Bavaria

Spiralling out of the Alpine foothills like a castle from a fairytale, Schloss Neuschwanstein is surely one of the most romantic castles in Europe. This idealistic Romanesque revival castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Germany in the 19^th century, and was inspired by his love of Wagner’s operas. Picturesque and theatrical, its turrets rise from the rugged, forested hills of beautiful Bavaria whilst inside, operatic frescoes adorn opulent rooms which provide a stage for presenting German mythology.

Schloss Hohenschwangau is a neo-Gothic creation, and was the summer residence of King Maximilian II. Built upon the 12^th century ruins of a fortress of the Knights of Schwangau, its buttery yellow façade sits warmly against the forested surroundings. This royal residence embodies an idealisation of the Middle Ages, and today tells the story of the Bavarian Kings.

Beautifully baroque, this Benedictine monastery is known for its amazing frescoes and stunning rococo vestry. The pretty domes of Ettal Abbey are home to monks who produce beer, liqueur, and cheese on site, and also run a bookstore.

This rococo royal villa takes inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, and is where King Ludwig II spent most of his time. Smaller than his other castles, the residence is no less magnificent inside: opulent and ostentatious rooms are packed with treasures, jewels and quirky inventions. Outside, the beautiful gardens are staged with equal care, and take inspiration from the Orient and from Wagner’s operas.

The quaint Bavarian hamlet of Oberammergau sits prettily along the Ammer River, dotted with traditional houses and woodcarving workshops. Situated amongst the forested slopes of the Ammer Mountains, it is most well-known for its once-a-decade Passion Play. In a tradition that has held since the 1630s, some 2,000 citizens of Oberammergau put on an awe-inspiring open-air play depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ

The pretty town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits in an ideal Alpine location, with spectacular mountain vistas for miles around. Formerly the home of composer Richard Strauss, this winter sports paradise has a lovely old fashioned charm, and is situated at the base of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze.