So I made it to 3am this morning before being wide awake, mum made it through most of the night, lucky her. Today we were excited to head to the town of Fussen, a 2hr train ride away to visit the castles of Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein. The later is famous as it is supposedly the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland. On the train, it wasn't long before we were out in the countryside and we started to worry about the fog we were seeing. It didn't look good for those postcard views we were hoping for of Neuschwanstein.

Arriving in Fussen, we jumped on a bus which took us to the castles. We bought tickets for both castles plus the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. We were allocated timed tours of both castles so off we headed to the Museum to see some history of the Wittlebachs. This is the same family line that lived in the Residenz that we visited on Monday. From what I've read, not a lot of people visit the museum which is a shame because they had some really interesting information, pictures and memorabilia. We then had to leave to head up the small hill to Hohenschwangau Castle for our tour. Mum was a little apprehensive about walking up but it wasn't too bad and she made it in one piece. There was snow on the side of the paths and roads so had to be careful of ice and slush.

Hohenschwangau Castle is where King Ludwig II grew up and it still has all the original furniture, paintings and other belongings.His father built it from 12th century ruins. It was stunning to visit and I can't believe some people come all this way and don't bother to visit this castle as well.

We made our way back down the hill and then caught the bus up to Neuschwanstein. The fog had definitely set in by now and we were pretty sure that it wasn't going to get any better. We walked to Marienbruck (Mary's bridge) which is meant to give you the postcard view of the castle. The only view we got was white, white misty fog. We could hear the water below us but that was about it. The bridge was quite icy too. So much for that. On we continued to the castle and we literally didn't see it until we were right next to it.

Took a few photos of the outside which was good because by the time we got back out, there wasn't much to be seen. Another guided tour of the castle and our guide was funny, not humerous funny, just weird. He reminded me of a little bird and when he spoke, it was almost like a recording that you hear on safety messages. He would pause between sentences and had these funny hand gestures. Anyway, this tour was even more rushed than the first one. Before we even left a room, the next group was walking in which was a shame. Ludwig started building this castle in 1869 but was never finished. In one room, 14 woodcarvers spent 4 years working on it. The throne room was beautiful with a mosaic floor with over 2 million stones in it, however no throne (it was never made). The Sangersall was built for concerts as Ludwig was a huge fan of Richard Wagner and the wall behind the stage is painted so it looks as if you are about to walk into a forest.

Although we really didn't see the outside of the castle, it was truly worth the visit to see the insides. Glad we came. By the time we exited, the castle, we couldn't get back to the courtyard as it had been locked up. Mum was hoping to get the horse carriage ride down the hill but they had also closed up so down we headed, into the mist. At least it was downhill. We then returned to the Museum to finish up what we didn't see previous before getting the bus back to town and then the train to Munich. The seats were so uncomfortable, we were hoping our train tomorrow would be different.

Arrived back at 8pm and headed to the markets to get some dinner. I tried Reiberdatschi which I had seen on the first day but never got around to eating. They were like potato pancakes served on a wafer which applesauce. Mum had a roll with a couple of different sausages. We watched the ice skaters for a while who were skating to YMCA amongst other songs and laughed at the adults needing the polar bear statues to keep them standing up.

It was good to finally get home and take our shoes off. We have pretty much been on our feet for 3 days straight and starting to feel it. I dont' think it will be long before we get some massages. I realised that I haven't said much about the markets. Considering that is the main reason we came here in winter, that is a bit of an oversight.

We love wandering around them and seeing what they have to offer and trying to find something unique. Lots of stands selling Glunwein (Mulled wine) and food of all different sorts. There is rarely an english translation so we pretty much have to guess what it is or hope they speak some english to help us, which so far has been the case. We went to one market called Krippelmarkt where the stalls only sold items to make up your own nativity scene. So much choice and so beautiful. There is also a lot of mass produced stuff but some beautiful hand made and individual items as well. Still lots of markets to go to in all the different towns we visit so trying not to buy too much.