Ultimate Zugspitze & Eibsee Travel Vlog | Best Things to Do & See on Germany's Highest Point

Is Neuschwanstein Castle actually a winter fairy tale, or is it an overhyped tourist trap? 🏰❄️ In today’s vlog, we are braving the Bavarian winter to find out if Germany’s most famous castle is worth visiting when the snow hits, the costly mistakes that ruin most visitors' days, and how to get those iconic postcard views. We also take you along to the historic Hohenschwangau Castle, sample some incredible local chocolates, and explore the deeply underrated medieval town of Füssen—a hidden gem that most tourists completely skip, but absolutely shouldn't! 🏨 Where we stayed as our base: Check the latest rates on Expedia: https://expedia.tpx.li/cllmavay ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Is Neuschwanstein Castle Worth It in Winter? 00:39 - The Disney Castle: Myth vs. Reality 01:29 - The Dark History of Mad King Ludwig II 01:51 - How to Hike to the Castle (Plus Carriage Logistics) 03:04 - What to Do if Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) is Closed 03:38 - The Secret Behind the "Hybrid" Horse Carriages 04:58 - Exploring Hohenschwangau Castle & Scenic Alpsee 06:37 - A Sweet Stop: Handmade Bavarian Chocolates 07:46 - The Ultimate View: Returning to a Reopened Mary's Bridge 10:03 - Füssen: The Underrated Roman Road Town Most Tourists Skip 11:49 - High Castle of Füssen (Hohes Schloss) & St. Mang Fountain 12:48 - Stadt-Apotheke: Germany’s Most Beautiful Pharmacy 13:10 - The Jaw-Dropping Baroque Interior of St. Mang's Church 15:58 - Lutes & Violins at St. Mang’s Monastery Courtyard 16:30 - Walking Along the Crystal-Clear Lech River 17:27 - Traditional Allgäu Dinner at Gasthaus Zum Schwanen 18:30 - The Roaring Turquoise Waters of the Lechfall Gorge 19:12 - Our Honest Winter Verdict: Should You Visit? ✍️ MORE ABOUT THIS VLOG Neuschwanstein Castle is the ultimate symbol of Germany, famously inspiring Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Built by "Mad" King Ludwig II as a private fantasy retreat, it holds a mysterious history that we dive into as we make the one-mile uphill trek. We break down the winter transportation options (including the clever hybrid-electric horse carriages) and share a crucial lesson on checking local websites when winter ice closes the iconic Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge). Next, we head across the valley to Hohenschwangau Castle—the fully completed childhood home of King Ludwig II—and take in the spectacular, icy views of Alpsee. After warming up with some world-class truffles from Amelie in Partenkirchen, we get a lucky break: Mary's Bridge reopens, and we head back up to capture the mind-blowing, bouncy, snow-covered view of the castle! Finally, we head into the colorful town of Füssen. We walk the ancient Roman trade route (Via Claudia), uncover a 3D-painted medieval courtyard at the Hohes Schloss, visit a stunning 16th-century functioning pharmacy (Stadt-Apotheke), and step inside the breathtaking Baroque interior of St. Mang's Church. We wrap up our perfect Bavarian winter day with a walk along the vibrant green Lech River, a massive plate of authentic Kasespätzle and German meatloaf at Gasthaus Zum Schwanen, and a dramatic sunset view over the thundering turquoise waters of the Lechfall gorge. #Neuschwanstein #Füssen #Bavaria #GermanyTravel #WinterInGermany #NeuschwansteinCastle #TravelingExpats