Perched above the forests of Bavaria like something imagined rather than built, Neuschwanstein Castle has the look of a fantasy castle, with it’s towering turrets and white walls.
We arrived early, just as the online purchase of our tickets instructed. First walk into the main part of Fussen town to catch the bus to Hohenschwangau, the town at the bottom of the mountain where we then walked up. Winding paths through tall trees opened to sudden views of the Alps and the lakes below. And then to the Marienbrück suspension bridge with an amazing view down at the castle.
Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, king of Bavaria from 1864 until his death and remains one of Europe’s most romanticized monarchs. Nicknamed the “Fairytale King.” Known for his visionary architecture, deep devotion to the arts, especially to composer Richard Wagner—and his mysterious, tragic death in Lake Starnberg.
Our ticket was a timed ticket for 12 O’clock, so we killed some time by having a mug coffee and some German snack, which looked like a slice of bread with a croissant squashed on top, then cheese and bacon bits on top of that. We ate and waited as the crowds grew until it was getting on for 12.30, so we made our way to the grandest of castle entrances and into the courtyard before finally entering the castle itself.
Inside, the rooms are elaborate with intricate detail, our guide explaining each room and the history attached. A rather sad existence, as despite Ludwig’s love for beauty and fantasy, he did not live long enough to see most of it finish.
We made our way back down to Hohenschwangau and soon caught the bus back to Fussen. The weather was beginning to look threatening, and there was a forecast for heavy rain. So when we found somewhere to eat, we sat outside and then soon made our way inside after a few drops started to fall. By the time we had finished our lunch of German sausage and Pommes (chips) it was raining heavily, and we caught the bus back to our campingplatz.
