Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous castles in Germany and perhaps the world. There are several reasons why it is only now becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. BILD: ©SCStock | Stock Adobe.com
The “Disney Castle” template
Just as Coca-Cola has shaped the image of Santa Claus, Disney is responsible for making Neuschwanstein Castle famous around the world. Walt Disney himself visited Neuschwanstein, and the Bavarian beauty is the model for the Disney Castle at Disney Land California and for the company’s logo. It is the symbol of a fairytale castle, which is exactly what King Ludwig II wanted.
Why is Neuschwanstein Castle only now becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
As to why it has only now become interesting for the World Heritage List, ethnologist Christoph Brumann told RP-Online that it is not a genuine medieval structure, but only a “medieval fantasy of a king” from the 19th century.
The Süddeutsche Zeitung also reports that UNESCO is demanding support from the local population. So in 2023 there was a referendum on whether the people wanted even more attention for their tourist magnet (with 1.3 million visitors a year, it is one of the main attractions in Bavaria). The majority voted yes.
Is Neuschwanstein worth the trip?
From my point of view, definitely! It’s been a few years since I visited the castle on a press trip, but I really liked the drive up to the castle – the winding road through the woods. It really is the setting of the Grimm fairy tales: forest, toadstools, deer, a castle. If you grew up with those images, you are bound to love it! The inside of the castle? Well… you could save yourself the trouble… but since you’re here! 🙂
By the way, the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel das Rübezahl has a direct view of Neuschwanstein Castle. The sustainable hotel is also a partner of the Füssen Festival Hall, where you can see the matching musical Ludwig², which is set in the castle.
26 new heritage sites
In 2024, UNESCO added 26 new cultural sites. From our point of view, this is a good thing for the sustainable development of tourism. After all, important nature, buildings and customs should also be experienced by future generations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site has special requirements to ensure that it is preserved and protected, and funding is made available for this purpose.
In 2023, UNESCO tried to save the historic center of Odessa, Ukraine, and the St. Hilarion Monastery in Gaza from destruction in war zones. (However, according to Al Jazeera, the 4th century Christian monastery was destroyed or partially destroyed in 2024).
Tourism in World Heritage Sites
As we reported in our blog article about vacations in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tourism is part of the plan. Mass tourism is harmful, of course, but overall the travel industry is an important economic factor. Money is generated by and for tourism, which is used to clean up the sites, restore them, etc.
However, we believe that only sustainable tourism can achieve this. Read more in our article:
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