Theme: European Christmas Holiday Country: Germany Languages: German Unit of Currency: Euro Locations: Munich & Schwangau Village Year: 2012 Bucket list: Capturing the view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Neuschwanstein
DO: TRY LOCAL BEER AND BRATWURSTS
Munich:
- Eating, drinking, and looking at Christmas Lights
DO: VISIT A SAMPLE OF GERMANY’S CASTLES
Schwangau:
- Trekking to see both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles in a lovely Christmas-filled village
Neuschwanstein Castle:
Hohenschwangau Castle:
“Sleeping Beauty’s Castle” in Schwangau Village:
1) The Romantic Road and Neuschwanstein Castle – A historical road and a fairy-tale castle was one of the highlights in this country. The Romantic Road stretched 200 miles from Wurburg to Fussen and dozens of medieval towns, villages, and castles linked the landscapes of rivers, lakes, and forests in between. King Ludwig’s two royal castles: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein capped the southern end of the Romantic Road, which led into a world of fantasy and creative design.
Neuschwanstein was by far the most theatrical, which was created by royal court’s set designer rather than an architect. Set on an isolated rock ledge and heart-stopping scenery, it was rumored that Walt Disney replicated his Sleeping Beauty castle in Disney World as that of Neuschwanstein. After hiking up a mountain for 30 minutes, I later discovered that the rumor was true and throughout my videos and pictures, I was able to perceive the vision that Walt Disney had envisioned.
2) Hohenschwangau Castle – Built on the remains of a fortress Schwanstein, this castle was recognized in historical records as dating back to the 12th century. Throughout the history labeled near the castle, it was mentioned that a family of knights were responsible for the construction of the medieval fortress. Sadly, the decay of the fortress continued until it finally fell into ruins at the beginning of the 19th century.
3) German funnel cakes – 3 dough balls covered in powdered sugar were a treat after the climb to Neuschwanstein Castle. As I watched the gentleman cook the dough and pour the sugar on the funnel cake, the sweet smell of white powdered sugar and fresh dough tickled my nose. I remember thinking to myself that a good cup of hot chocolate would be perfect with this delicious dessert. Later I fulfilled that craving and continued my journey towards Hohenschwangau in the drizzling rainstorm that had formed while eating the German funnel cake.
4) Munich’s cheese-filled bratwurst –When I thought of Germany, I associated it with the representation of numerous beers, friendly inhabitants, and bratwursts! Something I always loved as a kid was sauerkraut; cheese-filled bratwurst,s honey dijon, and sauerkraut was definitely one of my favorite snacks on the Euro trip. I determined that I enjoyed bratwursts as a great snack in Zagreb, Croatia. With some locally flavorful beers and a bratwurst this fashioned the ultimate snack! Not to mention, left my stomach and taste buds wanting more!
Next stop: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg!