THE BAVARIAN WINTER GALA will be held at Schloss Neuschwanstein—Neuschwanstein Castle—located in Bavaria, Germany near the village of Schwangau.

Perhaps the world’s most famous castles, the structure was commissioned as a private home for King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1866, was designed by stage architect Christian Jank, and was built beginning in 1869.  In 1884, Ludwig occupied the residence before its completion, but died only seven weeks later.  Construction of the castle was completed in 1886. 

Though built in the Germanic late-Romanesque style of the 13th century, the castle was equipped with the best technology available during its construction including a forced-air central heating system, full plumbing, and a modern kitchen.

Opened to the public in 1886, the castle remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, appears prominently in several films, and served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.  It has also been featured in The Amazing Race.