Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle
For today’s last full day program in Munich, we travel to a sightseeing MUST SEE, located about 2h south from Munich, towards the Alps. Our today’s destination is the most famous castle of the world, Neuschwanstein. - THE fairy tale castle.
We travel into King Ludwigs country. Even before he died, the Bavarian King Ludwig II had already become something of a legend. "I want to remain an eternal mystery to myself and others", Ludwig once told his governess, and it is this mysterious element that still fascinates people today. His palaces, which were barred to strangers, have been visited by over 50 million people since his death. They are records in stone of the ideal fantasy world which the king built as a refuge from reality.
His historic, poetic, and ideal interpretation of his role as king was finally his downfall. It is possible that he preferred to die rather than return to reality.
This morning, we show you his masterpiece: Neuschwanstein Castle. Situated on a narrow rock above the small town of Füssen, it’s the architecture and position, which makes this castle so outstanding.
Against a backdrop of picturesque mountain scenery, it was prompted by the idea of rebuilding an existing ruin "in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles", as King Ludwig wrote in a letter to Richard Wagner.
While the building itself imitates the 13th-century Romanesque style, the paintings inside predominantly depict scenes from Wagner's operas such as "Tannhäuser" and "Lohengrin". The Singers' Hall is modelled on the banqueting hall of the Wartburg near Eisenach. The church-like Throne Hall was modelled on Byzantine domed architecture, and you can even find a grotto inside the castle.
Neuschwanstein is not a copy of a medieval castle but a typical Historicist creation. As the King died before completion, the interior has never been fully finished. Nevertheless, it’s worth a visit and guests will see the inside during a 40min tour. Before, a ride with a public bus (non-reservable, waiting time need to be considered) will bring the group to the historic Mary’s bridge, from where you have the most beautiful view onto the castle.
After return into the village and a bit of free time it’s time for lunch. This will be served at a nice and typical restaurant: Schlossbrauhaus Schwangau
Departure: 10h00
