Hello again everyone! The trip to Bavaria was to be the first one of 2016. One of my new years resolutions this year (among the many), is to travel to a different place every month. Challenge accepted my friends…and you all get to come along for the journey! This trip was a ‘girls getaway’ with Annie and Melissa to Germany. Not only see a different part of the country itself, but also to tick another sight off my ‘travel dream list’….Neuschwanstein Castle. It is just as stunning as the pictures suggest, but more on that later.
We flew into Munich on the Friday evening and got the train to where we were staying, roughly and hour south of Munich. I had been awake for almost 24 hours, flying into London from Dubai and then getting on the first flight out of Heathrow to Munich. I was slightly crazy by the time I arrived into Germany and met the girls at the airport. The great thing about having amazing friends that know so much about you, is that I was greeted with burgers, sweets and smiles. Perfection? I think so.
It took an hour and a half to reach Kempten from the airport. We were lucky enough to stay with Annie’s host family for the weekend. They were so lovely and welcoming. We were greeted with hugs and supper. What a wonderful combination.
Neuschwanstein Castle was the main event of the day and is most well known for being the one the disney castle is based off of. It is simply stunning and the view from the inside looking out makes you fell like you’re in a disney movie. With flowing valleys and snow capped mountains, I could stare out those windows all day (I don’t think the photos do them justice). The only way you can go into the castle is via a time allocated guided tour. This time is chosen when you arrive at the ticket centre at the base of the mountain…its a very straight forward system. Be sure to wear flat shoes if you plan on walking to the top as its a bit of a trek…the alternate is taking a horse and cart, not the worst mode of travel though?
Included in this is the apartments and state rooms of the ‘new swan castle’. King Ludwig II of Bavaria designed it and had it built for composer Richard Wagner. It is all very impressive and intricate. The throne hall is just amazing. The floor itself is made up of tiny brightly coloured mosaics pieces. They were all put in by hand, and fashioned into these stunning designs that have really stood the test of time. Another point to the tour that most tourists know about is the bedroom also. This has also become known as the ‘swan room’, mostly because of the sink. Yes, beside the bed is a golden swan sink. Turns out the king liked one of Wagner’s characters ‘the Swan Knight’ and therefore it features throughout the castle.
The remainder of our day was spent enjoying great german foods and exploring the small towns dotted around the area. Because we visited at the beginning of January the christmas decorations were still up, continuing to make everything seem magical. We stopped at Fussen for afternoon tea at Stadt Cafe. They really know how to make a good chocolate cake (and quite a few other sweet treats too). Pretty sure I could have eaten more than just one slice!
We were taken out for a proper german dinner. Complete with sauerkraut, schnitzel and kasespatzel. Turns out, I’m a fan. Add to this pretzels for breakfast and apple strudel for dessert and this is one happy human! The only thing I would advise…with sauerkraut, a little goes a long way. That stuff can be quite strong. Then again, I haven’t eaten very much of it in my life so perhaps I’m just not used to it?
Our final day in Germany seemed to go by far too quickly. We got to check out Kempten in the daylight and wander the small cobbled streets. The church in the square was absolutely breathtaking, and because we were there on a Sunday, the main service for the day was in session. It brings another element to the design and the place really comes alive.
Before we knew it we were picking up our bags and getting on the train back to Munich airport. the train back towards Munich is really beautiful. It passes by rolling mountains and lush open fields. Parts of it even felt a little like home.
Sending hugs & smiles,
Vanessa
