Neuschwanstein

Many recognize *Neuschwanstein, located high above the valley atop a rocky ledge, as being the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s castles at Disneyland and Disneyworld. You begin to appreciate the effort that went into building this castle as you walk up the steep path to the fortress high above. The only way to decrease a half-hour uphill hike to a ten-minute one is to take a shuttle bus or horse-drawn wagon partway to the castle. This is one of Germany’s most popular sightseeing attractions and the only way to avoid summer crowds (and long lines) is to arrive early in the morning. If you just cannot schedule the first tour of the day, our advice is to admire Neuschwanstein from afar and tour Linderhof (less crowded) to get an appreciation of Ludwig’s taste in interior design. The castle’s fanciful interior, designed by a theater-set designer and an eccentric king, is a romantic flight of fancy whose rooms afford spectacular views of Alpine lakes and snowy peaks. Ludwig greatly admired Richard Wagner and scenes from his operas are found throughout in the decor. At the end of the castle tour, walk up the Pollat gorge to the Marienbrucke which spans the ravine above the castle: you will be rewarded with a spectacular view. (Allow for a long wait in summer, 9 am–5:30 pm, April to October; 10 am–4 pm, November to March.)