Heading for Unterterzen, Switzerland we decided to take a tour of Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle. “Crazy Ludwig” as he came to be known, became the King of Bavaria at the young age of 18. That was 1864. Two years later, 1866, Austria and Bavaria fell to Prussia and became German states. Ludwig was allowed to stay but only after he wrote a letter endorsing the creation of the German Empire.

The village of Hohenschwangau, below Neuschwanstein Castle

Marie’s Bridge, perfect spot to photo Neuschwanstein Castle

Ludwig was not a happy man. He was also a resolute introvert and had much difficulty dealing with the outside world, especially as a king. As time passed, Ludwig focused more on music, art, and architecture than events of the state. During these years, he focused on building his 3 castles, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Herrenchiemsee. Drawing inspiration from the Wartburg Castle, Versailles, German fairy tales, and Wagner’s operas, the palaces reflect Ludwigs’s love for nature and fantasy.

Herrenchiemsee Palace (Internet photo)

Neuschwanstein Castle

Linderhof Palace (Internet photo)

Neuschwanstein was begun in 1868 but was never fully completed. Built and furnished in medieval styles and equipped with the latest technology of the day (a telephone, central heating, etc.), it is one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Sitting room (Internet photo)

Singer’s Hall (Internet photo)

Singer’s Hall -other end view (Internet photo)

Waiting room – for visitors of the King

Castle with hang-glider in top left

Starting in 1885, foreign banks threatened to seize his property. Ludwig II was also good at spending all of his money, and then some. His irrational replies to his debtors, and irresponsible actions, led the government to declare him insane and depose him in 1886. Ludwig II was interned in Berg Palace in Upper Bavaria, on the banks of Lake Starnberg. The next day he died in mysterious circumstances in the lake (a reported suicide), together with the psychiatrist who had certified him as insane.

After his passing in 1886, the construction was paused and the castle was opened to the public. So, the burning question the whole world has been asking, “Did Walt Disney ever visit Neuschwanstein castle?”. The answer is a definite, maybe. Conflicting information says that Walt & and wife (Lillian) visited Neuschwanstein castle in 1935; there is also data that says Walt visited Neuschwanstein castle in 1950’s or 1955. Whatever the truth is, doesn’t matter, Neuschwanstein castle was used as inspiration for the castle of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland. Period!

Next on our list of countries, France. Strasbourg, France will be our home for about a week. Be back in a couple of days. Later