Bavaria, Germany : tour of Ludwig II's palaces

Bavaria is the largest state in Germany.  It is in the Southern part of Germany with Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic as its neighours.  The beautiful Alps region lies between them. 

This spring, we went to Munich, Bavaria's state capital.  Munich is one of the beautiful cities that we have visited.  It is also the headquarters of many world famous Germany companies, such as BMW, Siemens and Adidas.  Besides Munich, Bavaria also has many beautiful towns as well as countryside resorts in the Alpine region. 

During this trip, we also made a tour of the beautiful palaces of King Ludwig II.  Ludwig became the King of Bavaria in 1864.  He saw the expansion of the German Empire under the powerful Prussian King, William I, and his Ministry President, Bismarck.  Bavaria became part of the Germany Federation.  Ludwig retreated himself to the splendour and solitude of his palaces.  Ludwig spent a lot of money in building his dream palaces and castles.  He ended up in a tragic and mysterious death.  His partial completed palaces now become the most popular tourist attractions in Bavaria and Germany.

Ludwig II spent his happy childhood in his father's Hobenschwangen Castle.  It was reconstructed from the medieval Castle Schwanstein.  Here, Ludwig built up his dream of Swan Knight. 

(Hobenschwangan Castle)

(Picturesque surrounding of Hobenschwangan Castle)

Later, Ludwig built his new castle opposite to the Hobenschwangan Castle.  The new castle is bigger and more magnificent than the former one.  It is now opened to the public as Neuschwanstein with millions of visitors each year.

(Neuschwanstein - the New Swan Castle)

(Entrance to Newschwanstein)

Ludwig completed the Royal Villa at Linderhof during his life.  He spent more time here than in his other palaces.  Linderhof is a good example of Rococo style.  Its house is full of grand facades and decorations.  Its beautiful garden and landscaping mix well with the natural environment.

(Linderhof from hilltop)

(Water fountain in the garden)

Ludwig was a distant relative of the King Louis XIV of France, who built the famous Versailles.  Ludwig was his great admirer and he wanted to build a similiar French royal palace in the Herrenworth island on Lake Chiemsee.  The project was not completed before Ludwig's death.  The royal palace at Herrenchiemsee was later completed and opened to the public in 1926.

(The royal palace at Herrenchiemsee)

 

(One of the many beautiful fountains in front of the palace)

Rothenburg, Germany : a romantic medieval town

There are many old towns in Europe.  I like to travel through these small towns better than big cities.  They can remind us their history and heritage.  Recently, we have chance to visit Rothenburg in the South of Germany.

Rothenburg is a well-preserved medieval town in Germany.  The town is next to the River Tauber.  Its town gates and walls are maintained in good shape.  Many of the houses inside the walled town are over hundred years old.  You will not see any modern building within the town.  By walking down the town streets, you can feel like going back to the sixteenth and seventeenth century.

(Entering Rothenburg through one of its town gate)

   

(Historical town wall for defense purpose)

(Looking outside the town wall - a bridge over the River Tauber and few old houses)

The key landmark of the town is its town hall.  Major social events are held in the town square in front of the town hall.  An interesting clock house is next to it. 

(Town hall of Rothenburg)

(Interesting clock house built in 1768)

The tallest building within the town should be the St. Jacob's church.  The church is a reconstructed building after its destruction in the second world war.   Many of the old houses were owned by rich families or noble class.  Their original structures were strengthened and redecorated.  Many of them have now been used as gift shops, restaurants or hotels.

(St. Jacob's Church)

(A family house built in 1692)

(A gift shop full of toys and Christmas decorations)

(A hotel converted from a historical house)