The gorgeous Alpine borderlands of southern Bavaria is dwelling to some of Germany’s most beloved historic sights. The forested mountains, with their craggy ridges resembling the backs of dragons, lush valleys and glistening lakes, make for image perfect scenery. Established in opposition to this lovely backdrop are the castles of King Ludwig II. ‘Mad’ King Ludwig lived in the 19th century but his legacy of fairy-tale monuments proceeds to delight people until this working day. The King Ludwig II castles I’ve visited are Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof, which are in the vicinity of a single a further about a two-hour drive south of Munich. His final masterpiece, Herrenchiemsee Palace, which I’ve but to go to, is located southeast of Munich.
Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof can pretty simply be visited in a day but I recommend taking extra time to examine the bordering place. Moreover the wonderful Alpine surroundings, there are other little cities and historic points of interest which are a lot more than value a go to. I suggest using the services of a car or truck to go to the castles and uncover other locations of desire on a 2-3 working day street excursion. Here’s what you can see on a self-drive tour of King Ludwig II’s castles south of Munich:
Neuschwanstein
The epitome of around-the-leading 19th century Romanticism, it’s simple to see why Neuschwanstein is the most well known of King Kudwig II’s castles. The design of Neuschwanstein, with its quite a few turrets and lavish interior, was inspired by medieval castles and Wagner’s operas – a combination that romanticises the Middle Ages. Built on the basis of twin medieval castles, Neuschwanstein took 17 yrs to create and was concluded in 1886.
The best viewpoints of Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is most effective identified for its iconic sights from several places larger in the encompassing mountains. Finding to these viewpoints needs a hike, which can be very steep in spots. Arguably the most effective watch is from the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge). It is a very narrow bridge and it is extremely popular so I advise acquiring there early. Follow the purple-marked path from the castle. If you’re up for a for a longer time hike, go on earlier the Marienbrücke – the street turns into a filth trail – and you’ll before long come across several viewpoints which are a ton quieter but which provide remarkable sights.
In the valley, there are also different spots wherever you can enjoy a attractive look at of the castle. Adhere to the Schlossstrasse to find these places.
Useful details
Neuschwanstein is found about a two-hour generate from Munich, building a day trip attainable. If you really do not have a car or truck, I advocate becoming a member of a full-day tour that incorporates transportation and a guided tour of the castle. Observe that it is only attainable to tour the castle as element of a guided (group) tour. You can also mix Neuschwanstein with Linderhof in a person tour. Both way, I suggest reserving your place on a guided tour way in advance to avoid disappointment. There’s only a constrained quantity of tickets offered at the ticket business each day and these tend to provide out really quickly.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Situated atop a minimal hill not considerably from Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau was developed by King Maximilian II, Ludwig’s father, in neo-Gothic type and was finished in 1836. The young Ludwig put in much of his childhood in this article. From his bed room window, he could see the ruins of the twin medieval castles, and some time later on, the development of Neuschwanstein on the very same place.
Upon its completion, Hohenschwangau Castle grew to become the summertime residence of the Bavarian royal spouse and children, who also expended time below when they went on their hunting excursions. The interior of the castle is lavish, with painted walls, elaborate attractive ceilings and exotic furnishings.
Schloss Linderhof
Linderhof Palace may be the smallest of King Ludwig II’s palaces but its breathtaking location, surrounded by mountains, beautiful gardens and lush forests, tends to make it my favorite! Additionally, in addition to the palace itself, there are a variety of smaller sized structures on the palace grounds that are simply just awe-inspiring. King Ludwig II lived a lot of his final many years in Linderhof, surrounded by fantastical, exotic interiors.
Designed among 1863 and 1886, Linderhof was made in rococo design and style and heavily affected by Versailles in France. It even has a smaller sized edition of Versailles’ well-known Hall of Mirrors. Some of the highlights of Linderhof contain the palace (Schloss) alone, the wonderful gardens, terraces and fountains, the Venus Grotto, the Moorish Kiosk and the Moroccan Residence.
Involving Neuschwanstein and Linderhof
Linderhof is close to an hour’s generate from Neuschwanstein. There are two routes you can comply with: a a little shorter route by means of Austria, or the northern route that stays inside of Germany. If you opt for the northern route, there are quite a few areas to check out along the way:
Wieskirche or Church of Wies
Wieskirche is an crucial pilgrimage church developed in the 18th century. A UNESCO Entire world Heritage, Wieskirche is an oval-formed church in rococo fashion. Set in a beautiful Alpine valley, the church offers an exuberant interior with elaborate frescoes and elaborations.
Oberammergau
Oberammergau is a historic town that is famous for two matters: woodcarvings and its The Passion plays (that have been executed due to the fact 1634). It is a wonderful area for a stroll and a food. There are also quite a few stores and woodcarving workshops to stop by.
For a thing a little bit extra exciting, check out the Alpine Coaster, located just exterior Oberammergau. This is the longest all-weather toboggan run in the globe. The 2.6km monitor begins at 1,258m high and snakes its way down the mountain. Additional info here.
Ettal Abbey
Not also considerably from Oberammergau lies the Ettal Abbey, an spectacular framework and one particular of the major Benedictine monasteries in Europe. Ettal Abbey was established in the 14th century. A fire wrecked much of the abbey and church in 1744, but it was rebuilt in a lavish Baroque design. The church, with its magnificent dome, is a must-check out!
STOA 169
If you are driving from Munich to Neuschwanstein/Linderhof, consider a cease in the village of Polling to pay a visit to the wondrous columns of STOA 169, a cool art task. Read much more about STOA 169.
Examine about a highway trip together the Primary River in northern Bavaria.
