kings castles

Hey John,

You're there. Tour both. You'll regret not seeing them while you're right there.

We felt that Neuschwanstein was a waste of time. Strictly timed ticket, rushed tour, crammed like sardines and we could hardly hear the guide. Hohenschwangau was a bit better and more enjoyable. You may also want to research Linderhof Palace.

I was not a fan of Neuschwanstein, but you would love it if you're a fan of Wagner. I'm just not into pretend-castles built in the 1800's, and there are prettier palaces elsewhere(Madrid). We went to Neuschwanstein because my high school daughter wanted to go, so you probably need to humor your granddaughters. We stayed in Fussen, which was definitely the best part of the Neuschwanstein experience to me.

For what it’s worth I thought the inside of Neuschwanstein was hilariously kitsch. I imagine it was like a late 1800’s version of those rapper mansions you see on MTV crips.

Thanks for the input! I sincerely appreciate it! So, if I get this straight, seeing the inside of Hohenschwangau is worth the time. We will have visited Marksburg Castle, as has been previously recommended to me on another post. My two granddaughters, 17 and 19 years old, are more into authentic than kitsch. So if I understand correctly we should just take pictures of Neuschwanstein from outside? We will be arriving there after a couple of nights in Geltendorf, mainly to visit Dachau. We will be on our way to Lofer, in Austria to spend a few nights. I appreciate the advice that we should tour both castles since we will be there, and honestly this will probably be my only trip to Germany, but the girls are really more into sitting in a nice little place and sipping coffee while people watching than being herded through a museum. And I am not one to really enjoy crowds unless it is really worthwhile, then I am ok. Thanks again for the input. We are really looking forward to the trip. The youngest one is graduating high school and Germany is where she picked for her trip given the choice of anywhere in the world. Dachau and the Eagle's Nest were the two "have to see" spots. She has been interested ever since we visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam when her older sister graduated and picked Amsterdam for her trip two years ago.

You may wish to look at some of our host's free stuff: Go to this page (also through a few clicks of the blue menu at left) https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/germany/rhine-valley and click on "Read" to get a list of articles that includes at least two about castles. Similarly, the "Bavaria" page offers "A Tale of Two Castles".

Hi John-

Be advised that there is a world of difference between the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam (inspiring) and Dachau (depressing) . Have you thought about HerrenChiemsee?

Marienplatz is great for people watching and sipping "liquids" in Munich.

Have a great trip!!!

Kenneth, thanks for the advice. We are expecting Dachau to be a not fun place. From what I keep hearing about it on this forum, I think that it may be a very dark place, but it is part of all of our history and Avery, now 17, has really wanted to go there since she was a sophomore in high school and learned about the holocaust. This is her trip. We will go there on a Sunday, and it will be the only thing we do that day. Drive over, spend the time there, and return to where we will be staying. The next day we will head further south. I will investigate HerrenChiemsee. I have no idea who, or what it is. But will definitely check it out.
I appreciate the advice on Marienplatz in Munich. We will spend our last few days checking out the city.

Again, thanks for all your advice.

Hi again John-

Herrenchiemsee is one of King Ludwig's castles on an island in the middle of lake Chiemsee 40-50 miles SE of Munich just off of A8. Turn off at Prien and go north a few miles. You must take a short boatride from Prien to get to the island, but it is well marked. If you park close to the Prien HBF take a short ride on an open streetcar to get to the boat dock. . Otherwise use the parking lot close to the dock. You can also use the train from Munich to Prien if you don't want to drive. This makes a nice day trip. I like this castle better than those in Fussen but others disagree....

Thank you Kenneth. I spent part of the afternoon yesterday reading about the palace and it sounds like a fantastic place to visit! I was wondering how you get out to the island! We will have a rental car for the entire time we are in the country, so it should be no problem. We plan to spend our last few days in Munich, since we will fly out from there and i have read that there is much to see in the city. My plan as of now is to turn the car in when we get to Munich and just use public transportation for the few days we are there. I assume that Munich is like Amsterdam, in that it is better to use public transportation than try to maneuver around the city in a car. Thanks for your help.

John, I am not suggesting that you change your visit day, but I was startled to see (at Buchenwald ...) the special "Education" buildings, and the large numbers of uncomfortable German middle-school (??) children being taken on field trips. I'm not one to blame children for the sins of grandparents, but it's still easy to overlook how much responsibility Germany has actually taken for this sort of education. And it's relevant to the rise of right-wing parties and nationalism.

Like many I was not impressed with Neuschwanstein from the inside. It is mostly unfinished, and the tour is pretty rigid. Hohenschwangau was better, and Linderhof was better yet. But if you're going to be in Munich, you may wantto consider visition Schloss Nymphenberg, which was the place where Imperial guests would reside until granted an audience with the king. It's a lot like Versailles; a series of minor "castles" with a major garden. Excellent place to sit and picnic while people watching.

it's still easy to overlook how much responsibility Germany has
actually taken for this sort of education

Tim, do you think that you have a sufficient insight of German history and political education and responsibility behavior from this one visit?

@ John: I fully support your idea to use public transport only in Munch. I also second the tip of KGC to consider Nymphenburg Palace.

John;
Here is a link to driving directions and information on the boat out to the Chiemsee (Island).

http://www.herrenchiemsee.de/englisch/tourist/howtoget.htm

The boat takes you from Prien out to the island. The walk to the schloss is through the forest on a very nice path. When were were there 7 years ago, filming was underway for the 3 Musketeers movie so areas were not available to access. I'd love to return another time in the future.
With regard to your plan for the last days of your trip in Munich. Yes it makes sense to return the rental car before your stay. Munich is very walkable and has great transit, so getting around is no problem.

Have a great trip!
Vanessa

"You're there. Tour both. You'll regret not seeing them while you're right there." I agree. Sure, Neuschwanstein is more a showy palace than a purist's castle but so what, take it for what it is if you are in the area. One strange man's vision is another man's pretend castle. Hohenschwangau has a warm interior.

"you would love it if you're a fan of Wagner" - I'm not sure they necessarily go hand in hand.

Herrenchiemsee, together with Frauenchiemsee, is a good day trip. The food in the palace cafe is half decent.

John, if you decide on just the exterior of Neuschwanstein and you are up to it, cross Marienbrucke and walk up through the woods about 20-30 minutes. From there you can take some nice snapshots of the castle from a different vantage point, higher up, which few people do or are unable to do.