Princess E Goes to Germany!
Story by Eden Washington, a 6th grade FNN Reporter at Friendship PCS Online. Photos by Google.
May 8, 2021. WIENERSCHNITZEL, ALDI, sauerkraut, frankfurter, hamburger, BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes Benz are the things that come to mind when someone mentions anything German. But this week, I am not visiting a fast food restaurant, local grocer or riding in a luxury German automobile. I am visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, and this journey is not like anything I thought I knew about Germany. Perhaps I have read and heard too many stories about atrocities that have occured in Germany, as this country was never on my bucket list, but I am thrilled to have this experience. This isn’t my first go-round in a castle, so I kind of know what to expect and what not to expect. But one of the things you should know about most any castle is that you will not likely get any cell service as the walls are so thick that it’s safe to assume anyone residing inside intends not to be bothered. I like reading stories about castles, because inevitably, there is a mystery that always unfolds, and I’m sure this Neuschwanstein Castle is no different. So let’s go roam the beautiful castle and surrounding landscapes.
According to Wikipedia, ”The castle was intended as a private residence for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, until he died in 1886. It was open to the public shortly after his death. Since then more than 61 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle. More than 1.3 million people visit annually, with as many as 6,000 per day in the summer”. I have a particular visual of what I expect castles to look like and they are mostly based upon what I have read and seen. While there are some visual similarities here, it is different, mostly because it is incomplete. I’ve never had clear visuals on an incomplete castle. As such there isn’t much to see here, but at the same time there is much to see, so get ready to capture as much as you can, as there is no photography allowed inside the castle.
As glorious as this place appears to be, there are only 14 rooms currently finished. Thus, we only have access to the cave-like grotto, the king’s bedroom, the Singer’s Hall and a few others. Guided tours last for about 30 minutes and will set you back $14—I guess one dollar for each room, lol. However, according to Prince Leopold of Bavaria, King Ludwig’s great grand nephew, if the castle were completed, it would have 400 rooms. I wonder if it would still be $14 to tour if it were completed. Anywho, get your walking shoes ready because to get to the top of the hill you can either walk or take a horse drawn carriage for about 5 euros per person each way.
Inside King Ludwig’s bedroom is a bed...just a bed...not necessarily fit for a king, but as long as he was comfortable, I’m cool with it. The decor was more captivating than the actual bed itself with beautiful silk draped over the canopy of the bed. King Ludwig’s dressing room included ceiling paintings and murals illustrating the works of poets Walther von der Vogelwide and Hans Sachs. The entire room is finished with gold and violet silks.
The Throne Room is a two story space capturing the majesty of Byzantine churches, and is finished with a 13-foot-tall chandelier, a painted cupola, and an elaborate floor mosaic. FYI, there was never a throne in this space.
In 1993, the World Summit, now called the G-20 was hosted in Munich and the wives of the leaders were hosted by Neuschwanstein Castle.
King Ludwig II was also an inventor, who lived ahead of his time with fantastic ideas that the world at that time was not ready to realize. He wanted to construct a cable car from Lake Alpes to his yellow castle. He imade plans, but never manifested the transport system because the industry at the time was not on par with his 20th century imagination.
Construction began in 1868, and although the castle appears to have been constructed during medieval times, the techniques used to build the castle were more modern. The castle was built relatively quickly and was left unfinished after King Ludwig II was found drowned in a nearby lake after being declared insane by the government. The castle put him in loads of debt and at the age of 40 he relinquished his life.
King Ludwig II loved swans so you may see a few throughout the castle. Swans are considered the heraldic animal of the Knights of Schwangau. He was also a fan of fairy tales and classic stories which are depicted in the decoration around the castle. The crests and designs in various rooms tell specific stories related to his favorite fairy tales.
Walt Disney got his inspiration for the Magic Kingdom from the Neuschwanstein Castle.
The grounds are beautifully kept with a lake behind the castle.
Mmmm, I smell something good! Now that the tour is finished I can indulge in this delectable German pastry, königliche chargeback, donut balls with powdered sugar. Yum!
Danke Schoen!
Eden Washington is a 6th grade scholar at Friendship Public Charter School Online.