It’s the most magical place on earth… and it’s where the magic is supposed to happen. Neuschwanstein, or the Disney Castle.
Hence the carved swans in the bed chambers.
Not that Walt Disney and his wife had that in mind when they visited. Bavaria. Or maybe they did!
Anyway, it’s Walt inspiration, the model for his Sleeping Beauty Disney Castle.
Back in the day in the mid-Eighties I visited Neuschwanstein http://www.neuschwanstein.de, among the million who do every year.
What the other tourists climbing the hill made of the strains of a sozzled Scot and a busload of boozy Aussies I can only imagine.
But I rather think the eccentric King Ludwig II approves.
Lud, or Wig, commissioned the cliffside castle in 1868.
Just two years after Austria and Bavaria were conquered by Prussia during the Austro-Prussian War.
All part of Otto Von Bismarck’s grand plan to unify Germany.
But poor Lud was never able to enjoy the fruits of his (or others’) labours as he died first.
Pity really as it was in fine order.
With some lovely modern conveniences.
A very modern castle
That included running warm water, a bell system, flushing toilets, and even large window panes.
And grandeur. With much Wagnerian tribute.
And religious iconography, including a grotto!
Bavaria’s conquest did for Lud and he died In mysterious circumstances in 1868 with suicide a convenient explanation.
When only 15 of the 200 rooms had been completed.
The final towers weren’t completed until 1892.
But within weeks of his sudden and mysterious death, the magnificent castle was opened to the public.
Disney dreams
I’ll gather my thoughts (the sober ones) and reprise my Oktoberfest in Munich.
But in the meantime you’ll have to make do with the Disney version. https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/07/03/stair-wars-2/.
Also visit Disneyland Resort Anaheim https://disneyland.disney.go.com.
And a shout-out too for Attraction Tickets Direct who took me there https://www.attractionticketsdirect.ie.
Next week: Hogwarts Castle
