There are magical places in the world that lead us to fulfill fantasies. Feeling among the clouds, closer to the Gods, or for the most pragmatic ones, enjoying the silence, solitude, and breathtaking views, are the reward that many get after long walks and steps that are counted by hundreds.

For those who seek that peace, there are tourist buildings that capture the attention because they are located in places difficult to access, but the unbeatable experience to see a fairytale castle or a monastery is worth the effort. Thus, we will take a walk through two of the buildings located in the highest mountains in the world.

A fairytale in Bavaria

You may not know that Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, served as inspiration for the movie Sleeping Beauty. It is perhaps the palace most dreamed of by little girls who want to be princesses. The castle was built in the 19th century and designed by the architect Eduard Riedel.

This architectural marvel is located on the top of a hill in the southwest of Bavaria, offering its already more than 61 million visitors an amazing view of the entire village and its surroundings. The story says that the castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who admired the composer Wagner, and asked the architect to draw inspiration from his works to build the palace in the artist’s honor. Characters from Wagner’s operas can be seen portrayed as part of the decoration of the rooms of the famous castle.

Worshiping the mountains

The second site was built more recently. Located in the Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), Italy, the Messner Mountain Museum is a place of pilgrimage for mountaineering enthusiasts.

There you can learn, remember and experience a connection with the heights at the Corones (Kronplatz). The incredible museum designed by the late Zaha Hadid is one of the 6 buildings that make up the complex and is characterized by being located 2,275 meters high.

The museum is dedicated to the history of mountaineering and highlights the great influence of Reinhold Messner on this discipline. Hadid’s unmistakable signature is evidenced in the curves of the building, which seems to emerge from the bowels of the mountain, like a crown set upon itself. Inside, the clean lines and stone finishes provide the futuristic touch that characterizes the firm.

The breathtaking views of the Dolomite Alps in front of the museum on the top of one of the mountains turn a visit to this place into an unforgettable experience.

These are two destinations to add to the bucket list of incredible places to visit to experience high-altitude tourism. Would you dare to visit them?