Today we decided to do a reprise of Thursday’s attempted “Schloss Hunting” trip to Bavaria in Germany. This time we took the super highway entirely out of our way to guarantee we would not be sidetracked by Alpine passes in Switzerland. Instead we headed into Austria.
On our way we stopped for lunch at a “gasthaus” (Guest House) on the side of the road. We were greeted by a guy, Paul, who we were to find out later, was the owner, host, menu, waiter, bartender, barista, cook, busboy, cashier and entertainer. Mind you this was only for the restaurant; he offers many other services as well. He recited the menu consisting of four items, ham & cheese, goulash, a sausage platter and fresh trout. We chose the sausage platter which came out with fresh bread, fresh grated horseradish, spicy brown mustard and a pickle. As we were happily munching away he goes out into the hallway and returns with an accordion. For the next 15-20 minutes he serenaded us along with the other two parties present with authentic Austrian music. When he was done the dessert chef (same guy – of course) presented us with apple strudel ala mode. It was only at this point that Jenny noticed he was wearing lederhosen. That was one of the best and most memorable lunches we’ve ever had.
We proceeded along to our destination, Schloss Neuschwanstein in Schwangau, Germany. Neuschwanstein means New Swan Stone; swans were featured throughout the house. This is the place that Disney’s Cinderella Castle is based on. King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned to have this castle built in the late 1800’s. He never saw the completion of this castle and indeed it was never fully completed. There is a mystery that surrounds his early death. The castle features central heating, indoor plumbing and its own “cave” next to his living quarters. King Ludwig II was reported to have mental problems; after seeing the castle, it is our estimation that nobody in his right mind would build something like that in the late 1800’s.
Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schwangau, Germany
Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schwangau, Germany
Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schwangau, Germany
Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schwangau, Germany