Schwangau

My very first day trip from Munich was to Schwangau, with notable attractions being Schloss Neuschwanstein and Alpsee.

These photos date back to the end of October 2020, when coronavirus travel restrictions were largely still in place. Despite the Maskenpflicht (roughly translates to “mandatory mask-wearing”), autumn’s beauty simply can’t be masked. Sounds of rustling leaves in every shade of amber, brisk air calms one as it hits one’s face.

The walk up to the castle itself was largely enjoyable, with the occasional stream here and there. It was much more interesting due to the pop of color introduced by the season. From the foot of the mountain, you could ride a carriage up, so long as you could endure the pungent smell of horse excrement (I couldn’t). Further up there, you also get a great view of the equally impressive, if lesser-known, Schloss Hohenschwangau.

As much as the castle that supposedly inspired Walt Disney was the main draw, I found the highlight of the trip to be the relatively small lake nearby, the Alpsee. I caught a stunning sunset there, calm, sure, and moody. If you ever take a trip to Schwangau, I'd encourage you to do the same.