Hohenschwangau

I came to Hohenschwangau to visit the great Schloss Neuschwanstein. Ever since I first saw pictures of this castle, I've wanted to see it. But I never actually expected to see it in my lifetime. When I first saw a glimpse of it from the bus, it was all I could do to keep from crying.

But first was Schloss Hohenschwangau: Castle of the High Swan Country. King Ludwig II's parents built the castle, and it is where he grew up. It dates from at least the 12th century. (And just like almost everything else on my trip, part of it was being refurbished.)

It was difficult to get a good view of it, so I settled for close-ups of different edifices. (I got a picture of the whole thing later.)

Can't say it isn't festive....

The family symbol was the swan. Hence the name of the castle and the prolific swan designs.

Maybe not as intricate as the Salzburg Cathedral, but beautiful nonetheless.

Pathway leading under the arch in the previous picture.

I'm fairly certain this is the great hall.

Next:  Neuschwanstein