castles
 

So, our plan is to visit Austria, Prague, Budapest and possibly the Bavaria area in Germany . We will have 4 weeks and could add time if needed. So, I was thinking we'd do Hohenschnangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria area. I believe there are other castles in that area as well. What are you thoughts? Then in Prague there is Prague Castle and Lubkowicz Palace and Karlstejn Castle outside of town. Then in Vienna there is Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace outside of town. Then in Budapest there is Castle Hill. Since I am very early in planning I would love some input of favorites, what not to miss, prioities etc. I don't want to overdo but also don't want to miss something that shouldn't be missed.

Hi tidy,

Although the location of Neuschwanstein is beautiful, I personally thought the interior of Ludwig's Linderhof was much better than Neuschwanstein. I also liked Ludwig's Herrenchiemsee Palace better inside also. Actually, I enjoyed the tour of Hohenschwangau better than the tour of Neuschwanstein! I guess what I'm saying is that Neuschwanstein is incredible to see in person, but the interiors and tours of his other castles/palaces and where he grew up (Hohenschwangau) are better. Just my opinions.

Paul

You can even take in a concert in Herrenchiemsee.

N'stein is a late-19th century home, lived in for a mere 6 months - not a genuine castle. Ludwig's other Bavarian homes are palaces.

In/near Salzburg - on Bavarian Gemany's border with Austria - are Hohenwerfen (falconry show there), Hohensalzburg, and Mauterndorf castles, the genuine articles, all 800-1,000 years old.

http://www.salzburg-burgen.at/en/

If you want to see a real castle instead of 19th century fakes, have a look at Burghausen. They claim theirs is the longest castle in Europe - I'm not in for superlatives, but it is certainly big.
More: http://tourismus.burghausen.de/conte...auptseite.html

Hohensalzburg is one of my favorites! It's one of those places that you actually feel and experience, as opposed to just see.

Burghausen would also be at the top of my list. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the inside due to our travel situation. But judging from the outside, I'd imagine it would be fantastic.

Also, I agree with Paul's comments pertaining to the Ludwig castles.

I am somewhat of a castle junkie myself, so I will be interested to see what others suggest.

I haven't been there yet, and it might be off of your route, but what about the Nürnberg castle?
H

Hi ti,

>I believe there are other castles in that area as well.<

Linderhof is my favorite of Ludwig's castles.
http://www.schlosslinderhof.de/engli...t/howtoget.htm

We liked the Hohenwerfen Castle outside Salzburg, especially the raptors.
http://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/e...erfen_fortress

((i))

Personally I don't think Karlstejn is that special. (Though it is fun to cycle there from the centre of Prague). I would recommend two other castles: Krivoklat and Konopiste. Both well worth seeing. Konopiste in particular is FULL of history.
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/czech_republic_krivoklat.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/czech_rep...ste_castle.htm
Have a great trip!

Will you have a car in the Czech Republic? If so, I highly recommend Hluboka Castle; it's on the way from Prague to Cesky Krumlov.
http://www.zamek-hluboka.eu/en/

If you are going to Cesky Krumlov, there is a beautiful castle there, too. Also, the town of Telc has a lovely castle, & Telc is a good base for visiting other castles nearby.

You can click on my name to ready my trip report from August 2009. We visited Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Telc, & Karlovy Vary.
Hope this helps.

Neuschwanstein is definitely a sight to see from the bridge, inside is not as exciting.

Linderhof was my favorite of Ludwig's castles. Beautiful grounds, and the interior was amazing.

If you do visit Linderhof, I would recommend visiting Wies Church the same day.
http://architecturerevived.blogspot....n-germany.html

Enjoy your trip!