Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloss Neuschwanstein, lit. New Swan Stone Castle; IPA pronunciation)is a late 19th century castle in Germany, near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, not far from the Austrian border at approximately 47°33′16″N, 10°44′10″E. It is the most photographed building in Germany ,and is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.
 

Construction was started by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as "Mad King Ludwig". It was named after the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera of the same name, and was designed by Christian Jank. The castle is located near Ludwig's childhood residence Hohenschwangau Castle, an older structure restored by Ludwig's father, Maximilian II of Bavaria. Owing to his eccentricites and his perceived use of Bavarian funds (a myth, as Ludwig actually used his own money to finance the construction of the castle), Ludwig was removed from power before the castle was completed. Soon after Ludwig's mysterious death (he and a doctor were found in Lake Starnberg) in 1886, the castle was opened to the public. Many tapestries and paintings depict scenes from the operas of Richard Wagner, a reflection of Ludwig's love for Wagner's work. However, many of the interior rooms remain undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.