Day trips from Munich
Sep 9th, 2017, 05:40 AM
#21
If your friend is willing to spend about two hours on the train each way, she might like to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Bamberg with it's 2,400 listed buildings.
Or perhaps Mittenwald.
Or perhaps Mittenwald.
Sep 9th, 2017, 09:19 AM
#23
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We are in Germany right now. We started with 5 nights in Munich. During that time we did a day trip to Neuschwanstein with Mike's Bike Tours, a day trip to Dachau, and a full day of bike riding in and outside of Munich. We are in Rothenburg now and have been here for a couple days and head to Salzburg tomorrow for a few more days. We have enjoyed everything we have done so far FWIW.
Sep 9th, 2017, 09:47 AM
#24
I've done both Augsburg and Salzburg on my own. First time to Salzburg was for a few days which was plenty and a day trip the second. There is a lot to see there so a day trip would just scratch the surface so very doable. Augsburg was cute and made for a nice half day trip so I highly recommend both.
Sep 9th, 2017, 01:09 PM
#25
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Who cares whether Newuschwanstsein in a 'fake' medieval castle - if you study the history behind it and 'Mad' Ludwig's fantasy castle-building spree that so threatened to bankrupt the Bavarian Treasury that powers to be had him allegedly assassinated to stench the drain (his death remains a mystery but most experts feel it was an assassination).
And so what if it is a Disney-like fantasy castle (Walt Disney modeled Disney castles after it of course) who can't enjoy the absurdly overdone interior with unique features and a surprise at every turn - especially I like the many novel features Ludwig came up with, often at great cost (see article below).
https://www.google.com/search?q=neus...w=1745&bih=863
And to marvel at the sweet settiing -being nestled into the foothills of Bavarian Alps - and take in such nifty views as of the castle from the Marienbrucke high above the castle, backdropped by a large lake down below? Again study Ludwig a bit and learn how he used to trek up to the bridge area himself and sit and ponder his ultimate fantasy castle being built and then feel a bit of sadness that Ludwig would never live to really live in it - just maanaging to stay in the unfinished castle for a few days before being drowned.
Large areas of the castle are still unfinished = the Bavarian Treasury cutting off funds upon the King's death.
https://www.google.com/search?q=neus...w=1745&bih=863
Yes Neuschwanstein is Ersatz and a fake medieval castle but to diss it for that misses the point of how and why many really love it and why it is often called the world's most famous and popular castle.
A bit about Mad Ludwig and his fantasy castle:
https://www.google.com/search?q=neus...w=1745&bih=863
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-rea...king-ludwig-ii
Anyway of all the day trips I've taken from Munich I loved Neuschwanstein the most - yes even the tourist schlock in the main tour bus area down below - the kitschy horse-drawn wagons taking tourists up to it and all.
And Hohenschwangau Castle down below Neuschwanstein is often overlooked and though also an Ersatz medieval castle built on rubble of a genuine medieval fortress (by Mad Ludwig's father I think) was Mad Ludwig's boyhood home and is also worthy of visiting though exhibiting slightly less of the overdone gaudiness of Neuschwanstein is also neat- be sure to visit it too!:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hohe...w=1745&bih=863
And Fussen too is a really neat town -few of the hoards trekking to Neuschwanstein see much of Fussen save the train station but it is a very pleasant town to stay in - some really nice walks along roaring cascades along a river that goes thru the gap to nearby Austria. Indeed Fussen is one of the nicer Bavarian towns I have stayed in.
Nearby Schwangau -down below Neuschwanstein also makes a nice place to stay- lovely lake and many hotels - more of a resort feeling than Fussen, a bustling regional market town.
Hikers will find lots of nice rambles on footpaths in the area. Indeed Fussen and its area could make a sweet stay of a few days -too bad so few do more than a quick trek from Munich to Ludwig's castle and don't stay in the area. Folks staying in the area seem largely German when I was there.
Well I love the whole Neuschwanstein experience and am proud to say so - call my interests cliches and hackeneyed or whatever you want - you can have most of your authentic medieval castles with their usually boring interiors (IMO) - again knowing the history of Mad Ludwig's fantasy castle builing spree makes it all the more fun as well as poignant!
And so what if it is a Disney-like fantasy castle (Walt Disney modeled Disney castles after it of course) who can't enjoy the absurdly overdone interior with unique features and a surprise at every turn - especially I like the many novel features Ludwig came up with, often at great cost (see article below).
https://www.google.com/search?q=neus...w=1745&bih=863
And to marvel at the sweet settiing -being nestled into the foothills of Bavarian Alps - and take in such nifty views as of the castle from the Marienbrucke high above the castle, backdropped by a large lake down below? Again study Ludwig a bit and learn how he used to trek up to the bridge area himself and sit and ponder his ultimate fantasy castle being built and then feel a bit of sadness that Ludwig would never live to really live in it - just maanaging to stay in the unfinished castle for a few days before being drowned.
Large areas of the castle are still unfinished = the Bavarian Treasury cutting off funds upon the King's death.
https://www.google.com/search?q=neus...w=1745&bih=863
Yes Neuschwanstein is Ersatz and a fake medieval castle but to diss it for that misses the point of how and why many really love it and why it is often called the world's most famous and popular castle.
A bit about Mad Ludwig and his fantasy castle:
https://www.google.com/search?q=neus...w=1745&bih=863
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-rea...king-ludwig-ii
Anyway of all the day trips I've taken from Munich I loved Neuschwanstein the most - yes even the tourist schlock in the main tour bus area down below - the kitschy horse-drawn wagons taking tourists up to it and all.
And Hohenschwangau Castle down below Neuschwanstein is often overlooked and though also an Ersatz medieval castle built on rubble of a genuine medieval fortress (by Mad Ludwig's father I think) was Mad Ludwig's boyhood home and is also worthy of visiting though exhibiting slightly less of the overdone gaudiness of Neuschwanstein is also neat- be sure to visit it too!:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hohe...w=1745&bih=863
And Fussen too is a really neat town -few of the hoards trekking to Neuschwanstein see much of Fussen save the train station but it is a very pleasant town to stay in - some really nice walks along roaring cascades along a river that goes thru the gap to nearby Austria. Indeed Fussen is one of the nicer Bavarian towns I have stayed in.
Nearby Schwangau -down below Neuschwanstein also makes a nice place to stay- lovely lake and many hotels - more of a resort feeling than Fussen, a bustling regional market town.
Hikers will find lots of nice rambles on footpaths in the area. Indeed Fussen and its area could make a sweet stay of a few days -too bad so few do more than a quick trek from Munich to Ludwig's castle and don't stay in the area. Folks staying in the area seem largely German when I was there.
Well I love the whole Neuschwanstein experience and am proud to say so - call my interests cliches and hackeneyed or whatever you want - you can have most of your authentic medieval castles with their usually boring interiors (IMO) - again knowing the history of Mad Ludwig's fantasy castle builing spree makes it all the more fun as well as poignant!
Sep 10th, 2017, 06:18 AM
#26
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Neuschwanstein is already a problematic day trip from Munich>
No problem gettting to Fussen with direct trains taking 2 hours and then yeh a taxi or bus from station to castle area - but yes a longish day trip - but no problem doing it.
No problem gettting to Fussen with direct trains taking 2 hours and then yeh a taxi or bus from station to castle area - but yes a longish day trip - but no problem doing it.
Sep 11th, 2017, 01:15 AM
#29
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@Whathello Any good reason why you're trying to write in German though you can't spell it?
@PalenQ Wow. In your first post you basically point out that you agree with me. So you think Regensburg and Nuremberg would be better destinations, but since all tourists flock to Neuschwanstein, it's better to agree with them? Where exactly is the logic behind that? And if so why are you posting here if everything you can contribute is saying: "do what the masses do, I have no better suggestion"?
Then you again enthusiastically pound a straw man. Could you kindly refrain from putting words or arguments in my mouth that I've never uttered? I just said that Neuschwanstein is Disneyesque. And that it's an overlong day trip. Yes you can do it and go 2 hours 20 minutes each direction, but why would you if there are more convenient and equally worthy destination much more nearby? If you want to go the Alps then base yourself there. The same goes for the fake castle argument. There's nothing wrong in visiting a 19th century historistic palace looking like a castle, but as guides report especially US tourists don't understand the difference between a real castle and a 19th century historistic rebuilding. If you are however near Füssen, go by all means.
I honestly don't think that wallowing in cliches is a great way of being a tourist. If some people are offended whey one points this out to them, I don't care. There might be people who are willing to think about their choices.
@PalenQ Wow. In your first post you basically point out that you agree with me. So you think Regensburg and Nuremberg would be better destinations, but since all tourists flock to Neuschwanstein, it's better to agree with them? Where exactly is the logic behind that? And if so why are you posting here if everything you can contribute is saying: "do what the masses do, I have no better suggestion"?
Then you again enthusiastically pound a straw man. Could you kindly refrain from putting words or arguments in my mouth that I've never uttered? I just said that Neuschwanstein is Disneyesque. And that it's an overlong day trip. Yes you can do it and go 2 hours 20 minutes each direction, but why would you if there are more convenient and equally worthy destination much more nearby? If you want to go the Alps then base yourself there. The same goes for the fake castle argument. There's nothing wrong in visiting a 19th century historistic palace looking like a castle, but as guides report especially US tourists don't understand the difference between a real castle and a 19th century historistic rebuilding. If you are however near Füssen, go by all means.
I honestly don't think that wallowing in cliches is a great way of being a tourist. If some people are offended whey one points this out to them, I don't care. There might be people who are willing to think about their choices.
Sep 11th, 2017, 02:08 AM
#30
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> Who cares whether Newuschwanstsein in a 'fake' medieval castle - if you study the history behind etc.
Moreover, the »fake« argument is ignoring the fact that N. is an outstanding example of historism, an important epoche of 19 century art and architecture. If Neuschwanstein is a "fake", the Capitol in Washington is the largest "fake" in the world.
Moreover, the »fake« argument is ignoring the fact that N. is an outstanding example of historism, an important epoche of 19 century art and architecture. If Neuschwanstein is a "fake", the Capitol in Washington is the largest "fake" in the world.
Sep 11th, 2017, 05:24 AM
#31
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I honestly don't think that wallowing in cliches is a great way of being a tourist. If some people are offended whey one points this out to them, I don't care. There might be people who are willing to think about their choices.>
Yes the more viewpoints the better.
Yes the more viewpoints the better.
Sep 11th, 2017, 06:36 AM
#32
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sla019 no one here has questioned the point that Neuschwanstein is an important historistic building. Even its interior is at least interesting though the paintings are dreadful kitsch. The Capitol is a more complicated case because it begins as a neoclassicist building and evolves into some kind of historicism with this monstrous dome and the extensions which make it indeed a rather dubious work of architecture from an aesthetical point of view.
But my point was always about the distance from Munich. If you have no problems with almost 5 hours travel, fine. But why not go properly to this region for two days if you like the alps and these palaces? There are lots of more historic places much nearer to Munich with structures older than the US.
But my point was always about the distance from Munich. If you have no problems with almost 5 hours travel, fine. But why not go properly to this region for two days if you like the alps and these palaces? There are lots of more historic places much nearer to Munich with structures older than the US.
Sep 11th, 2017, 07:55 AM
#33
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Even its interior is at least interesting though the paintings are dreadful kitsch>
Ah I love kitsch - to purists the whole of Neuschwanstein is kitsch - I think that was part of Mad Ludwig's goal - it's all a fantasy castle inside and out and that is why folks love it - rational or not. I'd rather tour a castle with kitschy art inside than the same ole same ole classical medieval art inside.
Lubitsch makes a good point about how long it takes Munich to Neuschwanstein - 2 hours train - then bus or taxi few miles to castles - then steep uphill walk or conveyances-probably three hours plus each way minimum.
Bus tours from Munich cut time a bit and make it much easier but taking local transit is also to me a great part of traveling rather than being carted around but understandably some folks who have never taken trains, etc may be rather intimidated by on your own and bus tours are a good option.
And of course there are many other neat places closer to Munich and easier to get to.
Ah I love kitsch - to purists the whole of Neuschwanstein is kitsch - I think that was part of Mad Ludwig's goal - it's all a fantasy castle inside and out and that is why folks love it - rational or not. I'd rather tour a castle with kitschy art inside than the same ole same ole classical medieval art inside.
Lubitsch makes a good point about how long it takes Munich to Neuschwanstein - 2 hours train - then bus or taxi few miles to castles - then steep uphill walk or conveyances-probably three hours plus each way minimum.
Bus tours from Munich cut time a bit and make it much easier but taking local transit is also to me a great part of traveling rather than being carted around but understandably some folks who have never taken trains, etc may be rather intimidated by on your own and bus tours are a good option.
And of course there are many other neat places closer to Munich and easier to get to.
Sep 14th, 2017, 03:17 AM
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We are used to taking trains but still opted for the bus tour as the timing worked well for us plus we got to do the short bike ride. To get the best price on train tickets we would have had to wait until 9am to leave Munich but with the bus tour you leave earlier.
Dachau was more sterile feeling than other similar places to us, but I don't mean that in a bad way. It is still a very worthwhile trip and I encourage anyone to go.
We also enjoyed Salzburg. Very pretty city and very compact. We took half a day from there to visit The Eagle's Nest. The day we went we had fantastic weather so views were stunning. I know you can do this trip from Munich as well but it takes more time. Not sure of the hours etc during October but worth checking if it interests you.
Dachau was more sterile feeling than other similar places to us, but I don't mean that in a bad way. It is still a very worthwhile trip and I encourage anyone to go.
We also enjoyed Salzburg. Very pretty city and very compact. We took half a day from there to visit The Eagle's Nest. The day we went we had fantastic weather so views were stunning. I know you can do this trip from Munich as well but it takes more time. Not sure of the hours etc during October but worth checking if it interests you.
Sep 14th, 2017, 05:23 AM
#36
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We are used to taking trains but still opted for the bus tour as the timing worked well for us plus we got to do the short bike ride.>
Where was the short bike ride part? Fussen to castles? Curious?
Where was the short bike ride part? Fussen to castles? Curious?
Sep 14th, 2017, 09:50 AM
#37
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Dachau was more sterile feeling than other similar places to us, but I don't mean that in a bad way. It is still a very worthwhile trip and I encourage anyone to go.>
Yes IME too compared to Auschwitz and similar camps not much there there but still a sobering atmosphere and worthwhile for most visit - especially if never seen a camp/memorial before.
And just in Munich's suburbs - S-Bahn + bus or short enough walk.
Yes IME too compared to Auschwitz and similar camps not much there there but still a sobering atmosphere and worthwhile for most visit - especially if never seen a camp/memorial before.
And just in Munich's suburbs - S-Bahn + bus or short enough walk.
Sep 15th, 2017, 05:36 AM
#38
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PalenQ--The bike tour company has a place in Schwangau where we picked up our bikes and then we rode to Swan Lake and back. So just a short ride, but very enjoyable especially since we had a beautiful day. We had lunch at the Schlossbrauhaus there after the bike ride. After lunch the bus took us to Fussen and then we hiked up to the castle from there.
