Three Days in Bavaria

There was a four-day German holiday weekend in May, so we headed south to Bavaria.  We'd gone there over New Years with Derek and family, but we wanted another chance to appreciate this beautiful part of Germany in the spring.  Because there are huge mountains in Bavaria, 

there was still snow on many of the high peaks.

We traveled with Jon and Janet Jensen and stayed in the military resort,

Edelweiss in Garmisch-Partinkirchen.

We planned to visit three castles and started with Hohenschwangau,
the birthplace of Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria.

Although we were unable to take photos inside, the castle gardens were beautiful.

Parting shot of the castle...

From there we started the long hike up to King Ludwig's famous castle, Neuschwanstein--the one copied by Walt Disney.  Because the castle is so big and "in your face," it's somewhat difficult to take a good picture.  Most of those you see on the Internet have been taken from helicopters or from a distant bridge that was currently blocked off.

This is a model of what the castle was to look like when finished.  Unfortunately, Ludwig died/was murdered before the construction was completed.  He accumulated such a debt with all his castle-building that the royal family opened all his castles for tours only six weeks after his death in 1885.  The debts were paid off by the turn of the century.

View of the beautiful German countryside below the castle.

Our last look before heading out...

From there we headed to a few churches, beautiful both inside and out!

Beautiful Wieskirche!

The Baroque interior was stunning!  Although somewhat gaudy, it was still beautiful.  I find it so 

difficult to believe that this elaborate architecture and works of art were completed

hundreds of years ago!

This church became a pilgrimage destination years ago when the statue

depicting the scourging of Christ was believed to have emitted tears.

Since it was Sunday and there was no Mormon church nearby, we decided a trip to Oberamergau would be a good substitute.  Once every ten years, the village of Oberamergau presents a summer-long re-enactment of the last days and crucifixion of Christ.  Villagers in 1634 covenanted with God to perform this six-hour Passion Play every ten years if He would spare the lives of the villagers who were dying from the Black Plague.  The promise was made, and lives were spared.  Only those born in the village--or those who have lived there over 20 years--

are allowed to participate among the cast of thousands! 

The audience is covered; the the outdoor stage has a retractable roof.

The play was not being performed, but I was able to take a few pictures from a slide presentation.

The High Priest and other notorious fellows.

 The crucifixion scene lasts over 20 minutes, which can be quite uncomfortable

in May and October's chilly weather!

We had a back-stage tour by a wonderful tour guide.  She began playing the role of a young girl, and then over the years has played Martha, Veronica, and Mary Magdalene!  She was a great Christian spokesperson for this amazing village of 5,000 and the play it presents 

to over 500,000 visitors every ten years!

The table of the Last Supper is the only remaining original piece from 1634.

One wardrobe room...

We were shown how the crucifixion scene was made bearable by hand braces and heel-rests. 

Here is a collection of miniatures carved from wood on display in the Oberamergau Museum.

Homes and businesses in Oberamergau and nearby villages are noted for their elaborate décor.

St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church in Oberamergau was every bit as beautiful as Wieskirche.

Note the detailed painting in the ceiling.

Awesome organ loft!

One of many altars

Goodbye, favorite stop, Oberamergau, and on to another castle.

Linderhof was another of King Ludwig's "mad expenditures."  Although much smaller than Neuschwanstein, it was much more richly decorated.  Gold and jewels were not spared in the least!  Unfortunately, as before, no picture-taking inside was allowed.

View standing on the castle steps looking at the gardens...

One garden area...

King Ludwig truly was ahead of his time.  For his personal enjoyment, he had a grotto built and furnished to resemble a scene from his favorite Wagner opera, Tannhäuser.

Complete with a sporadic waterfall!

Last stop on this Bavarian getaway was the Ettal Monastery.

Once again, amazing Baroque interior!

We tried one last time to get a view of the famous Zugspitze, but like other 

humongous mountains, it is most often found hiding behind the clouds!

Here is a glimpse of the huge mountain we did not see!

But we did stop to check out the Olympic Ski Jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen,

which was officially opened by Adolf Hitler in 1936.

If we were to select a favorite from among the three castles, two churches, quaint villages, and a monastery, it would be Oberamergau!!!  Maybe the "over-the-top" display of wealth found in the castles and churches as contrasted by the humility and devotion to Christ in Oberamergau were the deciding points.  Whatever it was, we thought a return trip there in 2020 might need to be added to our bucket list!

Goodbye, beautiful Bavaria!