Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, commissioned in 1869 by King Ludwig II, inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, and attracts over 1.4 million pilgrims annually. Standing 965 meters above sea level, its construction cost 6.2 million marks (about €48 million today). It outperforms Heidelberg in iconic status, with a 95% recognition rate among international tourists. However, at 30% more expensive than the average Bavarian attraction (tickets start at €17.50), it remains a premium destination. Its completion took 19 years, faster than the typical long-term castle project of its era.