Advertisement
Published: February 12th 2007
Edit Blog Post
Hohenschwangau from the street
Another castle awaits my arrival....more steps to climb. On the way down the hill, I sat next to a lady from San Francisco and her daughter, who was attending college in London. They were disappointed that the weather was not colder and that there was not more snow. Hmmm. I was well satisfied with both, the temperature was low enough for me, and the snow on the ground was a good 4 to 5 inches deep. At any rate, we reach the bottom of the hill and I make my way to the ticket office. It is now 3:00, and the last tour in Hohenschwangau is at 3:50. I know learn that the carriage goes only to Neuschwanstein (where was this ticket agent when I bought the tickets the first time?). So, I begin my climb up this mountain, first a pathway, then steps - more steps - to the castle courtyard. OK, I guess one of the most important reasons that you put a castle on a mountain is to make it a little more difficult for the enemy to attack. I keep this in perspective while I give my legs another workout. (I will have dessert tonight, maybe 2).
I arrive at the top in less
At the top and up close
Viewpoint from the outer courtyard, looking straight up than 15 minutes, and mosey through the gift shop to kill a little time. Time killed, I take the additional time to snap more pictures and wonder around the outside of this fortress. What I discover is that King Maximillian (Ludwig's father) had an outdoor bath dug - think early hot tub. What I later learn in the tour is that he bathed daily in this tub - summer and winter - which was quite unheard of in those days.
So the tour begins in what was the Chapel area of the castle, for both the King, his family and the Knights of the Castle. The original castle was constructed in the 12th century, but fell into ruin during the Napoleanic wars. King Max restored the castle from 1832 - 1836, and begin taking residence there with his family, when not in the city palace of Nymphemburg in Munich. There are 14 rooms restored with furnishings, draperies, wall coverings, etc., to view on the tour. This castle definitely had the look and feel of having been "lived' in, vs. the almost untouched feel of Neuschwanstein. Up the circular staircase (more stairs) we go to the living areas. From the
Hohenschwangau Courtyard and Buildings
This building was not attached to the main castle. Possibly it was stables or servant quarters. The kitchen was located in the downstairs area of this building. portraits to personal care objects, you almost felt as if one of the Royal Family might appear at any time. This castle reeked of history, and I think I enjoyed it more fully than the first. There are 2 others in this tour with me - another English speaking lady, and a German man. The lady and I are given audio devices, while the guide briefs the German guest in their native language. I could understand some of what was said in German, but was thankful for the audio device.
Two things that were overly noteworthy on the tour - the very large centerpieces on the dining table, and the ivory cask presented to Prince Luitpold on his 70th birthday, that was so intricately carved. I decided that once I got home, I needed to study more European history and learn more about this Wittelsbach family - very interesting, sometimes odd, generally beloved by their "people" and seemingly all over the place.
As I make my way out down the servants stairway, and out the back "service" door, I am amazed at the artwork and carving I am seeing all around this castle. I stop to enjoy the
The Royal Bath
With a view like this, who could resist a daily soak in the hot tub? twilight falling on the village below, and begin making my way down the steps and path before darkness falls (and me too - the path was beginning to freeze as the sun was setting). I grab a cup of hot chocolate at a souvenier shop on the street, and head for the bus stop.
When I arrived at the bus stop, I looked at the schedule to find that I had 40 minutes to wait. There was a young Asian girl - maybe Japanese - with her parents, who asked if I was going to Fussen. When I acknowledged that to be my destination, she asked what time the bus would arrive because she didn't know how to read the schedule. How is it that people can travel half way around the world, and can't read a bus or train schedule? This is my 3rd trip to Germany, and I have taught tourists on all 3 trips how to read the schedules - so I think this is my gift - helping wayward travelers read public transportation shcedules, no matter how foreign the language or country may be. Anyway, I showed her how to read the schedule, and she
Info on the Royal Bath
This is the sign explaining the hole in the ground.... then provided the update to her parents in their language. This is part of the journey - and I know that one day the favor will be returned when I, too, need help.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.099s; Tpl: 0.017s; cc: 10; qc: 54; dbt: 0.0534s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb