Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular and most visited castles in all of Europe. It was commissioned to be built by none other than King Ludwig II, that crazy guy who was also responsible for the beautiful Linderhof Palace. Located in southwest Germany in the town of Schwangau, Neuschwanstein was intended to be King Ludwig's personal refuge, but he passed away before the castle could be completed. A mere seven weeks after his death, the castle was opened to the public. This beautiful castle was Walt Disney's inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it's easy to see why.
We visited the castle with my sister and her family, and I was actually more impressed with the inside than I thought I'd be, seeing as how it was never finished. We couldn't take pictures inside, but that's OK because the outside of the castle is just stunning!
We took a horse drawn carriage more than halfway up the very steep climb that leads up to the castle. The walk is 45 minutes on foot, I believe. In defense of our laziness, we had been travelling and sight-seeing for a week and were tired!!
Here we are people watching, eating M&Ms, and waiting for our entry time to go inside the castle.
After touring the inside, my sister and I walked around the back of the castle to this bridge, the Marienbrucke, for some truly breathtaking shots of the castle and the surrounding countryside.
The castle you see in these pictures is Hohenschwangau Castle, which was the childhood home of King Ludwig II.
Finally from the bridge, you can see Neuschwanstein in all of its glory. A Disney worthy castle? I'd say so!
Neuschwanstein in the rearview mirror...
I could seriously move into a little cabin on this very spot and be content forever!
Our trip to Neuschwanstein was the last stop on the week long trip with my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. I'm so thankful for the time we were able to spend together seeing so many amazing things. It's still surreal to me on most days that our little family lives in Europe and gets to see and experience so many places, but to have the pleasure of doing it with extended family and friends is beyond amazing!
