Bavarian Winter Wonderland (Neuschwanstein Castle & Hofbrauhaus)

We woke up very early today (6:00am) and quickly chomped down breakfast, before heading out into peak-hour Munich traffic to drive to the tiny town of Hohenschwangau (pronounced with a "v") where two of the fairy tale castles of Lugwig II. Ludwig is probably the most well-known of the Bavarian Wittlesbach Kings - who ruled (and still technically do hold the throne) since the 10th century.

The drive in the dark, cold and rain was probably one of the more stressful experiences of Mum's life - especially doing it driving on an unknown, windy, icy road and on the opposite side of the road. So I take my hat off to her - for doing something brave that I myself would not have done. Nevertheless, by the time we arrived in Hohenschwangau, the snow was falling!!!

Behind us in that photo is Hohenschwangau Castle, where Maximillian (the father of Ludwig) and his family lived as their summer residence. But I think it looks better in winter. 

Also in the town is the famous Schloss Neuschwanstein. Alas, the whole thing was not only covered in cloud, but also scaffolding when we went. It was also difficult to get a good vantage point of us in front of the Schloss, so I have included this picture (which I did not take, but pilfered from Google Images of what the castle should look like)

The Castle was one of the last constructed by Ludwig, and he "commissioned" it after his great friend Richard Wagner died. The castle is dedicated to Wagner, and contains many scenes from his fairy tale operas. Indeed, the castle looks like something out a fairy tale, precisely because it was intended to look so. Here's a few more shots of us partaying in the snow. 

You can pay for a horse to take you up the mountain to the castle -but you do have to walk the final, slippery stretch up to the top.

We then had a look in the Museum of Bavarian Kings - and gained what I would call a "thorough" understanding of Bavarian Royal Life. We then drove back to Munich through another snowstorm (hooray!!) and finally arrived back around 6:00pm.

One of the institutions in Munich is the Hofbrauhaus - the Court Beer Hall - which was opened to the public about 350 years ago. Today, the brewery is not located on site - as there was not enough room for revellers - so today there is as much room to party as you want. 

You've probably got a stereotype in your mind of a Bavarian. That they wear feathered hats, lederhosen and dance aroudn drinking beer to a band. I'm pleased to say that the stereotype was true - as the "regulars" tables - which were defined by a sign above the table (as well as the old men in lederhosen) - attested to. Here is us raving!!

In the last photo on the left you can see one of these tables - with the men in lederhosen. Annabelle and I have made it our mission to find some - and buy some!!

P.S - here was the car just before we set off back to Munich from Hohenschwangau...