Neuschwanstein & Munich

I took two day trips this week. On Tuesday (we were off for Veteran's Day), I drove 3 1/2 hours each way to see the most photographed castle in Germany - Neuschwanstein. It's also the castle that the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disney World is modeled after. It was quite nice. We hiked up to Marien Bruke (Mary's Bridge) for a better view of the castle and a nice soundtrack of the small waterfall below. The view from the bridge is definitely one of the best views of the castle. Unfortunately, this side of the castle is currently undergoing a 2 million Euro renovation, and is covered with construction.

I took a picture from the window of the castle. Imagine having this view from the window of your home!

On Saturday, we took a 2 hour train ride into Munich. Munich is so busy - so many people! There was plenty to see, but I thought the two highlights were the Maienplatz (Mary's Square) and the Hofbrauhaus, one of Munich's oldest breweries.

Mary's Square is so named, because there's a gold statue of the Virgin Mary at it's center. On the Square is Munich's Neurathaus (New Town Hall), which houses the famous chiming clock - figures come out and dance around when the clock chimes.

The Hofbrauhaus serves a beer recipe that has been brewed since the 1300's, so of course I had to have some, even though I'm not a beer drinker. This is the most famous beer cellar in the world.