September 25-28, 2015
It was the Sunday after our Oktoberfest adventure and we decided to take a drive and see some other German sights. We headed out early to check out Neuschwanstein Castle, about two hours southwest of Munich city center.
It was a long drive, but the castle was beautiful. We took the shuttle from the ticket area to the top and walked the path the entrance. The Castle sits high amongst the mountains, creating a great view from the entrance, as well as from below. Construction on Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II, began in 1868 and was built as a special refuge for the King to withdraw from the pubic.
"It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau near the Pöllat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles, and I must confess to you that I am looking forward very much to living there one day (in 3 years); there will be several cosy, habitable guest rooms with a splendid view of the noble Säuling, the mountains of Tyrol and far across the plain; you know the revered guest I would like to accommodate there; the location is one of the most beautiful to be found, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world. It will also remind you of "Tannhäuser" (Singers' Hall with a view of the castle in the background), "Lohengrin'" (castle courtyard, open corridor, path to the chapel); this castle will be in every way more beautiful and habitable than Hohenschwangau further down, which is desecrated every year by the prose of my mother; they will take revenge, the desecrated gods, and come to live with Us on the lofty heights, breathing the air of heaven". King Ludwig II
Now the castle is one of the most popular in Europe. Over 1.4 million people visit every year and it was recently featured in the movie Monument Men.
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