Blogs from Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Poor king Ludwig II of Bavaria (1864 -1886). From an early age his identity appears to revolve around three characteristics; a vivid imagination; a tendency to isolate and a pronounced sense of sovereignty. All three characteristics were given reign as it were by his ambitious building schemes. It resulted in producing an icon of a fashion known as castle romanticism. In the nineteenth century a number of castles were constructed or reconstructed to make them more picturesque. Although he probably would have been liked to be remembered for channelling the Wagnerian spirit, there is more of the provincial Brothers Grimm about his world. Some slight suburban aspect evident in his commissions, not in like the bus driver that painted a facsimile of the Sisteen chapel on his lounge ceiling. All credit to him, however as he ... read more

I don't remember the first time I saw a picture of the Neuschwanstein Castle, but I was impressed and thought it would be amazing to get to see it "for real". This was the day. After spending the last 9 days traveling alone, I had decided to sign up for a group trip to the castles. Since I had changed my hotels for my Munich stay, I only had to cross the street to get to the meetup place for this trip. We had a huge bus full of English speaking tourists, and a very knowledgeable guide. Obviously, there was an open seat next to me. Who would you guess would end up in that seat? If you guessed a wealthy, handsome, European man with a great sense of humor...you would be wrong. Instead, it was ... read more

Schloss Hohenschwangau-- Childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria Schloss Neuschwanstein-- Ludwig's fantasy castle, inspired by scenes from Richard Wagner's operas.... read more

Geo: 47.5587, 10.7412This morning we left Munich, and headed for Hohenschwangau, a little town which sits on the edge of Alpensee (a see is a lake). Overlooking the town of Hohenschwangau are the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Neuschwanstein Castle was commenced in 1869 by the Bavarian King Ludwig II and was never quite completed. It was built and furnished in medieval style, but equipped with the latest technology of the time. Ludwig was known as Mad King Ludwig. Hohenschwangau Castle was originally constructed in the 12th century, and was heavily damaged in the Napoleonic wars. King Ludwig's father, Maximilian II commenced the rebuilding of the castle in 1832 and it was completed in 1836. Both castles are furnished lavishly and access is only via guided tour. It was a steep walk up to Neuschwanstein Castle, but ... read more

We started our Tour of Bavaria at Monday morning. We had to get to Hohenschwangau village and we decided unanimously to go there by foot, the distance is just two kilometers (in English Hohenschwangau might mean upper Schwangau). During we were walking towards Hohenschwangau village we admired the local landscape and we had to admit Bavaria is really posh - even pasture's grass was cut and we couldn't spot any litter over the streets, really nothing. For me it was a bit shocky because I got used to see litter everywhere in UK. So german Bavaria is different world. How to get by foot from Schwangau to Hohenschwangau? Very easy. Wanderer must leave hotel and go left and after turn right to Schloβstraβe (it means Castle street) and we carry on the same way until we ... read more