München (Munich) Outside Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle, Neuschwansteinstr. 20, Schwangau (www.neuschwanstein.de), No visit to this castle is complete without a walk across Marienbrücke, a slightly rickety wooden-bottomed bridge built by Maximillian, Ludwig's father, for his wife Mary. The bridge sits over a slim and elegant waterfall and gives a stunning side view of Neuschwanstein. Also on-site at Neuschwanstein is the yellow Hohenschwangau, King Ludwig II's favorite summer retreat in his youth. Here you can see Ludwig's bedroom, with inlaid crystals on the ceiling to represent stars in the night sky, and the piano and bed that Richard Wagner used during his visits. DB: Füssen (about 2 hrs.); once there, walk right across the street to take either the 73 or 78 bus (10 min., 2 per hr., €1.90 per way or free with the Bayern ticket): Königsschlöβer (Royal Castles). To get to the castle, you can either walk up the hill (many routes available; 20-50min.), take a bus (up €1.80, down €1, and round-trip €2.60; 10 min.; drop-off behind Neuschwanstein between the castle and Marienbrücke), or take a horse-drawn carriage (up €6, down €3; 15min.). Purchase tickets for tours at the main ticket office located a 3-minute walk uphill. Tours available in 14 different languages, last 35min., and are required for entry into the castle. The summer months bring loads of fairy-tale-seeking tourists, so get there early to reserve your spot. Make sure to save time for some hiking to the Marienbrücke (15min. from Neuschwanstein) and other mountaintop-top destinations. Special wheelchair-accessible tours available with advance registration on Wednesdays. Guided tours of castle €9, students €8, under 18 free with an adult. Tickets can also be reserved in advance via phone for an extra €1.80 per ticket. The two castles share a ticket office, though the Hohenschwangau office is open 30min. after Neuschwanste Castle open Apr-Sept 9am-4pm, Oct-Mar 10am-4pm; ticket office open an hour before opening and closing. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

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