Stepping Into a Fairytale: Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles In southern Germany, in the Bavaria (Bayern) region, right near the town of Schwangau.
There are places in the world that feel like they were pulled straight out of a storybook, and visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles was exactly that. For a little girl who once dreamed of being a princess, this was like stepping into that childhood dream—but with a grown-up twist.
The Dream of Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein is the castle everyone pictures when they think of fairytales. Towering on the hill, framed by snow-dusted mountains, it honestly looks like it was designed for a Disney movie. Walking up to it, I felt like I was heading straight into a princess fantasy land—and yes, I may have been humming “Once Upon a Dream” under my breath. The inside was just as jaw-dropping, filled with incredible detail.
Hohenschwangau: The Childhood Castle
Just across the way is Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II actually grew up. It felt more lived-in, more personal—like walking into someone’s royal home rather than a fairytale set. Seeing both castles together was like getting to peek behind the curtain of history while still holding onto the magic of the dream.
The Silky Chicken Hat
Now, let’s talk about the hat. I wore a big fur hat to keep warm (plus I actually liked it and planned the white on white…but still…) in every single photo it looks like I have a silky chicken sitting on my head. I mean, majestic castles behind me… and then that. If I’m being honest, I think it added some comedy to the whole fairytale vibe. Instead of a sparkling crown, I had my “chicken hat”—and in its own way, it made me laugh and feel even more like myself in the middle of all that royal fantasy.
A Real-Life Fairytale (Chicken and All)
At the end of the day, visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau wasn’t just about the castles (though they were every bit as magical as I imagined). It was about that feeling of stepping into a dream, mixed with the reality of travel—that sometimes your “princess crown” ends up looking like poultry. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Serving poultry chic at the palace. 🏰✨
Neuschwanstein: straight out of a fairytale. Me: straight out of a chicken coop, with a hat that said farm-to-fashion. 👑🔥🐔. Who says castles can’t have a little farm flair?