Paul Verlaine called Ludwig II of Bavaria the 'only true king of the 19th century' and I think he was on to something. The most popular view of Neuschwanstein, which Ludwig begun in 1869 on the ruins of another castle not far from his parent's more modest Hohenschwangau, is one you've undoubtedly seen before but which is only achievable via helicopter. This was taken from a steel footbridge that crosses the gorge behind the castle. Walt Disney copied Neuschwanstein for his parks and he stole more than just the facade. It is inside that I could see why, and while I was bummed that I wasn't allowed to take photos to show you, I was still stunned into silence from the beauty. And from the scenes I clearly recognized as being copied in Disney films! Ludwig was a great supporter of the arts, in particular of Wagner and his operas, and a true romantic with a passion for the Middle Ages. He covered the inside of Neuschwanstein with artwork depicting the great tales of Lohengrin, of Tristan & ...