Tourists Are Flocking to See the Castle That Inspired Sleeping Beauty Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, southern Germany, has been forced to turn away tourists after being named a World Heritage Site earlier this month.
While the 19th-century palace situated on the foothills of the Alps has an interesting history in its own right, the castle is perhaps best known as a global symbol of the Romantic era.
Photo: Neuschwanstein Tickets
In this capacity, the structure served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. To a lesser degree, it also influenced Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. Walt Disney himself was reportedly inspired by the castle after visiting it on a trip to Europe.
A Boom in Tourism
Although Neuschwanstein Castle has been a popular tourist destination for decades, the landmark has seen an increase in new visitors since it was designated a World Heritage Site.
Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Previously, the castle averaged roughly 1.7 million visitors per year. Now, according to National World, tourism officials are expected to receive nearly four million visitors.
Turning Visitors Away
As guests flock to the castle, staff have been forced to turn away anyone who did not pre-book their visit and secure a ticket. The lines are reportedly wrapping around the structure.
Due to the influx of new demand, the Neuschwanstein Castle website warns would-be visitors, “If tickets are already sold out, a tour of the castle on that day is unfortunately not possible. Reservations are generally not possible.”
Photo: Wikipedia
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