AisleSeat recommends the hike up to the ruins at Ehrenburg Castle and I agree. However, know that there are 2 sets of ruins. The lower ruins are easily reached but the upper ruins are quite a climb on an unimproved trail. You will be grabbing onto saplings on the trail at times to help pull yourself along. That said, if you are in shape to make the climb, you wll be rewarded with views from the upper ruins that are spectacular. I have some photos posted of the lower and upper ruins on www.flickr.com/photos/basingstoke2/collections. Look at the Germany with Seth collection.

BTW, the last picture in the set is the lower ruins seen from the upper ruins.

Neuschwanstein is interesting. On most "bucket lists" (before one kicks the bucket, one has to see .....)". But it is so ONLY because it is famous. That said, there are numerous castles and palaces in Germany far more worth seeing, and that have far better furnishings, decor, etc. So never let it be said that Neuschwanstein is the best castle in Germany, if for no other reason than that knowledgeable travelers will know how little travel knowledge you have.

The sommerodelbahn (or however you spell it - LOL) is for kids and adults although more kids than adults ride it.

Ohhhhhh--castle snobbery rearing its ugly head! "My castle is better than your castle--nah, nah, nah." lol

The history surrounding Neuschwanstein also makes it a place worth visiting--the second half of the 19th Century was a time of massive cultural, social, and political change in Europe. Ludwig's Bavaria was in the middle of it all, and Neuschwanstein can be viewed as a "poster child" of the old Europe and the declining aristocracy with all of its excesses--the castle is unique, and a nice change of pace from the typical older castles.

Hi,
Tegelberg is not just for adults at all. Depending on the age of the child, an adult and child can go down on the same sled.

Paul

Neuschwanstein is only interesting because it is famous??

Don't tell me you have Castle Envy?

Last June, we stayed in Munich and went by big bus on the Mad Ludwigs tour. We enjoyed the tour, bus was easy. Stopped in a small lovely town. The line for the carriage was really long so factor that in to your time as well. When you get dropped off, the climb is steep and still long. You aren't sure how far it is and if you are going to make your appointed time. We were out of breath but made our time and then, although we enjoyed the interior as well, you have to stay in a group and climb many more steps. Too quick inside for the trouble but glad we did it. Then you have to climb all the way down a slippery (rained when we were there) slope and rush to get back to the bus. We're glad we went but I think it is worth knowing that it wasn't easy.

Easy way to see Neuschwanstein:

Take the bus up to Marienbrucke, walk down to Neuschwanstein, take the tour, walk down just a little bit and take the carriage back to the bottom. Much quicker (and less stressful) than walking.

Paul

We bought the tickets in advance. If you are going in the summer it's better to buy ahead of time, unless you will be there in the morning.

Take the horse carriage up to the castle. Don't try to walk. There may be a line to take the carriage. Don't leave it until the last moment. If you get there early, you can go to Mary's bridge first and take some nice photos. It's very beautiful outside, as well as inside.