Tuesday 7 September 2010

Item 73: Neuschwanstein and the Bavaria Ticket

Location: Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau

Oraganising a day trip from Munich to visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle was proof that the Germany's defining word is 'efficiency'.

Firstly, the DB Bahn website translated into perfect English, as I investigated the best train connections from München Hbf to Füssen. Then discovering the Bayern (Bavaria) train ticket, that allows for groups of up to five adults travel through the region for 28 Euros, it was the best bargain around. Completely user-friendly and intuitive, the machines at the central staion allowed us buy our ticket hassle-free. They also offered a print out of train times and connections for the journey. (Happily, this also confirmed what I'd seen on the website during my research).

Arriving at Füssen, TWO buses were ready and waiting, anticipating the extra numbers of tourists during our Sunday visit. Extra points once again to the Bayern ticket which covered the 10 minute bus ride to the town of Schwangau, the village at the base of the castle.

Having our online reservation for the castle tour in hand, we breezed past the queue, paid for our tickets and headed for an uphill walk.

Our knowledgeable tour guide led us through the rooms designed by King Ludwig II, dedicated to Wagner's operas. A magical tale as we walked through one of the nicest interiors that I've seen in my travels. The castle was left unfinished upon the King's death. However all the rooms that we viewed were so bold and well articulated, you wonder how long it would have really taken to complete the masterpiece.

It's well worth the day trip from Munich to visit this inspirational piece of artistic architecture and with the beauty of the Bayern ticket, it makes for a happy weekend.

Item 73: Neuschwanstein Castle? CHECK!