Of quiet splendour

From outside the castle is a symbol of silent beauty. Perched atop a hill, the walk up there is tiresome, but once you reach, it still does not change. It seems quiet, almost like the castle creeps up on you. The grandeur is unavoidable, but it is quiet splendour.

Though not very old, Neuschwanstein was built in the late 19th century, it has aged gracefully. I was told in the warmer months the castle is surrounded by a riot of colours. Very believable considering the thousands of trees around it. But we made our journey there after a day of snow and the scene was very different. We were taken to the castle in a horse carriage and you can go ahead and call me a romantic, but there is definitely something about going up a snow covered hill, to a castle on the hill in a horse carriage!

Every little girl who grows up on a staple diet of Disney, dreams of being a princess in the Sleeping Beauty castle. And if you are anything like me, growing up with Disney for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you would have a lot of your dreams set in that castle. It is no secret that Disney was inspired by Neuschwanstein. To see the real thing surrounded by snow, lofty spires peeking from between the snow tipped trees, is a treat enough to make you feel like a princess.

For all its subtle magnificence from the outside, the inside is a very different story. Neuschwanstein was built or commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (also knows as Mad King Ludwig) as an ode to Richard Wagner, the great Composer. The decor in every room is bright, colourful and complete. Every inch that can be decorated, painted on or carved has been done. Not an inch has been spared. Scenes from Wagner's operas are painted from the ceiling to approximately 4 feet off the ground. Chandeliers with coloured glass hang in every room. Ludwig was so enamoured by the swan that his bedroom has a tap shaped like a swan, with water flowing out of its beak! Doors have handles shaped like the swan's neck, ceilings have swan motifs all over them. He even had a ceramic swan which was really an air humidifier! Make sure you see Ludwig's telephone, his bedroom, his dining room and his kitchen. Ludwig was a recluse and every room has to be viewed from that perspective. He hated being photographed and you can't see any trace of him throughout his palace. No painting, nothing.

All in all, Neuschwanstein is a must see. Whether you are a romantic at heart or just interested in architecture, a Wagner aficionado or a tourist eager to explore ever inch of Germany, Neuschwanstein is worth it. Take a day trip, you won't regret it.