Five Castles I Will Visit - after I die

Since I probably won't have the time or the dollars necessary to visit these castles before I die, I figure I'll just go - well, later. Still, I believe these five castles deserve special mention.

First stop - Neuschwanstein Castle, southwest Bavaria, Germany.

This castle, who's name means "New Swan Stone" palace in English, is the most photographed building in Germany.  The limestone covering much of the castle came from nearby Swan Lake (Swansee), which contributed to it's name.  Commissioned by King Ludwig II in honor of German composer Richard Wagner, the King's muse.  Ludwig did not allow visitors to his castle and was reportedly quite shy, but the need for revenue to maintain it opened the castle's doors to visitors in 1886.  In summer, as many as 6,000 people a day tour Neuschwanstein.

This castle was actually very modern considering it's construction was begun in 1869 and was still unfinished when Ludwig died in 1886.  Toilets that flushed and available hot and cold water on each floor.  Heating systems for the entire castle - this castle had it all - well before these "conveniences" were available elsewhere.

If it looks familiar...Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle was designed after Neuschwanstein.  The palace is currently owned by the state of Bavaria. 

Tours are available April-September: 9 am-6 pm and October-March: 10 am-4 pm.

Second stop - Windsor Castle, London, England

Begun by William the Conqueror on the site in 1070, Windsor Castle is one of the principal residences of the Queen and the largest castle in England.

From it's humble beginnings as a wood and earth shack, Windsor Castle experienced continuous growth in size and stature during the reigns of Henry I, Henry II and , to Edward III, known as "Edward Windsor", born in the castle in 1312 and who finally began converting the castle from a military garrison to the palace ambience it has today. It also serves as a home, contains government offices, and has actually been used to imprison a few royal personages during it's long history.

Also known for it's Great Park and chapel, it is rumored that Prince Charles will move the royal court from Buckingham Palace to Windsor - if and when he ever ascends to the throne.

Open daily March to October, 09:45-17:15 (last admission 16:00), November to February 09:45-16:15 (last admission 15:00). The Castle is closed 15 June 2009, 25-26 December 2009

Third Stop - Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, England

This castle is intriguing not only for the architecture, lake, deer park, and the beautiful grounds but because it is owned by a private family.

Constructed in 1810, the 5,000 acre estate is the residence of the Hervey-Bathurst family. The property and castle are a popular venue for weddings and special private and corporate events and the grounds provide a test track and off-roads practice area for Land Rover vehicles. The family actively promotes the property to maintain their heritage and it's beauty - holding both the "Big Chill" Music Festival and the "Mountain Mayhem" mountain bike challenge. Twelve guest bedrooms provide an unusual chance to "live" in the castle in the Malvern Hills.

One of the most stately and beautiful homes in England...

Fourth stop - Glamis Castle, near Forfar, Scotland

Current home of the Earl and Countess Strathmore, Glamis Castle's humble beginning was as a hunting lodge.

This castle has many dark and scary secrets - what ghost would not want to visit?

From the "Monster of Glamis", supposedly a deformed child born there, kept in the castle until his death and then buried behind a brick wall, to monsters in the nearby loch - Calder not Ness, to the "Grey Lady", the castle's resident dinner ghost - this castle has much to write home about - assuming one survives the visit.

Situated on over 14,000 acres with lush gardens, walking trails, streams, and trees from all over the world, Glamis Castle interiors boast some of the finest plasterwork in Scotland and was the setting for Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who lived a large portion of her childhood there until her marriage to "Bertie", then Duke of York, in April 1923. He became King George VI in 1936 after the abdication of his brother, Edward. The late Princess Margaret, younger sister of the current Queen Elizabeth, was born at Glamis Castle.

Open to the public, March - October 10am - 6pm (last tour 4.30pm), November - December 10.30am - 4.30pm (last tour 3pm).

Fifth stop - Chillon Castle, near Montreux, Switzerland

Over 1,000 years of history and located between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, it's no wonder Chillon Castle or Chateau de Chillon is Switzlerland's most visited historic monument.

A favorite of the English poet Lord Byron, Chillon Castle was originally built in the 9th century to guard and protect the roads to the Great St Bernard pass to Italy. The castle in it's current form owes much to the Counts of Savoy - late 12th through 13th centuries.

The castle is rich in history, and has over 100 outbuildings but for this visit, just take in the view and support this medieval castle by enjoying some of the white wine , "Clos de Chillon", made from white Chasselas grapes. Make your trip in July and enjoy the nearby Montreux Jazz Festival.