Neuschwanstein and Ludwig 2

I have had the opportunity to see three musicals whilst I have been in Germany. I say Mamma Mia (auf Deutsch) and Elisabeth whilst in Stuttgart. Elisabeth is the story of Elisabeth, Kairein of Austria.

The third musical was Ludwig 2. The venue for this was just across the lake from Schloess Neushwanstein.

Neuschwanstein is a Schloess (castle) that was built by Ludwig 2, Koenig of Bayern (King of Baveria). The castle was built around the 1870/1880s. Ludwig is often referred to as mad King Ludwig. He was certified mad after a political plot to have him removed from his position. This was because he was more interested in building castles than armaments and involvement in war.

During his reign he built three castle. This was his last one. It was on this site that he was removed from power. He was taken down to Starnberg See, not far from where I am staying on the See (lake). He and his psychiatrist were found dead in the lake 2 days after he was removed from power. Mystery surrounds whether they drowned, were muredered or whether it was murder-suicide.

A day trip to Heidelberg

Maikammer Weingut

I have spent a few days staying with friends who have a weingut in Maikammer (near Mannheim) in the Pfalz. It has been a most relaxing and enjoyable time.

Die Weingut Schaedler

View of Maikammer from the weinberg
Crucifix in the vineyard
Die Weinberg
Weinberg mit Schloess
Grapes on the vine
Enjoying the wine!

Speyer, near Neusstadt Weinstrasse

Speyer is a town not too far from where I am staying in the Pfalz. It is a strong Catholic centre with The Dom having been built back in medieval times (I think)!

When a new Archbishop was appointed to Speyer the large stone cauldron was filled with wine and the towns' folk could drink from it.

The Dom had a strong connection to the Koenig (kings) of the region, hence the crown.

Uwe, my host and guide and me.

Potsdam Schloess

Terraced garden entrance at Schloss San Souci

Rear garden at Schloss San Souci
Neus Palais

Further Berlin Pics

Statue to Marx and Engels in Marx-Engels Platz in the Nikoleiviertel.













World Bears and German writers

Museum Insel

The Berlin museum "quarter" is located on Museum Insel. I visited The Altes and The Pergamon.


At the Altes Museum.














Queen Nefertiti


















Inside The Pergamon













The Dom