a castle trip that wasn’t quite a fairy tale
Last year, I finally checked Neuschwanstein Castle off my bucket list. You know, the one that looks like it jumped straight out of a Disney movie? We drove for hours through the Bavarian countryside, only to get stuck in a traffic jam just a mile from the castle. I remember my knees aching from sitting so long, and my husband kept grumbling about missing lunch. When we finally made it, the view was breathtaking—mist curling around those white towers, and the air so crisp it almost hurt to breathe. But honestly, the crowds were something else. I thought going in the off-season would mean fewer people, but apparently everyone had the same idea. We waited nearly an hour just to get inside, and by the time we did, my feet were killing me.
I can’t help but wonder: has anyone else visited a famous spot like this and felt a little let down by the crowds or the hassle? Is there a way to really enjoy these places without feeling like you’re in a herd of tourists? Sometimes I think the photos online set us up for disappointment. I’d love to hear if anyone’s found a hidden gem in Europe that’s just as magical, but without all the chaos. It’s funny how the most beautiful places can also be the most exhausting!
#travelstories #castles #Europe #Travel
