Germany's Best Kept Secret Attractions

BY MIA GIFFORD

With its delicious food, beautiful sites and complex history, Germany should be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. Many travel to the popular architectural beauties of Neuschwanstein, the castle in southern Germany that inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, or Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, once a blocked gate between East and West Germany. However, there are a plethora of other attractions that deserve just as much attention. I was fortunate enough to visit these other sites on a trip to Germany with my family, guided by my cousin and his partner who live there. Here are three of the most beautiful, fascinating and entertaining places that we traveled to in Bavaria in southern Germany and Berlin.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Before the popular Neuschwanstein Castle was built in 1869, high in the hills above the small town of Hohenschwangau, Hohenschwangau Castle was built a little ways down on a smaller hill just above Lake Alpsee and the town. This castle was built by Prince Maximillian of Bavaria in 1832 and originally called Schwanstein until its name changed to Hohenschwangau after 1886. After becoming king, Maximilian, his wife and his two sons used the castle as a summer hunting residence. With the picturesque hills behind it, the lake lapping at the shore below it, and fields stretching out in front of it, this castle became a favorite for Maximillian’s son Ludwig. As Ludwig grew and became king, however, he wanted more, so he built Neuschwanstein which today attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors and is the most popular tourist attraction in Bavaria.

While Hohenschwangau Castle may not have inspired a Disney castle, it is certainly still worth the visit. Built in new-Gothic style with mustard yellow walls and red stucco roofing, it contrasts against the dark green of the surrounding fields and transports visitors back in time. The 19th-century murals, paintings, and interior have been preserved amazingly well, many depicting German folklore and legends, including that of the swan knight of Lohengrin. Swans are associated with the castle and region, as schwan means “swan” in German. This castle’s beauty and history make it a compelling visit for travelers and, though it lies in the shadows of Neuschwanstein, it should not be overlooked.

Bleckenau

An hour and a half hike up the mountain from Hohenschwangau brings you to Bleckenau, a three-story wooden building that was the hunting hut of King Ludwig. With grand views of Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and the surrounding area, Bleckenau is now a restaurant catering to hungry tourists, cyclists and hikers.

“THE SURROUNDING TREESARE COVERED IN SNOW,SOFTENING THE SOUNDS OF THEMODERN WORLD AND SENDINGTRAVELLERS BACK TO THE TIMESOF KING LUDWIG.”

The route to the hut takes visitors across Marienbrücke, a suspension bridge providing fantastic views of the castles and up a winding road through the forest. In the winter, this road and the surrounding trees are covered in snow, softening the sounds of the modern world and sending travelers back to the times of King Ludwig. The road can be quite steep, so come prepared with good walking shoes and plenty of water. Luckily, the reward at the end of the hike is worth it - a warm, vibrant cabin offering delicious foods like bolognese pasta and the traditional Bavarian potato soup that my brother was still raving about when we got back to the States. If there is enough snow in the winter, you can ride sleds down the mountain around tight bends to the front of Neuschwanstein. After stuffing yourself with delicious food, choosing to slide instead of hiking back down the mountain is a popular choice.

Spielwiese

Located in the Friedrichshain district of Berlin, the center of German nightlife, Spielwiese is the perfect spot for the board game enthusiasts or for anyone looking for a good time. The walls of this little cove are lined floor to ceiling with familiar games like Uno and Monopoly, as well as German games that I never heard of. My cousin and his partner took my brother and me there one night, and it was one of the most memorable nights of that trip. The adults ordered beer and a hot chocolate for me before we spent hours laughing and bickering over countless games, finally leaving close to midnight. Spielwiese is a great place to surround yourself with locals and experience a different kind of night life than just sitting at a bar. The laughs and memories I left Spielwiese with will stay with me forever.

With centuries of history Germany has a multitude of attractions worthy of traveler’s time. While the popular sites of Neuschwanstein and Brandenburg Gate are certainly important pieces of this history, Hohenschwangau Castle, Bleckenau and Spielwiese provide a deeper look into Germany. Their smaller crowds and more intimate settings allow travelers to better experience what German life was like in the 17th and 21st centuries, and should be staples for everyone wishing to experience this country.

MIA GIFFORD, GERMANY