| München and Mad Kings |
Munich fell under the control of the Habsburgs twice in the 18th century. Ludwig I, of Bavaria was
the third Wittelsbach who charted Munich's destiny by having his architects design grand public
buildings. In the 19th century, Munich reached its greatest heights of growth and development, and
for the first time Protestants were allowed to become citizens. Duke Wilhelm V created the
Hofbrauhaus for brewing brown beer in 1589, and in 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of the
Wittelsbach family was to be married, a two week wedding reception party was held as a celebration.
This party was so popular that it became a local tradition, the Oktoberfest.
the third Wittelsbach who charted Munich's destiny by having his architects design grand public
buildings. In the 19th century, Munich reached its greatest heights of growth and development, and
for the first time Protestants were allowed to become citizens. Duke Wilhelm V created the
Hofbrauhaus for brewing brown beer in 1589, and in 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of the
Wittelsbach family was to be married, a two week wedding reception party was held as a celebration.
This party was so popular that it became a local tradition, the Oktoberfest.
His brother, Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm, Ludwig II, otherwise known as the Mad King of Bavaria, the
Swan King, the Recluse of the Alps or the Dream King, is best known for his home, grandiose
Neuschwanstein castle. Born as the oldest son of King Maximilian II of Bavaria 1845, he spent much
of his early life in the ancient castle of Hohenschwangau and was given a thorough education.
Swan King, the Recluse of the Alps or the Dream King, is best known for his home, grandiose
Neuschwanstein castle. Born as the oldest son of King Maximilian II of Bavaria 1845, he spent much
of his early life in the ancient castle of Hohenschwangau and was given a thorough education.
After their first meeting Ludwig had written Wagner: "I want to lift the medial burden of everyday
life off your shoulders for ever. I want to enable you to enjoy the peace you so long for so that you
will be able to unfurl the mighty pinions of your genius unhindered and in the pure ether of your
rapturous art! Unknowingly you were the sole source of my joy from my earliest boyhood, my friend
who spoke to my heart as no other could, my best mentor and teacher."
life off your shoulders for ever. I want to enable you to enjoy the peace you so long for so that you
will be able to unfurl the mighty pinions of your genius unhindered and in the pure ether of your
rapturous art! Unknowingly you were the sole source of my joy from my earliest boyhood, my friend
who spoke to my heart as no other could, my best mentor and teacher."
Aware of Ludwig's outrageous spending and his demands on the treasury and
disturbed at Ludwig's nationalistic stand against Prussia, the government declared
him insane and placed him under house arrest. On June 13, 1886, the king and his
psychiatrist Dr. Bernhard von Gudden, were found in Lake Starnberg where they
had presumably drowned.
disturbed at Ludwig's nationalistic stand against Prussia, the government declared
him insane and placed him under house arrest. On June 13, 1886, the king and his
psychiatrist Dr. Bernhard von Gudden, were found in Lake Starnberg where they
had presumably drowned.
Ludwig was not disliked by his people. He kept them
out of war, and the construction of his famous fairy-
tale castles on his own private property employed a lot
of ordinary people and brought a considerable flow of
money to the regions involved, sort of a "mad king
public works program."
out of war, and the construction of his famous fairy-
tale castles on his own private property employed a lot
of ordinary people and brought a considerable flow of
money to the regions involved, sort of a "mad king
public works program."
Munich was a center of German counter reformation but also of Renaissance arts. Munich grew even
larger and more powerful under Bavarian elector Maximilian I, 1597–1651, enjoying peace until the
30 Years War when it was occupied by the Swedes. It was terribly infected by plague in 1634.
larger and more powerful under Bavarian elector Maximilian I, 1597–1651, enjoying peace until the
30 Years War when it was occupied by the Swedes. It was terribly infected by plague in 1634.
From childhood, he showed special interest in architecture and art. Ludwig grew up admiring Louis
XIV of France, but had no real practical knowledge of government affairs or kingly responsibilities.
The life of the eccentric ruler who became king at age 19 is a legend. At the age of 15, Ludwig
attended a theater performance of 'Lohengrin'. He was deeply affected by this legend and identified
with this lonely knight. One of his first acts as King was to summon Richard Wagner to Munich and
this rescued Wagner from a serious financial crisis. Over the next few years, Ludwig loaned the
composer vast sums of money.
XIV of France, but had no real practical knowledge of government affairs or kingly responsibilities.
The life of the eccentric ruler who became king at age 19 is a legend. At the age of 15, Ludwig
attended a theater performance of 'Lohengrin'. He was deeply affected by this legend and identified
with this lonely knight. One of his first acts as King was to summon Richard Wagner to Munich and
this rescued Wagner from a serious financial crisis. Over the next few years, Ludwig loaned the
composer vast sums of money.
The festival theater planned for Munich was built instead in Bayreuth and
inaugurated in 1876 with the cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen." In 1882,
"Parsifal" was premiered here. Without Ludwig's commitment, there would
never have been a Bayreuth Festival. But because the king had no real
fortune, his patronage of Wagner had to be financed from tricky financial
maneuvering which caused contention among Ludwig's cabinet officials.
inaugurated in 1876 with the cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen." In 1882,
"Parsifal" was premiered here. Without Ludwig's commitment, there would
never have been a Bayreuth Festival. But because the king had no real
fortune, his patronage of Wagner had to be financed from tricky financial
maneuvering which caused contention among Ludwig's cabinet officials.
Ludwig was not pleased with Bismarck's drive for a unified Germany in 1870
as he was worried about the diminished role Bavaria would play in such a
confederation. Ludwig was already gradually withdrawing from society and
the upsetting politics of the day filled with trends he didn't approve of. He
maintained close relationships with only select people and relatives, and his
engagement to his cousin Sophie was cancelled in 1867. He communicated
with his government only through messengers and by telegrams.
as he was worried about the diminished role Bavaria would play in such a
confederation. Ludwig was already gradually withdrawing from society and
the upsetting politics of the day filled with trends he didn't approve of. He
maintained close relationships with only select people and relatives, and his
engagement to his cousin Sophie was cancelled in 1867. He communicated
with his government only through messengers and by telegrams.
Ludwig I was born in German Strasburg in 1786 and was king of Bavaria
from 1825 to 1848. A great patron of the arts, and responsible for many
neoclassical buildings in Munich, Ludwig also encouraged industry. He
initiated the Ludwig channel between the Main River and the Danube, and
in 1835, the first German railway was constructed in his domain.
from 1825 to 1848. A great patron of the arts, and responsible for many
neoclassical buildings in Munich, Ludwig also encouraged industry. He
initiated the Ludwig channel between the Main River and the Danube, and
in 1835, the first German railway was constructed in his domain.
Ludwig supported the Greek fight for independence, and his second son Otto
was elected king of Greece in 1832. One of his acts in that capacity was to
ensure there was a brewery established in Greece and to this day Greece has
good beer. After the 1830 revolution in France, Ludwig's policies became
more repressive, and he was also tainted with scandal associated with one of
his mistresses, Lola Montez. He abdicated in 1848 in favor of his son
Maximilian II, 1811-1864, king of Bavaria from 1848 until 1864.
was elected king of Greece in 1832. One of his acts in that capacity was to
ensure there was a brewery established in Greece and to this day Greece has
good beer. After the 1830 revolution in France, Ludwig's policies became
more repressive, and he was also tainted with scandal associated with one of
his mistresses, Lola Montez. He abdicated in 1848 in favor of his son
Maximilian II, 1811-1864, king of Bavaria from 1848 until 1864.
Catholic Maximilian II of Bavaria, 36 years old, had married 19-year-old
Protestant Princess Marie of Prussia. He was a studious, intellectual man of
amiable qualities and good taste who wished to meet the demands of his
people for a moderate constitutional government. He was hampered by
constant ill health, which compelled him to be abroad often, and when home
he spent his time in the country. His two sons, Ludwig II and Otto 1 of
Bavaria were both mentally dysfunctional.
Protestant Princess Marie of Prussia. He was a studious, intellectual man of
amiable qualities and good taste who wished to meet the demands of his
people for a moderate constitutional government. He was hampered by
constant ill health, which compelled him to be abroad often, and when home
he spent his time in the country. His two sons, Ludwig II and Otto 1 of
Bavaria were both mentally dysfunctional.
Otto I of Bavaria, 1848-1916, was King of Bavaria from 1886 to 1913 upon
his older brother's death in 1886. However, Otto never truly ruled as King and
was by some accounts not even aware that he had become King since he had
been declared insane in 1875. He was confined under medical supervision
until his death. Otto's uncle, Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, served as Prince
Regent for Otto until his own death when his son Ludwig became the next
Prince Regent and he eventually deposed his cousin Otto and received the title
of Ludwig III. Otto was permitted to retain his title as a formality, so Bavaria
technically had two kings until Otto's death in 1916.
his older brother's death in 1886. However, Otto never truly ruled as King and
was by some accounts not even aware that he had become King since he had
been declared insane in 1875. He was confined under medical supervision
until his death. Otto's uncle, Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, served as Prince
Regent for Otto until his own death when his son Ludwig became the next
Prince Regent and he eventually deposed his cousin Otto and received the title
of Ludwig III. Otto was permitted to retain his title as a formality, so Bavaria
technically had two kings until Otto's death in 1916.
Wagner must have been ecstatic. In 1868, Ludwig began his building
campaign, drawing much of the inspiration for his castles from Wagnerian
opera, particularly Lohengrin and Tannhäuser. Munich became the music
capital of Europe with the premieres of Wagner's production between 1965
and 1870. Ludwig II continued the patronage tradition of the House of
Wittelsbach in grand style.
campaign, drawing much of the inspiration for his castles from Wagnerian
opera, particularly Lohengrin and Tannhäuser. Munich became the music
capital of Europe with the premieres of Wagner's production between 1965
and 1870. Ludwig II continued the patronage tradition of the House of
Wittelsbach in grand style.
The Mad King, his Castle
He travelled to France in disguise to get ideas for his new palace projects, and by around 1880 his
only real passion was for his ever expanding castles of Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee. On
November 12, 1880, Wagner conducted a private performance of the 'Parsifal' prelude for Ludwig.
This was their last meeting.
only real passion was for his ever expanding castles of Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee. On
November 12, 1880, Wagner conducted a private performance of the 'Parsifal' prelude for Ludwig.
This was their last meeting.
They liked his eccentricities, such as him travelling "incognito" among his people and surprising those
who were "unknowingly" hospitable to him later with lavish gifts!
who were "unknowingly" hospitable to him later with lavish gifts!
| Lesser Known Favorite Sons of Bavaria |
Wolfgang Xavier Franz Baron von Kobell was a German mineralogist born in Munich in 1803.
He was the grandchild of painter Ferdinand Kobell. Kobell first studied jurisprudence and natural
sciences then became a professor of mineralogy in 1826 at the University of Münich after studying
mineralogy in Landshut. In 1855, he invented the stauroscope for the study of the optical properties
of crystals. He undertook scientific journeys throughout Germany, France, Holland, Italy and
Greece. He discovered, among other things, 19 minerals, one of which carries the name Kobellite after
him. Author of many scientific papers, he also published some modern specialized books
He was the grandchild of painter Ferdinand Kobell. Kobell first studied jurisprudence and natural
sciences then became a professor of mineralogy in 1826 at the University of Münich after studying
mineralogy in Landshut. In 1855, he invented the stauroscope for the study of the optical properties
of crystals. He undertook scientific journeys throughout Germany, France, Holland, Italy and
Greece. He discovered, among other things, 19 minerals, one of which carries the name Kobellite after
him. Author of many scientific papers, he also published some modern specialized books
Kobell was the curator of the mineralogical national collection and appointed as a member into the Academy of Sciences.
He was a passionate hunter and mountain climber, and great lover of nature, happy to journey to the mountains and live
among the local inhabitants, where he became an interpreter of their dialects. King Maximilian II. often invited him to
accompany him as a friend and fellow hunter. He also wrote numerous poems, narrations and plays. In his literary work,
the epic poems and poetic narrations are told in the Bavarian dialect, and describe the everyday life of the hunters and
farmers. He told stories in the Pfalz dialect as well which he learned from his grandfather. Von Kobell died in 1882.
He was a passionate hunter and mountain climber, and great lover of nature, happy to journey to the mountains and live
among the local inhabitants, where he became an interpreter of their dialects. King Maximilian II. often invited him to
accompany him as a friend and fellow hunter. He also wrote numerous poems, narrations and plays. In his literary work,
the epic poems and poetic narrations are told in the Bavarian dialect, and describe the everyday life of the hunters and
farmers. He told stories in the Pfalz dialect as well which he learned from his grandfather. Von Kobell died in 1882.
| King Ludwig's Ditch |
In 1825, King Ludwig I. assigned Baron Henry von Pechmann the grand task planning an ambitious canal connecting the
Danube and Main rivers, and in 1836 the ten year long construction of the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal (also called
Ludwig's Canal, King Ludwig Canal or the Old Canal) began, resulting in a 172 km. long canal with 100 locks between
Kelheim and Bamberg. More than 900 workmen with horses felled trees, dug with hand tools, piled up dam materials
and quarried rock to build the canal. It was celebrated throughout Germany as a technological marvel. People cheered
the canal, and a beautiful monument was erected in Erlangen. But like most canal systems of the day, its prominence did
not last long, and by 1860, competition from the new railroad made it economically insignificant.
Danube and Main rivers, and in 1836 the ten year long construction of the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal (also called
Ludwig's Canal, King Ludwig Canal or the Old Canal) began, resulting in a 172 km. long canal with 100 locks between
Kelheim and Bamberg. More than 900 workmen with horses felled trees, dug with hand tools, piled up dam materials
and quarried rock to build the canal. It was celebrated throughout Germany as a technological marvel. People cheered
the canal, and a beautiful monument was erected in Erlangen. But like most canal systems of the day, its prominence did
not last long, and by 1860, competition from the new railroad made it economically insignificant.
The old canal, its glamor and importance lasting merely a few years, languished lazily
through the years, winding through the countryside until 1945 when Allied bombs
damaged it considerably. In 1950, it was officially closed. Various sections were
destroyed or filled in during later highway work, and parts of it were lost in recent
times when the new marvel, the Main-Danube Canal, was constructed. The lovely
monument, left, was once in a park like setting by the lazy banks of the Kanal. It is
one of a mere 10% of German monuments that managed to survive the massive
Allied bombing. It is now all but hidden under a highway overpass near Erlangen
and difficult for people to see or visit.
through the years, winding through the countryside until 1945 when Allied bombs
damaged it considerably. In 1950, it was officially closed. Various sections were
destroyed or filled in during later highway work, and parts of it were lost in recent
times when the new marvel, the Main-Danube Canal, was constructed. The lovely
monument, left, was once in a park like setting by the lazy banks of the Kanal. It is
one of a mere 10% of German monuments that managed to survive the massive
Allied bombing. It is now all but hidden under a highway overpass near Erlangen
and difficult for people to see or visit.
Ludwig Ganghofer, a much loved author of novels about the homeland, was born in 1855. After beginning his education
in mechanical engineering, he ended up studying the history of literature and philosophy in Munich, Berlin and the
University of Leipzig, where he received a doctorate. His first play was the highly successful "Der Herrgottschnitzer von
Ammergau“ (The Lord's woodcarver of Ammergau) in 1880 in Munich. When it played in Berlin, it was a smash hit.
in mechanical engineering, he ended up studying the history of literature and philosophy in Munich, Berlin and the
University of Leipzig, where he received a doctorate. His first play was the highly successful "Der Herrgottschnitzer von
Ammergau“ (The Lord's woodcarver of Ammergau) in 1880 in Munich. When it played in Berlin, it was a smash hit.
Ganghofer worked as dramatic adviser, a freelance writer and editor until 1891 when he devoted
his time to writing. He was a personal friend of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and worked as a war
correspondent during the First World War, writing strongly patriotic accounts of the war. He
returned to writing books at war's end. His last book was "Das Land der Bayern in Farben-
photographie“ which was dedicated to King Ludwig III of Bavaria. Ganghofer's work is still
published today and popular for their its simple, healthy Alpine themes.Kaufbeuren, his birthplace,
is a 1,000 year old free imperial city in the Bavarian Allgäu area. Its main landmark is the Five
Buttons Tower, built in 1420. The narrow lanes, old walls and towers from the middle ages are still
in place. Founded by a Frankish knight around the year 800, the town played host to the kings and
emperors of the Middle Ages. Nearby is a township called Neu Gablonz.
his time to writing. He was a personal friend of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and worked as a war
correspondent during the First World War, writing strongly patriotic accounts of the war. He
returned to writing books at war's end. His last book was "Das Land der Bayern in Farben-
photographie“ which was dedicated to King Ludwig III of Bavaria. Ganghofer's work is still
published today and popular for their its simple, healthy Alpine themes.Kaufbeuren, his birthplace,
is a 1,000 year old free imperial city in the Bavarian Allgäu area. Its main landmark is the Five
Buttons Tower, built in 1420. The narrow lanes, old walls and towers from the middle ages are still
in place. Founded by a Frankish knight around the year 800, the town played host to the kings and
emperors of the Middle Ages. Nearby is a township called Neu Gablonz.
In another time, in another place, a town called Gablonz an der Neiße in northern Bohemia was the second largest town
of the Liberec Region and it had for centuries a large German majority, mainly glass blowers and glass workers. By a
Czech decree of June 21, 1945, all property belonging to the "German Race" was confiscated without compensation. The
Germans who survived the genocide were expelled from Gablonz (renamed Jablonec) and they migrated near to
Kaufbeuren and founded the township of Neu Gablonz in Bavaria.
of the Liberec Region and it had for centuries a large German majority, mainly glass blowers and glass workers. By a
Czech decree of June 21, 1945, all property belonging to the "German Race" was confiscated without compensation. The
Germans who survived the genocide were expelled from Gablonz (renamed Jablonec) and they migrated near to
Kaufbeuren and founded the township of Neu Gablonz in Bavaria.
