The majestic German castles that have just been declared a World Heritage Site: one of them inspired Disney

UNESCO updated its World Heritage List last July, with 26 new sites achieving this honor. Although no sites in Spain have been added, others in Europe have. One of the most special of these is located in Germany: the majestic palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a monumental collection of architectural treasures spread across the country.

In total, four extraordinary buildings make up this new World Heritage Site, although the best-known is undoubtedly Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Germany's most famous wonders that, despite what many believed, wasn't on the list. Taking a trip to explore them all is a perfect way to get to know the region of Bavaria, one of Europe's most unique regions.

The majestic castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria

'The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria,' as UNESCO itself has dubbed them, are the fifty-fifth site in Germany to be declared a World Heritage Site, and for good reason. These majestic palaces were built between 1864 and 1888, the reign of the so-called 'Mad King,' and served as retreats for the monarch and his court. Inspired by the romanticism of Versailles, these sites are vestiges of one of the most exciting periods in Bavarian history.

The first of these, and undoubtedly the best known of all, is the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most photographed places on the entire continent. Although the king never lived to see this dream fortress completed, for almost 150 years it has become one of the most visited spots in Germany, and both its opulent interior and the stunning surroundings have marveled millions of people ever since.

The second is the no less impressive Herrenchiemsee Palace, located on an island in Lake Chiemsee and considered the "Bavarian Versailles" due to the majesty of its gardens and the building itself (which was originally intended to be a replica of the Parisian palace). Although not as famous as Neuschwanstein, it is undoubtedly one of the most astonishing legacies left by King Ludwig II of Bavaria before his death in 1886.

Also part of this palace complex is Linderhof Castle, the smallest of the fortresses built by the monarch. Located in a stunning natural setting, it was the only fort the king saw completed, and despite its small size, it is an architectural marvel complemented by gardens carefully maintained down to the smallest detail.

The fourth palace, and perhaps the most unusual of all, is the Schachen Palace, a small mansion located high on a mountain at an altitude of almost 1,900 meters. It is very reminiscent of the picturesque cabins found in the Swiss Alps , and the natural setting in which it is located makes it a fascinating place, despite its small size.