Also worth visiting: The BMW-World in the olympic area. Once there, you can also have a nice view over Munich if you go onto the olympic tower.

Neuschwanstein is certainly the touristy thing to do, but its an overrated experience. If you've ever been to a Bavarian Village in America (ie...Helen, GA) you've already experienced everything Fussen has to offer. Its nothing but English/American tourists looking for Cinderellas castle.

If you're looking for a Bavarian Alp excursion, head to Mittenwald. Very easy train ride from Munich (Munich to G-P, then a short ride to Mittenwald........trains run hourly). Mittenwald is charming and it has easily accessible and hikeable mountains. You can make the experience as challenging or as easy as you like. Either way you'll have a great time.

As for your time in Munich...........head to the English Garden and find the Chinesischer Turm. Grab a beer and a pretzel and then relax.

Neuschwanstein is touristy, but I thought it was well worth the visit. Aside from the spectacular setting, it offers a bit of insight into the German mythology that was adopted by the 3rd Reich, and the obsession with Wagner is certainly interesting. Besides, it's an opportunity to take a nice photo:

http://travelersvideo.com/Munich,%20Germany.jpg :)

Also, though I wouldn't exactly call it "fun," Dachau is a short (20 minute) train and bus ride and worth a visit.

Neuschwanstein can certainly be very touristic, but I have been during off season and have made it my way ie not choosing to go with the masses. It does have a lot of unique information as noted above. But Linderhof is more the local castle, and most of the tourists I see are German or Austrian vs American or Japanese. Linderhof is also quite small so easy to navigate, although some of the outbuildings worth seeing are up hills etc.

I was last at Linderhof just a few weeks ago and the areas above the fountain was being restored; I don't know how long this project will continue. My tip is that if visiting in summer, early morning as possible is a wonderful time to visit as the light at that time of day is most stunning.

As to Mittenwald - my family has vacationed there multiple times a year for the past four decades, so I know it well. It has some pleasant gardens, quaint village, and some easy as well as more challenging walks and hikes. It is close to Innsbruck and even Italy - I often cross the Brenner just for a gelato and an espresso.

I echo the Zusgspitze recommendation, however the thing to be concerned with is the changeable weather. If the clouds are low the view is severely restricted and can lead to disappointment. There are sites to estimate the best time of day to visit.

Hiking the Karlwendel Alps above Mittenwald = heaven. You're on another planet.

The good thing about most of the major Alpine peaks is you can check the weather before you leave your hotel on that channel that just rotates through all the ski areas. I turn that channel on in the morning just for the music.:D

Maybe you are interested on Lake Königsee.

http://www.koenigssee.com/wcms/bin/S...n=2-yMBgc7uc-1

[QUOTE=caspritz78;9804346]Try to order Weißwurst after 12pm at the Viktualienmarkt. ;)

:D:D:D

[QUOTE=brendamc;9877894]LOL !! ^