Schwangau, Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle

Bavaria’s “Mad“ King Ludwig built the castle of his dreams, Neuschwanstein, a mere fifteen minute walk from Hohenschwangau, his boyhood castle home. Shortly after setting into Neuschwanstein, Ludwig was declared mentally unfit to rule and eventually found dead; the circumstances of his death remaining a mystery to this day. Subscribe to for weekly updates on more European destinations. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode description