Kvasir

Unfortunately, Ludwig II. ran out of money and then died before he could finish Neuschwanstein (and Herrenchiemsee btw.). That is why the interior isn't very interesting.

Some nice views of Neuschwanstein (beer ad ;-))
http://www.kaltenberg.de/interactive...?origin=nstein

Kvasir

Some comments on Munich. Your comment sounds a little harsh, I think. Which city with more than 1 m residents doesn't have grey industrial areas? And one shouldn't forget that Munich was flattend by the allies in WWII and it's almost a miracle what has been rebuilt. And I can assure you that there are beautiful areas besides Marienplatz (Nymphenburg, Olympiapark, Schloß Schleißheim, Englischer Garten, Glockenbachviertel, Gern, Bogenhausen)

BabsB

Romulus, Where did you stay in Hallstatt? Glad you had a great trip. Enjoyed your report very much.

RufusTFirefly

I thought the interior of Neuschwanstein was very interesting. Over a dozen rooms were finished, and they are quite unusual to say the least. Not to mention having some of the finest 19th century craftsmanship you'll see anywhere.

5alive

Thanks for a great trip report Romulus.

My husband wants to go to Germany and Austria someday, and your insights were valuable.

By the way, Is someone else in your family Remus?

susanteach

I am headed to Austria/Germany in late March (just posted my itinerary for critique) and am interested in your castle experience. My DH and sister, who will be travelling with me on this trip and have never been, are really looking forward to the views from my college-age pics. You said there were NO views. I have some of the most beautiful pics ever taken from the St. Mary's bridge. Are people not allowed to go there anymore?

Romulus

I'll agree that the craftsmanship inside the castle was amazing!

No, there are views, I have heard that the views from the bridge are amazing, however I never made it there. I wouldn't recommend the tour, however. Our "English" tour guide didn't speak English or German!

No, nobody in my family is Remus. haha

Ok, dumb question. What does DH stand for? Everyone uses it?!

bmw732002

Wondderful report, Romulus!


Neuschwanstein is always a favorite of mine...especially the outside vistas. The Marionbruck bridge can be dicey on a icy winters day! I can see why they might close it off.

Never can get enough of the Christmas markets

Halstatt is one magical town amongst many magical areas of Austria! Next time check out the Gossau/Dachstein mountain area.

Many people skip Innsbruck. I am glad you found it so nice. Next trip head up to Hall im Tirol for more of the 'Alstadt" area.

I have heard only good things about Verona Italy...I have to get there some day

Thanks again for the report

Melnq8

DH = Dear Husband, Darling Husband

Or, maybe Desperate Husband???

suze1

Romulus, how much did you pay for the parking at the Stadtkrug per night? I'm worried about the walking distance. Did you notice any other nice hotels that provided parking?

Romulus

parking was cheap. I do not recall how much it was, but It might have been free. Having stayed at so many hotels, I can't remember exactly, but i'm thinking it was free.

The walking distance from the hotel to the parking area is less than a minute. No big deal. The hotel is worth it! It was amazing!

twohorse

it sounds like you had a wonderful time! I too am going to focus on southern Germany and Austria. Bummer about the Neuschwanstein Castle. This is the main focus of our trip. This castle played a big part of our wedding. (sigh) oh well, I'm used to the "expect the worst and hope for the best." attitude. I hear the town of Fussen is amazing so maybe we'll enjoy the castle from a distance. Thanks for the tips!

Billy

suze1

Romulus, hate to keep bugging you but I also can't find an email address for the hotel, did you make your reservation via email?

suze1

I found the email and emailed the hotel, it's 12 euros per day so does anyone out there know of another fabulous hotel in Salsburg that includes parking. 12 euros per day is rather steep.

tcreath

Romulus, I loved your trip report! We were in many of the same areas in Germany and Austria in May and had a divine time. We agree with you on almost everything; the food was good (and I had an apfelstruedel at least twice a day!), the people very friendly, and Austria is simply beautiful; our favorite country so far.

We did enjoy Neuscwanstein, though, and got some great pictures, but most were taken from Mary's Bridge or out one of the windows in the castle looking down over the lake.

Thanks for sharing!
Tracy

tcreath

suze1, have you considered staying outside of Salzburg? There are some wonderful towns within about a 15-20 minute drive of Salzburg, and most of the hotels in those towns would offer free parking I'm sure. We stayed near Berchtesgaden, in Schonau, and drove into Salzburg several times. The drive was very quick and easy. Just a suggestion....

Tracy

suze1

What hotel did you stay at in Bershtesgen? I did consider staying outside of Salsburg but when I thought about it it seemed easier to stay in town and walk out of your hotel than having to get into the car and driving there. Even though we do want to visit the country sights it could be an option.

So, you must think that all the hotels charge for parking in Salsburg.

Romulus

yes Berchtesgaden is a very nice town, and it's not far from Salzburg. On the highway it was about 20 minutes. The city itself is also nice. The views from the main street are amazing on a clear day.

tcreath

suze1, we actually stayed in an apartment in Schonau, about 5 minutes from Berchtesgaden, and loved it. But if you are looking for hotels, Berchtesgaden definitely has enough of them. As Romulus mentioned, the views from town are stunning. Both Berchtesgaden and Schonau are nestled in a valley between the mountains. Check out http://www.berchtesgadener-land.info...1A71EAC9BC5CAF for more information.

Good luck!
Tracy