Hohenschwangau Castle

　　   Hohenschwangau Castle, also known as "Old Hohenschwangau" or "Hohenschwangau Fortress," is a castle situated in Hohenschwangau Village under the jurisdiction of Schwangau Town in Bavaria, Germany. It faces Neuschwanstein Castle across the mountain and is one of the most historically significant castles in Germany.

　　   The castle was originally built by knights of Schwangau and was later purchased by King Maximilian II of Bavaria, who renovated it between 1832 and 1836. Today’s visitors can thank them for the opportunity to explore 14 of the castle’s interior rooms. His son, the “Fairytale King” Ludwig II, spent his childhood here and even hosted composer Richard Wagner at the castle. Constructed in the 12th century, Hohenschwangau Castle is a gem of Germany’s Romantic period. It reached its heyday shortly after completion and became a central theme in courtly lyric poetry of the time.

　　   Currently, 14 rooms within the castle, along with a rich collection of exhibits, are open to the public. These include the Chapel Room, Billiards Room, Hall of the Swan Knights, Room of the Sienese, Room of the Baysita, Ladies’ Room, Hero’s Hall, Room of the Hohenstaufen, Tasso Room, and Knights’ Room.

　　   Hohenschwangau Castle    Reason to visit: One of the most renowned treasures of Germany’s Romantic period    Continent: Europe    Country/Region: Germany    Province/State: Bavaria    City: Schwangau