Due to the bridge closure, I'm wondering if there are other opportunities to get a similar view of the castle. Are there other hiking paths behind the castle? Are there ways to get around the bridge? Can you get a similar view from Mount Tegelberg?
Where there's a will, there's a way, right?
Thanks for any help in advance!
I was there in June. The bridge experience was less than great. It's narrow and crowded, making it slow and hard to get on or off it, lots of body contact and pushing. There's a good view of the gorge and bridge from the castle itself. For the view of the castle, buy a postcard.
Closure? When did it close and for how long? Over the years we have only been in the months of March, September, and November (Thanksgiving weekend) so I can not speak of crowds. However, if the bridge is open, I cross the bridge and climb the mountain to look down on the castle. There is a winding trail that will take you to that vantage point also but while I am able to, I climb the side of the hill. If you are thinking that you will get the view of the front that you see in post cards and posters, you will be disappointed. That view is only available by helicopter or plane.
What time of the year are you going?
Closed August 3rd to November 15 for renovations.
Unfortunately, IMO there may really be no comparable alternative to the view you get from the Marienbrucke bridge--it's a unique vantage point. For that view, as Chani said, looks like you'll have to buy the postcard.
You can get a good unobstructed view from the side on the path up to the bridge. Obviously, not the same as from the bridge, but a decent alternative.
The vantage point you see on most postcards is from Tegelberg looking west. However, the access route I know of to this point goes over the bridge. There probably is some other way you could hike up there from the base of the mountain, but it would take a long time and you would definitely need a trail map.
You can get some good views from the Tegelberg, but you have to hike and the path all the way down crossed the iron bridge. I cannot remember if you can continue down into the gorge and out. The path down is not for seniors or young children as there are some difficult spots. Anyway from the Tegelberg Bergbahn park place, up to the Tegelberg on the Bahn, walk down to the iron bridge and then walk back to the Bergbahn park place through the farmer fields is a 3-4 hour hike. You can get some nice views of both castles from the Schwansee, but they are more distant (not to be confused with the Alpsee). The Schwansee also takes you away from the thousands of tourists and is a nice easy walk around the lake.
