Neuschwanstein and the Bavarian Alps Romantic Road

Finally I went through the dozens of pictures of Bavaria's Disney castle to choose a few to tell the story of our journey there. As expected, the site was packed with tourists, the day was hot and there was some surreal atmosphere in the air - high above our heads was visible the castle, so well known from pictures, puzzles, brochures and what not, that it's actual existence seemed a bit unnatural.

The view from the observation platform. The place of the castle is chosen brilliantly, 

hanging on the rocks above the gorgeous Alpine valley

Unfortunately, the Marienbrucke bridge was closed for repair works

The view from a terrace of the castle

A model of the castle

The castle of Ludwig II's parents - Hohenschwangau

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings - Gaby and I went through it, 

a bit in a hurry, as our time was quite limited

In the end of the day we cooled our feet (as plenty other tourists - 

the day was amazingly hot for the Alps) in the calm waters of the Alpsee

And just a few snaps through the windows of the bus - the Bavarian Romantic Road, which runs through green pastures and small pretty villages, absolutely amazing scenery

Bled, Slovenia

Last week Gaby and I were on a bus excursion to the Bavarian castles. The first stop on our way - Slovenia. This is my first visit to the country and I was totally smitten with what we saw from the bus windows - green pastures, small villages with beautiful church towers and the majestic Alps. In Slovenia we visited the Bled lake - a serene alpine lake with a small island in the middle and a castle on top of the rocks.

We traveled to the island by pletna - a traditional boat, operated by an oarsman.

The most interesting feature of the lake is the island with the beautiful Gothic church. We were told several legends about the bell of the church, which was supposedly blessed by the Pope to fulfill wishes.

Of course, Gaby and I rang the magic bell and climbed to the top of the church tower, to see the mechanism of the tower clock and the view from the top.

A path runs along the edge of the island, which can be walked around for 10-15 minutes.

The waters of the lake around the island were of an amazing emerald color and full with fish:

We didn't have time to visit the castle, built in the Middle ages, which stands 139 m high above the lake:

There were many geese and swans, swimming gracefully around:

We only had time for a walk along the panorama path to the foot of the castle rock:

There are many more interesting places to visit in the Bled National Park - the gorge, the hills, the Triglav peak, but that would require a trip, designated especially for Slovenia.

A postcard from Bled, which shows the location of the island on the lake: