“Fairy-tale turrets built by a fairy-tale king in a fairy-tale alpine setting, these castles are understandably a huge hit”
-Rick Steves
-Rick Steves
- Bike ride to Hohenschwangau
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Hohenschwangau Castle
- Rick Steves Fussen walk from the guidebook
Good Morning! - "guten morgen"
Another plentiful breakfast in the beautiful hotel dining room full of Bavarian charm!
Taking the EBikes to see the Castles
Picking up our ebikes from the hotel's underground storage, we took off on the trail to Hohenschwangau area.
We parked the ebikes at the Information Center, making sure to lock them and take the key with us. The rental place advised we did not need bike locks to secure the bikes; they assured us they would be ok (and they were!)
We parked the ebikes at the Information Center, making sure to lock them and take the key with us. The rental place advised we did not need bike locks to secure the bikes; they assured us they would be ok (and they were!)
The Steep Walk up to Neuschwanstein Castle
Nothing wakes you up quicker than a 30 minute steep hike up to one of the most famous castles, Neuschwanstein Castle! They do offer a shuttle bus or horse drawn carriage option but we managed alright.
Neuschwanstein castle - "Schloss Neuschwanstein"
We purchased our timed-entry tickets back in mid-May to ensure we could get into both of the castles on this day and opted for an early 9:40 entry time to tour the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle was built between 1869 to 1886 and "Mad" King Ludwig only lived in it for 172 days before being found dead in a lake. Still, his romantic vision come to life attracts 1.4 million people a year.
Photography is not allowed of the interior of the castle, so you will have to visit yourself to see the inside rooms and splendor! The grotto was under renovations when we visited, as well as "Mad" King Lugwig's bedroom, but it was still worth a visit. The throne room is exquisite to say the least; here you can see a two-million stone mosaic floor and other splendor. A fantastic view came from the balcony we were lead to towards the end of the tour.
Mary's Bridge - "Mariensbruecke"
A quick 10-minute hike from Neuschwanstein castle, Mary's Bridge is worth the visit for that iconic and magnificent view of Neuschwanstein. The bridge was rather full of people, but we were able to squeeze in to take a few photos. Don't look down if you are afraid of heights!
Lunchtime
Took in a little lunch at Restaurant Cafè Kainz with a nice view of Neuschwanstein Castle while making plans on where to bike later on; this was a nice rest, including free use of the toilets. We did read in our guidebook that it is recommended to bring a picnic lunch (as this area is rather touristy), then rent a boat to enjoy a meal in a row boat; however, we did not fit that in to today's adventure, but will next time!
Surprise encounter
Alpsee
People were swimming, relaxing by the bank, watching the ducks swim by or options to rent boats on the lake Alpsee. We wish we had our swimsuits with, but it was nice just to soak it all in by dipping our feet in the cool alpine water and look at all the surrounding beauty.
Another "Then & Now" Moment
Not quite exactly the same spot, but the same castle! It's definitely worth going back to places you've been before, especially after 2 decades. It is still a new experience with a tinge of nostalgia.
Hohenschwangau Castle - "Schloss Hohenschwangau"
A first-time visit for us both, we found the castle enjoyable and had a wonderful guide, who was doing her first tour. "Mad" King Ludwig's father rebuilt Hohenschwangau Castle in 1830 after the original that was built in the 12th century. No photography again allowed inside but there is plenty of beauty to photograph around the castle.
Back on the eBikes
Now that we've toured both castles and enjoyed some time by the lake (Alpsee), we went back to the Tourist Information area where we had parked our bikes. Thankfully, they were still there.
Don't forget to fill up your water bottles before heading out! This fountain is right at the Tourist Information center. |
A short bike ride away from Hohenschwangau is this picturesque church, St. Coloman, named after an Irish pilgrim - the holy St. Coloman who is worshipped as patron saint for diseases of man and cattle. The consecration of the church was in 1495.
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This fountain is located at the church but do not drink it!
The little sign under the water spigot says: "Kein Trinkwasser" means "not drinking water" |
Flowers from today
Today's flower appreciation post is not very alpine-esque, however they are still beautiful! There are a few wildflowers, but also potted annual flowers and even a citrus plant with fragrant white blossoms at Hohenschawngau Castle gardens.
Dinner Time!
We ate at our hotel Das Altstadthotel "Zum Hechten" this evening and it was very tasty!
Rick Steves Fussen walk from the guidebook
The evening was warm and quiet; it was a great time to do Rick Steves Füssen Walk, in a leisurely fashion.
Lech River
A dreamy turquoise color, Lech River, with mountain backdrop and of course, a couple of elegant swans present, encapsulated the fairy-tale day we experienced.
Today's "Wow" Moment
An unconventional photo choice, I know, but soaking my feet in the alpine lake after exploring castles felt great and as a lover of waterfowl, I enjoyed the close encounters while taking a moment with nature - Troy |
I was fortunate to have visited this area twice before, but back in 2002 and 2003; I had not yet visited Hohenschwangau Castle before but was lured into its lesser-known "quaint" characteristics in comparison to the most recognizable, Neuschwanstein Castle; I really enjoyed touring the castle interior and being back in the region after so many years - Ashli |