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June 19, 2010 - Germany - Fussen, Munich
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With no breakfast we went to grocery store at the center of town and had coffee, pastries, juice, etc. Rather than take a tour bus we decided to walk to Neuschwanstein even though it was raining. First things first. We bought umbrellas for about 6 Euros each, and life improved significantly. Umbrellas are a must if you want to stay out in the rain to enjoy seeing things. Our walk to Neuschwanstein was really a hike through well marked trails, and was a great way to get there. I'd highly recommend it if you're seeing Neuschwanstein. First across the Lech river, then over a ridge in the woods down to a lake, then to Hohenschwangau. Bought tickets there and joined the throngs walking up the road to the castle.
Starting out from Fussen to Neuschwanstein on a hiking trail in the rain.
A nice lake on the way to the castle. Not many hikers that day.
Arriving in Hohenschwangau to buy tickets for the castle, shown in the distance.
Heavy low clouds and lots of rain. Many languages are spoken in this area. Tourists moved in packs with cameras. We got in line for an English language tour, and the tour leader spoke English as a second language. This was a bit frustrating but what are you going to do? Interesting castle. Ludwig was into high tech and the castle was equiped with a telephone and "modern" kitchen. We watched/listened to a "multimedia" presentation on mad King Ludwig. Not a happy guy, or story. Neuschwanstein was built in the 1800s and is really a replica of medieval castles, but still pretty cool.
Ludwig's castle.
Arriving at the castle after 4 miles of hiking.
The castle again.
The main gate into the castle.
In the castle courtyard.
A view of the bridge where everyone photographs the castle.
Looking down at Hohenschwangau, which was King Ludwig's mother's castle.
We walked further up the hill to the bridge where tourists take photos of the castle exterior, the classic view you see in many photos. Then down an alleged fussweg path where many motorized vehicles bombed down it while we were there. Seems that fussweg designations are loosely enforced.
Tourists at the bridge that overlooks Neuschwanstein.
The classic view of the castle.
Another view, with the river below.
The river, looking down from the bridge.
The castle again.
The castle in the distance on our walk back.
Hiked back to Fussen and saw the Lech falls on the Lech river which borders Fussen. Impressive falls and rapids in a gorge below. Encountered an unusual restroom with no urinals. You pee on the wall and/or floor. A tad smelly in there. Hiked a total of 8 miles that day, then to the grocery store for lunch. Nice sandwiches as usual. Bought provisions for upcoming train rides. Went to the hotel to dry off, do final packing, return key, then to train station. Crowded train back to Munich. Talked with a nice young American couple from North Carolina who had just come from Italy. They gave us good info on Venice and Cinque Terra. We told them about Rothenburg. Switched trains with a 3 minute stop in Buchloe, then out at Munich.
The Lech river falls, near Fussen.
Gorge below the falls.
Max on the bridge over the falls.
Interesting men's room with easy-to-use combination urinal/wall/floor.
After returning to Munich I had another 'Bismark' sandwich at Nordsee, the pickled mackerel, pickles and onion combo which I loved. Went to the European Youth Hostel, begged for internet access, and got warm and hung out during a drinking contest in the bar area while emailing pics to my wife Deb and friends Paul and Val. Then back to the train station for our night train to Italy. The Munich train station has the best variety of reasonably priced food and drink anywhere in Europe in my opinion. There are far worse places to be stuck in, especially if you're hungry or thirsty. Donner sandwich (sliced lamb in a pita) vendors are everywhere in Munich, and I loved those sandwiches. Had one last one and then bought supplies from Yorma's.
The bar at the European Youth Hostel in Munich. A happy place.
Buying a donner sandwich at the Munich train station. The vendor wanted 100 Euros for us taking the picture.
Donner, donner, donner...
Mmmmmmm.
Then boarded the night train to Venice at about 9:00 PM. There were other Americans in our sleeper car, plus one super high tech guy with all kinds of digital devices and a 4" thick Europe guide book. Typical cramped quarters, but fine by me. A bit of a restless night, but nice to be able to stretch out for the long trip.
Our night train to Venice.
Max adjusting to his bunk. Six of us shared this compartment.
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