Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

We've had the pleasure of being able to go to the Neuschwanstein Castle a number of times but it was my first trip that was the most picturesque. This castle is well known as being the inspiration for castles in numerous Disney movies to include the iconic castle located in Disney World.

When you first drive towards the castle, following the signs, you really don't see anything but a spec of the white outline against the mountainside, within the valley.

Even as you park your vehicle in the village of Hohenschwangau, it doesn't dawn upon you on the magnitude of the structure simply based upon where the castle was built. 

There is a path/paved road that leads you from the village to Neuschwanstein. If you have the opportunity to visit during the summer, every-so-often, you will get a slight glimpse of the castle through the vegetation. 

Before you know it, you are at the base of the castle. Of course, I wanted to get a better view of the structure, but what better way to see it, than walking away from it. 

I followed a less traveled path that is located just to the south and east of the castle and continues to travel up the adjacent mountainside. You will have an opportunity to see the castle from above with a view into the valley. 

By the time we are at this point, there were no tourists, not even Germans. I may have traveled a bit out of the way but this location did provide a solitary and private overlook of the castle. No matter where you are viewing this structure nor what time of year you go, it is a spectacular place to visist.