Back in 2012, we had a less than successful visit to Neuschwanstein. Less than successful only in the sense that unbeknownst to us the castle was being renovated at the time, and as it slowly dawned on us as we drew ever nearer, looked like it had been completely bubble-wrapped.
The rest of our visit proved most memorable when we decided to undertake the quite stunning Pollat Gorge as a form of compensation… This truly has to be one of the most stunning hikes we have walked in Bavaria, even if my Mum found it slightly challenging part way through (I should point out – thanks to a distant family member’s upset that I had reminded my Mother of her “atrocious ordeal” – that no Grannys were harmed in the making of the original post. Although she was perhaps a little worried at crossing the river for a minute or two, it was all taken in good humour, and resulted in a lot of hysterical laughter for the rest of the day from all of us, both at the state of the castle, and at the damsel in distress scenario!)…
We recently returned (as we were staying in neighbouring Fussen which I will write about when I have ploughed through the hundreds of photographs I have taken!) to find Neuschwanstein gloriously restored to all of the original beauty that King Ludwig must have dreamt of as a child all those years ago.
The walk up the hill to the castle wasn’t half as painful as I remember it being first time around (I am alot more used to hiking up hills perhaps?!), and I would recommend the end of March as a great time to make a pilgrimage as you are distracted from your aching legs by the gorgeous woodland wildflowers all around you.
Sadly (although we think my Mum would be pleased) we found the entrance to the Pollat Gorge currently closed off, which I am hoping is just because there’s plenty of snow still on the mountains, and it might be a little unsafe at this time of year. Instead, we walked onwards and upwards to the Marienbrukke, with wonderful views of other castles on the way. Having taken a different route, we hadn’t attempted this infamous bridge the first time around. Strung between rocks across a deep ravine, the Marienbrukke flips the bravest of stomachs should you be tempted to look down.
But if you make yourself venture across it, you are rewarded with what has to be the best view point of the castle itself… I even think Granny might have braved it for this photo opportunity!
Wow, Neuschwanstein is incredible – the sort of place that has spawned a thousand fairy tales. I do love our own solid chunks of castles, but this is something special….have just added it to my (ever-growing) must-visit list!
Thanks so much Nell! Yes, I love our castles too, but this one is a bit of a show off! :D
I remember your original ‘bubble-wrap’ post and Granny’s wobbly moment. So pleased you have seen the castle unwrapped – well worth the climb!
Finally Trish! And no disasters this time either! Thank you! :) x
I know it all looks lovely and everything but the true wonder is in the architecture and the actual building if it. I was having a read on wiki about it. 25 years building and the King only lived in it for 6 months! 2 steam cranes. Given the materials they were working with, I think it’s amazing how these structures got built. This was built just after Brunel died and the Eiffel tower was also built around this time. Construction was becoming quite incredible. Just amazing to look at and wonder at how clever the builders were.
That truly is amazing isn’t it? His vision from when he was a young child as well. Sad that he didn’t get to live in it for long, and I wonder what really happened to him… Thanks KV! :)
Is there more story to this King than I realised?! I’m going to have to go read again now!
What a shot! Stuff of fairytales. Definitely worth that scary bridge walk :)
Thanks so much T! :)
That gothic architecture is just amazing. It doesn’t look quite real somehow. Gorgeous photos x
It looks new somehow doesn’t it? Thank you J! :)
stunning
Thank you! (:
It’s beautiful! We were close once but never actually had the chance to get there so definitely want to go back one day, it’s a lovely part of the world.
It is stunning isn’t it? We are lucky to temporarily have it on our doorstep! :)
Holy smokes, what a view! Truly it looks like a castle from a fairytale :) x
Walt Disney based his on this by all accounts! Thanks Ruth! :) x
Oh my goodness – what a sensational castle! And that final picture you got – breathtaking! As you say, totally worth all the effort! x
And definitely better without scaffolding! Thanks Katy! :) x
wow what a beautiful image, I want to explore that castle and be a princess.
Have yet to visit inside as apparently it’s more impressive on the outside! Thanks Emma! :)
How beautiful and what a shame it was closed off.
Thanks J! :)
Wow! That view is so perfect it almost makes the castle look like it’s a miniature model. It’d definitely on my ‘must visit’ list. It’s a shame we never made it when we were in Switzerland.
One day Rachel, one day! It would be a great place to take the boys! :)
That’s a stunning photo of the castle. I’m more of a walker so think I might have preferred the gorge walk to visiting the castle!
Then you have to visit this part of the world anyway Christine, it’s full of the most fantastic walks! :) Thank you!
I hope we get to visit Neuschwanstein castle while here. Lovely pictures!
You must must try to visit, it’s such a gorgeous area generally! :) Thanks Diana!