If I want to go to Bavaria to see King Ludwig's Castles (Nauschwanstein), Dachau and maybe a side trip to Salzburg, would it be best to stay in Munich, or a smaller town? Would it be a good idea to stay in Municn and use it as a middle ground for these places?
I'd agree with Munich. Not only is it a good location for getting to the others, there is a lot to see in Munich, itself. www.germantravel-info.com/munich.htm, www.germantravel-info.com/fuessen.htm, www.germantravel-info.com/dachau.htm
Julianne, if I understood your other posts correctly, you didn't leave any time FOR Munich...it was just a place to lay your head while you daytripped. I strongly suggest that you allot some time for the city itself.
Well, it appears you are re-tracing my family's trip this past summer! After Paris, we took the TGV to Munich. We stayed near the train station and took day trips to Dachau via the S-bahn, and german rail to both Fussen (Neuschwanstein stop), and Innsbruck, Austria. So, yes, Munich is a great place to stay and use as a base for day trips. But there may be other options as well.
I think you are right - I will have to add an extra day to see Munich.