Fodorites,

I'll be spending two weeks in Germany and Switzerland, and want to base part of my trip out of Munich. Has anyone had an experience with tours to Ludwig's castles around Fussen? I'm trying to decide whether to take a one day tour, go down and back on my own, or try to spend a night or two in the Fussen area. I could rent a car if that would help. Thanks for your help.

Sorry about including Dachau in the title of my request for help. I was wondering if you would recommend a tour of Dachau, or go on your own? I know it's close to Munich, and am wondering if guided tours are more informative and interesting?

I've been to dachau twice; once as part of an organized tour and once on my own.

Getting there on your own is fairly easy; you can go by rail and then transfer to the local public bus.

Unless you have a guide who has extensive knowledge of the place and the particulars about it (it differs somewhat from some of the other camps) I don't think you would need a guide.

As to the castles around Fuessen...you can do the "usuals" by taking a train to Fuessen and then local transportation, either bus or taxi. I honestly think if you want to do several of the castles (other than the palace at Herrenchiemsee which is south of Munich near Prien and not really near Fuessen) a car would give you more flexibility.

I'd take a car to the castles and overnight in Hohenschwanagau, Schwangau, or Fuessen.

It's an easy, pleasant drive with lots to see along the way; e.g., Linderhof, the Wieskirche, Ettal, the Plansee, Oberammergau and other interesting towns.

What time of the year will you be there?

Hi G,

This link to the Romantic Road might be useful: http://www.romanticroad.com/default.htm#index

You can plot your route at www.viamichelin.com