We took a train from Munich to a town called Fussen. Its a two hour train trip through beautiful countryside. The trains are great in Munich - for 30 euros you can buy a ticket that lasts all day, for up to five people, that will take you anywhere within Bavaria.
Fussen is famous for the two castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Both castles belonged to former Kings of Germany, but Neuschwantstein is the more famous, as it is the castle that Disney based Cinderella's castle on. It also made the list of nominees for the new seven wonders of the world.
The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner, the King's inspiring muse. Although public photography of the interior is not permitted,it is the most photographed building in Germany and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
Ludwig did not allow visitors to his castles, but after his death in 1886 the castle was opened to the public (in part due to the need to pay off the debts Ludwig incurred financing its construction, even though he asked for it to be destroyed on his death). Only 17 rooms were ever completed in the castle, and no more work has been done on it since.
Ludwig died in mysterious circumstances. The day before his death he was declared insane and locked up. The next day he drowned along with his pyschiatrist!
The castle includes its own cave - its completely man made and is next to the King's bedroom.
The views below are from the train journey. Fussen is set only 3 miles from the border with Austria and is surrounded by snow covered alps.
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