Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, Bavaria, Germany Dec 5, 2023

The Bavarian Alps, a mountain range in southern Germany, are home to these enchanting 19th-century castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein Castle, on the left of our homepage image, was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Building work began in 1869 on this Romanesque Revival palace with its fairy-tale-like architecture and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Across the valley, gazing out over Lake Alpsee, is the equally spectacular Hohenschwangau Castle, built by Ludwig II"s father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. These two castles boast rich interiors with intricate artwork and historical artifacts. Both castles attract millions of visitors every year, offering a glimpse into the opulent past of Bavaria.

© Harald Nachtmann/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Dec 5, 2018’Chess on ice’
Dec 5, 2019A growing business
Dec 5, 2020A cozy winter village
Dec 5, 2021Salzburg, Austria
Dec 5, 2022Saint Nicholas Day in Verbier, Switzerland
Dec 5, 2024Tufa formations in Mono Lake, California
Dec 5, 2025Maya site of Copán

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Sep 19, 2018Talk like a pirate—or walk the plank
Aug 1, 2024Floating market, Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh
Aug 24, 2018A new park with a new mission
May 21, 2025International Tea Day
Feb 17, 2026Chinese New Year
Jan 6, 2023Black Fell in England s Lake District
May 25, 2025Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada
May 1, 2024Lei Day
Dec 10, 2022Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
Dec 22, 2025The Nutcracker performed by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet in Türkiye
Jul 15, 2021A river runs through rice fields
Oct 24, 2019Bridge of Hillsborough County
Sep 16, 2018Mexico celebrates its Independence Day
Feb 22, 2019A rest stop for the birds
Oct 29, 2019And the skies filled with bats…
May 21, 2023Pont dArcole over the Seine river, Paris, France
Oct 8, 2020An underwater rainbow
Oct 23, 2021Eurasian scops owl
Dec 31, 2020Goodbye, 2020!
Feb 24, 2025Group of giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia
Sep 12, 2022Chestnut-eared aracari in the Pantanal, Brazil
Oct 23, 2018Of moles and liquid nitrogen
Dec 16, 2019Cape Town at dusk
Nov 4, 2023National Bison Day
Dec 27, 2019 Winterpret on ice
Apr 25, 2026World Penguin Day
Feb 22, 2018Roman theater of Cartagena, Spain
Feb 1, 2018Stuben am Arlberg, Austria
Jul 31, 2023Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Aug 25, 2022National Park Service Founders Day