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The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Why you should swap the French Alps for the Bavarian mountains this summer
The castle is nothing like I expected. Since I'm in Bavaria, I had visions of towering spires and fairytale turrets, but as I push through the last few hundred metres of climb on my bike and Schachen Castle comes into view, I find myself gazing upon a Swiss-style lodge. The pretty, if rather bizarre, structure was built in 1869 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat so he could enjoy the stunning landscapes and exquisite loneliness of the mountains. Indeed, the views from Schachen across the border to Austria are breathtaking. Inside, things get even stranger. The Turkish Hall is filled with opulent Moorish decor blended with Indian, Baroque and Oriental influences, which contrast with the simple Bavarian interiors on the ground floor. It's all rather eccentric – a bit like King Ludwig II himself. Just this month, the Schachen Royal House was added to the Unesco list of World Heritage Sites. There is a charm to this mountain home, although it may not have the classic fairytale beauty of King Ludwig II's other three Bavarian palaces that also made the list: Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof and Neuschwanstein, the latter of which is known as 'the original Disney castle' as it is thought to be Walt's inspiration for the palace in Sleeping Beauty. If I'm honest, Germany hadn't been on my list of summer Alpine destinations. For years it had been hard to tear me away from the French Alps (I've spent a good few long weekends scrambling up mountains and running along trails in Chamonix). Then I'd fallen in love with the Dolomites and spent the past couple of summers gazing upon those jagged peaks bathed in rose gold and wandering through meadows of wildflowers. Bavaria had barely registered on my radar. It was Schloss Elmau that got me out here. I'd heard tales of the mountain retreat where great thinkers mulled over ideas in the shadow of the mighty Witterstein, classical musicians played great works in the grand concert hall, and athletes had trained on the steep mountain trails. Not to mention that two G7 Summits had been hosted at the retreat in 2015 and 2022. If Angela Merkel and Barack Obama could thrash out the groundwork for the Paris Climate Agreement there then surely the Schloss could work its powers on me. A little digging revealed that the Schloss has something of a troubled past. It was built in 1916 by Protestant theologian and philosopher Dr Johannes Muller as a space for 'personal freedom and religious life' where guests could think, listen to classical music, dance and just be – surrounded by the rugged beauty of an untouched landscape. However, as National Socialism tightened its grip on Germany in the 1930s, Muller became known for his admiration of Hitler – a past that has hung over the resort's heritage. Current owner, and Dr Johannes's grandson, Dietmar Mueller-Elmau has been determined to confront this history head on rather than try to hide it and has worked to transform the resort into the cultural haven it once promised to be. The resort is split into two buildings: the original structure is the Hideaway, while the Retreat was built later and was completed just before the G7 Summit in 2015. The Retreat rooms are expansive, bright, airy, with long balconies and lots of wood, while the Hideaway has a cosier, more traditional feel (while still being very spacious). Dietmar himself has a fondness for the Far East – an elephant is the symbol for Schloss Elmau and you'll find Asian embroidery throughout – which somehow blends rather seamlessly with the distinctly Bavarian tone. The wellness offering is extensive: six pools (including adults-only, family-friendly and infinity pools) three luxury spas (featuring a Oriental Hamam, Japanese onsen and cold plunge pool), two family spas, and a nature spa on the Ferchenbach Creek with a rustic Finnish sauna. Then there's that impressive yet intimate concert hall, where musicians from across the world are invited to perform. While spoiled for choice with activities, the beauty of the resort for me was its location: it's the perfect jumping off spot to explore the Alps. There's a sports concierge that will equip you with hiking maps, set you up with a bike, and recommend the best spots to experience the mountains. Eschewing an e-bike (a decision I came to regret at moments), I set out on my gravel bike to visit the Schachen Castle. It's a 1,300m climb, but the paths are incredibly well-marked. With a bit of sweat and a lot of pushing I reached my destination. There was a smattering of other visitors, but one of the joys of Schachen is that it can only be reached by bike or foot (a round hike will take roughly eight hours from the Schloss so it's no stroll in the park). And herein lies one of the great beauties of the Bavarian Alps – it's yet to draw the same crowds as the Dolomites and Alps and retains a real sense of tranquility and calm. One morning I climbed through lush meadows for lunch at the cosy Elmauer Alm alpine hut, where I ate Obatzda (a Bavarian soft cheese) spread on a warm pretzel. I spent a sun-drenched afternoon cycling from the Schloss to the idyllic mountain lakes of Ferchensee and Lautersee, where I swam in the crystal clear waters. Munich is the obvious jumping off point for a mountain break, but there are also a smattering of enchanting towns and villages in the region – such as Rosenheim, Regensburg and Würzburg – that offer classic Bavarian architecture, pubs and food (not to mention excellent beer). So are the Bavarian Alps better than the French version? Well, that's impossible to say. Each region and mountain range – like each individual mountain – has its own personality; its own distinct beauty, individual quirks and charms that mean you simply can't compare. But for summer hikes, spas with breathtaking views, and fairytale castles (in whatever form they take), Bavaria's mountains certainly deliver. Annabel stayed in Bavaria as a guest of Schloss Elmau.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
26 new UNESCO World Heritage Sites for 2025
From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, UNESCO 's list of World Heritage Sites protects some of humanity's most treasured historical monuments. Now, 26 new sites have been added to this prestigious list. This year's additions include the original Disney Castle, a Diamond Mountain in North Korea, and the Killing Fields of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge. UNESCO has also included Port Royal - a mysterious sunken 'Pirate City' in Jamaica. Of the 32 candidates nominated this year, those accepted include 21 cultural sites, four natural wonders, and one mixed location. Pictured: Linderhof Castle near Oberammergau, southern Germany. The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany When Walt Disney needed inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty, he turned to the stunning palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Built between 1864 and 1886, the spires of Neuschwanstein Castle tower over the Bavarian Alps. King Ludwig II, who would be declared mad shortly after the castle's completion, drew inspiration for the castle's design from fairy tales and the operas of Wagner. The castle features grand murals of forests and cherubs alongside a hidden grotto built to connect the King's living space and offices. Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia's Khmer Rouge party killed between two and three million people. Inspired by radical Maoist ideology, the party led by Pol Pot killed ethnic, educated, urban, or professionally trained individuals. Perceived opponents of the regime were taken to sites which became known as the killing fields, where they were murdered and dumped in mass graves. These graves were so shallow that bones of the dead can still be seen sticking out of the ground to this day. One of these sites, formally an orchard located 6 miles (10km) south of the capital Phnom Penh, was made into a memorial site for the atrocity named the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. The centre includes a large Buddhist stupa, or tower, made out of hundreds of unidentified skulls from those killed at the site. The Killing Fields and the notorious S-21 and M-13 prison, where thousands were tortured, have all been made part of the UNESCO world heritage list. Mount Kumgang, North Korea Known as the Diamond Mountain from the Sea, Mount Kumang is now one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in North Korea. UNESCO has added the area as a mixed site, meaning it has outstanding natural and cultural value. This area is renowned for its valleys, waterfalls, incredible biodiversity, and peaks rising to nearly 5,250 ft (1,600m). Due to the local climate, these mountains are constantly shrouded by a changing pattern of mists, rain, and clouds. Additionally, the area has been considered sacred by Korean Buddhists for hundreds of years. The site is home to ancient stone carvings and temples dating back as far as the 5th century, including three which are still active today. Until January last year, the site was also one of the very few locations open to South Korean tourists as part of the so-called 'Sunshine Policy'. Gola-Tiwai Complex, Sierra Leone The Gola-Tiwai Complex is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Sierra Leone and has been added following decades of conservation work in the region. The complex will include the 700 square kilometre Gola-Tiwai National Park as well as the nearby Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Once considered at threat by logging and civil war, this rainforest is home to a bewildering array of rare and endangered species. The area hosts more than 1,000 plant species, 55 mammals, up to 448 birds, and 600 species of butterfly. It is also the last remaining home of the forest elephant and pygmy hippopotamus in Sierra Leone. Pygmy hippos, made famous by Khao Kheow Open Zoo's Moo Deng , are now found in only a handful of waterways in West Africa and are considered endangered. The forest is also key to the survival of some species we would recognise here in the UK, such as migratory swifts which stop to rest in Gola-Tiwai on their way to Europe. Port Royal, Jamaica In the 17th century, the town of Port Royal was a major hub of English trade in the Caribbean and a notorious pirate haven nicknamed 'the wickedest city of Earth'. The city was home to English and Dutch 'Privateers', gangs of marauding pirates encouraged to attack the Spanish fleets. On shore, these wealthy criminals would spend their ill-gotten cash in the city's many taverns and gambling dens. However, a major earthquake in 1692 and an accompanying tsunami sank most of the port into the ocean. What remained of the town was then destroyed by a fire and a hurricane in the following years, all but wiping Port Royal off the map. Today, the remains of the pirate town are still found beneath the waves where they have been converted into a major archaeological site. This area, known as the Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal, has now been officially recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The 26 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites 1. Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection (Cambodia) 2. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago, Omatí Minhô (Guinea-Bissau) 3. Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal (Tajikistan) 4. Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains (Cameroon) 5. Faya Palaeolandscape (United Arab Emirates) 6. Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor (Malaysia) 7. Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia, The domus de janas (Italy) 8. Gola-Tiwai Complex (Sierra Leone) 9. Maratha Military Landscapes of India (India) 10. Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan (France) 11. Minoan Palatial Centres (Greece) 12. Mount Kumgang, Diamond Mountain from the Sea (North Korea) 13. Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape (Malawi). 14. Møns Klint (Denmark) 15. Murujuga Cultural Landscape (Australia) 16. Peruaçu River Canyon (Brazil) 17. Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream (South Korea) 18. Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley (Iran) 19. Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave (Russia) 20. Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe (Turkey) 21. The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal (Jamaica) 22. The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá (Panama) 23. The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee (Germany) 24. Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé, Mexico) 25. Xixia Imperial Tombs (China) 26. Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes (Vietnam).
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The 26 new UNESCO World Heritage Sites for 2025 – from a sunken 'Pirate City' to the original Disney Castle
From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, UNESCO 's list of World Heritage Sites protects some of humanity's most treasured historical monuments. Now, 26 new sites have been added to this prestigious list. This year's additions include the original Disney Castle, a Diamond Mountain in North Korea, and the Killing Fields of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge. UNESCO has also included Port Royal - a mysterious sunken 'Pirate City' in Jamaica. Of the 32 candidates nominated this year, those accepted include 21 cultural sites, four natural wonders, and one mixed location. Following 10 days of deliberations in Paris, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has expanded its list to 1,248 sites across 170 countries. That includes two countries, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, which have now claimed their first UNESCO world heritage sites. Countries with sites added to the list must commit to preserving them and could receive funding from the UN to help with that conservation. The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany When Walt Disney needed inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty, he turned to the stunning palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Built between 1864 and 1886, the spires of Neuschwanstein Castle tower over the Bavarian Alps. King Ludwig II, who would be declared mad shortly after the castle's completion, drew inspiration for the castle's design from fairy tales and the operas of Wagner. The castle features grand murals of forests and cherubs alongside a hidden grotto built to connect the King's living space and offices. Despite its medieval appearance, Neuschwanstein was actually constructed with the height of 19th-century technology. There is running water and automatically flushing toilets, hot air central heating, and even a system of electric bells used to summon servants. Alongside Neuschwanstein, the King's other homes -Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and the Royal House at Schachen - are now all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cambodian Memorial Sites, Cambodia Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia's Khmer Rouge party killed between two and three million people. Inspired by radical Maoist ideology, the party led by Pol Pot killed ethnic, educated, urban, or professionally trained individuals. Perceived opponents of the regime were taken to sites which became known as the killing fields, where they were murdered and dumped in mass graves. These graves were so shallow that bones of the dead can still be seen sticking out of the ground to this day. One of these sites, formally an orchard located 6 miles (10km) south of the capital Phnom Penh, was made into a memorial site for the atrocity named the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. The centre includes a large Buddhist stupa, or tower, made out of hundreds of unidentified skulls from those killed at the site. The Killing Fields and the notorious S-21 and M-13 prison, where thousands were tortured, have all been made part of the UNESCO world heritage list. Mount Kumgang, North Korea Known as the Diamond Mountain from the Sea, Mount Kumang is now one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in North Korea. UNESCO has added the area as a mixed site, meaning it has outstanding natural and cultural value. This area is renowned for its valleys, waterfalls, incredible biodiversity, and peaks rising to nearly 5,250 ft (1,600m). Due to the local climate, these mountains are constantly shrouded by a changing pattern of mists, rain, and clouds. Additionally, the area has been considered sacred by Korean Buddhists for hundreds of years. The site is home to ancient stone carvings and temples dating back as far as the 5th century, including three which are still active today. Until January last year, the site was also one of the very few locations open to South Korean tourists as part of the so-called 'Sunshine Policy'. Gola-Tiwai Complex, Sierra Leone The Gola-Tiwai Complex is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Sierra Leone and has been added following decades of conservation work in the region. The complex will include the 700 square kilometre Gola-Tiwai National Park as well as the nearby Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Once considered at threat by logging and civil war, this rainforest is home to a bewildering array of rare and endangered species. The area hosts more than 1,000 plant species, 55 mammals, up to 448 birds, and 600 species of butterfly. It is also the last remaining home of the forest elephant and pygmy hippopotamus in Sierra Leone. Pygmy hippos, made famous by Khao Kheow Open Zoo's Moo Deng, are now found in only a handful of waterways in West Africa and are considered endangered. The forest is also key to the survival of some species we would recognise here in the UK, such as migratory swifts which stop to rest in Gola-Tiwai on their way to Europe. Port Royal, Jamaica In the 17th century, the town of Port Royal was a major hub of English trade in the Caribbean and a notorious pirate haven nicknamed 'the wickedest city of Earth'. The city was home to English and Dutch 'Privateers', gangs of marauding pirates encouraged to attack the Spanish fleets. On shore, these wealthy criminals would spend their ill-gotten cash in the city's many taverns, gambling dens, and brothels. However, a major earthquake in 1692 and an accompanying tsunami sank most of the port into the ocean. What remained of the town was then destroyed by a fire and a hurricane in the following years, all but wiping Port Royal off the map. Today, the remains of the pirate town are still found beneath the waves where they have been converted into a major archaeological site. This area, known as the Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal, has now been officially recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The 26 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection (Cambodia) Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago, Omatí Minhô (Guinea-Bissau) Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal (Tajikistan) Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains (Cameroon) Faya Palaeolandscape (United Arab Emirates) Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor (Malaysia) Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia, The domus de janas (Italy) Gola-Tiwai Complex (Sierra Leone) Maratha Military Landscapes of India (India) Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan (France) Minoan Palatial Centres (Greece) Mount Kumgang, Diamond Mountain from the Sea (North Korea) Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape (Malawi) Møns Klint (Denmark) Murujuga Cultural Landscape (Australia) Peruaçu River Canyon (Brazil) Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream (South Korea) Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley (Iran) Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave (Russia) Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe (Turkey) The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal (Jamaica) The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá (Panama) The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee (Germany) Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) (Mexico) Xixia Imperial Tombs (China)
The Sun
17-07-2025
- The Sun
Incredible European castle that was the inspiration for Disney to become even more popular
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'. 4 4 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 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. 4
Condé Nast Traveler
16-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
These 26 Sites Were Just Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List
The inscription of new UNESCO World Heritage Sites is always a momentous occasion—especially for travelers who plan trips to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of these special places first hand. The running list spotlights more than a thousand significant sites around the globe, ranging from natural wonders to ancient ruins and stunningly preserved historical buildings. Once a year, The World Heritage Committee—a panel of 21 elected representatives from different member nations—meets to assess new proposals for inscription on the World Heritage List. On July 12, the committee inscribed 26 new sites across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Notably, Sierra Leone has gained its first-ever World Heritage Site. All of the new places added to the list this year have 'outstanding universal value' and meet at least one out of 10 additional selection criteria, such as being a 'masterpiece of human creative genius' or being an area of 'exceptional natural beauty.' Here's a closer look at four of the newest World Heritage Sites. Neuschwanstein, pictured above, is one of four Bavarian castles built by King Ludwig II that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2025. Arterra/Getty Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria Four storybook-worthy castles in the German region of Bavaria were just enshrined on the World Heritage list for 2025. The castles, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen, and Herrenchiemsee, were built by King Ludwig II between 1864 and 1886 and served as his personal homes and retreats. The palaces' ornate designs were inspired by German fairytales, as well as Versailles and Wagner's operas, and each one reflects 'the romantic and eclectic spirit of the era,' according to the UNESCO committee. The palaces were each designed to harmoniously blend into the region's stunning landscapes, the most famous example being Neuschwanstein, which is majestically elevated among the rugged foothills of the Alps. Get there: The palaces have been opened to the public since King Ludwig died in 1886, and today visitors can still tour all four palaces and marvel at their lavish interiors.
