Embarking on our Viking River Cruise through Germany’s enchanting landscapes promised an unforgettable adventure. Our “Castles and Legends” itinerary truly delivered, with the very first day dedicated to exploring two of Bavaria’s most iconic and magnificent structures: Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace. This grand introduction to Germany’s royal heritage began bright and early as we boarded our comfortable Viking River Cruise buses, anticipation building with every mile as we journeyed towards the renowned fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein.
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Journey to the Fairy-Tale Castles of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof
Our nearly 90-minute drive from Munich to the Bavarian Alps region was anything but mundane, thanks to our exceptional guide, Michael. His captivating storytelling and profound knowledge of German history transformed what could have been a simple commute into an immersive educational experience. Michael was, without exaggeration, the most engaging tour guide we have ever encountered. He possessed a rare ability to weave historical facts into compelling narratives, making the intricate past of Germany, and particularly the enigmatic King Ludwig II, come alive.
As we traversed the scenic countryside, dotted with charming villages and rolling hills, Michael painted vivid pictures of the era that shaped these magnificent structures. His passion was infectious, and I found myself completely engrossed, absorbing a deeper understanding of Germany’s cultural tapestry and the unique vision behind the castles we were about to witness. It felt less like a lecture and more like a journey through time, a testament to his incredible teaching style. If only all history lessons in school had been delivered with such captivating enthusiasm, I’m certain many more of us would have become history buffs!
Neuschwanstein Castle: A Dream Realized
Upon our arrival near Neuschwanstein, one of our helpful guides efficiently retrieved our tickets, ensuring we had everything ready for our tour. The castle itself sits majestically atop a hill, requiring approximately a mile’s walk uphill to reach its entrance. Recalling a visit over two decades ago with my parents, I vividly remembered my ardent desire for a horse-drawn carriage ride. The thought of arriving at a German castle in such a fairy-tale manner seemed utterly magical.
However, my father, keen on us experiencing the “true” climb and appreciating the castle from every angle, insisted we hike. I still recall the pang of sadness and a touch of envy each time a carriage clip-clopped past us, especially as my lungs burned and my legs protested the strenuous ascent. It was a character-building experience, to say the least, but the allure of that carriage ride lingered in my memory for years.
Fast forward two decades, and I was on a mission: that horse and carriage ride was happening! I had mentally braced myself for it to be exorbitantly priced, but I was determined to fulfill this long-held dream, ready to pay whatever was necessary. Imagine my delightful surprise when I discovered the ride up the hill cost only 6 euros! Without hesitation, we climbed aboard a carriage, embarking on what felt like a truly enchanting ascent up the mountainside, a dream finally realized.
In the spirit of complete transparency, there was one minor, albeit memorable, moment that slightly detracted from the absolute fairy-tale ideal. Our horse, being a creature of nature, needed to attend to certain “bodily functions,” which necessitated a brief halt in the middle of the road. I’ll leave the auditory and olfactory details to your imagination, but suffice it to say, it was a rather earthy interlude! Despite this humorous interruption, the experience was unequivocally worth it. It not only saved us three-quarters of the arduous walk but also added a unique and memorable chapter to our visit.
Once we disembarked the carriage, only a short walk remained to the castle courtyard. It’s crucial to remember that your Neuschwanstein castle tickets are timed for specific tours. We highly recommend allocating ample time to reach the summit, catch your breath, and absorb the breathtaking views before your assigned tour begins. Trust us; you’ll want to be well-rested and prepared for what awaits inside.
A digital screen near the entrance displays the tour numbers currently being admitted. When your number appears, you simply scan your ticket and join your group. This is precisely when you’ll be grateful for that moment of rest, as the interior tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is a substantial workout – get ready for the stairs!
The guided tour involves ascending well over 120 stairs to navigate through the castle’s various levels, and naturally, what goes up must come down. If you have any mobility concerns, it’s vital to inform your Viking guide or the castle’s ticket office if you’re visiting independently, as accommodations might be available. While photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle, preventing me from showing you the opulent interiors, I can assure you the decorations are beyond lavish. From my previous visit decades ago, I distinctly remembered the exquisite swan faucet in one of the royal bedrooms – a detail that still impressed me upon seeing it again.
I also learned on this trip about a painting within the castle that reportedly inspired Walt Disney. As you gaze upon it, it’s impossible not to envision characters from beloved Disney classics like Bambi or Snow White. Indeed, Neuschwanstein Castle itself served as the primary inspiration for Disney’s iconic castles, a testament to its enduring fairy-tale allure.
The tour culminates with a descent of approximately 120 stairs, leading us to the castle’s surprisingly modern kitchen area. I must confess to feeling a serious pang of envy and awe at the array of gleaming copper pots and pans. The kitchen facilities were far more advanced than I had imagined for a 19th-century castle.
After our inspiring tour, we had about an hour to grab lunch and take some final photographs of the exterior. We opted for Hotel Müller, conveniently located near the bus parking lot. The fact that our guides were also dining there was a reassuring sign of good food and efficient service. Our meals arrived incredibly quickly, perfect for our tight schedule. The cheese spaetzle, while perhaps pre-cooked and a tad chewy, was undeniably delicious and satisfying. For a quick and tasty lunch option, I highly recommend it. We resisted the tempting black forest cake, reasoning that we’d already burned off plenty of calories with all those stairs!
Linderhof Castle: King Ludwig II’s Private Retreat
Re-boarding our supremely comfortable Viking River Cruise bus, we embarked on a scenic drive through the picturesque village of Oberammergau before heading to Linderhof Palace. I was genuinely impressed by our driver’s skill in navigating the narrow streets of Oberammergau with such a large vehicle, especially having experienced driving through it myself in a small car. It truly highlighted the expertise of the Viking team.
During our journey to Linderhof, Michael, our phenomenal guide, continued to captivate us. He even enhanced his narratives with a curated selection of music, from historical operas that set the mood to lively Oom-Pah tunes that brought Bavarian culture to life. His ability to weave historical facts, personal anecdotes, and perfectly chosen music into a seamless and engaging experience was truly unparalleled. Seriously, if every day of touring could feature a guide like Michael, every journey would be extraordinary.
Upon reaching Linderhof Palace, our guides once again efficiently managed our tickets, and we were off to explore. While there is some walking involved to reach Linderhof, it thankfully includes fewer strenuous ups and downs compared to Neuschwanstein. Nevertheless, comfortable shoes are an absolute must for this part of the tour!
We enjoyed a brief wait before commencing our interior tour of Linderhof Palace. During this time, Michael further enriched our understanding of the castle and its unique decorative style. Linderhof stands in stark contrast to the grandiosity of Neuschwanstein; it was King Ludwig II’s most intimate and cherished personal retreat, inspired by the Palace of Versailles but scaled down to a more private dwelling. Unfortunately, photography is also forbidden inside Linderhof, so I can only share glimpses of its beautiful exterior.
However, I can tell you that the interior is remarkably brighter and far more vibrant than its rather understated exterior suggests. Walking through Linderhof feels akin to stepping into an opulent, unapologetically colorful art museum, bursting with diverse textures, intricate details, and a daring use of color. The sheer craftsmanship and artistic flair of the decorations are mesmerizing, and it’s truly remarkable to consider that these elaborate designs, dating back over a century, remain in such pristine condition. It’s a vivid testament to King Ludwig’s unique taste and personal vision.
With our fascinating tour of Linderhof Castle complete, we boarded the bus for our journey back to Munich. Michael, true to form, kept us thoroughly entertained throughout the return trip. His engaging stories and well-timed musical selections were so absorbing that many passengers didn’t even realize we were skillfully navigating a winding mountain road, a true mark of his exceptional talent. The drive back to town from the castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof took approximately an hour, concluding an absolutely spectacular day of Bavarian exploration with Viking River Cruises.
Essential Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Tips
- Comfortable Footwear is Key: Be prepared for significant walking, including uphill climbs and numerous stairs both inside and outside the castle. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
- Embrace the Stairs: The castle tour involves a considerable amount of stair climbing. You’ll encounter over 70 stairs at the start, followed by another 60+ to the next floor, and 34 more to the subsequent level. The tour concludes with a descent of all these stairs via a separate back stairwell. Be ready for a good workout!
- Public Restrooms: Utilize the free restrooms located near the castle kitchens or the main entrance. While facilities in town often charge around €0.70, we found their machines to be jammed during our visit.
- Dress for the Climate: The mountainous region where Neuschwanstein is located can be significantly colder than Munich. If visiting in winter, expect snow and ice, and dress in warm layers.
- Photography Restrictions: No photos are allowed inside Neuschwanstein Castle. Guards actively monitor visitors to ensure compliance. Respecting this rule helps preserve the castle’s pristine condition.
- Bag Policy: Backpacks and larger bags may need to be checked or worn on your front. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s best to minimize the size of your bag.
- Snack & Refreshment Stops: There is a small cafe and store partway up the hill, offering water, snacks, and a place to rest if needed.
- Horse and Carriage Ride: Consider taking the horse-drawn carriage for an authentic and less strenuous ascent. Be prepared for a potential line to board. The cost is typically 6 euros for the ride up and 3 euros for the ride down. Exact change is appreciated.
Essential Linderhof Castle Travel Tips
- Proximity to Oberammergau: Linderhof Castle is very close to the famous village of Oberammergau. If you’re visiting Oberammergau, a trip to Linderhof is highly recommended and easily accessible.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: While the walk to Linderhof is less strenuous than Neuschwanstein, there is still some hiking involved. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- Tour Language: Tours run frequently, typically every few minutes. Always inquire if the next available tour is conducted in English or German to ensure you get the full experience.
- Winter Visits: During winter months, the outdoor statues and intricate decorations around the various pools and fountains may be covered for protection against the elements, so you might not see them in their full glory.
- On-Site Amenities: Linderhof offers a gift store and a snack area on site, along with a hotel nearby for those wishing to extend their stay.
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