Oktoberfest, Christmas markets and bratwurst. That’s what sprung to mind when I thought of Germany. Living in Europe, I discovered this country has so much more to offer. Romance, cool castles and royal residences capture the spirit of Germany’s historic past. Here are seven “must-see” places for you to add to your travel itinerary.
#1 – Neuschwanstein Castle
When you talk about quintessential Germany, think Neuschwanstein Castle, pictured above. Walt Disney discovered this castle that towers high in the sky while on a trip to Germany. King Ludwig II designed it at the tender age of 23, and nearly a century later, it served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s iconic Sleeping Beauty castle. No trip to southern Germany is complete without a stop here. The 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace sits high above the village of Hohenschwangau and can be seen for miles. King Ludwig II used his own money to fund the project – instead of using state funds. What a concept! This spectacular building was commissioned as a retreat honoring composer Richard Wagner. Although Ludwig planned to have this as his medieval fantasy forever home, he only spent 11 nights there. He died in 1886 before the castle was completed. Had it been finished, the nearly 65,000-square-foot floor space would have included 200 rooms. Only 15 were completed.
Neuschwanstein Castle was certainly ahead of its time. There was an electric bell system to summon servants, hot air central heating, hot and cold running water and even indoor, automatic flushing toilets!
It is worth the walk from town to see this phenomenal structure in its natural setting. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk from the ticket office in Hohenschwangau to the castle. (Buy your tickets here.) You can also take a bus or horse carriage, which drops you near Marienbrücke, the impressive suspension footbridge, which is actually older than the castle! Named after Ludwig’s mother, it hovers 300 feet over a roaring waterfall, spanning the gap between two ridges. This is THE place to get the best photos of the castle! Unfortunately, it is currently closed for restoration work.
At the Castle
From Marienbrücke, or Marien’s bridge, it’s about 15 minutes further uphill. Get ready for more walking when you arrive at the castle. Be sure to wear your most comfortable walking shoes. There are some 300 steps to climb — and no elevator!
Climb to the third and fourth floors to see the staterooms and apartments. There’s also an opulent, two-story throne room with an intricate mosaic floor, 13-foot chandelier, dome ceiling and majestic columns. But, alas, there is no throne! I would love to share pictures, but no interior photography is allowed. You’ll just have to use your imagination.
“It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau near the Pöllat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles, and I must confess to you that I am looking forward very much to living there one day,” he wrote to Richard Wagner. “You know the revered guest I would like to accommodate there; the location is one of the most beautiful to be found, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and a true blessing to the world.”
Ludwig’s dream was never fully realized. However, the castle attracts nearly one and half million visitors each year.
#2 – Linderhof Palace
Another palace built by “Mad King Ludwig” is Linderhof Palace. It’s the smallest of his three palaces and the only one that he lived to see finished. This was his special getaway.
Ludwig used to accompany his father on hunting trips in the Linderhof area. When his father died, he inherited Königshäuschen and decided to tear it down and rebuild, modeling it after Versailles. Ludwig’s infatuation with King Louis XIV of France, the Sun King, is evident throughout – from the sun designs in the entryway to Ludwig’s bedroom. He added a staircase similar to the one at Versailles and added stone facades and a Hall of Mirrors that gives the illusion of a never-ending room through mirror placement.
One of the most interesting rooms is the dining room, which the eccentric king also used as a dressing room. The dining room table was set up on a pulley system so staff could set the table with dinner and raise it from the kitchen area below without having any contact with the reclusive king.
Surrounding Lindenhof Palace is Schlosspark Linderhof, the beautiful symmetrical gardens that mix formal elements of Baroque style with a typical English Garden. Climbing the stairs to the top, you’ll find great views of the palace below with the majestic Alps in the background.
#3 – Herrenchiemsee Palace
King Ludwig II dreamed of creating a castle and gardens modeled after Versailles. So, he purchased the island of Herrenchiemsee in Lake Chiemsee, about 40 miles from Munich. It was the site of an old Augustinian monastery and the place where he built the New Herrenchiemsee Palace as a tribute to King Louis XIV. Alas, the building was never completed during his lifetime.
#4 – Munich Residenz
No trip to Munich would be complete with a stop at the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach monarchs. From the outside, the building looks relatively plain, but inside it’s a different story. Elegance and opulence! The Neuveste, a fortress built in 1385, forms the basis of the Residence. Over the centuries, rulers added structures leading to today’s palace complex.
You’ll find mystery and magic here! A magnificent Grotto Courtyard, inspired by Italy’s Renaissance gardens, was constructed in 1583. It features stone stalactite and stalagmite shapes with colorful shells and crystals, as well as paintings depicting the gods of Olympus.
The most impressive room in the Residence is the Antiquarium, a grand hall with soaring curved ceilings, stonework and statures. It is breathtaking! The Renaissance-style room was built between 1568 and 1571 so Duke Albrecht V could display his vast collection of antiquities. Later, it became a grand ceremonial hall. Throughout the residence, lavish rooms are adorned with spectacular, oversized chandeliers and high ceilings, many with colorful frescoes. Off the long hallways, discover sumptuous rooms like the Electress’s Audience Chamber with its canopy, throne and two commodes. Each room seems more spectacular than the one before!
#5 – Hohenschwangau Castle
Hohenschwangau Castle, or Schloss Hohenschwangau, was the childhood home of King Ludwig II. Set high on the hill above Lake Alpsee, the present-day castle was first mentioned in 1397. Historical records show it changed hands a number of times and was purchased by a wealthy merchant in 1535, who had an Italian architect reconstruct it. In 1549, it was sold to Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria, and later plundered by Austrian troops. In 1832, Maximilian II, grandson of Maximilian I, bought it back and began reconstruction with a Neolithic exterior design. Young Ludwig II spent years of his adolescence at the castle before starting to build his own castle high above his parents’ castle. His intent was to build something that overlooked his parents’ home — a grander castle: Neuschwanstein Castle.
#6 – Nürnberg Imperial Castle
Nuremberg is a fortified city and Nürnberg Imperial Castle is thought to be one of the most intimidating medieval fortresses. The Imperial Castle sits on a sandstone ridge. Dating back to the 1200s, Sinwell Tower was the major keep of the castle. What is really interesting here is the Tiefer Brunnen, or deep well. Located inside a small, half-timbered house in the center of the courtyard, the well was the sole source of water. We watched as our guide poured a cup of water into the 164-foot-deep well, waiting patiently as we heard it hit the water below after what seemed like an eternity! Tour two floors of the Imperial Castle were used as the Emperor’s residence and for official functions.
#7 – Würzburg Residence
Würzburg is the starting point of Germany’s renowned Romantic Road and a definite must on your travel itinerary. Start with a stroll through the historic old town of Würzburg and head to the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence. Constructed between 1720 and 1744, it is a Baroque masterpiece. Although it was a victim of Allied bombings, you’d never know it from the carefully thought out and executed restoration. There is one word for this palace: spectacular! The building’s somewhat plain exterior gives few clues about what is found inside: an opulent palace with the largest fresco in the world! I’d love to share photos of the interior, but alas, photos are not allowed inside the building.
We entered the residence standing where guests once alighted from royal coaches for grand parties just below the elaborate grand staircase, called “one of the most magnificent achievements of secular building.” The breathtaking stairway design by Architect Balthasar Neumann is enhanced by spectacular, nearly 6,500-square-foot frescoes painted by Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Each of the four walls showcases a continent: Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Wow!
We were impressed at every turn. Baroque and Rococo design throughout the palace showcases the wealth of the royal family. There is precious art, handcrafted furnishings, antiques, gilded surfaces and a Baroque garden befitting a king. A visit here will give you a true appreciation for the regal history of a mesmerizing country.
I hope that you, too, can discover quintessential Germany.
