Nowadays Neuschwanstein is one of the most visited castles and palaces in Europe. Some 1.4 million people visit "the fairytale king’s castle" every year. In summer more than 6,000 visitors a day crowd through rooms which were designed with one single occupant in mind. Together with the effects of the Alpine climate and bright light, this is leading to considerable wear and tear on the valuable furniture and textiles, the preservation of which is a great source of worry to the people in charge of the castle administration.

Neuschwanstein’s idyllic position is unrivalled. All the same, movement in the foundations must be constantly monitored and the steep-sided rock walls carefully controlled. The harsh climate is also taking its toll on the limestone facade of the building, necessitating the implementation of frequent restructuring measures.