Following our visit to Saltzburg, we headed off through the Alps on our quest to reach Munich. Another city where you need multiple days to explore the sights and see the real beauty, we attacked the city in our usual ambitious manner and tried to see as much as we could in a little over half a day. I must say that after city hopping the way we have, that at times we take for granted what other tourists would be intrigued by.
In the end we found ourselves in the city square, missing the famous Carillion in action by minutes and would have had to wait for hour to see the 5 o’clock performance. Apparently it goes off at 11a.m., 12p.m. and 5 p.m. only. Regardless we visited as many of the sights as we could and enjoyed listening to some of the guides giving free tours in the square. In the middle of Germany you have an Englishman and an Irishman taking tours… go figure.
The most interesting story for me being that of when the Swiss Army in ancient times invaded many German provinces, sacking and burning all in their wake. Apparently when they reached Munich, the wall that was under construction to stop the invaders was under a metre tall so the Swiss walked straight on in. The city impressed them so much that instead of burning it to the ground they set a demand of 120,000 gold pieces as ransom. Munich residents collected all the money and all the jewellery they could, but were still short. What did they use for currency to make up the shortfall?? BEER!!! It’s like a fairy tale isn’t it. Munich, and obviously the Swiss, lived happily ever after.
Talking of fairy tales, we then headed on to the Austrian border where we visited Neuschwanstein Castle on the edge of the Alps. For those who think the photos (some of mine and some I took of posters they were selling) look familiar, Walt Disney based his ideas for the Disney castle on Neuschwanstein. The story of its creator, King Ludwig III of Austria is as bizzare as it seems he was. In short he was very much a loner and had grand ideas about building a number of beautiful castles starting with this one in this location in the hills overlooking mountains on one side and lakes and valleys on the other. Truly breathtaking views all round. An artist drew plans for Neuschwanstein, (New swan stone- being the sacred animal of the area) and although he had an existing traditional castle a short distance away, he set the people to work. (see photos)
The exterior first stage was completed, but the politicians in Austria were worried about its drain on the economy and plotted to have him declared mentally unstable. They used the design itself to have him certified. The royal bed chamber and all royal rooms were made for a single occupant including the concert hall, where his chair sat on the second level so he could sit alone. No room was designated as a Queen’s chamber. A room between the bedroom and living quarters was created as a replica of a cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites. All of the rooms were decorated with intricate murals painted by the best artists of the time, and the most amazing mosaic covered the floor of the chapel. No expense was spared.
The politicians succeeded in having him declared unfit, and he was removed from the castle and all work ceased. Soon after his removal King Ludwig requested a private walk with his man servant, which was granted by his keepers. They found both of their bodies floating in the lake. A strange and sad tale, however the result of his vision has culminated in a magnificent structure. Enjoy the photos.
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