Hohenschwangau Castle was the boyhood home of King Ludwig, originally built in the 12th century. It was ruined by Napoleon, but rebuilt by King Maximillian II in 1830. King Max was Ludwig's dad. Below is one of the two lakes close to the castle. This is Lake Alpsee. The water was so clear and still, almost like a mirror.
I couldn't believe how friendly this little guy was. . .
We had to hike a short distance to get to the castle, but the road was paved and the ascent was gradual. It was a peaceful walk and we took our time enjoying the beauty.
This is where the carriages would enter. I felt like I was thrown back several hundred years. It's hard to imagine the kind of lifestyle these people lived.
While still living here, King Ludwig had a telescope pointed toward the construction of his new castle off in the distance.
Imagine being a child here. . .
Neuschwanstein and the Alps. . .
One of the gardens surrounding the castle. . .
Once inside, we were not allowed to take pictures. The tour guide did allow us all one photo opportunity - looking out the king's bedroom toward Lake Alpsee. What a beautiful view! I wouldn't mind waking up to that every day!
There were some interesting bits of information during the tour. The king's quarters and the queen's quarters were on separate floors with a secret staircase connecting the two. Oddly, the king's room was covered in paintings of naked women. I find it weird that he'd go to bed looking at all those naked women and then, if needed, he'd take the secret staircase down to visit the queen. After the king died, his son moved into that room. King Ludwig never married. It was rumored that he was very friendly with a certain male friend and that friend was a private guest of his on his floor.
The kitchen was located in a separate building, very close to the castle. This is what it would have looked like during the days it was being used. It took quite a staff of servants to prepare meals for the royal family.
Before we entered the castle, we toured the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. It was just OK for me. I'm not all that impressed with royal families and some of the decorations and clothing seemed way over the top. Who wants to wear a robe that's so embellished with jewels that it doesn't allow you to walk? Who wants to eat off a gold plate anyway? Give me my paper plates and Dixie cups and I'm good! No really, it was neat to see, but nothing about visiting the museum made me jealous of the royal life. Rather, I think I was feeling somewhat grateful for being normal!
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