Nothing else is like the fairy castle called Neuschwanstein. This may be the most famous castle in Germany -- not the least of all because Walt Disney chose it as the model for the Magic Kingdom.
Marianne couldn't pass up the opportunity to ring the bell to see if they'd let us in.
It worked. We immediately went into a most impressive courtyard. It was fun to imagine royal carriages going through the same gate, into the same courtyard.
But I bet the royalty didn't have electronic tickets, timed to release another gaggle of gawkers every few minutes. The system seemd a bit impersonal but, I have to admit, it handled the crowds well.
One of the best parts of the Neuschwanstein castle is the views of the surrounding countryside, including this view of the "old" castle.
Only about a third of the castle was furnished before King Ludwig died at age 40. But the furniture that was there was remarkable, as this carved cabinet and reading chair demonstrate.
This office furniture is what the well-organized King needed for those 170 days that he used Neuenschwanstein.
At the top of the main building was the greatest attic ever. It was intended to be a fanciful ballroom and clearly reflected the stage-designer background of the castles's architect.
After leaving the castle, we had to go across the Mariannebruke bridge. From here it's required to take the classic castle picture (see #2 earlier). Elbowing aside tourists fighting for space on this 100-year-old bridge made tourism more of a contact sport than we prefer -- but the view was worth it.
This was the view DOWN from the bridge. Way down. The old iron girders didn't give me a feeling of confidence.
On the far side of the bridge, there was a rustic trail that our friend Chuck led us on. Here he is, resting in the woods like some Old World Walden.
And, speaking of Old World, here we are posing with Hohenschwangau in the background. This truely was a wonderful spot and crowds of tourists were a small price to pay.