I love castles. I mean, I should really have my own castle at this point, because I live in this fantasy world... Come on, I worked at Disney and have always been a powder princess.... If I could have a castle of my own, it would probably be the equivalent of Neuschwanstein. Neuschwanstein was intended as the King's personal retreat, but was never completely finished. It became open for the public immediately following his death and thousands of people visit it daily. This castle, even unfinished, is a thing of beauty. It sits at the top of a mountain overlooking the entire valley. If you decide to visit, it's one of those places it might be best to plan ahead, which knowing me, you probably know that didn't happen... So I found the train and the bus that take you to the right town, and started walking. It was ridiculously hot in Germany the day I went, and the line to buy your tickets inside was about two hours long and boiling in the sunshine. I didn't do that... I've been inside once when I was about six, so I kind of remember the rooms. The majority of the castle is still unfinished and unfurnished, so you have to take a guided tour inside, but the waiting two hours in line and then waiting another two hours for your guided tour to begin didn't exactly appeal to me. So I grabbed my bag and a bottle of water, and being the cheapskate I am, decided it wasn't worth the 2€ to take the bus and walked the 40 minutes up the hill to the castle instead. I actually really enjoyed the walk. The views are absolutely incredible from the hill and throughout the hike you on,y get glimpses at the castle sitting high above you. I made it to the top as a sweaty hot mess, but trust me, everyone else looked just about as bad.... Even the ones who took the bus.
The one thing I really wanted to do at Neuschwanstein was hike up to the Marienbücke bridge that overlooks the castle. I remember it being a small little rope bridge with WAY too many people crammed on it...and it's pretty much the same! It's no longer rope, but the wood moves, creaks and sways under your feet as you are standing between two steep cliffs and over a waterfall about 32+ meters high. I don't recommend it for those with a fear of heights (*cough* Mother *cough* *cough*)...
Love, Alison
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