Fussen Things to Do

The bridge behind Neuschwanstein offers a fantastic view of the castle. If you are at the castle, it is about a 15 minute hike up a path. It is also seemed some of the tour buses dropped off above the bridge and then people walked down. If heights make you nervous, this is not the bridge for you.

This castle was much more impressive on the inside then Neuschwanstein. Walking around the castle, you really get a sense of the Wittelsbach dynasties history. The views from some terraces are beautiful. It's also possible to get a great picture of this castle from the one above.

This castle is worth the visit, just to see in person, what everyone sees on the cover of every book about castles. It's impossible to get the angle of the pictures most people see (it must be from the mountain across the river), but there are great views from the bridge behind the castle. The tour was ok, although I'm not sure I would have been happy had we needed to wait in a significant line. Take a horse carriage from the town up to the castle and walk down, it will be much more enjoyable then hiking both ways.

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This palace is one of the highlights of the Romantic road journey, and is the most well known aspect of Fussen. Built for King Ludwig the palace was never lived in as it did not meet his standards, suprisingly! Well worth a visit. But make sure you arrive early as you can only visit the palace with a guide and they run guides in three or 4 different languages every 1/2 hour. We arrived at about 10:30 and were able to book in for the 4:30 english tour. I am sure many people missed out on the day as the lines were huge when we left.

There is much climbing to the upper floors where the rooms are finished in exquisite materials and woods. Very definitely master craftsmen were emloyed on the construction and finishing of the rooms.

If I recall no photos are allowed inside, but one can take vies from the windows.

if the opportunity arises take the view to the south, to the mountains a nd a ravine crossed by a slender bridge. later visit that bridge and cross it and climb the hill to the east.

Do not be surprised to see a sign telling of an ardent Photographer who wanted the ultimate photo, who suddenly slipped to his death down the cliff side.

Though less famous than its sister castle, Hohenschwangau stands tall and proud across from Neuschwanstein. It is the seocnd of Mad Kind Ludwig's castle and his more lived in one. Like Neuschwanstein, tours are mandatory (under an hour) and reservations are required. This castle is much smaller, and the rooms themselves are tiny for a castle, therefore, it's more intimate. The walls are brightly colored with murals while trinkets from the old days adorn the rooms. You will have to walk up some stairs to get to the castle, so plan accordingly.

As I said earlier, this is the most photographed landmark in Germany, and probably, the most famous castle in the world. This is the 3rd of Mad Ludwigs great castles, and remarkably, he never even finished it. What you will see on your tour (you must go escorted), is only a small fraction of the finished areas. Make sure you book tickets for Neuschwanstein as it books up quickly. Buses leave from the bottom of the town Schwangau every 30 minutes-ish, with the last one at 5:30 (technically Neuschwanstein Castle is in Schwangau, not Fussen, but because Schwangau is nothing more than two castles and two hotels, I put this with Fussen). The tour itself is under an hour and points out some interesting information. A 6 minute walk from the castle is bridge overlooking it. This is the best spot to get a picture of the entire thing, along with environs below. If you have time there is a walking trail down the hill back to town. It should take you up to 40 minutes.

I heard from someone that Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland was patterned after Schloss Neuschwanstein. So, instead of heading to the replica, better go and see the original.

Locally known as "mad" King Ludwig II's castle, Neuschwanstein is nestled in the mountain. Whew! I could just imagine Ludwig surveying his surroundings and his constituents.

My favorite room in the castle is Ludwig's own bathroom. The guide told us that, while soaking in the tub, Ludwig likes to gaze at the stars. But, glass roof is yet to be invented then, so he simulated the black sky and the bright stars through lighted candles enveloped in black curtains.

Well, maybe, Ludwig is not a "mad" King, but a King with a vision, a man ahead of his time.