Following the Romantic Road to the Grimm Bros . . .

Bypassing all major cities in Germany we made a bee line for Fussen in the south and the beginning of the Romantic Road route (aka Romantische StraBe).  Covering 440 kms we wound our way through pretty countryside, forgotten villages, past Chateaus and Castles, from Fussen to Wurzburg. It was frustrating at times (we nearly gave up on day one when we couldn’t find any of the brown signs we were meant to be following) and incredibly beautiful most of the time with character buildings, pumpkins on doorsteps and cow festivals.  Having conquered, and for the most part enjoyed, the Romantic Road we decided to tackle the Fairytale Road – following in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm.  Unfortunately sign posts were non-existent and maps equally so but we did our best with what we had and found ourselves staring up at the balcony Rapunzel would have let down her hair from.  We drove through the woods Red Riding walked through to Grandma’s house and the forests Snow White lived in with the seven dwarfs.  In Kassel we visited the Grimm Brothers museum where we learnt all about the fairytale tellers and in Hameln we walked the cobblestoned pavements where the Pied Piper played his pipe and the rats followed him down to the river and drowned.  Yes we realize that these people were not actually real, but as you explore the places that inspired their stories it is hard to distinguish fiction from non fiction.

It was amazing and surreal turning a corner on the motorway
and having the Bavarian Alps right their in front of us.

Across the lake looking towards the Alps.
This is Hopfen am see - the little town we camped at for 4 days -
in a five star camping ground with amazing showers!

Glenn woke one morning early and stuck his head out the door
to find us shrouded in fog.  We stayed warm in bed while he ran
out and took some awesome pics.

A photographers dream at sunset.

While we were at Hopfen am see a local orchestra put on a free
concert with the stars up above and the Alps across the lake.
It was an amazing setting for some wonderful music.  We packed
our picnic blanket and some homemade wraps and had dinner while
we listened with the locals and a few other tourists.

Neuschwanstein Castle (aka Cinderella's Castle) taken from
a swing bridge we walked to.  We were all disappointed
that alot of it was covered in scaffolding -
but it didn't deter from the magic and beauty.

One of the views on the walk to the swing bridge
at Neuschwanstein Castle.

Our two princesses.

Waiting for the cows to return from the Alps at the Buching Cow Festival.

The cows arrived with their owners having walked down
the main street of town.

Each cow is decorated with a garland of flowers to celebrate
coming home from their 100 day break up in the Alps.

Everyone was dressed in Lederhausen and traditional costume - even the farmers.

Everyone dresses up in traditional costume.
This festival is one of the oldest
and most celebrated festivals in Bavaria.

Taashi up close and personal with one of the returning cows.

Tilly wasn't so sure - this is the closest she would get.

After the cows have been celebrated the whole town
sits down to beer (for breakfast).

A family affair.  As the cows prepare to go back to the farm
the farmers collect their gear and head home too.

Check out these giant pretzels - so big we couldn't finish them.

MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW (AND COUNTRIES)
HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE UPLOADING AND
INTERNET CONNECTIONS IN ROMANIA (WHERE WE ARE NOW)
AREN'T THE GREATEST.