After Dachau, it was time to see more castles. Neushwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle. Hohenschwangau is King Ludwigs parents Castle, and Neushwanstein was King Ludwigs. He only lived there a few days, and it is in “as was” condition.

[flickr]photo:2471092253[/flickr][flickr]photo:2471914938[/flickr]

Hohenshwangua Castle & Neushwanstein Castle

I didn’t get to the town in time to see both tours. I had to choose. Neuschwanstein is the Castle Walt Disney used as the “model” for Disney Land. So I choose that one.

It’s one mile..uphill…to the Castle from where you buy your ticket. Don’t be a sucker and pay for the buss or carriage ride, give it a walk. About 20 minutes if you don’t stop.

[flickr]photo:2471092783[/flickr] After arriving at the Castle. I was hot, and gladly enjoyed leaning against the wall and the cool breeze that was out. I stayed out of the sun to cool down. They said it would take 40 minutes to walk up to the Castle…they lie! I was there about 45 minutes early.

[flickr]photo:2471093123[/flickr][flickr]photo:2471915756[/flickr][flickr]photo:2471915950[/flickr]

I was at the main gate area for awhile.

The view from the main gate is also worthy! What a great place for a Castle!

[flickr]photo:2471916386[/flickr][flickr]photo:2471093687[/flickr]

In the main courtyard area, you can get a good view of the main castle area as well.

[flickr]photo:2471916742[/flickr]

When you finally get to the tour, you are not allowed to take any pictures. The interior of the castle is in the condition it was when King Ludwig died. He hadn’t lived but 172 or so days in the castle. It isn’t finished, but it is in excellent condition. The paint, floors, bedding, everything is “original” as the state of Bavaria took ownership of the castle when he passed away.

You can take a picture out the windows.. [flickr]photo:2471917914[/flickr]

That’s the window in the concert / ball room area. Great views, great Castle!

[flickr]photo:2471918066[/flickr] One final shot as I headed back down.

[flickr]photo:2471095783[/flickr] Hohenshwangua Castle…as I walked down the road.

Now…plan your trip to Neuschwanstein better than I. When the tour was over…the restaurants that I’d scoped out were closed. So, I hadn’t had breakfast…the hotels breakfast wasn’t surved when I left in the morning. I had a snickers at the gas station. I forgot about lunch while at Dachau and didn’t think about eating until I’d gotten to Neuschwanstein area. I got the ticket and was told to “hurry up” to the castle, so I figured I’d eat after the tour. Woops.

So I headed back to Waldbronn and figured I’d just stop along the motor way…. well, that’s all well an good if I know a decent restaurant along the way that happens to be open late. The only place I could find, and I finally caved in, was Burger King.

Yes. I got the Whopper, with Cheese. and Fries. No laughing like at McDonalds, just if I’d like to “maxi” size it. Nope, but the burger was good..and my only meal on Saturday.

I left around 7:30am, and got back to the hotel just before 11:00pm. I was beat, and went to sleep!