Innsbruck and Neuschwanstein

We departed from Grindelwald and made our way to Interlaken to pick up a rental car.  We were traveling by car to the next couple of cities.  On our drive we stopped at the ruins of one castle and the castle of the prince of Lichtenstein which was under renovations.  That evening we walked through Innsbruck’s "Old City”.  The “Old City” was a series of narrow streets lined with outdoor cafés, restaurants and shops which ranged from souvenirs to high-end apparel.

The full day at Innsbruck was really spent 2 hours away at the castle Neuschwanstein.  The eccentric king Ludwig II started construction in 1869 and did not live to see it’s completion in 1884 and he only stayed in the castle for a total of 148 days.  Upon the castle’s completion it almost immediately turned into a tourist destination.  The castle used by Disney was modeled after Neuschwanstein.  Our tour of the castle was shortened due to some renovation work, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.  Neuschwanstein is a beautiful and well maintained castle with amazing views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.  After our tour we ate at one of the beer gardens waiting at the base of the mountain from where the castle was perched.

We had time to explore Innsbruck more on the day of our departure.  We did a little shopping, my travel companions persuaded me into buying a pair of lederhosen.  Our strolled continued through the city garden and in to a couple cathedrals.  Brass bands were around town performing for a local music festival.  It was a nice send off.