Neuschwanstein castle

Today we went to visit the Neuschwanstein castle, one of the world's most recognized castles. This is the castle that inspired Walt Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty Castle' at Disney-world. 

This castle was conceived by "Mad King" Ludwig the II. We were told he permanently lived in a fantasy state. He had no pictures of himself inside the castle. Instead were pictures of fairy tales and legends. People have said he was either a genius or crazy. The castle began its construction in 1869 but was never fully completed. King Ludwig was found dead in shallow water in 1886 under suspicious circumstances.

He never allowed visitors to any of his castles but ever since it's opening in 1886, over 50 million people have visited.

Here it is! They are doing some outside renovations.

This is the bridge we took the above picture from. (We are taking this picture from the castle). That thing was so rickety and shaky! I have never been so scared! We snapped that pic and got right off. 

Hiking up to the top. Can you believe it was 40 degrees in September? Hello winter!

Castle up close and personal.

Giant German pretzels! Mmmm!