A visit to Munich, Germany, will not be complete without visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. Palace on the mountain, near the village of Hohenschwangau that was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. From Munich, the trip can be continued by train to Fussen and then by bus to Hohenschwangau. Throughout the trip by train, the eyes of the passengers are spoiled by the sight of blue sky, green grass interspersed with wild yellow flowers, and trees here and there.
Entrance to the palace can only be purchased in Hohenschwangau. Actually there are two palaces there, Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. But most tourists prefer instead Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein. Tickets are sold based on the hours allocated entry. After the quota for the hour is over, visitors can only be bought to slot the next visit. This seems to be done to regulate the number of visitors who enter every hour, and also ensure that in the palace every person can browse in comfort.
Once tickets are in hand, it’s time to rise to the top of the mountain where the palace is located. There are three options provided: carriage rides, ride public buses, or on foot. Clearly walking is the cheapest option and healthy, although more time consuming. I choose to ride public buses, because I feel sorry for the horses, it has to climb the steep road uphill, pulling a train full of people, although it is big horse albino.
Buses carrying passengers only until the Marienbrucke (Mary’s bridge). Marienbrucke is a bridge which was built by King Ludwig as a birthday present for his wife, Mary. Marienbrucke seemed to be the most fitting place to take pictures of Neuschwanstein castle. From there, the palace looks close enough and clear, surrounded by green trees and flow of river water at the base of the cliff where Marienbrucke built. This beautiful sight that explains why Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in Germany, and inspired many movies and fairy tales.
15 minutes walk from the entrance to the palace Marienbrucke hardly felt because of the beautiful scenery around. Visitors regularly entered in accordance with the number and hours are listed on the ticket.
King Ludwig II monitor their own development, design and decoration of this palace. Unfortunately the King’s life ended tragically. After occupying the palace for only a half years, he was declared mentally ill and was later found drowned in Lake Starnberg, together with the psychiatrist. Until now, still not known what actually happened.
Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein castle opened to the public. Now this palace is visited by 1.3 million tourists each year. Ironic, considering that King Ludwig II built this palace for himself personally.
There is still much room inside the palace which is not resolved. However, the rooms which have become truly stunning. It’s like living a in a fairy tale. King’s bedroom is filled by a big bed with a wooden pole in the fourth end, and at the upper part is filled with carved images of all cathedrals in Bavaria. There is also a secret door leading to the toilet, washbasin shaped swans. Decorations and paintings in the palace many took inspiration from operas written by Richard Wagner, the King’s favorite composer.
The room is not less beautiful is the throne room, decorated by paintings on the entire walls and mosaics on the floors. There is also The Singers’ Hall was built specifically for musical performances and drama. King Ludwig died before the show anything in that place, but a place with good acoustics is still in use.
The view out from inside the palace itself no less amazing. The sky is slightly cloudy, with a little snow on the mountain bud, blue lake, the forests are still dense and Hohenschwangau castle itself.
My favorite room is The Grotto, which is shaped like a cave complete with a tiny waterfall and a small garden for relaxing. Music from the Singers’ Hall can also be enjoyed from this spot.
Amazingly, though built in the 19th century and looks old, the palace was built by using many modern technologies for the convenience of their inhabitants. For example, hot water central heating, hot water and cold water in the kitchen, automatic flushing system in toilets. Palace are also supplemented by electric bell to summon the waiter, a telephone and an elevator.
