We were able to leave Zurich without a marathon or 10K run blocking our way. Since that has been an issue the last two Sundays we were wary of the possibility. We seemed to continue to climb as we passed through Austria and into Germany. We left Zurich at 12 degrees Celsius and when we came out of a tunnel near Bergenz the temp was 6 degrees (42F). We had persistent fog on the drive and when we arrived at the castle it was no where to be seen. No problem we parked, waited in line for the horse drawn carriage to take us up the hill. Still no castle. Not a problem we went into the restaurant mid way up the hill and got a hearty lunch. Pork knuckle for me and pork loin for Leslie. Both dishes came with kraut and huge dumplings. This warmed us up and recharged our hill climbing muscles. As we neared the castle the fog started to lift and we could begin to see the castle. There it was in all its grandeur. Only the tallest turret was still shrouded by fog. We went in t he gate right at 1:50. The gate was automatic and at 1:49 it would not let anyone on. But at our allotted time we were granted access. The tour was short but that was to be expected as only 1/3 of the castle was ever completed due to Ludwig II's untimely death. The tour only had 10 people on it due to covid regulations but that meant it was better for those of us on the tour. My only disappointment was that no pictures were allowed.
Waiting for the Carriage
Other folks choose to walk for 30 minutes
We got the third carriage and got the best seats in the house
There is allot going on here. This is our driver with a chin beard, it appears to be a troll or a dwarf on the left and a horses butt on the right
This is Ludwig's first castle
A different team of horses
The castle is behind this bank of fog
A waterfall on the way up
Lunch spot
First hot tea to warm up
Then pork knuckle to fill up
Our first glimpse
Getting closer
We are in, now we have to get the correct type of mask!
After the tour we are on the balcony looking at the first castle
There is a waterfall in this gorge
This bridge is the best place to see the castle but alas it was closed
Looking up from below
panoramic shot
It is huge!
The tiny red spot is me!
What great fun!
The front gates
People lined up at the selfie spot
These two gals were from Nuremburg. We stood in line with then, rode the same carriage up and then when we got into the carriage to ride down, there they were!
The view of the last and this rather large church as seen from above
We are on our way back down
Mad Ludwig and Mad Fritzwig
