
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Nice memories! Thank you for that
@sparkytuttle2966
Жыл бұрын
@@DWHistoryandCulture No, thank you. I plan to share your video with my daughter and granddaughter. One of the greatest disappointments I have in my life is not being able to take them there. Now that my life is nearing it's end, I want them to see what I thought was a beautiful place. I want them to understand that some of the most flawed ( according to the world) people are capable of creating miracles.
@zaram131
3 ай бұрын
I’m sorry.. I know how badly you want to go back. I feel the same way about Switzerland. Some beautiful castles there too.
@zaram131
3 ай бұрын
I want to visit Neuschwanstein too.
@thebedeaufamily
23 күн бұрын
The walk isn't that serious
King Ludwig II will never be forgotten
@Plektrud
Ай бұрын
He already is. Germans like money he makes them. Not him.
I never knew the story behind the castle. It's so tragic. RIP King Ludwig II. Thank you for this beautiful castle. ❤
@ivantoxie
10 ай бұрын
I didn't know they removed the ancient ruins. I thought they just built over them. To bad they didn't incorporate them somehow, it could have been interesting.
I visited this castle in 1984 it was winter and it was 28° below zero I drove from Innsbruck to Fussen It was so cold and you had to actually climb up on foot the very last portion. You had to park your car down close to Hohenschwangau. You were taken by horse and carriage up to a certain point with blankets over your knees. I have seen lots of the beautiful castles mostly in France and Germany but this one is magical. It took my breath away it was in the mists. It was so cold there were very few people visiting it and it was so painful to breathe, I said to someone coming down is it worth it and she said “yes keep going it’s worth it. And truly it is the most exquisite experience. Everything in it is absolutely beautiful, and really quite modern they had hot and cold running water the first of its kind. I was thinking of how difficult it must’ve been to bring up so much that was needed to build it on a horse and carriage up in the mountains like that. The king employed many people. I was thinking how did they get those columns of lapis and porphyry up there on horse carriage etc. whatever his idiosyncrasies, God bless beautiful people that leave beautiful creations behind for everyone else to enjoy as well. It’s a magnificent work of art I will never forget it. A magical experience and they only open a small part of it so there’s a great portion of the castle that is not seen and people think that it’s small but it’s huge you could get lost in it and never found. Nearly 40 years later I remember it clearly is one of the most beautiful magical places in the world. ❤
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
@Karenmorris2239 Thank you for sharing your memory with us!
@karenmorris2239
Жыл бұрын
@@DWHistoryandCulture My pleasure thank you for sharing this with us❣️🙏
@marycopeland4049
3 ай бұрын
The lapis is exquisite.
My parents went to tour the castle when my dad was stationed in Germany in the late 60’s and took many many pictures and developed them as slides. I did two Ludwig school reports with the slides and projector and then my senior year did a report on Wagner. This was a fantastic documentary and I learned so much more!
@AlisonBSL
Жыл бұрын
My parents were stationed in Germany in the late 60s too! And I was born there 😊
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Oh, what a fantastic coincidence. Do you still have those slides??
@shawnmayer7849
Жыл бұрын
my parents did as well, during the mid-late 60''s. I was even born in Frankfurt, and my brother in Bonn
@CheshireGrins79
Жыл бұрын
I visited in the 80s while my dad was stationed there. It was beautiful
@basiabasia3387
Жыл бұрын
so WHEN did you go to see that place?
In mid 14th century Serbian Emperor's palace in Prizren was connected via 15km long viaduct to a milk farm on the mountains so that the emperor was receiving a fresh milk and a fresh water directly from a source to his palace. The viaduct was paved by porcelaine tiles. And our cities even had a street lights made from a barrels filled with pine resin! There were many incredible inventions in the past little know to us today.
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Wow, this is really fascinating, thanks so much for sharing this!!
@AndreaLuiseCa.-rr1im
9 ай бұрын
Thanks d The info lol
@digitals9656
2 ай бұрын
serbia didn't existed in that time. dont spread lies.
@digitals9656
2 ай бұрын
don't spread lies. serbia didn't existed then. and didn't had any king. nothing but lies and myths.
@Plektrud
Ай бұрын
What Serbia? From your thin air inventions?
I’ve visited this castle twice from Japan❤ Beautiful work of art. I hope he is happy that it is loved from all over the world
My Dad was driving me and my Mom through the valley this castle was in and, pulled over in a rest stop, I saw the beautiful castle, my opinion anybody capable of building such a place is not crazy, it was beautiful!
@DWHistoryandCulture
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your memories with us and our community!
The prince has a family resemblance to the old king, I'm sure he is grateful that the family resemblance is not Habsburg. I recall visiting the castle in the 1970's. There were some tourists but I was there on a slow day, so there weren't many. I've been to Germany 10 times, and didn't come close to seeing everything, but the castle, despite its reputation as kitsch, is beautiful and interesting. I once stayed in the Koblenz castle in the Winter, so I can understand why King Ludwig wanted modern heating!
@kittycatbeatrice2729
Жыл бұрын
@Jay McJakombe Indeed a family resemblance. Your comment about the Habsburgs made me laugh out loud. I found it interesting that the prince just got married yesterday! (They did a civil ceremony in Dec) I visited Neuschwanstein in 1975. Very interesting place.
I had the pleasure of visiting both these castles & the whole of Bavaria wirh my family in '95. They were lavish & overwhelming, & the countryside was breathtaking. A dream of a vacation!
I wonder about his ‘strangeness’ as they called it, and if he was on the Spectrum… His dedication to details on his castles makes me wonder if he was also a savant. - His architectural design was next level and he hadn’t studied architecture. I love this castle and find his story so fascinating.
I always thought that he really was mad, but I’d say passionate but not mad. He left such a wonderful legacy
@DeptalJexus
Ай бұрын
he was a dreamer, but sadly he was born at the wrong time where nation states need rational leaders than dreamers.
This castle is stunning in person. I can only image what it would have looked like when completed.
My grandmother visited this place in the 1980’s and had a framed picture of it hanging in her living room until her death last year. I always remember her telling me the stories she learned about the madness of king Ludwig and I hope I will visit one day myself.
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Oh, this is really touching! Where was your grandmother from? We hope, you can visit Neuschwanstein soon…in the meantime you might like another video of course dealing with this special castle 🏰 No speed limit on the autobahn? Medieval Neuschwanstein? Unexpected truths about German icons. kzread.info/dash/bejne/an2Zksave5zNoKw.html
@phucknuts.7065
Жыл бұрын
@@DWHistoryandCulture thank you.
@sparkytuttle2966
Жыл бұрын
Your grandmother and I were there the same year! I spent the summer of 1980 in Europe. I returned to the states on August 5th. Your grandmother and I agree about the timeless beauty of this place. I'm so sorry your grandmother passed. But I am thankful that she left the memory of this breathtaking castle in your heart. Please make time to go visit. You know your grandmother will be by your side every step of the way.
I remember visiting the Neuschwanstein, the Linderhoff and another castle when I lived there in the 90' and early 2000's. The area is simply breathtaking and the castles are beyond beautiful. The Neuschwanstein is simply magnificent!
I visited this castle years ago and found it to be magical and so so beautiful, it was an experience my husband and I never will never forget. I would suggest reading the story of Ludwig it is so interesting ❤
I've never been to Neuschwanstien but I did visit the Linderhof which Ludwig also built. He created a cave with an artificial lake. He rode in a swan boat on the lake while musicians played Wagner's music behind a mural of Tannhauser. The palace is modeled on Versailles. Absolutely beautiful.
@kaloarepo288
11 ай бұрын
No Herrenchiemsee was modeled on Versailles -actually the Hall of Mirrors is reproduced there at Herrenchiemsee but the whole complex was left unfinished otherwise it might have been a replica of Versailles.
@susanbowman3865
11 ай бұрын
When my big brother was stationed there in USAF he took my mother and I to see two of King Ludwig’s castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Even though I was only 12 years old at that time the magnificence and beauty of both castles left quite an impression on me. It was like you were experiencing a real life fairy tale in breathtaking panoramic vistas that were frozen in time.
@jomeyer13
8 ай бұрын
wow now i must see
@davejohnston5925
6 ай бұрын
While stationed in FRG I was able to visit the Linderhof in August of 1982, Armed Forces Recreation maintained a camp facility about 3 kilometers down the road from the Palace. I was able to spend two days on a self-guided tour. at the time... Two months later with my parents visiting, we spent a long weekend in Garmisch were able to visit both castles. Schwetzingen Castle and Palace also provided an enjoyable way to spend a weekend
I would have loved to have quarantined at Neuschwanstein Castle during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic
I've always loved this castle after seeing it's pictures, without knowing the history. Knowing the story makes it even more intriguing. Definitely a place I want to visit one day.
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
You might also like this one, we head to Neuschwanstein again!! No speed limit on the autobahn? Medieval Neuschwanstein? Unexpected truths about German icons. kzread.info/dash/bejne/an2Zksave5zNoKw.html
@sharonwhiteley6510
Жыл бұрын
Every season and time if day adds to the charm and beauty of the castle. We spent 9 yrs in Germany and visited multiple times. Magnificent. Our son's favorite was Linderhof.
What an absolutely amazing place and a shame he didn't get to live inside it for even one day. Thank you for producing this.
@davidlogan4329
Жыл бұрын
Ludwig did live inside Neuschwanstein for a time!
@nickographer6528
Жыл бұрын
@@davidlogan4329 yeah I think they said 200 and something days
@stephaniegilcher4577
Жыл бұрын
@@davidlogan4329 no he didn't really live there.. he just stayed there for a few days. The only castles he really lived in were Hohenschwangau and Linderhof. I was a tour guide at Neuschwanstein for 10 years
@rmp7400
Жыл бұрын
A man who is inspired by beautiful dreams is not deprived in any way🎆
@capcompass9298
Жыл бұрын
@@stephaniegilcher4577 What a fantastic job. Fantastic castle in a fantastic area. I visited a couple dozen times guiding tourists.
Stunning view, truly like a fairytale castle, I visited 18 years ago. I'll never forget. Thank you for this video.
@AndreaLuiseCa.-rr1im
9 ай бұрын
We donT look like This King no one ever has founded m guilty ThaT I should financial ruin m. life however
We visited every castle built by King Ludwig. Our son was very young when we visited Linderhof. For quite sometime he felt a cave was full of water with large swans you rode in while people sang. Neuschwanstein was a favorite. We always saw something new every time. Our guides never leaned to suicide for the King. It's stunning.
It's one of the most beautiful things I've seen in my life. Would love to visit it again.
@Greg-qw1or
Жыл бұрын
When was u there
40% of my ancestors came from Bayern in the 1850s. I love this castle.
Thank you so much for your video's !!! I lived in Germany from 1974- 1977. I went to School In Munch !!! I Loved Living there. I'd Love to Go Back to Visit !!!
I bought my first brand new car in Augsburg and drove it straight to Neuschwanstein... One of my favorite places in the world! Bayern uber alles! 😎
The reason he was so objectionable was only because of the amount of money he spent. In a few years he spent all the money it took his family eight generations to amass, and then proceeded to empty Bavaria's coffers with his endless building. It was all about the money. I visited Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Words cannot express the over-the-top opulence to be seen there. They make Versailles look minimalist.
@TheSweeeeeetz
10 ай бұрын
Plus build started about 70yrs after the French Revolution yet he thought nothing of it. Lol
This will be my favorite doc ever ❤. Bavaria, Ludwig, his story, and his castles, are near and dear to my heart.
I visit Neuschwanstein Castle in last january. Is a wonderful place and a dream come true.
This is a wonderful video that allows us to see this castle without all the tourists around. Thank you very much!❤
I was able to go here when I was 4 or 5. Your memories are like dreams when you are that young. My dreams have magnificent German Castles and I have a hard time distinguishing what I remember that is real and what is imagined. I need to go back and figure it out. I also went to the lake castle. The one you have to go on a beautiful wood and glass boat to get to.
When I was about 8 or 9 we went to see the castle. We were living in Germany for 8 years and travelled every weekend and holiday to see castles and the castles of King Ludwig were all incredible. But I will always remember the visit here… we had to wear the boiled woolen slippers when touring the castle as to not damage the floors. So me being 8, started sliding around pretending I was ice skating… needless to say I got in trouble and my mom smacked me on the back of my head and told me to knock it off 😅 what a thing to remember about this place
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing 😹
A magician creating a magical place, His Majesty King Ludwig was a visionary. Each of His castles is a spectacular set for fairytales, enticing generations of visitors. A real Knight creating a treasure chest for Bavaria.
My dad lives near here in peiting and I visited it many times when I was a kid. Bavaria is such a beautiful place 💯❤️🇬🇧
We visited his castles this summer. Amazing places and very lavish. I wish I would have watched this before I toured the castle this summer.
There's something magical about being on that high rope bridge looking down on to the castle. just so beautiful... And wow, the relative extremely handsome.
I was at Neuschwanstein and its surroundings in April this year, a wonderful place.
I visited Neuschwanstein Castle 30 years ago I think it was beautiful absolutely beautiful it’s worth every step getting all the way up there you’d love it
I was station in Darmstadt Germany in 1983 - 1985. I was able to take a trip to all the King Ludwig castles. They were all Stunning.
I was there in 1999 and I'll say this video doesn't do this castle justice it's far more impressive in person! The beautiful artwork and the majestic views are beyond what a person would imagine. Yet walking in the halls bring in thoughts of what it was like to enjoy this mesmerizing structure In it's glory days. I Highly recommend going and seeing it for yourself it will be a place that I will remember till my dyeing day. Thankfully it's stood the test of time and wasn't destroyed by the bombing during the war like so many of the rest of the Castle's in Germany! It's no wonder why Walt Disney drew inspiration from this amazing castle
@DWHistoryandCulture
11 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Magnificent. The place where the castle stands is breathtaking, wish i could visit this place ❤️
I remember seeing this castle as a child. Oh the memories, my father caring me up on his shoulders to see the beautiful castle on the mount.
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Nice memories, thanks for sharing them 💛
I visited Neuschwanstein castle in May 2000. My son was stationed at Landstul Army Hospital at the time. So we took a trip to Munich and then into Bavaria. It was a beautiful sunny and warm spring few days. We stayed in a really nice hotel nearby that gave us magnificent views of both castles. It was so much fun as we took the horse pulled carriage up to the castle as my daughter in law had had surgery done on knee at the time and my granddaughter was only 3 yrs old at the time. Neuschwanstein was absolutely amazing. King Ludwig II was actually a visionary, I think, and ahead of his time. I have fine memories of my visit there. Even though I am not of German descent, I grew up next door to a lovely German family and considered them as my adopted grandparents. I can remember the stories grandpa used to tell me of the "Faerie Castle." So I had to visit.
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for sharing your precious memories! All the best 🏰
@lindabriggs5118
Жыл бұрын
@DWHistoryandCulture Thank you. I forgot to mention that the driver of the dray horses let my granddaughter hold the reins and helped her guide and drive them along the road. She was so excited, we almost didn't hear the end of it for the rest of our stay there. It's hard to believe that same little granddaughter is 23 years old now and still remembers it.
It was my dream to see this place when I was a child, thought it would never happens, I was there 2 years ago and never been so happy to be in this beautiful dream becoming reality.
We visited in 07. It’s amazing to be sure. The walk up never stops😄. Then when you get into the castle it’s all up or down. I never saw the elevator 😉. Very inspiring and jaw dropping with the magnificent artistry! I was honored to go! We love Germany!❤️
@DWHistoryandCulture
10 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with our community. Sending you all the best
I was there! Looking at it across the canyon it was magnificent. I took pictures but they don't do it justice.
I visited this castle when I was a child, and memories of it have stayed with me all my life.
@DWHistoryandCulture
11 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. Sending you all the best
I have always wondered about the history of this castle. Thank you so much for such an insightful review of its history. I can’t believe an insane person would be able to manage to orchestrate the building of such a magnificent structure. It seems to me, but I’m no expert, that he was a genius. A architectural genius. And geniuses tend to be be out there a bit. Just so much brain matter. A most amazing and exquisite piece of art. Truly a wonder of the world. Very sad to hear of his last days. Sounds very suspicious and evil. I hope that one day I will be able to visit it. Thank you for this video.
@user-yz7ds7rn9b
9 ай бұрын
Genius.
@mikemotorbike4283
7 ай бұрын
I think genius not so much for his Artistic nature, although that is obvious; as his sensitivity to statecraft. Giving his native country symbolic monuments which a great state deserves. Possibly they seized the opportunity of his debt to kill two birds with one stone; convinced him to fake death to create tourist intrigue to pay off debts, and rid themselves of kings for good. I don't think they'd actually permit the death of a king for money, except symbolically.
I have been there my sister lived in Germany at the time. It was winter when I went over there. We went to the castle. We walked up the long steep hill to the castle. The castle was really cool. We ended up sliding down the hill to get back to the car.
This was so interesting. The throne room is breathtaking, your eyes want to travel the space. I hope to see it in person.
This castle has a beautiful setting.
What a beauty. Thank you Your Majesty.
This was great background, thank you! Hopefully I'll get to see it some day. When my spouse and I did our grand European tour in the '90s, we took a train through Germany and it seemed like every hilltop along the way had a castle (or ruins of a castle). Our German seatmates probably thought we were a little over excited, but let's face it, there's not that kind of dense architectural history in the U.S. It was a real treat.
@DWHistoryandCulture
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you for this wonderful documentary.
Indeed, whether he was mad or not, Ludwig built the ultimate fairytale castle. It truly looks like something out of a dream. I know everybody's money is tight right now; but maybe someday, the intended keep could be built, & the world could see the castle as the King meant it to be.
@katiedotson704
Жыл бұрын
I had the same thought. Th current billionaires of the world could easily group together to finance such an endeavor. Not that all would be interested. But there would be some that desired to see a masterpiece such as this completed and others whose ego would compel them to have their name listed among donors. But then again, how could anyone know how to finish it? There may exist blueprints, drawings, and designer instructions enough to be reasonably sure of the construction. But how could anyone know the final details intended by a man long dead? How do you complete someone else’s dream?
@cdfdesantis699
Жыл бұрын
@@katiedotson704 I believe they showed King Ludwig's original blueprints in this documentary, as well as some sketches he made of how he wanted the palace to look. The existing foundation is a decent starting point, as its depth & width of walls would indicate its load-bearing capacity. Too, even folks who've already toured the castle would pay again to see the new addition. As to completing someone else's dream? I can't say, friend, but I believe Ludwig would like to see it completed FOR him. Thanks much for your reply.
@steveperreira5850
Жыл бұрын
Yes, I don’t think it would be too much for Germany to build the intended final tower, the tallest one. They should do it. They could crowd fund it with donations of Tourists onsite and also online
@cdfdesantis699
Жыл бұрын
@@steveperreira5850 You're right, friend, & even if Germany initially funds the build, the subsequent tourist revenue would surely compensate the govt. outlay. Thanks much for your reply.
beautiful part of the world
I always see this castle in books. Ot was a favorite daydream material. Watching this is a realization that it is tangible and real with a visionary king behind it.
Thank you so much for posting this. I knew nothing of this story and this magnificent castle. The views and the surrounding land, forest and mountains are absolutely spectacular. This is now on my bucket list to visit. The family history is so interesting. Also, Ludwig II was very handsome and his ancestor, Prince Ludwig looks exactly like him- perhaps even more handsome. He also appears to have a kind nature. I found this story fascinating. Thanks again, for posting it.
@DWHistoryandCulture
10 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot for watching and for your positive feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment and are glad you like our content!
@LunaWolf29
10 ай бұрын
You’re welcome! 🙂
@belindaowens7064
6 ай бұрын
If you're really interested in the family history, there is also a museum there that extensively covers the history of the family and Bavaria,
@LunaWolf29
6 ай бұрын
@belindaowens7064 Thanks! I won’t be traveling there anytime soon but I will remember that when I do.
Walt Disney: "I built up Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom!" King Ludwig: "Hold my bavarian beer!"
@theotherohlourdespadua1131
Жыл бұрын
So let's ignore that Cinderella's castle was built in 1972 and Neuschwanstein was built in 1869?
I was there in 1978. I thought it was stunning. The craftsmanship is breathtaking. It was my favorite
Wow, his descendant featured in the video looks so much like the young King Ludwig!
I miss Bavaria so much. I was blessed with 3 years living there in the early 2000s..i would give anything to go back. Sadly i nevee got to go to the castle myself because every chance i traveled in the area it was always the middle of winter and very hard traveling in the area..one day i plan on going back with my daughter and husband to show them around my favorite places on earth
@marieburton6127
22 күн бұрын
I’m not sure why people don’t think the castle is open during winter, but trust me it’s more surreal and magical than you could ever imagine in the middle of a snowstorm with only the staff and very few visitors present. There is no glass in the windows so the snowflakes just dance through the open casements. The peaceful ride up in a horse drawn carriage covered up in heavy felted wool blankets, crossing the rope bridge over a snow laden canyon, the hum of the electricity thrumming thru the antique lamps mounted on stair newel posts……..each its own otherworldly experience to make you appreciate his genius in mounting his greatest architectural accomplishment on this pile of Bavarian boulders. Not so crazy after all……..
@DWHistoryandCulture
19 күн бұрын
That sounds indeed magical!
Who isn’t crazy who is deemed a true visionary
Visited years ago... beautiful.
Neuschwanstein has long been my favourite castle, ever since I discovered it in school as a teen. There is no way that the man who got it built was insane. Artistic, eccentric, romantic, genial are far better descriptions! And it seem he was quite mindful of the budget as well considering what amazing quality he got for the money! Makes me wish I could have met him.
@DWHistoryandCulture
10 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for sharing your personal experience with us. Sending you all the best
King Ludwig II had a beautiful mind and giving heart. He tops my list of kings now great documentary DW!
@DWHistoryandCulture
10 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot for watching and for your positive feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment and are glad you like our content!
What a beautiful legacy, a pleasure for the people who live nearby and a tourist attraction.
I had the great joy to climb up to see this magnificent castle in my youth...This is a blessing hearing the history...nothing less than a miracle...and the most heavenly setting...what a great witness to Jesus on that throne room ceiling...as we are upon His Second coming...The Savior who died for all our sins...the only Hope as we head unto the Tribulation.Danke !!!!!..
@maryfjordan5283
Жыл бұрын
So true!!! Praise Jesus who IS coming for His own so very soon!! MARANATHA!!!
To me, beautiful as it is on the outside, even the exquisite craftsmanship inside as well; sad no one has truly ‘lived’ or thrived in it. It’s an empty shell really, most egregious is laborers not getting paid. Artisans and craftsmen are never paid well for their skills yet they continue…some of us DO appreciate it.🙏🏻❤️
Fascinating! What a beautiful, whimsical place and what an enigmatic character! Just a little English pronunciation tip: it’s e-pit-o-mee, with a long e sound at the end. Not meaning to come off as judgy - it just stuck out to me at the end.
Anybody get a strong Asperger's and then Asperger's burnout vibe from this story? Hyperfocus, introverted, starts closing himself off from everyone and staying up all night because it's the only time he can be alone? I dunno. It screams it to me, but I live with mid-life Aspie PTSD/burnout every day, so... it really resonates.
@lanacain
Жыл бұрын
I have a grandson who is 29 years old who has a form of this.He ie a sophomore in college. He majored in Political Science . This week his class went to Iceland. He has worked in the summer, been in several foreign countries. He is very smart. Get your facts straight on this spectrum. 💯 Lana Cain. He speaks French and German.
@thepeanutgallery1699
Жыл бұрын
@@lanacain And I speak German, Japanese, Welsh and Swedish and have traveled the world. (I've actually been to Iceland AND Neuschwanstein, although it was still West Germany back then). I'm also academically and career accomplished, and have published 9 books. What's your point? I'm a diagnosed Aspie and have lived with it for 48 years, although they didn't have a name for it until I was 24. I was just "frighteningly driven" and single-minded in the things that interested me. I flew under the radar as "functioning" until I didn't, and then it was a "WTF's wrong with you?" I'm not the first to note that most/many on the spectrum start going through a severe midlife crisis of PTSD from having to deal with the micro-irritants day in and out their entire lives, and struggle with existentialism and finding a purpose for going on when our little joys and hobbies are taken away for one reason or another. It's not a new problem, just a new name/diagnosis assigned to it. I assure you, I'm quite familiar with "the facts." And #1 is that everyone's different in how they present, but usually Aspies can spot other Aspies. Especially if they've been masking their whole lives and know the more subtle signs of what they're looking at. There's just an awful lot to Ludwig's story that makes me wonder.
@HeavensPeace
Жыл бұрын
@@thepeanutgallery1699 Thanks for bringing awareness.
I have the pleasure of saying I was there. What a Wonderful Memory.I just love this Documentary. The ability to see so much "Behind the Scenes". What a Wonderful piece of work. Architecturally what a Wonder, Historically what a Tragedy. I am Alguae, yes from that area of Germany. I liebe Dueschland!!!
I’ve been lucky to see both castles in person and they’re beautiful even the drive up is gorgeous😊
My wife and I visited in 1991. We have a mural around our bathroom jet tub of the most memorable (for one reason or another) places we’ve visited from around the world. Neuschawnstein holds a special place among 10 or 12 others around the tub. Breathtaking! The walking bridge was positively knee-knocking!
@DWHistoryandCulture
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Whatever else might be said about him, it is a masterpiece that renders Disney's commercial machinations to a transparent and sorry state of shame. The imagination of a boy who had the way and the means as a young man for more than a sandcastle in what was probably a rather boring life, I would not fault him alone for it. Eccentricities can become quite fickle, especially for a detached mind. Whatever the case, ty Ludwig. It is beautiful.
@rmp7400
Жыл бұрын
Disney's commercial machinations are not even the worst of its issues...
I had the pleasure of visiting the castle in Germany when I was 5 yrs old. My dad was sent to Germany by General Motors, where he worked,since my mom was of German heritage, dad took us with him! My Grandma and Grandpa, moms parents were from Germany in the North on the North Sea, we visited relatives, went all over Germany sight seeing, I remember it was the first time mom and dad let me take a picture! It was of them in front of the castle, and yes, it was blurry as hell! And when dad referred to King Ludwig he referred to him as screwy Louie! Yikes daddy! It was a wonderful trip for us!
@lisamcbride8921
Жыл бұрын
The thing that stood out to me in the castle was the master bathroom shower, it had many, many shower heads on all the walls, of course my 5 year old self was fascinated! Lol
@DWHistoryandCulture
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story!
@teresarussell8264
6 ай бұрын
I love these precious stories!
A pity that they didn't show much of the interior.
the uphill route to the castle entrance is steep and long
I went to the beautiful castle and it is magical! So gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️
I went here in May this year, a beautiful place with a very rich yet beautiful history. The story touched my heart, it’s sad he didn’t get to live in here.
@DWHistoryandCulture
11 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for sharing your personal experience with us. Sending you all the best!
Admirably architecturally and artistically beautiful!👑🕯🕯 However... This little old lady is especially grateful for less poetic realities: Elevators, climate controlled halls, rooms and indoor plumbing🏆
KIng Ludwig I was certainly not drowned. His autopsy showed no water in his lungs! It is quite obvious that he was murdered. It's high time the Wittlesbach family came clean about the matter. He was also far from mad.
Stunning place, outdone only by the genius of Ludwig who created it. So many artistic people have been called insane, and after they are dead they are honoured for their visions. Still calling Ludwig the 'mad king' is a travesty.
@rmp7400
Жыл бұрын
Well...consider the source.... The fact most people today still imagine that Einstein was a genius - while blind both to Tesla's unmatched creativity and sterling character....tells us everything about who still controls the p.r. machines....
I love this castle. Have went a few times in high school and with my parents and a friend. My daughter gave the tour with the guide holding her hand. It was so funny.
A fantastic documentary. I did not expect to be moved to tears by a story about a castle and a monarch.
So massive i was mesmerized when i was fortunate enough to visit in summer of 89! One of the most beautiful places ive ever been. Breath taking!
…To have created a vision of Teutonic knighthood in the form of an idealized castle-then to have that vision endorsed by millions in succeeding generations….That’s a success
Ludwig’s heart was a dedication to Wagner & Fantasy How sad & dull & horrible this world would be without dreamers
What a beautiful fairy tale castle. Lucky Ludwig he lived there.
Thank you for these great glimpses into history, beautifully told.
I remember going to see it when my father was stationed in Germany. It was the first castle I saw inside of. I still have a painting of the castle my parents bought from an artist outside the castle. At 9 years old the castle was magic and Ludwig was my first crush. Sixty five years later he still owns a piece of my heart.
@DWHistoryandCulture
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with our community.
@teresarussell8264
6 ай бұрын
This is a lovely and endearing story! Thank you for sharing it! I’ve never been only read about it and see pictures. ❤
This was my favorite place to visit while in Bavaria, the views from the bridge are stunning 🏰
We toured the castle last year May 2022. What an amazing place that oozes history.
How sad the State deposed the King, instead of rewarding him. The King supported all the great craftsmen, artists, designers and builders, immeasurably enriching the greater community. Should be more Kings like him. His buildings are perfect, breathtakingly beautiful and unforgettable.
It was very cold and very overcast; evening was already well on its way. It was the dead of winter and very heavy snow was once again covering everything around. Everything was white, the castle, the trees around us, and of course the ice and snow-covered road we were on; everything was just shapes, a brilliant white blanket covered just everything. I was a southern California boy, I'd never known cold like that. I remember covering my mouth, trying to warm the air as I breathed, it actually hurt. I was just a 12 year old kid. Fantasy was my whole world though, so Ludwig's castle was just right for me. And those dense and dark creepy forests so evident in Grimm's Fairytales were no made-up fake place or land, they are all - all too real. I'm sure it all looks different in Spring or Summer. On the other side of the mountain is that huge lake alright, but it of course was completely covered over with ice. The climb up was a bit spooky. This was ~ 60 years ago, so no-doubt it all may well be different today. But the inside of that place, unbelievable. I'm not gonna get detailed or anything, but I really don't think that any fantasy or imagination would best it's reality, the place really is something out of a fairy-tale story. The only other thing I remember from that day was a little very German bistro at the foot of the mountain. I'd never eaten Deer before, I felt kinda weird, like I was a cannibal or something; yeah I know, I'm weird I guess. But I'm not surprised at all that Bavaria Germany has the reputation as a truly beautiful place. It was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. It still is. Or was.
I love this Castle so much. I had a winter poster of it on my wall as a child