27-SEP-2007
The fountain
Our first stop at the base of the castle was the kitchen building for Schwangau. This was a huge building just for cooking. It had a courtyard in front of it with a fountain in the wall of the courtyard, and that's where we got our first sight of the castle's emblem - a swan.
You German-speakers already know what schwan means. Mona and I didn't, until our niece explained it to us.
27-SEP-2007
The complete fountain
With the lovely Wendy to give perspective to it's size...
27-SEP-2007
A view to the top
You can tell that servants had a hard job in the early days. The kitchen building was quite a bit lower on the hill-side from the castle. Here's a shot from the kitchen courtyard looking up at the castle.
27-SEP-2007
The Grotto
There was a grotto in the side of the hill as we worked our way up to the castle from the kitchen. There was a little water basin and ledges in it, but no statues. The gates were closed, but the grotto was lit within by a red light.
27-SEP-2007
Can't take my eyes off of you...
We were just going into the castle when I looked back and saw this.
I don't think Mona realized she had someone watching over her shoulder. At least she was behaving!
Inside Schwangau
We took a guided tour inside the castle, and it was very interesting. The building was completely done, with period furniture that actually belonged to the rooms. Some of the beds were incredible, and there were many artifacts and related stuff on display. However, we couldn't take any pictures inside. Oh well..on to Neuschwanstein.
27-SEP-2007
The Castle
Neuschwanstein is one of the most photographed castles in the world, and is often referred to as "the fairy-tale castle". Apparently, Walt Disney modelled his Disneyland Castle on it. Here's Wikipedia's description:
Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloß/Schloss Neuschwanstein, lit. New Swan Stone palace; IPA pronunciation: /nɔɪˈʃvaːnʃtaɪ̯n/) is a 19th century Bavarian palace. Located in Germany, near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, the castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner, the King's inspiring muse. Although photography of the interior is not permitted,[1] it is the most photographed building in Germany[2] and is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.
The conception of the castle was outlined by Ludwig II in a letter to Richard Wagner, dated May 13, 1868;
"It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin at Hohenschwangau near the Pollat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles...the location is the most beautiful one could find, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world."
The foundation stone of the building was laid September 5, 1869. Neuschwanstein was designed by Christian Jank, a theatrical set designer, rather than an architect, which says much regarding Ludwig's intentions and explains much of the fantastical nature of the resulting building. The architectural expertise, vital to such a perilously-sited building, was provided first by the Munich court architect, Eduard Riedel, and latterly by Georg Dollman and Leo von Klenze.
The castle was originally called "New Hohenschwangau Castle" until the king's death, when it was re-named Neuschwanstein, the castle of the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera of the same name. In origin, the castle has been the Schwanstein, the seat of the knights of Schwangau, whose emblem had been the swan.
27-SEP-2007
The way up
I was able to get that great picture of Neuschwanstein from Schwangau, and it was inspiring to say the least. Unfortunately, we had to walk UP to the castle. And it's a long way up!
From the village to the castle is a 45 min. hike on this paved trail, and yes, it IS uphill all the way.
27-SEP-2007
And now for a word from a sponsor...
I told you about the obligatory parking lots and coke machines, then I showed you a parking lot. Well, I didn't take a picture of a coke machine, but this probably works just as well...
27-SEP-2007
The justification...
Konig Ludwig died before he could finish Neuschwanstein. The castle is really over the top, and obviously many Bavarians thought so too. In fact, there's still persistent talk that the king was assassinated or committed suicide, so on so forth...
He must have loved the view from his castle, though.
23-OCT-2007
A Pilgrimage
Our day wasn't over when we left Schwangau and Neuschwanstein.
Rhinehilde and Uwe told Wendy about a wonderful church near the castles, called Die Wies Pilgrimage church. It was located in a village nearby, and was known for it's Roccoco architecture and finishings. Here's a shot of the outside...nothing really special, right? Just wait....
27-SEP-2007
Inside the church
I really wasn't expecting much, after looking at the outside of the church. I thought there might be a shrine of some sort, maybe. Then we opened the door, and saw the front of the church..the picture says it all!