Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

To end our study abroad trip in Central Europe, we got to visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany. The castle is located in the foothills of the Alps of Bavaria (southern Germany), which borders Austria. We took an early bus from Munich and arrived before it was very crowded.

Meadow flowers in the village of Schwangau

The crystal water of the Alpsee was calling me, so I took off my shoes and got in.

A splash in the Alpsee.

We walked a few kilometers up to the famous Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), a 35-meter steel bridge over the Pöllat Gorge. From there, some of the party and I continued climbing to the highest outlook.

Neuschwanstein Castle, as seen from the Marienbrücke.

Thanks JP for the picture :)

After an eleven minute’s walking descent, we met up with the rest of the group at the castle.

The base of the castle, which was constructed in 1869.

After a tour of the castle, we found cappuccinos and watched alpine swifts flying among the rocky crags.

View of the Marienbrücke and the Pöllat Gorge from western side of Neuschwanstein Castle

Instead of walking back to town, my mom and Toscha and I decided to take a wagon. It was only €5 per person, and I chatted with the driver about his Bavarian Drafts.

Bavarian Drafts pulling our wagon back to town.

Good times.

What a day!