Neuschwanstein (NOY-shwan-shtine) Castle - aka: Mad King Ludwig's Castle has inspired Walt Disney to bring fantasy at its best to the masses. However, this is one tale of naught happily ever after. "Mad" King Ludwig II was actually not the stark raving lunatic as his name implies. Although he did not have a normal childhood (his parents had very little interaction with him), Ludwig did became King at age 18 when his father Maximilian died. Without proper training as a leader, you might say he got thrown under the bus. Lack of social interaction with people; with exception of few, Ludwig became a recluse and eventually refused to go back to Munich. The political powers-to-be had his personal doctor declare him insane and unfit to rule. With no heir, Ludwig's uncle took reign. hmmmm.... Just two days later, both the king and his personal physician was found dead in a lake 85 km from Munich. Officials ruled his death by drowning. hmmmm.... But was it an accident? Growing up in an area surrounded by lakes, he was an avid and excellent swimmer. Was it suicide? Oh, really now - both of them decided that action plan together.. Or, was it Murder?
Swan Lake is as beautiful as the name.
Swan Lake
Neuschwanstein Castle looks old but it's only 150 years old. The palace was state of the art too - it had all the latest technologies like electricity, running water, telephone, but no internet.
Neuschwanstein Castle
The side courtyard of the castle. King Ludwig spent 17 years overseeing the building of the castle. He only lived in it for a little over 6 months until his mysterious death.
Hohenschwangau Castle is the boyhood and adulthood home of King Ludwig. He spent most of his time living here with the intent of moving to his new digs when finished.
Hohenschwangau Castle
A closer perspective
Neuschwanstein Castle and side view