The perfect fall day at Neuschwanstein Castle
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney – they all knew and loved Neuschwanstein Castle.
You should too.
A few weeks ago, my friends and I visited the mad King Ludwig’s beautiful digs on our way home from Oktoberfest. It was a crisp Autumn day, midweek and most certainly, the best day we could have ever picked to see the castle. Just one of those fall perfect days, you know?
Upon arrival we opted out of the bumpy bus ride up to the castle for the easy-peezy trail through the forest. Once we got to the top we made our way past the castle to the Marie’s Bridge for the best view of the castle and so I could secure the shot.
While we trudged up the last few hundred feet of the path Emily and I were giddy with excitement while the boys attempted to conceal their enthusiasm. Far below us King Ludwig’s other castles came into view.
Winding our way further up to the bridge, the views of the Alps and valley below are nothing short of marvelous. Coupled with the fall colors, I was at the pinnacle of snap happy.
Ta-da! Perhaps the easiest place in Germany to capture your own postcard shot, the views from Marie’s Bridge is most likely my favorite thing about the castle.
After snapping the classic scenes, Dan and I found a small trail leading up the mountain on far side of bridge for another angle. Thankfully there we found fellow adventurous tourists up there to capture this shot –
Afterwards we skittered back down across the bridge to our more rational travel companions. Nearby the sweetest elderly German man was busy painting sweet little illustrations of the castle.
The setting was too perfect – his hat, the beautiful and simple little illustrations. Emily and I sprang a mere 8E each to take home our own.
Before heading back down the mountain and run back to the bridge for just onnnne more shot. Because, you know, the light had changed… a little.
Although Neuschwanstein is an absolute beauty on the outside, inside it isn’t exactly magical. King Ludwig actually only spent 11 nights there before dying. Instead of taking a tour, Emily and I ordered for hot teas served in cute souvenir castle mugs (of course) and enjoyed the view of the valley below.
After our visit we headed to our hotel in nearby Fussen and washed up for dinner.
TripAdvisor pointed us to a funky little restaurant called Gastof Krone for traditional German food in kitschy medieval setting, complete with a Robin Hood-like ‘servant’, mead and bibs for guests. The food was decent but the setting made the day all the more memorable.
Afterwards Nick attempted to shackle Emily in the town square but instead aided in the creation of their 2014 Christmas card!
Hugs to Nick and Emily for being the best travel buddies we could ever dream of!
Note: Neuschwanstein Castle is indeed a stunning sight but here’s the thing, save yourself from the nightmarish cloud of tourists and go midweek in the off season. I experienced the tour bus freak fest during my previous visit and had an incredibly different experience. I’m so glad I went back.