This is our second trip to Munich and would like to see some of the local castles and monestaries..any suggestions? (sights outside the city).
Also, we will be going to Innsbruck for the first time, and will be spending jusr 2 days there. Any suggestions on "must see" places in Innsbruck?
Two of the best authentic castle sites in Bavaria, IMO, are Burghausen, on the German/Austrian border, and Harburg, between Donauwörth and Nördlingen. Harburg, IMO, is not worth the effort to get to, but Burghausen is.
Dwight,
Regarding Castles near Munich, have you seen Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau yet. They're located in Fussen, which is an easy day trip from Munich. You can make the trip on your own, or take a day tour (check Radius Tours for information. Travel details to Fussen are listed in the Germany Guidebook.
Happy travels!
Hi,
We've been to Andech's Monestary twice and think it's very worthwhile to visit. The church is beautiful and there are nice outdoor beer gardens.
www.andechs.de/index.asp?lng=en
One hour from Munich is Ludwig's Neues Schloss (Herrenchiemsee) which is amazing.
www.herrenchiemsee.de/englisch/n_palace/index.htm
Ludwig's Linderhof is also fantastic.
Innsbruck:
Schloss Ambras is a good place to visit.
A trip on the Hungerburgbahn and then up into the mountains for spectacular views.
Paul
Not really a castle, but a palace, worth seeing is Schloss Herrenchiemsee. It's on an island on Lake Chiem(see) east-south-east of Munich. It was Ludwig's attempt to upstage Versailles, so it's very impressive. Drive or train to Prien to get ferry to island. It's an easy day trip from Munich, maybe 100KM.
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau have turned into tourist traps. We just went and although they are beautiful walking through the crowds is not that fun. The bridge that looks down on Neuschanstein was so crowded that you could barely walk to take a picture. They are also doing reconstruction on the outside of the castle so it is covered with tarps on the back side. Not great for the romantic picture setting.Hohenschwangau was a nice tour but short. It cost 18 euro's to see both. I would go to Linderhof which is very beautiful and close to the area.
A little south of Oberammergau is the amazing abbey of Ettal, a Benedictine monastery. I haven't been there yet but plan on touring the next time I'm in Bavaria. Check it out...http://www.kloster-ettal.de/index-uk.html
I agree that the castles in Füssen are a bit touristy but very pretty. Füssen itself has several quaint shops and gardens. But my opinion I would have skipped it and went to Salzburg. There isn't a castle but there is an amazing fortress and the town was very beautiful.
Thank you everyone for all the information and suggestions! I leave tomorrow (July 19) and I appreciate the help!
