Schloss Neuschwanstein, Fussen

Built in 1869 - 86, the Schloss Neuschwanstein (the New Swan Stone Castle), is the most photographed building in Germany.

Construction was started by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as "Mad King Ludwig". The pale grey limestone castle has provided the inspiration for the countless toy models, book illustrations and film sets - as a fairy-tale castle.

However, the dramatic Romanesque fortress with Byzantine and Gothic interiors, was not finished at Ludwig's mysterious death in 1886.

On June 13, 1886, at 6:30 p.m., Ludwig asked to take a walk with Professor Gudden. Gudden agreed, and told the guards not to follow them. But the two men never returned from their walk. Ludwig's death was officially ruled a suicide by drowning, but alternate theories abound.

The official autopsy report indicates that no water was found in his lungs. No solid proof of foul play has ever come to light, but many hold that Ludwig was maybe assassinated by his political enemies.

Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public.

The shy king had built the castle in order to withdraw from public life – now vast numbers of people came to view his private refuge.

From Neuschwanstein there is a splendid view of the Alpsee. It nestles between wooded mountain slopes in an area of unspoilt natural beauty. Even as a child, Ludwig particularly loved the romantic lake. Today there are many hiking trails in the vicinity of the Alpsee.

The interior of Neuschwanstein is copyrighted and taking photographs of the interior is strictly forbidden.

The walls in the castle are lavishly covered with paintings from old myths and legends, decorated artistic furnitures of the 19th century craftsmen, the singing room and the throne room - make this castle a DEFINITELY must see. And if anyone talks about a fairy-tale castle, he usually means Neuschwanstein.

Little could the Bavarian people imagine 110 years ago when they worried about Ludwig bankrupting the treasury how much money his project could generate from the tourists coming from around the world to see a little part of his dream. During the summer around 6,000 visitors a day can stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant. Spectacular view of the castle from the Marienbrücke.

This gorge with its steep rocky walls and the waterfall is a view down from the Marienbrücke, the iron bridge.

Fussen is the highest town of Bavaria (808 m above sea level) - this medieval town can easily be reached on a day-trip from Munich.

Germany is definitely one of the top in consumption chart for eating bread - could be because of the wide variety of breads they have in their country.

It was definitely a perfect destination for a weekend get-away, at least a break from the training in ZDS.