Has anyone ever been to the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany?

Question

If so, can you tell me about it?

Answer 1

I have been once, many years ago. Lots to see and do in that region of Germany. Be ready to spend several days there if you want to see everything.  Visit Garmisch and the Black Forrest.

Answer 2

Yes, 25 times. I have lived in Germany for 20 years, and of course when a visitor comes over they wanna see 'The Walt Disney Castle'. A few of the times were with German friends and it was fun to be their Tour Guide. All that aside, it is really something to see. Not only the castle, but the surrounding park and nearby lake. I like to walk and I spend hours hiking around there - incrediable scenery!

The castle is loacted near the town of Füssen(Feet, as in foot of the Alps) which is one of those storybook looking towns you see all over Germany. In Bavaria many buildings are painted with pictures(religious, farming, local history) and you see many examples of that as travel around the castle.

To go on a tour of the castle you need to buy your tickets at the ticket center at the bottom of the hill. You can hike up, or take the horse drawn wagon up.  Tours are offered in many langauges - check at the ticket office. Plan 3 to 5 hours to do the tour - depending on when you visit. July and August being prime time for tourists, along with Oktober Fest time - Sept 15th thru Oct 1st.  

At the bottom of the hill are several restaurants and numerous 'gift' stands. I would suggest to avoid the Tour Bus crowds head over to Füssen to shop and eat.

For the 'Classic' castle picture with the Alps and the lake in the background you need to hike over to the foot bridge on the side of the hill/mountain. You can see the bridge when you are in the courtyard of the castle. It is a good stretch of the legs to get over there so wear good walking shoes! Be prepared to wait to get that 'special' spot(it is well worn) and do not get angry when someone walks between you and the camera. NOTE: I have heard that in Füssen there is a Restaurant(or the theatre?) with a painting or photo of the castle that you can also 'Do the Photo Thing' and it looks the same as the bridge??? I have not found it, maybe somebody else knows about that?

Since Ludwig was murdered or died while swimming with his clothes on(one of the unsolved mysteries you know) the inside of the castle does not have many rooms finished. But, the ones that are finished are interesting to see. From an enigeering aspect his castles were state of the art at the time they were built.

Prince Ludwig built 2 other castles which are also worth seeing. They are 1-2 hours away by car depending on traffic.

Ludwig himself was an interesting charactor and the castles reflect that.

Answer 3

It's often called the fairy tale castle, and it's said that Disney's castle at Disnleyland was based on it.  It was built by a King Ludwig, who was mad a bout building castles and built some other interesting ones.

I once had a friend, Prince Paul Von Lobkowitz who used to play there as a child, when his aunt lived there.  He said they picnicked on china plates, gold cutlery, and real white linen.

But WWII ended all that.  Now it's a tourist attraction.