The plans for our second day in Munich was all about visiting the world famous Neuschwanstein castle. This beautiful castle is located near Fussen in southwest Bavaria, which is considered to be one of the most scenic locations in Germany. The castle dates back to 1869 and remains a popular destination for visitors....up to 6,000 people per day visit the castle during the summer months. You may also recognize the castle if you have ever been to Disneyland as it is credited for providing the inspiration to Walt Disney in his creation for the Cinderella Castle.
Traveling to Fussen from Munich is an easy hour or so train ride but you will need to figure out some transportation from the train station to the castle. Most people stood in the long lines to board a bus and paid 2 Euros to be dropped off near the main visitor's area. We on the other hand opted to pay a cab 10 Euros for our party of four and skipped standing in a long line in the pouring rain. Sometimes breaking from the crowd is a wise decision when traveling and exploring......
There are actually two castles to visit: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The former was the childhood home for Ludwig II of Bavaria, the king who commissioned the building for the latter. King Ludwig was a great admirer and supporter of Richard Wagner, the world-renowned composer, so the Neuschwanstein castle was built in his honor and many rooms in the castle's interior were inspired by Wagner's characters. Neuschwanstein roughly translates to "New Swan Castle" and is believed to reference the "Swan Knight", one of Wagner's characters.
With some time to pass before our scheduled tour, we took advantage of the extra time by enjoying a nice hot meal and enjoying the great views found throughout Hohenschwangau.
The tour itself of Hohenschwangau castle provided a great history lesson for both castles and about the complicated life of King Ludwig II. The tour of Neuschwanstein castle on the other hand, was more about taking in the views and less about the history. One of the facts I found fascinating about the Neuschwanstein castle were the plans to include toilets with automatic flushing systems on every floor, a central air heating system for the entire castle, and running water. At the time of construction these items were considered state of the art technology. Unfortunately the King did not enjoy the fruits of his vision as he died before the construction of the castle was complete. He did manage to enjoy eleven blissful nights in the unfinished castle before dying a premature death on the nearby lake.
After touring the Hohenschwangau castle we began the journey to the Neuschwanstein castle. On the way there you have a great view of the Schwansee (or Swan Lake).
One last look at the Hohenschwangau castle before we began the uphill trek to the Neuschwanstein castle.
The view from the Neuschwanstein castle provides a great view of the Schwansee and Hohenschwangau castle.
If you make the trek to visit the castles, you have to journey up to the Marienbrucke, or Mary's bridge, and enjoy the view it offers of the Neuschwanstein castle.
Since the weather was not cooperating......it was raining buckets during our visit....the best purchase of the day were the 2 Euro rain poncho's. Best. Investment. Ever. Quite fashionable as well......
After the walk down from Neuschwanstein castle to the village below, we made our way to the train station and headed back to Munich. Visiting the castles is highly recommended and I hope the weather is better for your visit. But if it is not, just remember the 2 Euro rain ponchos......best investment ever.
Traveling to Fussen from Munich is an easy hour or so train ride but you will need to figure out some transportation from the train station to the castle. Most people stood in the long lines to board a bus and paid 2 Euros to be dropped off near the main visitor's area. We on the other hand opted to pay a cab 10 Euros for our party of four and skipped standing in a long line in the pouring rain. Sometimes breaking from the crowd is a wise decision when traveling and exploring......
There are actually two castles to visit: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The former was the childhood home for Ludwig II of Bavaria, the king who commissioned the building for the latter. King Ludwig was a great admirer and supporter of Richard Wagner, the world-renowned composer, so the Neuschwanstein castle was built in his honor and many rooms in the castle's interior were inspired by Wagner's characters. Neuschwanstein roughly translates to "New Swan Castle" and is believed to reference the "Swan Knight", one of Wagner's characters.
With some time to pass before our scheduled tour, we took advantage of the extra time by enjoying a nice hot meal and enjoying the great views found throughout Hohenschwangau.
Looking up at the Neuschwanstein castle from the courtyard of the Hohenschwangau castle.
Looking down at the tiny village of Hohenschwangau.
A better view of King Ludwig's childhood home: Hohenschwangau castle.
Views of the courtyard of Hohenschwangau
The tour itself of Hohenschwangau castle provided a great history lesson for both castles and about the complicated life of King Ludwig II. The tour of Neuschwanstein castle on the other hand, was more about taking in the views and less about the history. One of the facts I found fascinating about the Neuschwanstein castle were the plans to include toilets with automatic flushing systems on every floor, a central air heating system for the entire castle, and running water. At the time of construction these items were considered state of the art technology. Unfortunately the King did not enjoy the fruits of his vision as he died before the construction of the castle was complete. He did manage to enjoy eleven blissful nights in the unfinished castle before dying a premature death on the nearby lake.
After touring the Hohenschwangau castle we began the journey to the Neuschwanstein castle. On the way there you have a great view of the Schwansee (or Swan Lake).
One last look at the Hohenschwangau castle before we began the uphill trek to the Neuschwanstein castle.
Almost there.....
The view from the Neuschwanstein castle provides a great view of the Schwansee and Hohenschwangau castle.
If you make the trek to visit the castles, you have to journey up to the Marienbrucke, or Mary's bridge, and enjoy the view it offers of the Neuschwanstein castle.
Since the weather was not cooperating......it was raining buckets during our visit....the best purchase of the day were the 2 Euro rain poncho's. Best. Investment. Ever. Quite fashionable as well......
Looking at the Mary's bridge from the castle...
....and then looking down from the bridge.
The view of Fussen and beyond from the Neuschwanstein castle.
Andrea and Susan happy to be out of the rain while also enjoying the view.
After the walk down from Neuschwanstein castle to the village below, we made our way to the train station and headed back to Munich. Visiting the castles is highly recommended and I hope the weather is better for your visit. But if it is not, just remember the 2 Euro rain ponchos......best investment ever.
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