Hohenschwangau Castle

This was the view of Neuschwanstein Castle (actually, the back of Neuschwanstein Castle) as taken from our hotel balcony by James first thing this morning.

Our day started with a delicious and satisfying breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I am loving this hotel more and more. Firstly, they let us all share a room, rather unusual here in Europe. We really have to search for hotels that will allow even 3 people to a room. Then the cheerful young lady who greeted us at the door yesterday evening scooped Rebecca up and carried her up the stairs to our room. Plus we have a great view of the castle from our balcony and now a yummy breakfast. We'll overlook the roaring toilet in our bathroom that has unnerved Emilie and Rebecca. For some reason, the toilet emits roars at random times. We're just sitting on our beds, no one is in the bathroom, and the toilet will let out a low rumbling....well, the only way to put it is a low, rumbling roar. Perhaps a dragon was driven from underneath one of the castles by all the tourists and now resides in a cave under this very hotel?....No? The kids didn't buy it either.

Our first visit was to Hohenschwangau Castle (Castle of the High Swan County) built in the 19th century. It was constructed on the remains of the fortress Schwanstein, which was built by a family of knights sometime before the 12th century. After the demise of the knights in the 16th century, the fortress changed hands several times and then fell into decay and eventual ruin at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1833, reconstruction of the Castle began by its new owner, the future King Maximilian II of Bavaria.

It was a 15 minute climb up to the castle, with beautiful views of the Alps in the distance.

Some photos taken in the courtyard, waiting for our tour.

The wall above the gift shop

A view from the courtyard

Once inside the castle, we were informed that we were not allowed to take any photos. Here are just a few photos from the castle's website. This is the "Hall of Heroes and Knights."

The Queen's writing room

The bedroom of King Maximilian II and then of his son King Ludwig II. Much of the castle was decorated in the gothic style with countless frescoes on the walls depicting heroic German sagas. These paintings, along with Richard Wagner's dramatic operas, fed the young Ludwig's fantasy-filled imagination.

We were allowed, however, to take pictures through the castle windows. Here is a view from a Hohenschwangau window of Neuschwanstein Castle located just across the valley (click on the photo to get a better view). King Ludwig II wanted to build a retreat in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles and as an homage to Richard Wagner, his inspiring muse.

Knights bidding us good day as we left the castle.