Once Upon A Fairytale: Neuschwanstein Castle!

The best castle was definitely saved for the end of the tour. It was bittersweet that morning to realize that we were starting our final day with our new friends, yet we were both excited to see THE castle we'd been waiting for. Neuschwanstein (Noysh van stein) means New Swan Stone. It was built by King Ludwig II near the German/Austrian border near Pöllat Gorge . It is a replication of a medieval structure and was inspired by Wagner's operas. When Ludwig II died in 1886 under suspicious circumstances, the castle was still incomplete. He lived there only 172 days. It opened seven weeks later as a tourist attraction and has 1.3 million visitors a year.

We were very fortunate to have Michael join us on this day, as well. On the two hour bus trip to Neuschwanstein, Michael shared the sad story of King Ludwig II and his tragic childhood. In order to toughen him up, his parents refused to show any affection. He and his brother were kept from other children and led sad lives. When he inherited the throne at just 18, he was ill prepared and often taken advantage of. His castle was meant to look like a fairytale castle and provide for him an escape. This structure later served as Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland and Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World. It will be fun for us to show students that the "castle" they picture in their heads as a result of Disney films really does exist! Unfortunately, no photos were allowed inside, but some outside shots are included below:

From Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge)