Incredible European castle that was the inspiration for Disney to become even more popular
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE castle in Bavaria that was the inspiration behind Cinderella's palace has just been given a brand-new status.
Found on a hilltop in Germany, the sprawling castle has been awarded a title given to places that are deemed to be of 'great importance to all of humanity'.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
4
Neuschwanstein Castle sits on a hilltop in south Germany
Credit: Alamy
4
The castle is the inspiration behind the Disney model
Credit: Alamy
Neuschwanstein Castle, or Schloss Neuschwanstein, is a 19th-century palace at the foot of the Alps in the south of Germany, near the Austrian border.
Inside the castle there are over 200 rooms, however only 14 are open to the public.
The highest tower reaches a height of 213 feet, but the palace appears much taller as it is on top of a hill.
The castle was built in 1869 after being commissioned by King Ludwig II, who was nicknamed the 'Mad King Ludwig', and was known for his love of extravagant palaces.
Sadly, King Ludwig II never saw the final Neuschwanstein, according to the Bavarian Castle Administration he died in 1886 and the final towers weren't completed until 1892.
One man who did see the castle in all its glory was Walt Disney.
He saw it on a trip to Europe while travelling with his wife, and Walt used it as inspiration for his very own Disneyland.
Elements of it are used in the Sleeping Beauty castle, which is the most recognisable building and logo of Disney.
Now, the site has officially been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
As of July 2025, there are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across across 168 countries.
Inside Ireland's 'magical' Disney castle with fairytale tower on sale for €7.5MILLION and it's minutes from the beach
4
In the castle grounds is a bridge that looks over a waterfall
Credit: Alamy
The sites are chosen as cultural or natural locations around the world that are recognised for their "Outstanding Universal Value".
UNESCO sites are deemed to be of 'great importance to all of humanity'.
The decision was made to add the castle to the list in July 2025.
You can visit Neuschwanstein Castle by booking tickets online.
Prices for adults start at €23.50 (£23.32). Tickets for children up to 17 are just €2.50 (£2.16).
On the website, it is detailed that visiting the castle is only possible as part of a guided tour.
Outside of the castle walls, there's another must-see which is Marienbrücke.
The bridge found in the castle grounds is suspended over a waterfall, making it a great viewpoint.
If you want to visit the castle, the closest airport is Memmingen. Ryanair offers direct flights which are just one hour 45 minutes long.
Flights from London Stansted to Memmingen start at £21.99. From there, it's an hour's drive south to the castle.
Walt Disney also visited this pretty English village which was later almost bought by America.
Here are seven beautiful castles you can stay in for under £90 to feel like you're on The Traitors filming location.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
29 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Trains cancelled as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85mph winds
Scots are being warned to plan ahead as Storm Floris is set to batter parts of the country with winds of up to 85mph. An amber weather warning is in place for the majority of Scotland between 10am and 10pm on Monday, while a yellow warning for wind is also in place as far south as Manchester and north Wales as well as the entirety of Northern Ireland between 6am and midnight on Monday. The Met Office has warned of travel disruption when the summer storm hits, with the Scottish Transport Secretary saying the unseasonable weather makes raising awareness even more important. Trains and ferries have already been cancelled, with Network Rail set to close a number of routes at 12pm on Monday. All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times due to speed restrictions. Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness, and Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalshare are among a number of lines that will close from noon. Train operator LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday as a result of the forecast. Those intending to travel on Monday can do so on Sunday, the operator said, with tickets also being valid until Wednesday. Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Monday as it expects its Scottish-English routes to be 'heavily affected' by Storm Floris. The operator said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added. The Met Office said gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts or hills north of the border. ⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️ #StormFloris to bring unseasonably strong winds across parts of Scotland Monday 1000 – 2200 Latest info 👉 Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ — Met Office (@metoffice) August 3, 2025 Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said a meeting had been held on Friday to ensure the country is ready for the storm, adding: 'Given the unusual timing, and the fact some people will be on holiday, travelling or perhaps unaware, we are trying to raise even more awareness than usual of this potentially disruptive storm. 'Please check with operators as we do expect rail, ferries, roads and bridges to be disrupted on Monday across the country. 'This is a slightly unusual situation for August, however the message is the same as winter – plan ahead, check your journey in advance, allow extra time, and don't take any unnecessary risks. 'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required. 'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response. 'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.' Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X. ⚠️AMBER WEATHER WARNING⚠️ The @metoffice has issued an AMBER warning for WIND🍃 Monday (04/08) 10:00- Monday (04/08) 23:59 YELLOW warnings are also still in place: Monday (04/08) 06:00- Monday (04/08) 22:00 More information can be found here👉 — Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 3, 2025 Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, of the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected. Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger. Find out more at — Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025 Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Trains cancelled as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85mph winds
An amber weather warning is in place for the majority of Scotland between 10am and 10pm on Monday, while a yellow warning for wind is also in place as far south as Manchester and north Wales as well as the entirety of Northern Ireland between 6am and midnight on Monday. The Met Office has warned of travel disruption when the summer storm hits, with the Scottish Transport Secretary saying the unseasonable weather makes raising awareness even more important. Trains and ferries have already been cancelled, with Network Rail set to close a number of routes at 12pm on Monday. All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times due to speed restrictions. Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness, and Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalshare are among a number of lines that will close from noon. Train operator LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday as a result of the forecast. Those intending to travel on Monday can do so on Sunday, the operator said, with tickets also being valid until Wednesday. Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Monday as it expects its Scottish-English routes to be 'heavily affected' by Storm Floris. The operator said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added. The Met Office said gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts or hills north of the border. ⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️#StormFloris to bring unseasonably strong winds across parts of Scotland Monday 1000 – 2200 Latest info 👉 Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ — Met Office (@metoffice) August 3, 2025 Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said a meeting had been held on Friday to ensure the country is ready for the storm, adding: 'Given the unusual timing, and the fact some people will be on holiday, travelling or perhaps unaware, we are trying to raise even more awareness than usual of this potentially disruptive storm. 'Please check with operators as we do expect rail, ferries, roads and bridges to be disrupted on Monday across the country. 'This is a slightly unusual situation for August, however the message is the same as winter – plan ahead, check your journey in advance, allow extra time, and don't take any unnecessary risks. 'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required. 'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response. 'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.' Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X. ⚠️AMBER WEATHER WARNING⚠️ The @metoffice has issued an AMBER warning for WIND🍃 Monday (04/08) 10:00- Monday (04/08) 23:59 YELLOW warnings are also still in place: Monday (04/08) 06:00- Monday (04/08) 22:00 More information can be found here👉 — Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 3, 2025 Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, of the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected. Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger. Find out more at — Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025 Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Trains cancelled as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85mph winds
An amber weather warning is in place for the majority of Scotland between 10am and 10pm on Monday, while a yellow warning for wind is also in place as far south as Manchester and north Wales as well as the entirety of Northern Ireland between 6am and midnight on Monday. The Met Office has warned of travel disruption when the summer storm hits, with the Scottish Transport Secretary saying the unseasonable weather makes raising awareness even more important. Trains and ferries have already been cancelled, with Network Rail set to close a number of routes at 12pm on Monday. All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times due to speed restrictions. Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness, and Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalshare are among a number of lines that will close from noon. Train operator LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday as a result of the forecast. Those intending to travel on Monday can do so on Sunday, the operator said, with tickets also being valid until Wednesday. Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Monday as it expects its Scottish-English routes to be 'heavily affected' by Storm Floris. The operator said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added. The Met Office said gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts or hills north of the border. ⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️#StormFloris to bring unseasonably strong winds across parts of Scotland Monday 1000 – 2200 Latest info 👉 Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ — Met Office (@metoffice) August 3, 2025 Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said a meeting had been held on Friday to ensure the country is ready for the storm, adding: 'Given the unusual timing, and the fact some people will be on holiday, travelling or perhaps unaware, we are trying to raise even more awareness than usual of this potentially disruptive storm. 'Please check with operators as we do expect rail, ferries, roads and bridges to be disrupted on Monday across the country. 'This is a slightly unusual situation for August, however the message is the same as winter – plan ahead, check your journey in advance, allow extra time, and don't take any unnecessary risks. 'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required. 'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response. 'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.' Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X. ⚠️AMBER WEATHER WARNING⚠️ The @metoffice has issued an AMBER warning for WIND🍃 Monday (04/08) 10:00- Monday (04/08) 23:59 YELLOW warnings are also still in place: Monday (04/08) 06:00- Monday (04/08) 22:00 More information can be found here👉 — Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 3, 2025 Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, of the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected. Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger. Find out more at — Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025 Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
