When you think of Germany, what comes to mind? The Bavarian Alps? Pretzels? Beer? Oktoberfest? While all of these things are associated with this beautiful European country, Germany is also famous for the amount of fairytale castles spread across its territory. This awe-inspiring storybook destination, filled with castles ranging from large to small, can capture the imagination of visitors from around the world. That said, as stunning as it may be, tourists may want to avoid this overrated castle on their next trip to Germany.
Germany is one of the most visited countries in the world and visiting castles is one of the must-do activities within its borders. While there are many must-see castles to visit on your next trip to Germany, Schloss (meaning castle in German) Mespelbrunn doesn’t seem worth the visit, according to reviews on TripAdvisor.
Located in the town of Mespelbrunn, just between Frankfurt and Würzburg, this moated castle is notably one of the best water towers in Germany and is easily accessible from all major surrounding cities. From Frankfurt it is about 68 km to Mespelbrunn Palace, from Cologne it is about 250 km and from Würzburg it is about 70 km.
Read more: Popular European gestures to know before your trip according to Rick Steves
Is Mespelbrunn Palace worth the hype? Tripadvisor users have their say
Mespelbrunn Castle surrounded by a moat reflecting in the water – Holger Leue/Getty Images
One of the few special features of Mespelbrunn Palace is that it still belongs to the same family, the Counts of Ingelheim, who still live in the south wing of the castle. Originally built as a residence in 1412 in the Spessart Forest, the Renaissance-style castle has not been altered or destroyed, so travelers tend to flock to see a piece of untouched history when they are in the area.
Although beautiful and historically important to Germany, this does not mean that all visitors are satisfied with their visit. TripAdvisor user PMausBo left a review titled “Seeing from the outside was more than enough for us.” They go on to mention their disappointment at being constantly accused at every turn. “Parking: paid. Entrance to the property: paid. Parking first behind the barrier, for 3 euros, then an unpaved path to the property, at the beginning of the path directly, possibility of investing money for souvenirs (coins) by machine. At the entrance to the park, next payment 6.50 euros per person for entry to the garden.”
Désirée M on Tripadvisor also shared her disdain for the cost of visiting the castle. “Also, the price of €6.50 for adults is way too expensive in my opinion. Plus we paid €2 at the parking lot beforehand, only to walk behind, not be able to get in, then return to the car.” She went on to mention how the toilets were a disgrace and that with all the fees charged, visitors should be able to use clean toilets.
Not just bad press: Mespelbrunn Palace wins the hearts of some Tripadvisor users
Mespelbrunn Castle surrounded by a forest – AlexBuess/Shutterstock
Although there are negative reviews regarding the castle entrance fees, there are also positive reviews on TripAdvisor. Although you can tour the castle grounds and courtyard without a guide, you will need a guided tour for the interior. User Maik was perfectly happy with the entrance fee, saying “A fairytale castle worth a visit. Entrance fee 6.50 with or without guide, I found it good.” User Anna mentions her positive review of the castle saying “Beautiful castle and grounds! Definitely worth a visit! The water is just beautiful and they offer tours of the inside of the castle.” TripAdvisor user Klaus N defends the castle, saying: “I cannot confirm the bad reviews. The tour went well and the friendly guide did everything right.”
For just over $2 for parking, which is sometimes waived in the off-season, the costs seem pretty reasonable, and for less than $6 you’ll get entry to the castle and a 40-minute official tour of the interior. Keep in mind that tours are only in German, but literature in other languages can be purchased.
Travelers wanting to explore the area around Mespelbrunn Palace will be pleased to know that there are many other magnificent castles to visit. Heidelberg Castle is a magnificent hilltop castle ruin that overlooks the old town below and is one of my personal favorites from my trip to Germany. From Mespelbrunn Palace, the journey is approximately 94 miles, and for just under $13 you’ll get a round-trip funicular ride to Heidelberg Castle, access to the castle courtyard, barrel cellar, and German Pharmacy Museum.
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