Germany Castles? Especially Neuschwanstein Castle.

[TeamSy]

I'm not too familiar with ABD, but we're going to be heading to Europe for a trip and part of our time will be in Munich. It's not far from Neuschwanstein Castle, and as everyone knows that's the castle Disney modeled after, so I figure maybe it was a stop on an ABD tour??? So if you've been, what were the highlights? We want to do a castle day and drive to check a bunch out, but obviously some are better than others and will require more time to explore so I'm really interested to hear about this one if you've been!

 

[carpenta]

The ride to Neuschwanstein is a bit of a ride on a two lane road then you go onto the highway. There are tour times that you must sign up and tour with a guide. I would suggest you Google it and see if you can pre buy your tickets. I do believe you must park in the lower town and either walk or take a shuttle up to the castle. There are a few stores in the lower town as well as a couple restaurants. Also there is a small lake where when we did the tour the kids swam. If you swim across that lake you will be in Austria. Neuschwanstein was a "fictional" castle built for show rather than function so it is not typical of the castles built years before. It really is quite beautiful inside and reflects the way of life we wish people lived in the middle ages.

 

[TXTransplant]

If you've booked the Germany ABD, then you will visit Neuschwanstein on the very last day of your trip. ABD takes you there by private motor coach. Your tour of the castle will be exactly the same as if you visited there on your own (it is not a private tour, and there may be non-ABD guests with your group). There is a shuttle that takes you up the mountain, reasonably close to the entrance, although there is still some walking. At the end of the ABD tour, you are treated to a "special" trip back down the mountain (I won't say how, because the guides like to think that it is a surprise) and lunch at a nice restaurant/hotel.

If you opt to do the tour on your own, you can take the train to Fussen, and then make your way to the castle. I have no idea how far in advance tickets sell out. If you go on your own, I highly recommend doing the tours of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein (there is not time to do both if you go with ABD). Also, you can opt to walk all the way up the mountain, from the ticketing area to the castle. If you are able, I highly recommend this, as well, as it is a very scenic walk.

Depending on when you visit, the weather may be less than ideal. We were there last year in mid-June, and the temps. were in the 50s and it was foggy and rainy!

I have also visited Herrenchiemsee castle, which is on an island in the middle of Lake Chiemsee in the town of Chiemsee (about 60 km southeast of Munich). This castle was built by King Ludwig II, who also built Neuschwanstein. Herrenchiemsee was also never completed, but it is still a lovely place to visit. I especially enjoyed the journey to get there, as it involves a train ride, a walk through town to the ferry, the ferry ride, and then a walk on the island.

 

[TeamSy]

If you've booked the Germany ABD, then you will visit Neuschwanstein on the very last day of your trip. ABD takes you there by private motor coach. Your tour of the castle will be exactly the same as if you visited there on your own (it is not a private tour, and there may be non-ABD guests with your group). There is a shuttle that takes you up the mountain, reasonably close to the entrance, although there is still some walking. At the end of the ABD tour, you are treated to a "special" trip back down the mountain (I won't say how, because the guides like to think that it is a surprise) and lunch at a nice restaurant/hotel.

If you opt to do the tour on your own, you can take the train to Fussen, and then make your way to the castle. I have no idea how far in advance tickets sell out. If you go on your own, I highly recommend doing the tours of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein (there is not time to do both if you go with ABD). Also, you can opt to walk all the way up the mountain, from the ticketing area to the castle. If you are able, I highly recommend this, as well, as it is a very scenic walk.

Depending on when you visit, the weather may be less than ideal. We were there last year in mid-June, and the temps. were in the 50s and it was foggy and rainy!

I have also visited Herrenchiemsee castle, which is on an island in the middle of Lake Chiemsee in the town of Chiemsee (about 60 km southeast of Munich). This castle was built by King Ludwig II, who also built Neuschwanstein. Herrenchiemsee was also never completed, but it is still a lovely place to visit. I especially enjoyed the journey to get there, as it involves a train ride, a walk through town to the ferry, the ferry ride, and then a walk on the island.

We're going early June so that's great advice about the temps - thanks! I mean I would have checked weather but I would have never thought temps could still be that low!!! We're actually doing this on our own (just my husband and myself), not ABD but I figured this would be a good forum to get info on it. We'll have a car in Munich and plan on spending time there, but one day we're going to head to Salzburg and then plan a day to hit Neuschwanstein and some other castles, depending on where the day takes us. I do have Herrenchiemsee castle on the list too! I'm sort of making a map and going from there, with the most important ones starred and ones that we can skip depending on time. We rented an automatic car, just to be safe, which was more expensive but I think worth it. I'm more just nervous about navigating parking at these places!

 

[carpenta]

Most cars are small in Germany so it should be easy to park. Don't forget on the Autoban there is no speed limit so cars will be zooming by 120 mph or so. If you hear "do-do...do-do" that is a horn the Germans blow in their car when they want you to pull over so they can pass. In Salzburg there is funicular that takes you up to the castle located in the center of town. That is a self guided tour and on the back side of the castle there is a great little restaurant that serves cold beer and sausages while you overlook a picture perfect view of the Alps. It really looks like a postcard. Don't forget to tour the grounds where they shot the movie and still have the original gazeebo from the Sound of Music.

 

[Woodview]

Hello TeamSy,

Here is a plan for you

( A ) Leave Munich for Neuschwanstein Castle VIA A95 towards Garmisch -Partenkirchen Ski resort & a Side trip Stop to

Oberammergau ( Passion Play ) & on to Fussen & Castle

( 2 ) Take the Hwy 179 to join up with E 60 to Innsbruck ( Austria )

N.B. Before you enter Austria BUY YOUR " Vingnett " (Road Tax Disc ) at a Petrol Station or Shop .... YOU MIGHT BE STOPPED & FINED.

Then By Pass Innsbruck & A13 to VARNA then to LIENZ THEN TAKE " The Alpine Road " Grossglokner (Hwy 107 )

To Fusch ..... ( THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TRIPS )

From FUSCH go to LOFER then turn Right for Berchtesgarden ( Hitler's Hideout ) & Konigsee .

(3 ) From there take the road to Salsburg.

After that back to Munich via Airport road ( Watch out for Byren Munich Football stadium on your left ( looks like a Tyre ).

We have done this trip a few times & it really has fantastic landscape .

If you would like more info on where to stay let me know .


Parking is NO BIG DEAL BUT BUY that TAX Disc ( MAX €10 euros )

Driving is disciplined with No weaving like Florida..

 

[TeamSy]

Hello TeamSy,

Here is a plan for you

( A ) Leave Munich for Neuschwanstein Castle VIA A95 towards Garmisch -Partenkirchen Ski resort & a Side trip Stop to

Oberammergau ( Passion Play ) & on to Fussen & Castle

( 2 ) Take the Hwy 179 to join up with E 60 to Innsbruck ( Austria )

N.B. Before you enter Austria BUY YOUR " Vingnett " (Road Tax Disc ) at a Petrol Station or Shop .... YOU MIGHT BE STOPPED & FINED.

Then By Pass Innsbruck & A13 to VARNA then to LIENZ THEN TAKE " The Alpine Road " Grossglokner (Hwy 107 )

To Fusch ..... ( THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TRIPS )

From FUSCH go to LOFER then turn Right for Berchtesgarden ( Hitler's Hideout ) & Konigsee .

(3 ) From there take the road to Salsburg.

After that back to Munich via Airport road ( Watch out for Byren Munich Football stadium on your left ( looks like a Tyre ).

We have done this trip a few times & it really has fantastic landscape .

If you would like more info on where to stay let me know .


Parking is NO BIG DEAL BUT BUY that TAX Disc ( MAX €10 euros )

Driving is disciplined with No weaving like Florida..

This is WONDERFUL!!!! I cannot thank you enough! we're NYers so we're already obnoxious drivers, we'll have to work on it

 

[Woodview]

Here you go.

Use my previous thread

From Munich drive to Mittenwald ( 160 KM ) And stay 2 nights at Hotel Rieger www.hotel-rieger.de

Check out Oberammergau & see where the Passion Play takes part & VISIT Linderhof Castle ( Fantastic )

............................................

Next Drive 90 Km to Fussen just after a Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle ( We stayed in Fussen but not sure which Hotel ( there are many )

Stay 2 nights
.....................................

Next Drive 350 to 400 Km to Hotel Glocknerhof in Berg im Drautal ( www.glocknerhof.at )

Stay 2 nights

....................
Next Drive over the Grossglokner Alpine Road Hwy 107 VIA Mortschach to Fusch ( You will really enjoy this )

Stay 2 nights at Hotel Romerhof www.hotelroemerhof-fusch.at

Try a very good High Cable Car or a large finnicular lift at Kaprun ( Well worth it )

.........................

Next Drive to Berchtesgarden AND stay 3 or more Nights

AT either The Best Western Berg Hotel Rehlegg Or go back to Thumsee & stay at my "Wow Hotel " called

Hotel Seeblick Am Thumsee www.hotel-seeblick.de

You will not be sorry with either hotel

First day ... visit The Eagles Nest & The tunnel to the Brass Lift that brings you to the top.

Second day ..... Drive the 50 Km to Salsburg

....................

Then back to Munich

............................


Remember to BOOK .... Half Board that is Bed & Breakfast & Evening Meal .... have lunch out


........

We fly from Cork , Ireland to Munich & I have to drive on " Wrong side " of road & change gears with my right hand

I do not speak German but my wife does But everyone knows some English .
. .......................
Buy a good big map of Austria ( Should have Munich on it ) Or get one from AAA

If you have Your Own SAT NAV buy a download of Europe & bring it with you.

Maps on Phones are not really helpful ........... A folding Road Map in the hand is the best.

 

[TeamSy]

We've added in the GPS option on the car for extra $$. It was sort of pricey, but I think it will be a lifesaver!

 

[Woodview]

You are welcome . Now start saving ... Bring your swim gear . .... Go to Google Earth or Google maps & plan your Rough Route

Never go from A to B without passing through C& D ... you never know what is around the next corner or up another road .

Far better to have your evening meals at the Hotels & the meals ARE good, ( 1/2 Board ) & leave the keys of the car in your room & have a few German Beers .

PS Do not forget your European 2 pin Round Plug