Anyone have a recommendation for book/info on Ludwig and his castles?

We visited Neuschwanstein and had a most memorable experience.

Woody

I agree with the rest of the people on this board that you should see Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and Linderhof. I liked Hohenschwangau best, as it seems the most lived-in castle. Linderhof is a bit too much over-the-top, but I find them all especially interesting as part of Bavarian history. However, for a really beautiful rococo experience, I recommend see the Residenz in Würzburg. It's gorgeous but tasteful, unlike Linderhof.

If you are from the United States, go to see Neuschwanstein: It seems to be everything that a North American thinks a castle should be, though, to my eyes, it's a grotesque folly. Walt Disney has got a lot for which to answer!

Walt Disney's "castle" is based on one built in France!

Well, yes--grotesque folly is an apt description of Neuschwanstein and the history behind its conception and construction. The fairytale product of a fevered mind. That's what makes it so interesting--and why millions of people worldwide love it.

Burg Eltz may be the most perfect old castle in Germany, but its history is a big yawn. Neuschwanstein is eerily beautiful, or grotesquely strange depending on your point of view--either way it, and its history, are fascinating.

We were there in the snow. The hike up to it, where we could catch glimpses of the castle in the snow, was just magical (in the opinion of this Texan.)

I'll try to remember to jot down the name of the author of the Ludwig bio I read. The book left the distinct impression that he was "mad" because he was gay. The book was written fairly early in the 20th century, when one coudln't write about such things. So the author just included LOTS of quotes from Ludwig's personal letters, i.e. love letters to men. Very very interesting.

I agree with the others. We ended our two week trip to Germany with a visit to Neuschwanstein and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The castle, with its setting, is insanely beautiful. We enjoyed taking the tour but the view of the castle alone is worth the journey.

Tracy

"..the fantastic pastiche of architectural styles inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle."
Lonely Planet Guide to Germany, 1st Edition, Page 455.