Excursion: Palaces of Ludwig II

The famous 19th-century Schloss Neuschwanstein draws huge crowds, so ask your concierge to arrange a reserved entry. On our recent trip, we focused instead on the lesser-known palaces of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee. The island palace of Herrenchiemsee was never completed, and King Ludwig II spent all of two weeks there. Nevertheless, the gilded plaster, half-ton crystal chandeliers and immense hall of mirrors still dazzle with their astounding opulence. An older German visitor remarked, “Ludwig spent his money well.” Seeing my puzzled expression, he explained, “The other kings spent their money on wars.”