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Neuschwanstein Castle
Bavarian Alps
Germany's most picturesque corner lies two hours south of Munich, a timeless land of fairy-tale castles, painted buildings shared by cows and farmers, and locals who still yodel when they're happy. Life moves more slowly here in Germany's Catholic, largely rural far south. The otherworldly "King's Castles" of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau capture romantics' imaginations, the lavishly decorated Wieskirche puts the faithful in a heavenly mood, and the little town of Oberammergau overwhelms visitors with cuteness. Yet another impressive castle (Linderhof), another fancy church (Ettal), and a sky-high viewpoint (the Zugspitze) round out this region's top attractions. Farther east, right on the Austrian border, lies beautiful Berchtesgaden, with its fjord-like lake and Hitler's famous "Eagle's Nest" mountaintop retreat.
At a Glance
Near Füssen
▲▲▲ Neuschwanstein Castle The ultimate fairy-tale castle, dreamed up by "Mad" King Ludwig.
▲▲▲ Hohenschwangau Castle King Ludwig's boyhood home, a less famous but more historic castle than nearby Neuschwanstein.
▲▲ Mary's Bridge Pedestrian bridge overlooking Neuschwanstein, offering the best view of the castle.
▲ Royal Crystal Baths Pool/sauna complex in nearby Schwangau, made for relaxing.
▲ Pöllat Gorge Uncrowded hiking trail down from Neuschwanstein, a pleasant alternative to the road.
▲ Tegelberg Cable Car Scenic ride to the mountain's 5,500-foot summit, popular with view seekers and paragliders.
▲ Tegelberg Luge Fun summer luge course, next to the valley station of the Tegelberg cable car.
Beyond Füssen
▲▲ Wieskirche Germany's greatest Rococo-style church with a divinely decorated interior.
▲▲ Linderhof Castle Exquisite, likeable mini Versailles, another creation of "Mad" King Ludwig.
▲▲ Zugspitze Germany's tallest mountain at 9,700 feet, accessible by lifts or cogwheel train, with summit restaurants, shops, telescopes, and on a clear day, far-reaching views.
▲ Oberammergau Adorable town well-known for woodcarving, frescoed buildings, and the Passion Play that it puts once a decade.
Plan
Photos
Watch
Read
- Cobbles and Castles in the Bavarian Alps
- Neuschwanstein and Ehrenberg: A Tale of Two Castles
- Pomp and Consequence: Visiting Europe’s 20th-Century Fascist Sites
- Rising to the Top of Germany at the Zugspitze
- Soaking It Up in Europe’s Best Spas
- The Bavarian Background of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest
- The Castles of Mad King Ludwig II