Neuschwanstein Castle - A Jaw-Dropping Bavarian Masterpiece

Few places in the world can compare to this. Picture not just one, but two castles that seem to have been taken straight from fairytale books and dropped into the stunning Bavarian landscape. Add to this a waterfall, a scenic lake, and a quaint, storybook village. All of this is just about two and a half hours from Munich by public transport.

Welcome to the village of Schwangau.

To the north-east, the skyline is dominated by the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle - a creation that even Walt Disney would struggle to surpass. This remarkable fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles, beautifully harmonised by King Ludwig II, is one of Europe's must-see attractions. Its smaller counterpart, Hohenschwangau Castle, is equally impressive.

Yet, the natural beauty surrounding these structures should not be underestimated. It is breathtaking in its own right.

If you're anywhere near Munich, this is an excursion that is both unmissable and unforgettable.

How to get there

Unfortunately there are no more direct flights to Munich from Scotland. The nearest airport with direct flights is Manchester. Changing at London Gatwick with EasyJet or through Frankfurt with Lufthansa is also possible.

The village of  Schwangau is accessed from Munich by taking the train to Fussen (two and a half hours) and then the bus from there to Schwangau. Flixbus also has a direct bus from Munich to Schwangau, but this may not be more economical if you are travelling in a group of more than three people.

How we did it

Flights: We did it so long ago that we flew direct from Glasgow!

Hotel: There are many great value hotels in Munich, especially around Munich Hauptbahnhof.

Transport: Bahn.de, in particular the BayernPass, which will take you all the way to the castle and is really good value if you are travelling in a family or a group

Our top tips

• Make use of the BayernPass if you are travelling in a group or a family.

• If you want to go into Neuschwanstein Castle, you will need to book a guided tour. Don't book it through an agency. They will charge you extra and German public transport is easy to navigate - book it directly.

• Food in Schwangau is German traditional fare - lots of barbecued sausages and potatoes. If that's not what you like, it might be a good idea to bring your own food - this place is so pretty that you're not going to be rushing away.