South Germany

After Paris, we took a normal train (not ICE as it was too expensive for us) to Munich, south of Germany. The journey took about 6 hours. The coach was very comfortable with plenty of leg room.

On reaching Munchen, after checking into our room, we walked around the nice old city, visiting the Olympic stadium ..unfortunately, photos taken did not turn out good.

(picture pinched from wikipedia)

A friend recommended us to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Fussen, which is about 87 miles from Munchen.

Fussen is the highest town in Bavaria, sitting at a lofty 808 meters (2,650 feet) above sea level.

It was said that this castle was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle and Cinderella Castles at Disneyland Parks.

(picture taken from wikipedia)

Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century palace on a rugged hill. The palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II (August 25, 1845 – June 13, 1886) of Bavaria, later known as Mad King Ludwig.

The foundation stone of the building was laid Sept 5, 1869. Neuschwanstein was near completion when, in 1886, when the King was declared insane. He was found on June 13, 1886 in shallow water in Lake Starnberg.

As castle is located on hill top, hubby wanted to take a horse cart.

but we ended up trekking up as the horse decided to desert us..
(castle in the far distance)

this view was taken from a window at the castle. The lake is where King Ludwig II was found drown.