Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein

Today was a clear day when we woke up so we decided to head to Neuschwanstein Castle while the views would be good. Unfortunately, clear skies meant sunny skies, which meant hot, which, combined with a steep hike up a mountain to get to the castle makes for fun times! You could cheat and pay to take the shuttle bus or the horse and buggy ride to the top, but who wants to be called a cheater?
Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Disney's Cinderella Castle and was built by Mad King Ludwig II. The palace was intended to be a personal refuge for the reclusive king, who never actually got to live there. He spent a few days at a time here over the period while the castle was under construction. However, he died before its completion and it was opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. More from the Wiki page about the castle if you are interested and the Neuschwanstein Castle website.

When we arrived at the castle we didn't expect it to be so busy. We got in line to purchase tour tickets, the only way to see the inside of the castle, and had to kill 2 to 3 hours before our show time. Shelby, Colin and I found a little place with a view to eat lunch and watch the people and horses go by. The walk to the top wasn't that bad after hearing so many people say how horrible it was. The castle allowed no photography inside so you don't get to see any of that, sorry. It was very ornate and considering the time it was built, the details really are amazing. He had an electronic bell system installed to summon servants, a working telephone and a dining room table on a platform that lowered through the floor into a kitchen area below so that his table could be set and meals served without servants having to disturb him by entering through the main living floor. It really was amazing!

After our tour we grabbed a drink and then decided to get a horse and buggy ride down the mountain. Colin was fascinated walking with the horses all the way up earlier and beside himself to be so close to them. He went nuts with excitement on the ride. He was glued to the horse and wouldn't take his eyes off them, grinning the whole time.

After Neuschwanstein we headed over to Oberammagau to do some cuckoo clock shopping. It also looked very different from when we visited last winter. It was packed with tourists visiting for the Passion Play. Way back in 1633 Oberammagau was tormented with plague and the citizens vowed to reenact the life of Christ every ten years so long as they survived the plague and things got better. Things did get better, in 1634 they held the first Passion Play, and they've kept their promise since then. There are even laws for Oberammagau citizens that they cannot cut their hair or shave during the play years so that they look authentic for the shows, it's a really big deal! After checking out a few shops and deciding we were too tired to decide on a clock right then we headed over to Conlan's Restaurant. When we visited Garmisch last winter we stayed in a hotel right across the street from this wonderful restaurant and it became our favorite place that trip. We ate there at least three times then and every time the food was amazing. The owners, Marion and Hubert, remembered us and again wowed us with their excellent food and friendly service. After a delicious dinner it was back to the hotel to give Colin some swimming time in the pool and a little exercise. Day one in Garmisch a success!