If you come to see an authentic medieval castle, you'll be sorely disappointed, but if you come for knowing the true story and meaning behind Neuschwanstein Castle, you'll be amazed. This castle and its surroundings are basically the predecessor and inspiration of Disneyland. It's the fantasy kingdom of a shy, melancholic and extremely reclusive king. He, with the help of his favorite artists and architects (mostly opera set designers and builders), built himself a dreamworld up in the mountains and clouds. And today, over a hundred years later, we are still able to step into his immortalized dreamworld. No doubt, when I mentioned Disneyland earlier a lot of noses wrinkled and sniffed. That's kitsch, not art, because of how commercialized it is. And Neuschwanstein Castle is today indeed just as commercialized as Disneyland, but it didn't start this way, not like Disneyland did. As described above, this is someone's genuine fantasy and dreams materialized, never meant to be sold and experienced by anybody else. Can there be more genuine art? :)

I am glad I took the tour. We loved it!

Definitely agree that the inside is boring. However, the outside in my opinion is the romantic image of all our inner child's medieval fantasies. Walking the path to the castle and staring up at the massive walls and towers is unlike anything you can experience, even modern day skyscrapers don't have such an impact. I would say everyone should visit it at least once, preferably during the week in the off-season due to the flood of tourists.

Thanks for tips! I found this very helpful!

I was SO curious about this video (and yes, we're doing some New Years Day binging 😂). I agree on most parts, but I do find it quite beautiful on the outside but no substance compared to the others you listed (which we were taking notes on!) Personally, I'm not a big castle person anyway, so it has to have more to it like the others you mentioned. Also, I remember having a hard time breathing up there. So it wasn't a pleasant memory 😏

New subscriber here! I loved seeing you go to all of the Christmas markets and telling us what’s good and how to best enjoy them! I went to Munich in November 2017 and had one day where we could have either went to this castle, or Dachau. I chose the later. It was so sad, but I don’t regret it at all, especially hearing what you said about the castle here. I know it wouldn’t be fun, but maybe you can make a tasteful video about Dachau. I think it’s very important for people to know more about it. I just wish I was a proper vlogger back then. I have no idea when I’ll be able to come back. Keep up the great work, guys! I’ll be watching!

I agree I love ruins and part of the joy is the historical story, but as an architect I could enjoy it just for it's beauty and structure.

You have once again sent me down the rabbit hole of more videos to watch and finding ways to add more day trips to my one week stay in Munich. Neuschwanstein is not on my list but I may need to make a stop at Ehrenberg.

You cannot understand This castle, whitout the other legacy of HM King Ludwig II. You need to see this as a Pilgrimage in the Alps, in memory for this King, there never will be another King like him. Besides, it has never been misused in the Nazi Ideology, however, the Nazis even they, understood, the King was a menace to Hitler. So This building is the symbol of a pure Bavaria. Besides, the Bavarian people know that this castle makes money, many more then the original cost, so they admire the spirit and geneous of the King, who used the most modern techniques to create a fake image, of high quality.

If you‘re into castles with a long history, or castles that are beautiful on the outside or opulent on the inside, you can also visit some castles outside of the alps region. Especially in the middle of Germany in many river valleys there are a lots of castles. Especially the Middle Rhine region is full of castles. Also Mosel and Lahn are offering castles to the left and to the right. My recommendations are the obvious beautiful Burg Eltz and the Wartburg, which is not only the name of a car built in the former GDR, but also a castle which is very important for german history and reformation of the church.

I know it's a bit far from Munich, but have you been to Burg Eltz and/or Cochem Castle? I've been to Burg Eltz and definitely reccomend it. The medieval arms collection was spot on, and the hike to the castle from the Mosel River was nice and easy. Thanks for the nice content guys!

Greetings to you both and adorable pets very enjoyable awesome video

I recommend hiking around the castle to get some impressive views of the castle, the valley and the alps without the long lines and crowds.

We are spending five days in Munich this coming May and I have a list of side trips planned. I was "meh" on Neuschwanstein and now I'm convinced. It reminds me of Heart Castle in Central California built by William Randolph Hearst. A giant castle constructed in the early 20th century with lots of European art he bought on the cheap. It's on the famous Big Sur highway, which is absolutely worth the effort, but one visit to the castle was plenty. Over priced, over touristy and a big bother to see. Instead we'll do a day trip to Salzburg and probably Zugspitz which does sound pretty amazing.

What are your thoughts on Linderhof Palace? Do you recommend it or is it a pass?

I appreciate this perspective. I agree. Really helps as I am planning my trip to that part of Europe.

Near Neuschwanstein Castle is castle Hohenschwangau. This is nice to visit. It has history and people actually lived in it.

I grew up in Germany/Netherlands and Neushwanstein is my favorite memory! The tulip gardens of Holland are 2nd!

I absolutely loved Neuschwanstein! I've wanted to visit since I was little (before instagram made it famous) I think it's beautiful inside and out. Ive gotten lots of compliments on the photos I've taken of it. It met my expectations as my fantasy castle. Being from the UK, how many "castles" were built or rebuilt in the romantic midieval style in the Victorian era? If you know what you are getting into and try to work around the crowds it's great. It's all about managing expectations.

We absolutely loved this and totally agree with everything you say, but wait for it …… we love it!!!! And here’s why Hold my beer, stretches arms, laces fingers…. Crack… and here we go!! 1. He was a spoilt brat who didn’t really contribute too much to history - true!!! But…. We find his story fascinating. We’ve done the tours of both palaces and although it’s never said on the tours, the poor guy was obviously gay. He hated reality and hated what he felt inside, being told by the church constantly that it was wrong. I’ve read afew articles about him and dalliances he may have had. He lost himself on the world of theatre, had the most massive crush on Wagner (who by all accounts was a womaniser and probably just used old Ludwig for his money). So he created a fantasy world where he could be- behind close doors, who he was. I often liken him to Michael Jackson - odd but bear with me on this!! 2. The palace building is a bit crap!! - true!! Compared to old castles yes, it’s totally crap. But again, he loved theatre and basically built himself a stage set. Here’s my Michael Jackson analogy, Michael built Neverland to hide in, Ludwig built Neuschwanstein! Both could be their true selves in their fantasy places. Neuschwanstein was perfect for filming chitty as it was a film set in the making. It’s set in the most impressive places and like most things (me included) looks better from a distance! 3. It’s crap on the inside!! Well yes, he hardly furnished any of it, but the rooms he did kit out were pure fantasy. Again stage back drops for Wagners operas. The main hall is as opulent as you could want and I believe they still do a Wagner concert there each year - something we’d love to go to! 4. No good hiking and tourists. True indeed. The first time we went it was snowing, so tourists were very few and the next time we went we got up at the crack of dawn and we’re first up there and had the bridge to ourselves! But yes, we wouldn’t go mid summer at midday. We have walked all the way around Alpsee and enjoyed that, but I guess it’s not what you’d call a hike! 5. This one’s an extra, for me and Wills it holds such special memories of special times. An Inter railing trip and also when my tour got cancelled and Wills was out visiting so we got 5 days off together. I think you can be in the most crap place on earth, but if the memories are good, it doesn’t matter where you are. So….. was he murdered because he was spending money like water or for his sexuality??? All in all an interesting story. Thanks so much for this video. One day we would love to make one and tell his story from how we see it. We love all your other suggestions too (been to afew, but have added the others to our list!) Sorry for the essay and it’s not hate at all - bloody love your channel. Now where’s my beer!! 🍻

Could you PLEASE make a Herrenchiemsee video! The ones out there are just poor quality and we've become spoiled with your great content, narrative, camera work and editing (and cats!)

The main problem for me is just how insanely popular it is, like most of the super popular tourist attractions. It's grown way beyond it's capacity and "worth", thus it's almost impossible to just enjoy it for what it is. Otherwise it'd be fine, just one of the many "castles" to visit (also, like your later alternatives, it's called "Schloss" in German, which is of course like Versailles, Charlottenburg, Sanssouci, Heidelberg, etc. implied to be a luxury and/or political home, NOT a defensive structure. "Burg" != "Schloss", although some are fake about that as well - see Burg Hohenzollern. So imo it at least advertises what you should expect from it). Gotta somewhat disagree on the story bit too; well. Maybe not so much about the castle per se, but Ludwig II is a fascinating, fascinating King, going from fairly liberal to full authoritarian, being technologically impressively progressive (build the world's first power plant, of sorts, depending on how you look at it), then went full repressive, swung widely between Bavarian independence and Prussian allegiance, plus the political intrigues, his personal life etc; ton of stuff going on with him. So if you take that vanity project as a site as, mh, more of a facet to his entire biography then I think it's quite interesting. Otherwise, yeah, it's not that significant.

When I was stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany one of my goals was to visit Neuschwanstein - and I did. It was as amazing as I thought it was. So, we can agree to disagree...

I’m an live in Germany and absolutely dread this place when visiting friends and family want to visit. It’s got Disney length lines to get in and nothing special inside. I liked Burg Eltz much better!

If you like mediaval stories, villages you definitly visit Nuremberg, Rothenburg and the castles and ruis in the Fränkischen Schweiz like Ruine Neideck, Rabenstein castle, castle Greifenstein, Pottenstein and many others.

Agreed, and it mystifies my clients. I go to/send people to Linderhof, or even Hohenschwangau. The outside of N is the real highlight.

Schloss Nymphenburg is a great place for interiors. Granted it is busy , esp in summer, but very nice vs Neuschwanstein

Very good information!! My husband is on your side and I only wanted to get the epic shot with the bridge in view and not tour the castle. Our visit is scheduled in less than 2 months, 12-18 March so looking for recommendations.

You can't compare Neuschwanstein, a mid XIX century fantasy and middle age castle, it's 2 different world. I really like Salzburg, the town, the castle, Mirabelle palace. Really good vibes ! A town full of history. Neuschwanstein is "only" typisch of second half of XIX with the new middle age writers, musicians and architecture. The castle is link with the world of Wagner ( Walkyrie...). My advice : read the Wikipedia article on the castle first and decide if it's your cup of tea. If not, avoid it ! I personally like it, even if I'm an historian, just as remember of the néo-gothique style. I went to Linderhof, kind a tiny Versailles, an other Ludwig der II Castle. I didn't like it, to much gold, more roccoco than classical XVII. Le Nôtre style for the garden with a fantasy, the grotto (cave). Never went to Herrenchiemsee. In Alsace the castle of Haut Königsbourg Is also néo-gothique, but was build on a ruin, and build to look like a real middle-age castle. Real middle-age castle are difficult to find in good shape, or it is a ruin, because of all the wars. The war of 30 years beginning of the XVII destroyed a big part of East France, Germany, with in some erea only 10% people alive !

Bah humbug! You‘ll be telling me that Santa Claus isn’t real next! Merry Christmas, looking forward to meeting you in 2022!

Yepp, totally agreed. Tourist trap par excellence. If you like it, go ahead. Tastes vary for a good reason, I am not dissing anyone who likes it. Obviously the views from Neuschwanstein into the surrounding country side are awesome. But you can get that at other spots as well. Neuschwanstein is the demented dream of a Romanticist's imagination of the perfect fairy tale castle. But it never ever would withstand even a single day of siege. Its rooms may be large and somewhat impressive but nowhere close to Versailles, or many of the other palaces built (also) a long time before Neuschwanstein was even comissioned. So it was not a castle as a defensive structure, nor was it a palace as in an impractical but incredibly flamboyant residence made to impress, it was this strange hybrid that amounts to being no good at either. You perfectly summed up my arguments in points two and three why Neuschwanstein is basically a gaudy dream made for an insane king with far less taste and understanding of true beauty than he owned money. That's what happens today the world over when people with too much money throw it at an architect, demanding certain aspects be done exactly how the future owners want, without regard of how the total building looks afterwards. That generates flaws in ratios of height to width and depth that are inherently, subconsciously disturbing and unpleasant.

Hello you two I have to disappoint you, I like Neuschwanstein, because I like the Story of King Ludwig and his madness. But I agree with you, Herrenchiwmsee is better. I also like Linderhof. And there are so many other palaces that hatdly any foreign tourist is aware of, for example the Residenz in Munich or the small palace in Neuburg an der Donau. But then, like you, I prefer castles. What do you think of Trausnitz castle in Landshut?

I can see where you are coming from. I went to both New Swanstone, Salzburg along with other places with more real-life amazing interior or history. New Swanstone did feel empty when I was touring it (looked good but no 'warm' or 'rooted' feel ) like a beautiful shell with no substance. However, it's interesting from a music history point of view because Wagner is a big deal in opera and the king was a fan of Wagner and decorated the interior with scenes from Wagner's opera. So, it's a historically significant site from a music history point of view.

Hihihi, that's so true! Had always the same opinion and never visited it! The same with pretzels! Only (American) tourists like / eat pretzels! They are dry and mostly quite tasteless. I wish you two a wonderful Christmas time! ;-)

If I may, did you move to Germany while having an actual citizenship or with a different status?

You should mention the musical 'Ludwig 2' nearby.

Hang on...a Brit ex-Pat complaining about gaudy castles? The words kettle & black come to mind. Candidly though, I totally agree with your position regarding the tour inside, very forgettable and not worth the time. However the outside and the walk have to be done at least once, it's the rules!

I made the same comment when I saw this up close. It looked like a movie prop

Top! ❤ Thank you very much, I wanted to go with my friend and baby, it seems not worth the effort. 😊 I'm glad you offered alternatives, you did a great job! 😍

Love it! Don't come here. Or at least stay down in Schwangau where you belong. btw: Who sponsored your hat?

I've been to Neuschwanstein about forty-six years ago. I was impressed with the sheer height of it. Would I do it again? No. I don't remember much about my visit there which means to me that it wasn't memorable. I've been to Scloss Linderhof and didn't really care for that either. It was just too gawdy imo. I'd much rather take the cog wheel train back to the Zugspitze summit and enjoy an authentic German meal on the patio, then take the tram back down for the scenic views.

😎

It is young in castle terms unfinished inside but I disagree with you the two castles and bridge /gorge are worth seeing

Ludwig II. didn't get stabbed. His dead body was found in the Starnberger See.

It’s the most beautiful castle in the world! 😍🥰

I was there and felt betrayed. Pictures look great, reality sucks big time.

as a German ibtotally agree

Well we have a castle in Florida much better looking and sanitizes frequently, scratch proof plastic.

I must say it is overrated. However, the inside is truly beautiful.

Ok you have evidently made your point S a disgruntled left liberal, who's past is NOT connected to Bavaria oder Bayern. So since the historical text bored you and the most influential techniques and amenities that were available at thet time was used in its construction alone should spark everyone's curiosity. Yet we shall unfortunately never see so many visitors because of your badgering of details that YOU FOUND, how does one say nicely? Boring or antiquated. So Mr. Bubbly and company, it would do most Bavarian people of Füssen to bid you farewell and happy future travels, hopefully you may treat historical landmarks with a better kindness.

el gato naranja no se movio UN CENTIMETRO

NjuSchwanzStein.... must be interesting...

Your report is wrong

I know no German who visited this castle. There are a lot real old in the country, we do not need this fake ones.But Ludwig was a fine guy spendig the money of Bavaria für his Dream-Houses and not for wars.

holy shat on a beautiful place.. that's fine, go enjoy your ruins.

If you read history and not some lines in Wikipedia then you wouldn't find the story boring (try to read a book instead of browsing the net). Most people visit places for their actual beauty. If you are bored with beauty then you are probably deeply confused. I propose to you to stop visiting such places and start visiting amusement parks. It will be good for your mental health and hopefully it will improve your criticizing ''skills''.

Spot on. Revival architecture is insufferably boring.

The tour was rushed too

Tourists ruin everything, big surprise.

Booooring