I have only one day in Munich and I should probably spend it touring the city, but hey, I’m alone and I can do whatever I want. So I joined a tour to go to Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle, ir New Swanstone Castle), it’s a 3hr train ride from Munich one way and I joined a tour because I didn’t want to line up for the entrance, I’m lazy like that. 😂
Even though I’m on a tour, there’s no tour bus, the guide just leads us to take the public transport there, ie. train. The tour started at 09:30, which means the train was just before 10:00, and it was PACKED. By packed I mean all seats were taken and this HK tourist had to sit on his girlfriend’s seat armrest for the 3hr ride. (And later she was complaining about how tired she was after sitting for 3hrs *rolls eyes*).
The train passes through picturesque rolling hills of German country side. Reminds me of that beginning scene in Inglorious Basterds where Shosanna runs with Christoph Waltz yelling “Au revoir, Shosanna!” (although that was actually set im France 😂).
Even passed by some beautiful lakes.
After we arrived at the station, we had to take another bus to the Hohenschwangau Village near the castle, it was very chaotic as everyone got off the train, there were heaps of people and groups and the guide was this inconspicuous white American guy and he didn’t make any attempts at waiting for people to get off the train and headed to the bus stop by himself. 😒
Haven’t seen a drinking water fountain since Rome, yaaaaay~~~ FREE WATER!!!
I can already see the castle on its lofty perch!
Now, before we talk about the castle, you should know that construction began in 1869 commissioned by a Bravarian King by the name of Ludwig II and was completed (unfinished) in 1892. As you can see, the castle is fairly new and to put it into perspective, the first photo ever taken was in 1827 and Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb in 1879. That’s probably why Ludwig II was declared insane, building castles when people are already using electricity, lol. The castle was an inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle im Disneyland.
The Schloss Hohenschwangau (Hohenschwangau Castle), where Ludwig II grew up in as a child. Notice how it’s divided into two sections, he lived in one section while his parents lived in the other section. Talk about a reclusive childhood, lol.
Backside of Hohenschwangau Castle.
The Alpsee Lake, you can take a dip if you bring your cozzie!
Unfortunately, there is a 40min uphill walk towards the castle. There are horse drawn carriages, however, which means you’ll have to be careful of stepping on horse sh*t along the way.
Along the way, you can occasionally see the castle peeking out and taunting you.
The surrounding Bavarian landscape is absolutely stunning.
The red front facade isn’t easily seen.
Finally reached the castle!! Yay!!
We were given tickets with allocated time slots and you will go in as a group, you get an audio guide and you are led from room to room, so the tour lasts for exactly 27 minutes. This is the same for EVERYONE whether you are part of a grouo or you go there individually.
Unfortunately there is strictly no photos inside (German guards will yelling fiercely at you “NO PHOTOS, NEXT PHOTO, OUT!!” Talk about anti-photo Nazis…), the interior is quite lavish and walls are beautifully painted while intricate carvings line the walls amd furniture.
From the castle there is great view of the surrounding landscape of course.
There’s the Hohenschwangau Castle from afar.
How do they keep these lands looking so beautiful when it’s next to one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world??
From this angle it looks really Disney, haha.
The vantage point to see the castle is at Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), it’s basically where most of the postcard photos of the castle are taken from. And yes, you’ll have to fight though a crowd to get in. This place is the best part of this trip IMO though, so DEFINITELY GO HERE.
Actually if you can fight through the first part of the crowd, there’s plenty of space on the bridge starting from about midway, people just cbb moving in I guess.
Remember to look right as well! There’s a beautiful waterfall that falls into a crystal clear lagoon. 🙂
Here it is, Neuschwanstein Castle in all its glory.
Now I’ll never be impressed by another castle again.
If I was a gazillionaire I’d totally build this too.
Hahaha! A friendzone love lock!! 😂
Part of the Castle’s amazing qualities comes from the surrounding mountains and scenery.
Lunch, sausage and potatoes + apple strudel
Leaving the castle now. 👋:(
Hohenschwangau Village is filled with tourist shops and restaurants but the houses are still beautiful Alpine style houses.
Back at Munich and had schnitzel for dinner, it was OKAY, I am yet to try an AMAZING schnitzel. And yes, I’m drinking blackcurrant juice pretending it’s wine.
Around ½ of The World in 80 Days 