Day 9 - Neuschwanstein Castle
FussenMonday, June 13, 2011
Today, we visited the Bavarian Alps the home of two of King Ludwig II's castles. Hohenschwangau Castle (The king's childhood home) we were only able to see from afar.
Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for the Disney castle), we were able to tour inside and out. No pictures were allowed inside though, sorry.
Interesting fact, Michael Jackson attempted to purchase it in the 90's. I guess Germany refused, they make a ton of money off of it. Here is a shrine to him we found in Munich (sorry totally unrelated but been trying to find a way to add)
Another interesting fact, because of the loony king building this castle among other reasons, the country of Bovaria (now Germany) was in major debt when the King mysteriously died 125 years from today. Yes, we were here on the anniversary. In order to start paying off the debt, the government made it open for the public to finally view less than 2 years after his death. Now, over 1 million people visit it each year, so I mean not much of a tourist attraction. When in Rome (or Munich) though, right?
As crowded as it was, it really was worth the visit. The scenery of the alps is absolutely picturesque and the castle is a medieval "Neverland." Hence the reason MJ wanted it.
View from Neverland, looking at his childhood castle. The lake to the right is Lake Swansee, the inspiration of the famous "Swan Lake."
Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) connects Germany and Austria ( view from the castle). If we would have walked the rest of the way over the bridge to Austria, we could have been spinning and singing "the hills are alive..."
The Pöllat Gorge running just below Mary's Bridge.
Us on the bridge just moments away from Austria and the singing as I mentioned
After the tour of the castles, we avoided the ridiculously crowded 2 hour train ride back to Munich by hanging out in Füssen. Our tour guide actually looked at the crowd and said in his English accent, "F@&$ it, want to visit this village for a bit?" Füssen is a 700 year old medieval village, home of the Hohes Schloss- the highest old castle in Bovaria, at the end of this street.
And then back to Munich!
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