I would like some info on photo views of the Neuschwanstein castle it appears that the view from Marys bridge is a side view, does anyone know how to get a view and photo of the front(entrance and all of the castle) I have seen photos that appear to have been taken from the front but higher up then just straight on. Also Rick indicates that the path down from Marys bridge is steep any thoughts on a couple of 65 years olds making that hike?
thank you for your thoughts
I have read that the view you usually see on posters is taken from a helicopter.
We were just there a week ago and it is a beautiful area and place to visit! The view from Mary's Bridge is a side view. There is another small platform where you can take some picture of the front, however, you cannot see the entire entrace or the entire castle. That platform is down from the main entrace, by an area where they sell souveniors and drinks/snacks.
The path from the bridge to the castle and back didn't seem that steep to me. I saw alot of elderly people walking it. We had our 2 children, age 9 & 8 and they didn't complain once and believe me, they complained about the walk to the Rheinfels, the Heidelberg castle and a few others!
Enjoy your trip!
Christi
"Does anyone know how to get a view and photo of the front (entrance and all of the castle,) I have seen photos that appear to have been taken from the front but higher up then just straight on."
The problem is getting an aerial pic of the front is: there's no high ground to stand on that gives an aerial view of the front (if you define the front as the east elevation, that is, the right side if viewed from the Bridge). This is shown in the pics in one of the above posts.
A photographer standing on Marienbrücke (the bridge) is roughly even with the castle roof; that views shows the wider south elevation. Checking on Google Earth, the bridge is ~3200 ft (above sea level) and the base of the castle is about 200 feet lower than that; this is shown in one of the above pics.
An aerial pic of the front (if you define the front as the narrower east elevation shown in the first pic in Ian's post, that is, the right side if viewed from the bridge) would have to be taken from an aircraft, since there's no high ground to stand on to the east of the castle that would give an aerial view looking down onto the front; that there's no high ground east of and above the front is also shown by the pics.
We were there last month.
What the others have said is correct.
I would just add that if you are fit, you will have no problem getting to the bridge for the treasured side view. It's only a 10-minute walk up a moderate hill behind the castle. Also, the scaffolding is currently very low on the foundations and does not effect the view much.
If you are very fit, and you want a high view of the castle, you can walk on the path BEYOND the bridge for another 30 minutes of moderate-difficulty hiking on a marked trail (those paint swipes you sometimes see on walking paths in Europe - I think this one was red) you will come to a very high perch overlooking the castle (and it is a great hike, but you will get a work out).
If you try that long hike, I would suggest you splurge for the buggy ride up TO the castle from the ticket area. That walk alone, on a hot day, will wipe you out.
Enjoy!
I am not very fit and walking down the path was fine, even with the heat this summer. It is wide and nicely paved. There are some side trails - shortcuts - through the forest that are steeper and rocky. Stay on the paved portion and you will be fine. If you take the shuttle bus do walk up to the bridge - it is fairly steep but a very short walk, despite what it looks like when the bus drops you off.
Don't even think about walking up from the bottom of the hill unless you are very fit. (And be sure to stop and try some of the delicious puffy fried donut things cooked and sold at a stand on the way down!)
thank you all for the info, another ? which part of the day assuming it is fairly clear is the best light on the castles ?
"which part of the day assuming it is fairly clear is the best light on the castles ?"
For the front, which is the east elevation, the morning sun would be best, illuminating the wall but being behind the photographer.
For the south elevation, photographing from the bridge, mid-day would be best, with the sun shining on that wall but behind you.
