A pop icon, Cinderella Castle is synonymous with the Disney parks as it is one of the main attractions in the Magic Kingdom. But who would have thought that the children’s magic realm would be inspired by an equally imaginative gay German?
I’m talking about Ludwig II, one of the kings of Bavaria, southern Germany, who was also nicknamed the “Swan King” or “Fairy Tale King”. These titles associated with a fantasy world were also an indirect result of his deep admiration for the composer Richard Wagner.
And what does that have to do with LGBTQIA+ tourism? Well, I dare say a lot because Luís or Ludwig in the original language was very likely gay. His relationship with homosexuality was never well resolved, which I think directly impacted the eccentricity of his rule and the building of one of Bavaria’s main attractions to this day.
The attraction in question is Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located near Füssen feet in German a town in the German region of Munich. Not only is it a fantastic place to visit any time of year, but it also inspired the Cinderella Castle built at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando (fun fact: the castle in the park in California and Paris is Sleeping Beauty’s, not Sleeping Beauty’s Cinderella, it’s different. Sleep with this one, kisses!).
Gay King: Meet the Bavarian and Barbarian “Queen” of fairy tales
Portrait (completed 1887) of Ludwig II in his last year of life wearing the robes and insignia of the Grand Master of the Royal Order of Saint George in defense of the Immaculate Conception
Image: public domain
The life of King Ludwig II resembles that of other gay people throughout history: suffering, hidden and without a happy ending. He never took much interest in court affairs where he grew up and lived royally without much connection to his father and mother. As a teenager he became the BFF (best friends forever) of his assistant Prince Paulo, with whom he rode horses, read poetry and with whom he staged scenes from Wagner’s romantic operas. Guess when the friendship ended? When Paul got engaged. We never forget the first direct crush, right?
For our excerpt it is important to emphasize that throughout his life Luís had several and known “close friendships” with several other men such as his squire Richard Hornig, the Hungarian theater actor Josef Kainz and the courtier Alfons Weber. But the queer suppressed her feelings because of her Catholic faith and wrote her thoughts in a diary. Yes, unfortunately, religion has long been an instrument of torture.
I went to Neuschwanstein in February and saw the whole landscape covered in snow
Image: Personal Collection
The diaries, some letters and other personal documents suggest (we’re not saying, are we?) that he was gay and fought against it his whole life. His reign lasted from 1864 to 1886, and since 1813 homosexuality has no longer been a criminal offense in Bavaria. If he has a silver lining, it’s that he was revered by the people and remembered as “Unser Kini (King,” in Bavarian) who cares as long as he (there’s always a catch) has an heir has. In his favor he tried, almost got married, but it didn’t happen. But do I understand the “pobi”? do you remember a straight crush?
Perhaps it is because of him that the king’s passion for Wagner’s work only grew throughout his life. When he ascended the throne at the age of 18, he called him to court and opened doors for the composer in the years that followed.
Region can be visited all year round
Image: Rafael Leick
After his disinterest in politics and his eccentricity in building castles and palaces, he was deposed in a plot that even a medical report certified as insane, although the specialists never examined him. He was found dead in a lake three days later and evidence suggests he was murdered by enemies.
Before he died, he built the beautiful castle we were talking about!
Neuschwanstein Castle: Inspiration for Cinderella and Inspired by Wagner
Neuschwanstein Castle
Image: Frank Bienewald/LightRocket via Getty Images
With the founding of Greater Germany, which deprived Bavaria of some of its power, Louis gradually withdrew from politics and devoted himself to personal projects such as Neuschwanstein Castle. The project has references to other castles, mainly French, and was financed from the king’s personal fortune, although he was still in power.
Neuschwanstein Castle can be seen from the city
Image: Rafael Leick
The neoromantic style castle sits imposingly on an alpine cliff that’s the most beautiful thing, folks, I swear! and was opened in 1869 with a view of Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent most of his childhood. On the walls, the decoration depicts the legends described in Wagner’s operas. I said he was a fan of the guy!
Another view of snowcapped Neuschwanstein Castle
Image: Rafael Leick
Although the investment in the construction was personal, Bavaria suffered financially during this period from the king’s eccentricities including moonlit picnics at which his young pages danced naked and his unlimited spending, even when his ministers discouraged it. He got angry and wanted to fire everyone and replace them with others. But before that, they managed to depose the secretly gay king.
A rare photo of Louis, still a prince, with his mother Queen Mary and brother Otto
Image: public domain
Interestingly and ironically, Neuschwanstein Castle was blamed for Bavaria’s financial ruin but is now a source of revenue for the state. Looks like the game has turned, doesn’t it?
Tip: Discover Neuschwanstein at any time of the year I was in the middle of winter in February and it was beautifully snowy and combine it with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle right next door. The best view for photographing Neuschwanstein is from the Marienbruck Bridge, but one of the castle terraces offers a view over the entire valley.
That’s great! That’s what I call the Gay Valley!