A new vantage point of Bavaria’s iconic fairy-tale landmark

Max Manow’s spectacular flight alongside Neuschwanstein Castle

Max Manow, a German B.A.S.E. jumper and skydiver, embarked on an incredible experience flying closely beside the majestic spires of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Leveraging a specialised wingsuit system, he captured a unique perspective of this iconic Bavarian landmark.

Starting from the Tegelberg cable car station in Schwangau, Manow utilised the day’s favourable weather and gentle northeastern breezes. Manow launched his paraglider at an elevation of 5,465 feet, and his flight spanned approximately 2.5 kilometres.

As he flew the paraglide around 1968 feet above the Pöllatschlucht, he executed a unique mid-air manoeuvre in his specialised wingsuit system. Manow separated from his paraglider canopy, experiencing a brief free fall from an altitude of about 328 feet before transitioning smoothly from one flight mechanism to his wingsuit.

With the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle as his backdrop, Manow flew by, at a top speed of nearly 200 km/h, offering a unique perspective on the fairy-tale fortress. After a brief, controlled flight, Manow safely deployed his parachute, making a smooth landing in a nearby field. Meanwhile, the detached paraglider followed a precisely planned trajectory, landing near the Marienbrücke, to be retrieved later by Manow.

Constructed in the 1800s, Neuschwanstein Castle stands proudly in Germany, and is believed to have inspired the enchanting castles found in fairy tales.

Manow’s connection to the skies traces back to his youth in Schwangau. A gift of a tandem jump for his 14th birthday ignited his journey into the world of skydiving. With nearly 10,000 jumps under his belt, he’s well-versed in the world of aerial adventures. He also mentors both novice and seasoned skydivers as a certified parachute rigger and instructor.

Wingsuit flying offers a different dimension to skydiving, often initiated from various elevated points. What sets it apart is the specialised suit design that facilitates horizontal flight.

Upon reflection, Manow shared: “This flight was about exploring new perspectives. I’m pleased to have had the chance to see such a familiar landmark in a wholly different light. (Red Bull Content Pool)