Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

The hilltop Schloss Neuschwanstein was home to young King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who ascended to the throne full of dreams for his kingdom, lost power to the Prussians, retreated to several fantasy palaces and became so isolated that he was declared insane in 1886. The lavish, white fairy-tale palace welcomes more than 1.4 million curious visitors annually and is said to be Walt Disney’s inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.