Day three of our adventure came with an early wake‑up call and the kind of excitement that makes getting out of bed at dawn feel easy. We were officially moving on to our next destination: Germany. Our bags were packed and sitting outside our doors by 7 a.m., breakfast was inhaled shortly after, and by 8 a.m. we were already rolling down the road toward a brand‑new country.
Even though it was a bit of a drive, the scenery made it feel anything but long. Mountains, valleys, tiny villages tucked into hillsides – the kind of views that make you want to press your forehead to the window like a kid. And before long, we were pulling into our first stop of the day: Liechtenstein.
A Quick Stop in Liechtenstein – Small Country, Big Views
Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world – a tiny principality tucked between Switzerland and Austria, known for its alpine landscapes, Vaduz Castle, and postcard‑perfect streets. It’s the kind of place you can blink and almost miss, but I’m glad we didn’t.
Since it was off‑season, not much was open, and the streets were quiet in that peaceful, sleepy way small European towns get in the colder months. But honestly, that made it even better. We had time to wander without crowds, take in the mountain views, and enjoy the stillness.
I grabbed a snack and a coffee, then found a spot to sit and just be for a moment – watching the mountains rise around me, the crisp air settling in, and the slow pace of a country that doesn’t seem in a hurry for anything. It was a short stop, but a memorable one.
Neuschwanstein Castle: A Real‑Life Fairy Tale
From Liechtenstein, we continued on to one of the most iconic sights in all of Europe: Neuschwanstein Castle.
If you’re not familiar, Neuschwanstein is the 19th‑century Romanesque Revival castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria – the same king known for his eccentricity, grand architectural dreams, and tragic end. The castle is famously said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and once you see it in person, you understand why. It looks like something pulled straight from a storybook.
We had free time to grab lunch, explore the area, and take as many photos as our phones could handle. There’s a bridge – Marienbrücke – that offers the most iconic view of the castle. It’s high, narrow, and definitely not for the faint of heart. If you have a fear of heights, consider this your warning. But if you can brave it, the view is absolutely worth it.
I spent my time wandering the trails, taking photos from every angle, and soaking in the atmosphere. We didn’t have time to go inside the castle, but honestly, I didn’t mind. We were told the interior isn’t nearly as impressive as the exterior, and with so many places left to explore that day, I was happy to keep moving.
A Quiet Moment by the Lake
I made it back to our meeting spot earlier than expected, which turned out to be a gift. There was a small lake nearby – calm, glassy, and framed by mountains – and I found a spot to sit and watch ducks dive for food. It was one of those rare travel moments where everything slows down.
No schedule. No noise. No rush.
Just me, the water, and the kind of scenery that photos never quite capture. I tried to burn the moment into my memory – the cool air, the ripples on the lake, the quiet. It was exactly the pause I didn’t know I needed.
Onward to Munich… And Snack Time
After a few hours at Neuschwanstein, we hopped back on the bus and continued toward our stop for the night: Munich, Germany.
Somewhere along the way, we pulled over for a quick break, and I grabbed a few snacks. There’s something so fun about trying snacks in other countries – even the most random items feel like a tiny adventure. I’m a firm believer that convenience store snacks are part of the cultural experience.
Dinner in Munich – German Cracker Barrel Vibes
Once we arrived in Munich and got settled into our rooms, we headed out for a group dinner. The restaurant was just a short walk from the hotel, and the moment we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself – it felt like a German version of Cracker Barrel. If you know, you know.
It had that cozy, rustic, home‑cooked‑meal vibe, complete with hearty dishes and warm lighting. After a long day of travel, it hit the spot. We ate, chatted, and then made our way back to the hotel for a relaxing night.
A Modern Hotel… With a Giraffe and a Robot
Our hotel in Munich was modern, quirky, and full of personality. My room had a giant giraffe mural on the wall – not something I expected, but definitely something I appreciated. It made the room feel fun and memorable.
But the real star of the show? A room service robot.
Yes, an actual robot that delivered items to your room. I’m not saying I need one at home… but I’m also not not saying that.
It was the perfect ending to a day filled with castles, countries, coffee, and new experiences. Day three was packed, but in the best way – a blend of adventure, quiet moments, and little surprises that make travel so addictive.
FAQ: Traveling from Liechtenstein to Neuschwanstein to Munich
Q: Is Liechtenstein worth visiting? A: Yes – even a short stop is worth it. It’s small, quiet, and scenic, especially if you enjoy mountain views and peaceful towns.
Q: Can you tour the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle? A: Yes, but tours are timed and often sell out. Many travelers agree the exterior is the real highlight, so if you’re short on time, the outside views are more than enough.
Q: Is Marienbrücke safe? A: It’s safe but high. If you’re afraid of heights, prepare yourself – the view is incredible, but the bridge can feel intimidating.
Q: How long is the drive from Neuschwanstein to Munich? A: Roughly 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Q: What should I pack for a day like this? A: Comfortable shoes, layers, a portable charger, and water. If you’re visiting in cooler months, gloves and a hat make a big difference.
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