Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Sleepy Visit to Hohenschwangau

Starting point is 00:00:00 Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and premium members. If you'd like to listen ad-free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalogue, you can try out premium free for 7 days by following the link in the episode notes. Now, a quick word from our sponsors. Introducing TD Insurance for Business with customized coverage options for your business. Because at TD Insurance, we understand that your business is unique.

Starting point is 00:00:37 So your business insurance should be too. Contact the licensed TD Insurance Advisor to learn more. Hello, it's Elizabeth, the host of The Sleepy Bookshelf, another sleep-inducing podcast from the Slumber Studios network. I'm dropping by here just to let you know that I'm starting a brand new series on The Sleepy Bookshelf right now. This season, I'll be reading The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson-Bernet. It revolves around the life of a little girl born in India under the British Empire.

Starting point is 00:01:11 Mary's life is turned upside down when she's forced to move to the care of her extended family, finding solace in nature. If you know this story, you know it will be a wonderful way to fall asleep, so I do hope you join me. If you're interested, just search The Sleepy Bookshelf in your favorite podcast player, and go to the most recent episodes to find this new season. I hope to see you there for a good story and a good night's rest. Hey friends, welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host Thomas, thank you so much for tuning in. I'm so excited for tonight's story. In just a few minutes, we'll join Unka once again on a trip to celebrate her 61st birthday. She spent the previous day at Schloss Neuschwanzstein, a fairy tale castle in Bavaria, Germany. Next on her list is its

Starting point is 00:02:30 magnificent neighbor Schloss Hohenzwangau. It's just a short walk through the gorgeous woodland to the bright yellow fortress on a lower hillside. to the bright yellow fortress on a lower hillside. Uncker will explore this historic building, idyllically situated at the foot of the mountains. She'll learn all about the castle's former residents, including Ludwig II, the fairy tale king. Once again it was written by Joe and I'll be reading it for you. If this show is helping you get better sleep why not try the very best listening experience on Get Sleepy Premium. With well over 750 full-length stories and meditations to choose from, including lots of extra long episodes, you'll never be short of something dreamy to help you drift off. There are no ads

Starting point is 00:03:40 whatsoever when you listen on Premium, so your rest will be uninterrupted even if you want to listen all night long. Plus, every Thursday night we release a brand new bonus episode. Tomorrow, Vanessa will be reading us a lovely story about a pleasant and fulfilling hobby, scrapbooking. So give Get Sleepy Premium a try with a 7-day free trial when you first sign up and enjoy all the sleepy content you could possibly need. Visit GetSleepy.com slash support or follow the link in the show notes to learn more. Follow the link in the show notes to learn more. Before joining Anka, let's first take a moment and bring ourselves into a state of deeper relaxation. Move into a position that feels comfortable to you and close your eyes

Starting point is 00:04:48 as soon as you are ready. In a moment I'll guide you through the first of three breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. We're going to breathe in to the count of four, hold for one, and breathe out to six. You might like to place a hand on your stomach to connect with the sensation of the breath rising and falling. Let's begin now. Breathing in, 2, 4 hold and out 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Last time now, breathing in 2, 3, 4 and hold, then out 2, 3, 4, five, six. Return your arms to wherever they're most comfortable and Bavaria and the district of Hohenzwanger.

Starting point is 00:06:53 This is where our story begins. Hohenzollern-enschwangau is located in Bavaria, the largest German state in the southeast of the country. To call it picturesque would be a dramatic understatement. Few places around the world can rival it. It's a land of rolling hills, forests, and woodlands. A place where the greenery seems as constant as the sky. The countryside is dotted with lakes and rivers, as well as the occasional church or farmhouse. Unkar is visiting from her home in Frankfurt, where she's used to a life in a bustling modern city. It's been quite the change to chance to explore. So far, it's surpassed even her loftiest expectations. Bavaria, Tuanka, is like a whole other planet. For several days, she stayed in Munich and soaked up the culture in Bavaria's capital.

Starting point is 00:09:24 She also walked the cobbled streets of quaint medieval towns with half-timbered buildings. Her surroundings at times have seemed utterly surreal, like settings plucked from the pages of a novel. Even more so these past couple of days as she's travelled out of Munich to visit the district of Hohenschwangau. In the municipality of Schwangau, near the town of Füssen, Hohenschwangau is located southwest of Munich. Today, it's a place that seems made to suit tourists with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and museums. Over a million people visit each year, from Germany, Europe, and places far beyond. is Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Hohenschwangau. Anker spent the previous day at the former, located on a cliff top at the foot of the

Starting point is 00:10:58 Alps. Neuschwanstein is the inspiration for Disney's iconic logo and what you'd expect of a fairy tale castle. She explored every inch of its ivory walls, from its magnificent throne hall and richly furnished bedchamber to the artificial grotto behind a secret doorway. She observed countless legends painted upon the walls, tales of knights, princesses, and fire-breathing dragons. To Anka, Neuschwanstein was like the backdrop of a theater, the real-life setting of a romantic opera. a romantic opera. It was both strange and magical to see such a place and to be given such an insight into the man who built it.

Starting point is 00:12:29 King Ludwig's story is as unique and mysterious as one of the characters in the tales he so admired. Loved by some and called mad by others, he was a king whose legacy lives on through the palaces he left behind. His passion for building and the spending that went with it would eventually lead him to bankruptcy. Ludwig would ultimately be deposed and declared unfit to rule before passing away at just 40 years old. Uncker has been fascinated by what she learned at Neuschwanstein, but it only revealed part of the picture. She's come to learn more at Schloss Hohenschwangau, the palace where Ludwig spent much of his childhood. It's roughly a half-hour's walk from the fairy tale castle, its palatial neighbor on a lower clifftop.

Starting point is 00:13:50 If Neuschwanstein looks like the setting of a fairy tale, then Hohenschwangau is more like something from a history book. book. Unka saw it first from the village car park. It's impossible to miss with its yellow stone walls. The fortress looked to Unka as if it was shining like a beacon atop the tree-covered hill that overlooks Lake Alpsy. Hexagonal towers and rectangular battlements give the impression of something typically medieval. Its yellow walls surrounded by nature seemed like something one might see in Moorish Spain. This impression hasn't changed as she's made her way along the woodland path. Her admiration has only grown with each step towards the castle. And now, Unkar is at the entrance to the castle, having reached Høensvangal for the start of her tour. She walks behind Marina, her friendly local guide, and three

Starting point is 00:15:31 fellow visitors. The group strolls slowly through cobblestone courtyards on paths that weave between trees and benches. Old-fashioned lamp posts are dotted along the route, dwarfed against a backdrop of soaring castle walls. Schloss Hohenschwangau is a beautiful sight. Its buttery walls are like a watercolour painting. In places, they're complemented by blue and white striped shutters gathered behind the glass of myriad windows. The rectangular battlements look a little to Anka like what she might see atop a child's sand castle, though here they're positioned below a horizontal roof with orange tiles. According to Marina, the style is neo-gothic, including pointed archways and many church-like features. Unker notes the details of stained glass windows and hollowed out crosses on a marble balcony. The path slopes upwards towards the castle, providing the group with a view across its side. Marina directs the tourists to a colorful painting located between windows on the tallest yellow tower.

Starting point is 00:17:50 tower. It's a coat of arms belonging to the house of Wittelsbach, the Bavarian dynasty that King Ludwig belonged to. Uncker recognizes the checkered blue and white that she's seen elsewhere on the flag of Bavaria. There's a gold lion on a black background and what looks like the Alps beneath a red sky. Marina tells the group that they'll notice similar images elsewhere on the walls, inside and out. They should also look out for images of swans, Hoennschwangau after all being the high district district of the Swan. The bird was the motif of King Ludwig and his father, and of the Knights of the Swan centuries before them. Unka spots one now, on a fountain in the distance. She'll take a look later when exploring the gardens. For now, she follows Marina up a curved stone stairway and enters the castle beneath a large arched doorway. beneath a large arched doorway.

Starting point is 00:19:30 Though the castle looks like something from the middle ages, Uncker learns that it was built in the 1800s. It was constructed on the site of a far older castle, which dated back to the 14th century. King Maximilian II, Ludwig II's father, discovered the area when he was hiking across the region. He fell in love with the natural surroundings and the ancient castles with their storied past. Maximilian was enthralled by tales of the Swan Knights who had lived within the fortress where Norrschwanstein is today. Hohenschwangau too had been home to many important figures, from lords and dukes to barons and princes. Maximilian joined the ranks of its illustrious owners when he purchased Hohenschwangau in

Starting point is 00:20:51 1832. It was partially in ruin and needed a lot of work, having taken significant damage in the Napoleonic Wars. It took around four years for the 18-year-old prince to transform the castle into a romantic summer palace, and additions were still being made in 1855, 23 years after its purchase. By then, Maximilian was a king in his forties and married to his queen, Marie of Prussia. Their two children, Ludwig and Otto, spent much of their childhood at Hohenschwangau. Unka ponders this as she walks through the castle, her footsteps muted on soft ruby carpets. The vaulted ceilings appear high to her eyes. She reasons that to a child, they'd seem even taller. they'd seem even taller. She follows Marina into a huge banquet room, which she's told is the hall of the heroes

Starting point is 00:22:36 and knights. The room is as large as the width of the castle and as grand in decoration as it is in size. It's a dining room fit for a royal family. Every inch of the hall is sumptuous and ornate. The inch of the hall is sumptuous and ornate. A long wooden table runs centrally across the room, bust raised on top of a rich wooden cabinet. Above it, the ceiling is beautifully patterned with coving that glows golden in lamplight. lamp light. Velvet-cushioned chairs are lined up against the walls beneath painted murals of ancient legends. They tell the story of Dietrich von Bern, a heroic king from Germanic legends. Dietrich features in many ancient stories, alongside dragons, giants, and other mythical beings.

Starting point is 00:24:20 He's pictured on the wall at a great royal banquet in a room not so different from the Hall of Heroes. Marina explains that paintings such as these are a common sight throughout the castle. common sight throughout the castle. They bring to life many myths and legends, stories that inspired and fascinated young Ludwig. Unka strolls about the room. She takes in the details of the furnishings and decor Though there's a handful of tourists, footsteps are hushed within the massive hall. People look around them in quiet contemplation, as if all joined in the same lovely daydream. Unka herself is in a state of reverie as she follows Marina to a smaller room. The Oriental room is Queen Marie's bed chamber and entirely different from the Hall of Heroes. From his wife's bedroom, King Maximilian sought to emulate the Neo-Morish decor he'd seen in Greece and Turkey.

Starting point is 00:26:30 The result is a room fit for Turkish royalty, a setting from the pages of Arabian Nights. The walls and ceiling are a deep sky blue, with borders and patterns of orange and gold. carpet, one wholly covered in intricate patterns. The sleigh bed is pushed against the wall, framed at both sides by green and gold pillars. Paintings around the room are framed in gold, with titles above them written out in Arabic. A Moroccan-style light hangs down from the ceiling, with a gold tassel emerging from the glass. Below it, a tray is at the center of a table, displaying porcelain cups and a silver coffee pot. Unka can picture the queen in her chamber, her chamber, examining her gown in the full-length mirror, or perhaps sipping coffee as she are images of Queen Marie in the dressing room next door.

Starting point is 00:28:33 A black and white portrait catches Anka's eye. It's of the King and Queen not long into their marriage. They're pictured outside in their fine formal clothing, a gown for the queen and a suit for the king. They link arms beside an old oak tree, calms beside an old oak tree, while behind them in the distance, the outline of the mountains is visible through the mist. More portraits can be seen in the next room room along, where the Queen would go to write her letters. Included are paintings of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, who ruled much of Europe a millennia before Ludwig. The Vittelsbaks believed that they were descendants of Charlemagne, a man referred to as the Father of Europe, much as they thought themselves to be ancestors of the Swan Knights who had lived in Shrunga during the Middle Ages. The writing room, Marina says, is known as the Bertha Room, named after a goddess of

Starting point is 00:30:18 alpine folklore. Some say that when she appears, she's as white as the snow. Others believe she can shape-shift and transform into a swan. Unconnotes the figure of a small marble swan positioned atop a desk where the queen would ride. Queen Marie was apparently very fond of the birds. She would often hike down from the castle to Lake Alpsy, sometimes with the children who would feed the swans. Once the group have explored the Queen's apartments, they wander across the hallway to the billiard room.

Starting point is 00:31:35 Light floods in through a large window, elevating the snooker table until it looks almost sacred. Balls of different colors are laid out on the green. Their shadows are taller where they're further from the window. A light above the table looks like a large bronze crown. The orbs beneath its rim are like suns in orbit. Compared to other rooms that Anka has seen, the billiard room is somewhat plainly decorated, but it's no less beautiful with its creamy arched ceilings and moldings that form a web of geometric shapes. Nor is it any less tranquil. Uncomuses that should she close her eyes, she might easily imagine herself in a church rather than a castle. The rooms seem to invite the kind of reverence and admiration that one might witness in a place of worship. The furniture too is, in part, reminiscent of pieces that might be found in a Catholic

Starting point is 00:33:08 church. Gothic wooden chairs are engraved with crosses and have even more embroidered across their cushions. Unkar examines one such chair positioned in an alcove of Hoensvangal's living room. It looks like a throne with its solid frame and sculpting, though the seat and backrest look very thick and cozy. A wooden backstand sits on the left arm, with hollowed out patterns carved across its surface. Unka can imagine a young Prince Ludwig captivated by a story on his comfy little throne. She turns this pleasant image around in her mind until she reaches a room that begs for her attention. It's King Maximilian's former dressing room and his son's music room after his passing. Uncker notes a painting of King Ludwig II. It's in an oval frame above a ruby velvet chair. The handsome young monarch is dressed in military uniform. He looks proud and regal, wearing his sash and medals.

Starting point is 00:35:12 She's struck by the beauty of the walls around the picture. They're the turquoise of Lake Alpsy seen from above. Paintings across the walls display white and gold borders. Some have quotes and titles above them. Like much of the artwork throughout the castle, they recreate scenes from the operas of Richard Wagner. Amongst these are scenes from the opera Loingren, a retelling of the legend of the Night of the Swan. night of the swan. King Ludwig, explains Marina, was Wagner's greatest fan and a romanticized vision of the Middle Ages. The focal point of the room is a stunning piano which Wagner played on when he stayed at the castle. Crosses have been carved across its light wooden surface, while the figures of Roman generals stand upright on its top. Behind it, by a window, Marina points out a telescope. It's pointed towards the glass at Neuschwanstein Castle, whose ivory walls stand out on top

Starting point is 00:37:17 of the hill. A real-life fairy tale castle. Neuschwanstein was in part a tribute to Richard Wagner and designed like the backdrop to one of his operas. King Ludwig used the telescope when he was staying at Hohenschwangar Ludwig used the telescope when he was staying at Hohenschwangar to monitor the construction of his dream castle. Ludwig, says Marina, was a very hands-on leader, at least when it came to building his castle, less so when it came to matters of kingly governance, where he was happy to take a back seat to his royal advisors. As it was, power was shared between the Emperor of Prussia, Wilhelm I, and Otto von Bismarck, its Minister President. Ludwig's role as King of Bavaria was that of a figurehead more than anything else.

Starting point is 00:38:52 Even so, Ludwig still seemed unqualified, being only eighteen when his father passed away. He was shy, reclusive, and rarely ever in the capital, where he was generally disliked and said to be a spendthrift. In Hohenschwangau, however, where a third of the population were under Ludwig's employment, people knew a very different king. Locals reported him to be kind and generous, while his workers found him an engaged and active manager. Unkar looks at Ludwig's picture as she absorbs the information about his life. Perhaps, she thinks, he wasn't suited to kingship. But it's obvious to her and any who see Neuschwanstein that building grand castles was what Ludwig was meant to do. From the music room, the group head to King Maximilian's bedroom. It's their final stop inside the castle. Also known as the Tasso Room, it's named after Toguato Tasso, the

Starting point is 00:40:29 16th century Italian poet. Scenes from his poem Jerusalem Delivered are painted on murals that run floor to ceiling. They are set at the time of the first crusade and tell the tale of Rinaldo, a Christian knight, and a woman named Armida, an Islamic sorceress. In the story, Armida attempts to kill the enemy knight, but instead falls in love with him. She's pictured here, beside her new love, having brought him to her palace on a flying chariot. Much of the wall space in the bedroom is devoted to the gardens that surround our Meda's palace. Such scenes are complemented by a green velvet bedspread and floral carpet. All things considered, it must have seemed like the perfect bedroom. However, he made adjustments, as Marina points out, directing the group's attention towards

Starting point is 00:42:19 the ceiling. Hundreds of tiny crystals form indoor constellations. They glow like stars between archways on the ceiling. What a wonderful sight this must have been for the king to see before he closed his eyes. A starry night sky brought inside the castle. The room must have seemed itself like an enchanted garden. Though little can compare in Unkar's mind to the actual gardens outside the castle. That swim arena leaves the group now after their heartfelt expressions of thanks and gratitude. Unkar is content to explore the gardens alone. It's the kind of environment that invites solitude. Paths veer off in different directions, so she chooses one at random and begins walking. A handful of tourists are seated on benches between sections of garden and pretty little fountains. Others stroll quietly or gaze out over the walls, taking in the beauty of the lake and mountains. Information boards are peppered about the grounds, providing facts about the garden

Starting point is 00:44:30 and the design of its fountains. Having done her research, Anka rarely needs them. She can already put a story to what she sees in the gardens. The area was planned by Ludwig's father, Maximilian, as a means to showcase different parts of his identity. This includes what's known as the Little Gooseman Fountain, This includes what's known as the Little Gooseman Fountain, which displays the king's affection for the Middle Ages. It's linked to a story from that time of a man who sold his geese and spent the money on wine. and spent the money on wine.

Starting point is 00:45:34 Water spills out from the mouths of two geese in the arms of a man at the center of the fountain. Not far from this is a much larger fountain, where a bowl of water rests on the backs of lions. It speaks to Maximilian's travels abroad and and falls into a pool at the base of the statue. Uncker sees that it's a stream to begin with, but it disperses into droplets when it reaches the basin. Another line can be found across the courtyard, at what anchor lands is St. Mary's fountain. Water spills down from the head of the creature into a basin that's reminiscent of a stone altar. Above the lion, within a pointed stone archway, the Virgin Mary wears a sapphire blue robe. On her lap, she nurses the baby Jesus. Behind them, the background

Starting point is 00:47:13 is dazzling gold. Below this painting, at either side of the lion are the colorful images of knight's helmets. Chest armor below the left one is checkered blue and white, proudly bearing the colors of Bavaria. Blue and gold leaves swirl all around the image and hold up a crown above the knight's helmet. The knight opposite is shaded red and gold. He has a swan on his breastplate and above his head. According to what Uncker has read, the fountain is symbolic of Maximilian's Christianity. Mary and Jesus watch over the house of Wittesbach and bestow upon them their sacred blessing.

Starting point is 00:48:30 Like many who ruled in the 19th century, Maximillian believed monarchs to be appointed by God. Uncker reasons that she might think the same if these were her gardens. It's hard to imagine a more heavenly place, or anywhere on earth, as peaceful and soothing. The sound of running water forms a blissful soundtrack, one that's perfectly suited to these charming royal gardens. It's only improved by the rustling of leaves and the feel of fresh air in this place high upon the hilltop. She breathes it in as she ambles across the courtyard, making her final stop to see one last fountain. see one last fountain. The statue of a swan is positioned at its center. Its elegant neck is upright, angled towards the sky. A stream of clear water spurts out from its beak and forms an arch that cascades into a basin.

Starting point is 00:50:14 A circular hedge surrounds the statue, raised in steps like the seating of an amphitheater. like the seating of an amphitheater. The bright green hedge is vivid in the sunlight and forms a perfect contrast to the hue of the limestone courtyard. Behind the fountain are the rectangular battlements, just a couple of meters from the edge of the greenery. Unka can see right across the countryside to the silhouettes of the mountains beyond Lake Alpsi. She wanders around the circular hedge, listening to the water that cascades from the fountain. Water ripples across the pool beneath the swam, forming endless tiny waves across its surface. Unka pauses beside bright yellow walls and gazes out across the landscape.

Starting point is 00:51:40 She sees all the way down to where her car is parked. It's as small as a vehicle in a model village. Terracotta rooftops are dotted about the village. The white walls of buildings stand out on green grass. Manicured lawns look pristine from above, especially where they're surrounded by thick, jade woodland. Trees curve around the backs of buildings towards the still, turquoise waters of gorgeous Lake Alpsy. It's like a sapphire gemstone at the foot of the valley, the lakeside hidden beneath the canopies of trees. To her left, Anka sees the sight of Hoennschwangar.

Starting point is 00:53:00 It's the colour of honey in the dimming afternoon. Silver roof tiles sparkle like treasure on the spires of towers that point up towards the clouds. Neuschwanstein is visible behind such a tower. Ivory stone shines amongst layers of autumnal forest against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Uncomuses that the young Prince Ludwig might have looked out from this very viewpoint. Perhaps it's here that he dreamt of Neuschwanstein long before the first brick had been laid. Now that she's seen the castle at Hoennschwangar, Anker understands what led him to that dream. Indeed, it seems like a natural progression for a prince who grew up in such magical surroundings. Though she's only been here since yesterday, Unka has fallen in love with the area. has fallen in love with the area. She'll never forget the breathtaking sights that she's witnessed inside and outside of the castles. She's glad to be staying in the village again this evening, in a hotel that boasts views of

Starting point is 00:55:07 the lake and castles. Anka looks forward to seeing Hoen Svangau at night time when it's illuminated. when it's illuminated. For now, she isn't in a hurry to leave. She fancies another turn around the garden. Or perhaps, she'll take a seat on a bench by the fountain and let her mind wander as she gazes out across the landscape. You You You You You The You You You You The You You You You You You You You You You You you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Sleepy Visit to Hohenschwangau

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