June 19 Neuschwanstein Castle

Gray Lines does excursions from Munich to the interesting surroundings.  We took the Castle Tour, which includes Linderhof, Oberammergau and Neuschwanstein.  
Although the tour was scheduled to begin at 8:30am, we arrived and boarded the bus before 8, and the bus left almost full, at 8:15.  German efficiency!

A pleasant drive through the Bavarian countryside to get there.

 Linderhof Palace

 We did not take the inside tour, and pictures weren't allowed inside anyway.  Construction cranes have been a common site around Munich, and now at the palaces.

 A short stop at Oberammergau, famous for its passion play, held every ten years.  It's coming up in 2020, so get your tickets now.  Also famous for wood carving, cuckoo clocks, and painted houses.

 Theater for the play.  I thought it was held outdoors, but they have a dedicated theater.

 Many painted houses and businesses.

 More Bavarian countryside

 As you arrive in Hohenschwangau you see the castle up on the hillside.

 The shuttle bus takes you up almost to the castle, but first you visit Mary's Bridge for the view.  (And you're not alone in going to look at the view.)

 View of Hohenschwangau and Swan Lake from near the castle.

 The castle.  This was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland, but to get the view on the postcards you had to hike another 5 miles across Mary's Bridge, climb a mountain, and be there at sunset.

 We walked back down the hill.  Here are people who passed on the shuttle bus (which takes a different route) and went with the horse carriage. 

 Interesting non-selfie, but certainly part of his identity.

 Shhhh, seen in the parking lot below Neuschwanstein Castle. A summer vacation while the elves are working hard.

 Return to Munich.  It was a nice warm day, but judging from this house, that isn't the case in winter. The cut wood serves as insulation until it's turned into warmth, I guess.