I'm planning a trip to Germany and naturally assumed a visit to Neuschwanstein. Now I'm beginning to wonder. It sure looks like a lot of trouble. First you have to travel there. OK. But then you have to pick up your tickets an hour ahead, which really means 1.5-2 hours ahead to leave a safety margin. Then you have a long uphill climb.

All of the this for 30 minute tour?

This hardly looks like a worthwhile time investment. Is the place really that great?

IMO it is the outside which is iconic (obviously) but the inside decoration is somewhat dull. You do not HAVE to walk up that hill; you can catch one of the wagons up (for a fee, of course).

Frankly, I would spend my time at Linderhof or if you want a real "palace" go to the largest Ludwig build of all: Herrenchiemsee.

If you are in Munich, take the tour of the Residense and be ready for REAL decoration.

Agree that we preferred Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee. Neuschwanstein is famous largely because Disney modeled his castle on it.

All of them are modern (1860s) and IMHO there are many more interesting castles with a substantial history if that what interests you. I would do N only if staying in the area to see and do many of the other sights and activities.

I wouldn't bother with N'stein. Been twice: underwhelming interior, overcrowded tour groups, brusque guide with thick accent made her English text unintelligible. But there are Disney-lovers around the planet who won't leave Germany without seeing it. Maybe plan some other activities in the area and just view the stunning exterior. There is some good hiking nearby. The Middle Rhine and Mosel Valleys, northwest of Frankfurt, are both good for (real) castle tours, if you'll be in that area.

I completely agree that the interior of Neuschwanstein is underwhelming, we preferred Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig's childhood home across the valley - much more interesting rooms and better tour. Seeing both of them took the better part of a day, and we were starting from Garmisch, only about 30 minutes away.

Linderhof was great. It is smaller, more manageable, very interesting, with lots of other worthwhile things to see in the surrounding estate.

I don't get all the love for this place. I didn't do the hike. Snowy and cold. I just looked from the road. Linderhof gardens are nice but inside was a quick tour. Wagner's piano was interesting. It was early fall and nice seeing the fountain's and gardens. Many nicer things to see.

I must be insane--and no, not a Disney fan at all-but I thought Neuschwanstein was gorgeous from the outside, I enjoyed the climb, and enjoyed the interior as well. (If you make the trek, do see Hohenschwangau, too.)

That said, I agree that Linderhof is more beautiful inside. If the trip to Neuschwanstein doesn't fit with your other plans, skip it.

I was there years ago with my mother.

She was a smoker and had a hard time of it walking up that hill.

Lots of American GI's and their families waiting to get in. I think there is a US military base near Garmisch.

I hated the place. I thought it was fake and kitschy-like a pink poodle sporting a big red bow and sitting on a frosted sugar pillow.

When I first laid eyes on Jeff Koons' sculpture of Michael Jackson and Bubbles, I thought it would be perfect for the main hall in Neuschwanstein.

Thin

<Lots of American GI's and their families waiting to get in. I think there is a US military base near Garmisch.>

I think this accounts for the name recognition Neuschwanstein enjoys among Americans, perhaps as much as the Disney connection.

GI's?

The ascent is not a big problem, just in case there are horse carts to bring you there. Queues and short visit times are problems, and you have to live with them. The castle is not an architecture masterpiece, but it is so bizarre that it may be worth to see it once in your life.

Herrenchiemsee is a nice experience. The steam train, the ferry, the lake, the park make you forget the queues and the short visit. (I advice arriving very early). Linderhof is more on the normal side.

Not one of the three Ludwig castles is a masterpiece. The fellow was living in his own world and had been told too many stories, so he was out of touch with reality. The real masterpieces of the Ludwig era are Wagner operas (and Wagner exploited his friendship mercilessly). Still, the whole story is so singular that also the castles deserve a visit.

I don;t think the cimb up to the castle is a real impediment unless brathing is fairly seriously compromised - and there are horse carts. It's just, IMHO, that there are a lot of better choices.

Linderhof is especially pretty when flowers are blooming - grounds are lovely.

GI=General Issue.

It is a term used for an American soldier.

You must be Canadian.


Thin

GI = Government Issue, not general issue.

(from a retired soldier)

s

Neuschwanstein is so crowded that no one goes there anymore.

I am American, actually, living in 2014.

There are so many tours that go there. My husband did one with the NATO base one time and he was not that impressed but did take me to see it since we had a rental that day. I know the Edelweiss Military resort does tours but when I was there it was all Asian tourist. I had a broken foot last trip so wasn't up for the hike or cold. We did Linderhof on our own and it was much warmer, late summer and the gardens make it worth the trip.

I know N-stein is not medieval. But from pix I've seen, never been there, it has bizarre room decor and that, I think, could be something worthwhile to see.