Neuschwanstein Castle

Obligatory selfie on Mary's bridge

The Disney castle is apparently based on Neuschwanstein Castle, and I can understand why - it truly seems like a place in a fairy tale. It was designed by mad King Ludwig, who didn't even get an architect to help him. Hard to imagine how on earth they got it built! The poor dude died before it was finished as well, so didn't even get to see his dream castle complete. We didn't go inside as the wait was too long, and we've been in plenty castles anyway. I think most of the charm of this one is in looking at it from the outside. By the photos just don't do it justice, it is so much more in the real thing! We got a shuttle bus up there, then walked to the Marienbruke (Mary's Bridge) which has an amazing view of the castle. So stunning, and a feat of architecture in itself, although quite probably again without an architect.

The views of the surrounding countryside are impressive too. You can see for miles - villages, valleys, mountains, forest, and even another castle! It's down in the village Hohenschwangau, and is where Ludwig grew up. Not quite on the same scale or level as Neuschwanstein, it's still pretty impressive.

We walked down from the castle through some really pretty forest, and started looking forward to getting to Schwarzwald (Black Forest).

View of the castle from afar The castle from Mary's bridge Greg and the castle from the front View of Hohenschwangau town and castle

Looking back at Mary's Bridge Hohenschwangau Castle

Getting up close and personal