Schwangau nestles right up to the mountains, with the Bavarian, Lechtal and Allgäu Alps as a panoramic backdrop. It is set in a region of castles and palaces, mountains and lakes, the loveliest spot in the eastern Allgäu. Two famous castles built by King Ludwig of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein - audacious and other-worldly - and Hohenschwangau - romantic and welcoming - sit boldly on their hilltops as if they had been there forever. The Royal Crystal Spa invites you to immerse yourself in a world of water.Royal Crystal Spa
A truly regal crystal spa has been created in the shadow of King Ludwig's castles. The king himself might have dreamt up the atmosphere here in a realm of earth, fire, water, crystals and gems. Fifteen tonnes of precious and semi-precious stones adorn the thermal baths and sauna suite, following the teachings of St Hildegard of Bingen. The gemstone meditation cave is filled with light reflected from multi-faceted jewels. The spa's sauna suite with its "Fairytale Sauna" is widely regarded as the finest in the German-speaking countries and possibly in the whole of Europe.Neuschwanstein Castle
In its romantic forest setting Neuschwanstein Castle, built by "mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria, is one of the best-known edifices in the world, and the most visited building in Germany. The fairytale castle with its many turrets and battlements was constructed between 1869 and 1886 and its design was based on unconventional stage sets for Wagner's operas "Lohengrin" and "Tannhäuser". Guided tours only.Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle is located opposite Neuschwanstein Castle on the shores of romantic Lake Alpsee near Füssen. The castle is easily reached by a footpath through the woods from the car park by Lake Alpsee. Originally built as a knight's castle in the 12th century, Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of Ludwig II's parents and the summer residence of the Wittelsbach royal family. It was rebuilt by King Maximilian II from 1832 to 1837 and was the oldest of the royal castles, in which Ludwig II spent the greater part of his life. The interior is decorated in the Biedermeier style and is still largely original. Guided tours of the castle take place daily.