Rocco Forte Hotels is offering travellers to Germany a new way to explore “the legendary castles of King Ludwig II.” Built between 1864 and 1886, the castles of Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites for their historical significance and “fairytale charm.”

To celebrate the honour, The Charles, a Rocco Forte Hotel—located in Munich, Germany—is offering guests the opportunity to experience these castles via individually organised tours. Set amid the countryside of the Bavarian Alps or alongside serene lakes, all four castles served as personal residences and retreats for King Ludwig II (King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death in 1886) and embody what UNESCO describes as “the romantic and eclectic spirit of the era”

Guests can now book the hotel’s one-day ‘Royal Castle Tours.’ Among the options are a visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired the castle in the Disney classic “Cinderella” as well as the “Sleeping Beauty Castle” at Disneyland, along with the villa-like Linderhof Castle. For the more adventurous, a three-and-a-half-hour hike from Elmau leads to the royal residence at Schachen, with the reward of views of the Wetterstein Mountains.

Herrenchiemsee Palace, situated on Herrenchiemsee, the largest island in Lake Chiemsee, is accessible only by boat and can be visited exclusively on a guided tour. Highlights of the castle include the grand staircase, the opulent state bedroom and Great Mirror Gallery, as well as the palace gardens, where fountains and water features are on display from early May through October.

Excursions to each of King Ludwig II’s residences can be arranged through the concierge team at The Charles Hotel as an all-inclusive package, complete with transfers, expert guides and admission tickets available in both German and English. Alternatively, guests may choose to explore the castles at their own pace, with access to an electric Lucid car available upon request.