Latest news with #CinderellaCastle
DW
12-07-2025
- DW
UNESCO adds Bavarian palaces to World Heritage List – DW – 07/12/2025
Image: BSV, Beck UNESCO has added Neuschwanstein, along with Herrenchiemsee Palace, Linderhof Castle and the King's House on Schachen, to its list of official World Heritage Sites. We'll introduce you to those three other sites in just a moment, but we begin our tour with by far the most popular: the fairytale castle Neuschwanstein. Image: BSV, Beck Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located in the foothills of the Alps in the very south of Germany close to the border with Austria, attracted over one million visitors in 2024, according to the Bavarian Palace Administration. It is also said to have been the inspiration for Disney's world-famous Cinderella Castle. It was built between 1869 and 1892 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Image: Peter Widmann/imago images Even though King Ludwig II died in 1886, he was still able to live at Neuschwanstein for at least six months despite it still being a building site. The Singers' Hall gives an indication of the castle's modest furnishings. King Ludwig II never wanted to open it to the public but six weeks after his death the doors were opened to visitors. Image: Stefan Puchner/dpa/picture alliance Linderhof Palace is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II. However, it is the only fully developed palace and also the only one that was inhabited by King Ludwig II for a substantial period of time. Perhaps that is why it attracts so many visitors. With over 350,000 visitors, it ranks second — by a fair margin — to Neuschwanstein. Image: Guenter Graefenhain/imageBROKER/picture alliance A special feature of Linderhof Palace is the Venus Grotto. King Ludwig II had the largest artificial grotto of the 19th century built in just two years (1875-1877) for his sole use. In the 90-metre-long and up to 14-metre-high artificial stalactite cave, he was able to recreate faraway places and opera scenes with clever lighting effects. Image: Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture alliance From 1878 to 1886, King Ludwig II had the New Herrenchiemsee Palace built on the Herreninsel in Lake Chiemsee, which explains the name. Versailles Palace near Paris served as a model. In terms of visitor numbers, it ranks third of the four sites, with just over 300,000 visitors last year. However, it tops the list for construction costs. Image: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa/picture alliance The construction of Herrenchiemsee cost more than Neuschwanstein and Linderhof residencies combined. More than 4.5 kg of gold leaf was used in the magnificent bedroom and the other rooms. It was a rather expensive pleasure considering King Ludwig II only lived in Herrenchiemsee Palace, his last major building project, for a few days. Image: Sunny Celeste/Bildagentur-online/picture alliance King's House on Schachen is not only smaller than the three residencies, it also attracts fewer visitors: last year, there were just under 7,000 visitors to the site. This could also be due to its location: 1,866 meters up in the Wetterstein mountains. It was built from wood between 1869 and 1872. Image: Angelika Warmuth/dpa/picture alliance There are five living rooms on the first floor of the King's House on Schachen and the Turkish Hall on the upper floor. This was modeled on a hall in the palace of Eyüp. To make it look authentic, the servants were placed in the hall in oriental dress, where they had to smoke hookahs and drink tea. Every year on August 25, King Ludwig II celebrated his birthday there. Image: Frank Leonhardt/dpaweb/dpa/picture-alliance 07/12/2025 July 12, 2025
Local Germany
11-07-2025
- Local Germany
Five of Germany's busiest tourist attractions and where to go instead
Popularity always comes with a price. Many of Germany's most iconic tourist attractions have become so crowded in recent years that it can be tricky to really see what you're looking at through the seas of other onlookers armed with selfie-sticks. But in a country with so much history and many rich traditions, there's nearly always an alternative to the queues and complications of visiting a guidebook heavy-weight. In many cases, an alternative destination may be even more awe-inspiring, and sometimes it's only just around the corner. Here's our list of five of the most overcrowded tourist attractions in Germany - and our recommendations for the lower profile destinations you can try instead. 1. Neuschwanstein Castle Perched atop a rugged hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria was the original inspiration for Disney's Cinderella Castle. It's since become one of Germany's biggest tourist attractions, with visitors coming from far and wide to catch a glimpse (and many photos) of the picture perfect palace. But with over 1.3 million visitors annually, the current reality is that guests here need to secure timed entry slots that are booked out weeks in advance, and then endure slow-moving tour groups that clog the castle's halls. READ ALSO: 10 surprising facts you should know about Neuschwanstein Castle In peak season, the lines for tickets can stretch for hours, while the nearby village of Schwangau groans under the weight of busloads of tourists – and the situation might be about to get worse as the castle looks set for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Where to go instead Germany is home to thousands of castles - perhaps as many as 25,000 according to some estimates - so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding an alternative to Neuschwanstein that is every bit as captivating. The silhouette of Braunfels castle at sunset. Germany has no shortage of perfect fairy tale castles. Photo: picture alliance / dpa / Frank Rumpenhorst Braunfels Castle in Hessen, for example, offers a similarly magical silhouette, complete with towers and ramparts, but without the crowds. Family-owned for centuries, the castle offers guided tours, art exhibits, and peaceful gardens. Other castles well worth a visit include Marienburg Castle , located 30 kilometres from Hannover on the outskirts of Hildesheim. Built between 1858 and 1867 by King George V as a gift for his wife, it's one of the best-preserved castles in Europe. Or, if you're absolutely set on the Bavarian fairy tale idea, you can check out Hohenschwangau . It's actually possible to see Hohenschwangau from Neuschwanstein (and vice versa). The two castles are only about 20 minutes apart by foot, but, as the less popular neighbour, Hohenschwangau receives just a fraction of the visitor numbers. Advertisement 2. Cologne Cathedral Cologne's gothic cathedral is Germany's most visited single attraction, with over four million annual visitors. Its soaring spires and awe-inspiring nave are breath-taking, but there's a good chance you'll spend more time queuing than contemplating if you visit these days. On weekends and holidays, the lines to enter the cathedral or climb the tower can snake around the square, and tourists are often packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the interior. Cologne Cathedral lit up at night. The Gothic-era church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Thomas Banneyer Where to go instead Aachen Cathedral in the nearby city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a history every bit as grand as Cologne's. One of the oldest cathedral buildings in Europe, it was originally constructed as the royal chapel for Charlemagne's Palace of Aachen. The first Holy Roman Emperor was buried there in 814. Best of all, it's often quiet enough to actually sit and contemplate – either the Divine, or the divine design of the mosaics and the Palatine Chapel. READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about the Catholic community in Germany 3. Munich and Oktoberfest Munich is a popular tourist destination year-round, with huge numbers of visitors attracted by the historic centre, grand palaces, and legendary beer halls. But nothing compares to the crush of Oktoberfest , when millions descend on the city for the world's biggest beer festival. READ ALSO: Dirndls, tents and 'Radler' - How to do Oktoberfest like a German Hotels sell out months in advance of the event, public transport is jammed, and the festival tents are packed from morning to night. Even outside Oktoberfest, sites like Marienplatz and the English Garden swarm with tourists. Advertisement Where to go instead Kulmbach Beer Week (Kulmbacher Bierwoche) in northern Bavaria runs from July 26th to August 3rd this year and attracts about 120,000 visitors annually, rather than millions. Kulmbach, a charming, medieval town with plenty of its original buildings still intact, offers all the fun of a traditional beer festival - local brews, hearty food, and live music - but in a vastly more relaxed and welcoming setting (and without the funfair!). Also, around the same time as Munich's Oktoberfest, you can find similar folk festivals and even other smaller Oktoberfest celebrations at other German cities, particularly around the south of the country. OPINION: Why Oktoberfest is one of Germany's worst beer festivals 4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Children perform during the Kinderzeche festival in the Bavarian town of Dinkelsbühl. Photo: picture alliance / Ingrid Wenzel/Touristik Service Dinkelsbühl/dpa-tmn | Ingrid Wenzel Rothenburg's perfectly preserved medieval walls and half-timbered houses have made it a fixture on Germany's Romantic Road, and a top-line recommendation on most tourist blogs. But with nearly two million visitors annually, the town's narrow streets can be clogged with tour groups, and finding a quiet corner is increasingly difficult during the holiday season. Advertisement Where to go instead A similarly extraordinary gem of medieval architecture, the Bavarian town of Dinkelsbühl features colourful houses, cobbled lanes, and a tranquil pace. Although a little off the beaten path, it remains largely untouched by mass tourism – unlike Rothenburg – allowing visitors to soak in its history and charm on their own terms. READ ALSO: Six of the most charming Bavarian towns to visit this summer Eight of the most beautiful German villages to visit this summer 5. Berlin Germany's capital is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers alike, with landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the Berlin Wall Memorial drawing tens of millions of tourists every year. But Berlin's main attractions are often packed, especially during in summer. Where to go instead Leipzig may not be as big as Berlin, and it certainly isn't as famous, but it does have a bit of everything you might hope to find in the German capital, without ever feeling like a desperate mini-me. As a major university city, Leipzig has all the bars you could wish for, and clubs like Distillery or Institute für Zukunft which are the equal of anything you can find in Berlin. Advertisement As a relatively cheap place to live, Leipzig has also attracted a substantial community of artists and other creatives who have transformed the city. A perfect example of this recent transformation is found in the Baumwollspinnerei (Cotton Mill). Formerly the largest cotton mill in Europe, the Baumwollspinnerei is currently home to 100 art studios, 14 galleries, a cinema and a theatre. Leipzig is famous as the site of the peaceful mass demonstrations in 1989 which helped trigger the fall of the communist regime in East Germany. But much of its surviving architecture, including the old town hall, dates back to the Renaissance era. For a real sense of Leipzig's history, you can have a drink in the city's second oldest pub, Auerbachs Keller , which appears in Goethe's play Faust from 1808. What have we missed? Leave a note about other lesser-known wonders you've discovered on your travels in Germany in the comments below.
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bindi Irwin shares sweet family photo with husband Chandler Powell and daughter Grace - following her shock health emergency: 'Very grateful'
Bindi Irwin shared a heartwarming family picture on Monday as she visited Disney World in the US with her husband Chandler Powell and their daughter Grace. The Wildlife Warrior, 26, could be seen posing with her brood in front of the Florida theme park's iconic Cinderella castle in a sweet photo shared to Instagram. Chandler, 28, carried little Grace, four, who was dressed for the occasion in a sparkling frock and a Mickey Mouse hat, as Bindi held her husband's hand and smiled. 'May was an incredible month,' Chandler captioned the family photo. The former wake-board champion then listed some moments the family shared, including Bindi's shock medical emergency which emerged as a blessing in disguise. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Visiting my family in Florida, Bindi getting life changing surgery, Oregon adventures, and Disney all together,' he wrote. 'Very grateful,' Chandler finished off the post, which has garnered over 33,000 likes. Last month, Bindi was rushed to hospital just hours after touching down in Las Vegas for a gala honouring her late father Steve Irwin. She suffered a ruptured appendix and was raced into surgery, missing the prestigious event she was due to attend alongside brother Robert Irwin and mother Terri Irwin. Robert told People magazine at the time Bindi was recovering and her mother was at her bedside. 'She's going to be okay, but surgery - out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them,' Robert explained. Terri also missed the event while accompanying her daughter to hospital and staying by her side through surgery. Robert explained Bindi had been suffering some pain in the lead-up to the gala but had tried to soldier on. She suffered a ruptured appendix and was raced into surgery, missing the prestigious event she was due to attend alongside brother Robert Irwin and mother Terri Irwin 'She came to Las Vegas and was ready to put on a brave face. She said, "I'm just going to tough it out." 'But the surgeon told her, "Your appendix is going. It's got to come out."' In an Instagram post, Bindi revealed while her appendix was removed, doctors discovered another 14 lesions from her endometriosis. These were also successfully removed. She also had a large hernia repaired which had developed after giving birth to daughter Grace in 2021.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The evolution of Florida's iconic theme parks: a journey through time
As we approach the opening of Epic Universe, WFTV has put together a list of Central Florida's theme parks. Don't miss out on the chance to watch archive Channel 9 coverage of these beloved parks, showcasing their history and highlights. Also stay tuned for all the latest updates as we get closer to this thrilling new addition to the world of theme park. Founded by Owen Godwin near Orlando, Gatorland is a wildlife preserve known for hundreds of alligators and crocodiles. Visitors enjoy live shows, gator wrestling, and zip lines throughout the park. This classic Florida attraction is focused on native wildlife conservation. Cypress Gardens, opened by Dick Pope Sr. in Winter Haven, was Florida's first commercial theme park, famous for botanical gardens and water ski shows. Legoland Florida replaced it in 2011, offering Lego-themed rides and family attractions for kids 2-12. Located in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, created by Walt Disney's company, Magic Kingdom is the first park at Walt Disney World Resort. The park was inspired by Disneyland's design, with themed lands like Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Fantasyland. Magic Kingdom is known for Cinderella Castle, iconic rides like Space Mountain, and a spectacular fireworks show. George Millay and partners founded SeaWorld as a rehabilitation program to help injured or orphaned animals. The park features marine life exhibits, animal shows, and thrill rides. It also aims to educate guests about ocean conservation through interactive experiences. Circus World in Haines City opened in February 1974. The park was sold several times and finally closed in May of 1986. It was remodeled and reopened as Boardwalk and Baseball in 1987, but closed due to low attendance in 1990. EPCOT opened in October 1982, celebrating technology and culture. The park features Future World's innovations and World Showcase's 11 country pavilions, which offer authentic food and entertainment. EPCOT is dedicated to celebrating human achievement, technological innovation, and international culture. One of Disney's water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, opened in 1989 and features a giant wave pool and themed slides. The theme park story involves a storm wrecking a tropical paradise. Originally Disney-MGM Studios, it spotlighted movie-making magic. It was the third of four parks built at Walt Disney World. The park hosts lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land. Themed as a ski resort melting in Florida heat, Blizzard Beach opened in April 1995 as the third water park. Its theme is the 'Disney legend' of a freak snowstorm in the area, and it becomes Florida's first ski resort. Universal Studios opened on June 7, 1990. It was the first of three theme parks to open at Universal Orlando Resort. The park was created to bring Hollywood movies to life. Universal Studios Florida offers rides based on films like Jaws, Transformers, and The Mummy, plus live shows and immersive experiences. The park operates annual events such as Halloween Horror Nights, where the park transitions to a Halloween theme featuring haunted houses and scare zones on select nights. Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and was the fourth theme park built at the Walt Disney Resort. The park is dedicated and themed around the environment and animal conservation. The theme park features Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and Pandora – The World of Avatar with groundbreaking attractions. Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, along with CityWalk, opened on May 28, 1999, as part of a significant expansion that turned Universal Studios Florida into Universal Orlando Resort. Islands of Adventure is designed around the concept of exploration, with each section of the park representing a different themed island, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. SeaWorld Aquatica opened on March 1, 2008, and is themed to the southern Pacific and features Australian and New Zealand-based animal mascots. Some rides feature passing through animal attractions. Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is a tropical-themed water park. It replaced Wet' n Wild as Universal Orlando's only water park and the third theme park overall. The water park introduced TapuTapu wristbands for virtual queueing and cashless payments. Centered around a volcano, it offers thrilling slides and immersive tropical theming. Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, is the first major new park in Central Florida in over 25 years. Featuring lands like Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon, it promises groundbreaking rides and immersive storytelling. WFTV will cover the grand opening week with exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access. It's one of the most anticipated theme park expansions in Central Florida, which will open this week, and WFTV Channel 9 is your home for everything Epic Universe. This week, our team is bringing you in-depth coverage of Universal Orlando Resort's new theme park: Epic Universe. Channel 9 will show you sneak peeks inside its five immersive worlds. Journey to a Celestial Park between worlds at Universal's Epic Universe LIVE BLOG: Get your first look at Epic Universe Universal opens preview center for Epic Universe this summer Epic Universe district to get hundreds more acres Universal Orlando shares new details about 'Super Nintendo World' at Epic Universe Universal Orlando shares first look at Epic Universe, new theme park opening in 2025 Epic Universe hotel demand expected to mirror '4 or 5′ Harry Potter Wizarding Worlds Universal releases official first look inside Epic Universe Universal Orlando Resort will showcase 'portals' to Epic Universe in these major US cities Universal Orlando Resort announces Epic Universe add-ons for guests Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney announces its first theme park in the United Arab Emirates
Disney will build its seventh theme park, this one in the United Arab Emirates, the entertainment company announced on Wednesday. The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, already home to Formula One's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Ferrari and Warner Bros. amusement parks, SeaWorld and a waterpark. The Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, UAE. - AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula. Home to 9 million people, it has leveraged its long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways to bring in more tourists over the years. A real-estate boom and the city's highest-ever tourism numbers have made Dubai a destination as well as a layover. Disney and Miral, the Abu Dhabi developer overseeing the project, hope to capitalise on the 120 million airline passengers that travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year. Related While long viewed as more buttoned up than the beaches and raucous nightlife in neighbouring Dubai, Abu Dhabi also is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and there are more museums currently under construction. The theme park announcement is being made ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the region next week. Trump has promised a series of business deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. The Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida. - AP Photo/John Raoux, File The theme park will be built and operated by Miral, the company involved in the development of almost all of the entertainment complexes built on the island. Meanwhile, Disney will handle the design and development, also licensing its intellectual property and providing development and management services, according to a regulatory filing. The California company will not be providing any capital for the project. It will earn royalties based on the resort's revenues. It will also earn service fees. Last year, Disney announced that it was planning to invest $60 billion (€55.3 billion) in its theme parks over the next 10 years, which remain one of their biggest revenue grossers. A projected opening date for the UAE park has not been announced.
