17-07-2025
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'.
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Neuschwanstein Castle sits on a hilltop in south Germany
Credit: Alamy
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The castle is the inspiration behind the Disney model
Credit: Alamy
Inside the
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.
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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
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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.
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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".
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
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
Here are
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The castle that was the inspiration for Disney is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site
Credit: Alamy
