Castle 1: Hohenschwangau (Gesundheit!)

The morning following our night time arrival to Hohenschwangau we ate a large, continental type breakfast. We were also served omelets made to taste and fresh. We then set out for the first castle-Castle Hohenschwangau. It was a beautiful morning with some overcast, everything was snow covered and the Sun had not yet come over the mountains so it wasn't too bright or anything. On our way across the street to the castle we could see the Alps glistening in the sun just past a body of water called Lake Alpsee. (imagine that) We began to walk up the path leading to the castle and just couldn't get over the grandeur of the Alps. We were able to sneak a "peak" at the them, but they were still huge and beautiful! (If only we knew what was lying in store for us later in our trip in Europe...this is where you are left hanging in suspense!)

A view from the outside the castle looking at where we were staying.

So Kenya was so excited to go to the castle that she woke up early as usual and then didn't take a morning nap so had a small break down, claiming she was cold prior to enter the castle. That was quickly overcome once we entered the castle and started seeing some cool stuff. The sad part is that we couldn't take any photos or videos once inside the castle so all we can do is write about what we saw inside. 

We were led by a live person, but everyone in the tour group had an audio device that told interesting facts and history about each room and it's contents. The guide actually told us about a secret door between the King's and Queen's rooms.There were amazing paintings in every room and crazy workings of metal for table pieces and other stuff royalty enjoys. They had awesome views of the Alpsee Lake and the Alps. It was so surreal because this castle built, painted and filled with the things you'd think are only in fairy tales. Kenya and even Jasmin enjoyed the castle. Jasmin mostly pointed out the horses in each painting in each room. Kenya was fascinated and interested in stuff about the queen...go figure.

Here are some pics after the castle tour.

Need I say more?

Two cute girls in front of Alpsee Lake

One cute girl in front of Alpsee Lake

Nobody in front Alpsee Lake

An old wall along a 70 minute hike around Alpsee Lake

Not sure what this is, but thought it looked cool and has nothing to do with Alpsee Lake.

These mountains are right behind our hotel

After our adventure we went back to the hotel room, had some snacks and crashed for naps! We all needed it!

These 2 won the prize for sleeping the longest. The prize was to have a picture taken of them while they slept.

After naps it was time for another 3 course meal. We closed the day with showers, family home evening, and bed time!