Neuschwanstein Castle was built by the eccentric King Ludwig II who envisioned building his masterpiece in the authentic style of an old German knight's castle.  Started in 1869, the castle remained unfinished due to the fact that King Ludwig would continuously change his mind and have finished sections torn down and rebuilt.  By 1886, the King was declared insane by the state and mysteriously died only days later, leaving many of the interior rooms undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.  Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in Germany and is Germany's most visited tourist site.  For the keen photographer, climbing the ridge above the castle offers stunning views, no crowds, and a nice place to enjoy lunch.  Although crowds here can get very congested at all times of the year, don't miss this unique fairytale experience.