Neuschwanstein was the favorite castle of Bavaria' s fairy-tale King Ludwig the II.
And hardly anyone knows it better than this man, who's here to reveal little-known facts about the castle.
The cornerstone was laid in 1869 near the town of Füssen, Bavaria.
It's said that up to 300 craftspeople per day worked on the site, creating an architectural
masterpiece that still enchants people the world over.
Secret number 1:
Ludwig II wanted Neuschwanstein to recall a medieval knight's castle.
More than any other of his building projects, this one embodies the ideals and dreams
of the fairy-tale king a bon vivant more interested in the arts than politics.
The halls have many surprises in store.
And now for secret number 2.
There's also another door that brought him back into the castle.
Ludwig II was not only a dreamer. He was a pioneer of technological progress.
And that brings us to secret number 3:
An electric bell system with a switchboard
would show the servants where the king was at any time.
With its central heating and up-to-date kitchen appliances, the castle was far ahead of it's time.
The bedroom walls are covered with scenes from the operas of Richard Wagner.
The castle itself is a tribute to the famous German composer.
And that's where secret number 4 comes in:
King Ludwig only got to spend 172 days at Neuschwanstein Castle.
It had not yet been completed when he died in 1886.
At that time, only the gatehouse at the entrance and the Palast with the living quarters were finished.
Which brings us to secret number 5:
Even in its unfinished state, Neuschwanstein Castle fascinates people around the world.
Today, it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.