Schloss Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany

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Bavarian Alps

Stretching west from Germany’s remote southeastern corner to the Allgäu region near Lake Constance, the Bavarian Alps (Bayerische Alpen) form a stunningly beautiful natural divide along the Austrian border. Ranges further south may be higher, but these mountains shoot up from the foothills so abruptly that the impact is all the more dramatic.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

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    Schloss Linderhof

    Bavarian Alps

    A pocket-sized trove of weird treasures, Schloss Linderhof was Ludwig II’s smallest but most sumptuous palace, and the only one he lived to see fully…

  • Fussen, Germany - August 7, 2015: Beautiful view of world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace built for King Ludwig II on a rugged cliff, with scenic mountain landscape near Fussen, southwest Bavaria, Germany.

    Schloss Neuschwanstein

    Füssen

    Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this…

  • Schloss Herrenchiemsee

    Schloss Herrenchiemsee

    Chiemsee

    An island just 1.5km across the Chiemsee from Prien, Herreninsel is home to Ludwig II’s Versailles-inspired castle. Begun in 1878, it was never intended…

  • View at the Konigssee from Malerwinkel

    Königssee

    Berchtesgaden

    Gliding serenely across the wonderfully picturesque, emerald-green Königssee makes for some unforgettable memories and photo opportunities. Cradled by…

  • Schloss Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany

    Schloss Hohenschwangau

    Füssen

    King Ludwig II grew up at the sun-yellow Schloss Hohenschwangau and later enjoyed summers here until his death in 1886. His father, Maximilian II, built…

  • Hitler's Eagle Nest in Germany

    Eagle's Nest

    Berchtesgaden

    At 1834m above sea level, the Eagle's Nest was built as a mountaintop retreat for Hitler, and gifted to him on his 50th birthday. It took around 3000…

  • Germany, Bavaria, Wetterstein mountains, Zugspitze, Summit cross

    Zugspitze

    Garmisch-Partenkirchen

    On good days, views from Germany’s rooftop extend into four countries. The return trip starts in Garmisch aboard a cogwheel train (Zahnradbahn) that chugs…

  • Dokumentation Obersalzberg

    Dokumentation Obersalzberg

    Berchtesgaden

    In 1933 the tranquil Alpine settlement of Obersalzberg (3km from Berchtesgaden) in essence became the second seat of Nazi power after Berlin, a dark…

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Neuschwanstein, Germany - 1 February, 2019: Beautiful view of world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany Beautiful view of world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace built for King Ludwig II on a rugged cliff near Fussen, southwest Bavaria, Germany 1177375283 neuschwanstein, landscape, view, landmark, beautiful, alps, famous, alpine, royal, bavarian, tale, european, german, destination, hohenschwangau, amazing, attraction, building, scenic, scenery, panorama, ludwig, king, schloss, swanstone, popular, world, romantic Beautiful view of world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, southwest Bavaria, Germany.

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14 of the best places to go in Europe in winter

Sep 15, 2024 • 14 min read

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