We are travelling from Munich to Ruette Austria and were wondering if the Ludwig Castles are really worth it. We were considering hiking instead.

Neuschwantein Castle ranks in the Top Ten of my zillions of castle tours - it is not your average castle - not your usual boring tour thru an ancient citadel but Ersatz - a re-creation of a medieval castle with a surprise at every turn - yes a surprise - so if expecting the usual, boring in my opinion, castle tour no but if open to something weird and unusual, as Mad King Ludwig was, then I'd opt for the castle.

But not everyone is of the same mind as I so you may well find it a bunch of Schlock - hard to say, depends on the person. If you cannot get over the Ersatz aspect perhaps no - but if you can put yourself in 'Mad' Ludwig's perch, high up behind the castle on the Marienbrucke (another reason for coming - great great views over the lakes below and also as nice hiking possibilities as anything in or around Reutte I would think - put yourself in the place he used to sit and ponder the construction of his fantasy castle

But poor Ludwig, dubbed Mad because he was literally draining the Bavarian Treasury in his fantasy castle building, was apparently assassinated by being drowned just to prevent his bankrupting of the Bavarian Treasury;.

There are zillions of castles in Europe but none like Neuschwanstin IMO but you have to take it for what it was and is - a testimeony to 'Mad' Prince Ludwig.

Yes - but be preapred to walk uphill for 15 minutes. The roads are paved, but it was a tiring walk. I think you can hire a horse & buggy.
Crazy Ludwig Castle is quite detailed. It was one of our highlights. Really, the bridge looking back at the castle was amazing. The best pictures of our trip.

Yes!

But only if you are interested in the history, views (inside and out) and in seeing a castle or two (or 4). If you're wondering "are they worth it" then maybe they won't be to you. Why are you considering visiting? Because you'll be near them or because you're heard of them and are curious? You don't have to visit all of his castles, just pick one and go from there if you're slightly curious.

If you want to combine a hike with a castle, choose Neuschwanstein and "hike" (read: walk) up and down the somewhat steep but paved road leading to the castle! Don't forget to book ahead for the English-language tour (check the website for times/prices).

We were there in Feb, and had a lovely 10 inches of snow, it was marvelous.
Yes, it was worth it.

There are real castles that have been used for years to protect and defend and then there are Ludwig's castles. What do you consider "worth it" in a castle?

He bankrupt his country to build them back then, now they are attractions that have scores of tourists per year and with good reason.

Yes, well worth it, Neuschwanstein is a real fairytale looking castle and interesting on the inside as well - quite different from most other castles and probably my favourite out of dozens I've been into.

If you decide to visit the castles, you can also hike back along the Pollat Gorge from Mary's Bridge. A really nice, easy hike, maybe 1-1.5 hours.

There is a bus that is inexpensive that will drop you near Mary's Bridge at the top and then after a very short walk to the bridge you walk DOWN to the castle. Spectacular view and much easier than walking up. (but then if you can't decide between hiking and castle visiting, you probably wouldn't mind the walk up!

No. I've done the Neuschwanstein tour twice. As has already been pointed out, it's a faux castle where nothing of significance took place. It served as a home for Ludwig for a few months. The tour was quite short and overcrowded and conducted in monotone, rehearsed English with a heavy accent that made the text unintelligible.

The exterior and the setting are SPECTACULAR, however, so do at least go by the place if you're in the area. You like hiking? If you aren't married to the idea of Reutte (a Rick Steves recommendation but really not very special) why not combine a visit to N'stein with a scenic hike? There's a country inn in Unterpinswang known as the Gutshof zum Schluxen, which lies along the Fürstenweg, a trail that leads to the castles. Reviews are very good: http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/gast...-us.html?dva=0

We stayed in Fussen and visited Hohenschwangau , Neuschwanstein (we took a horse carriage to Neuschwanstein), the Linderhof - Rococo style- and its beautiful garden. On our way from Munich to Salzburg we visited Herrenchiemsee ( a copy of Versailles)).

We loved the palaces and the days spent in this area.

However, only you can decide, based on your interest, if the visit of these castles is worth or not.

You do know personally the people who answer you so you do not know our taste and interests.
Check in a guidebook what these palaces offer to visitors, check in the net for images and explanations, then you can decide for yourself.

Hi P,

The outside of Neuschwanstein is more interesting than the inside. Hohenschwangau was interesting.

Our favorite is Linderhof.

Hi,

While not my favorite "castle interior" of the 3 built by "Mad" King Ludwig, I can't imagine not going if you're in the area. I liked the tour of Hohenschwangau a bit better, as it included more background of Ludwig's early years. Nearby Linderhof Palace is simply amazing inside as is his Neues Schloss (aka Herrenchiemsee).

Paul

It is fun taking in a concert in Herrenchiemsee if you are going to be near there.

Linderhof, the grounds were impressive, the inside, not that impressed. If you want to visit the grounds it is free, cost to go inside the palace. My husband has been to Neuschwanstein and tells me it isn't worth it.

If you've never been to Neuschwanstein it's worth a visit. There is a definite reason why Ludwig selected the site that it's built on and it's worth the visit just for that. The hike up the hill to the castle my solve your dilemma.

Also as Sassafrass suggested, Herrenchiemsee is worth a visit too. We found the early morning ferry ride to the island very calming and wonderful. You'll be doing a bit of hiking once off the ferry so....2 birds, one stone.

And the grounds around Schloss Linderhoff are as tranquil and stately as you can get. Only been there once but I recall the hike thru the gardens wearing me out.

Yes the Ludwig Castles are all worth the visit. Have a wonderful time when you go.

If you've never been to Neuschwanstein it's worth a visit. There is a definite reason why Ludwig selected the site that it's built on and it's worth the visit just for that. The hike up the hill to the castle my solve your dilemma.

Also as Sassafrass suggested, Herrenchiemsee is worth a visit too. We found the early morning ferry ride to the island very calming and wonderful. You'll be doing a bit of hiking once off the ferry so....2 birds, one stone.

And the grounds around Schloss Linderhoff are as tranquil and stately as you can get. Only been there once but I recall the hike thru the gardens wearing me out.

Yes the Ludwig Castles are all worth the visit. Have a wonderful time when you go.

opps....sorry for the double post!

I think Russ sums it up very nicely. I grew up near there and for us Neuschwanstein was just a "sight" until Disney put it on the map. The Bavarian government should put up a statue of Disney at the foot of the castle.He made up for all the losses that King Ludwig II originally cost the Bavarian state.

For a day's tour out of Munich, I would recommend visiting Ludwig's palace on the Herreninsel (Chiemsee island). It's his version of Versailles, with a pleasant, flat walk to the beuatiful gardens, an interesting interior, and a boat ride across the lake that is very scenic, with the alps in the background. You get there from Prien, a station on the Munich - Salzburg main train line, about one hour out of Munich.

I think all his castles are "worth it." I guess I liked Hohenschwangau best, I guess because it was actually a home, albeit of a royal family.

Linderhof is really over the top. I was especially bemused by the dining table that was raised or lowered so that Ludwig didn't have to see the servants while dining. Strange dude.