Hohenschwangau Castle
As a child, King Ludwig II. often spent the summer months with his parents at Hohenschwangau Castle. "Here in my beloved Hohenschwangau I am having a splendid time, I am taking advantage of the fine weather we are at last having to go for many long rides in the surrounding countryside", wrote the young Ludwig to his governess in 1867.
His father, King Maximilian II, had acquired the castle when he was crown prince and had it rebuilt in the romantic, neo-Gothic style. Ludwig, already living in a fantasy world as a child, was fascinated by the numerous frescoes illustrating various legends and stories.
He was particularly attracted by the depictions of
the knights of Schwangau, the former owners of the castle. Their heraldic
animal, the swan, also became one of Ludwig's favourite
creatures.
