Tourists May Want To Avoid This Overrated Castle When Visiting Germany

When you think of Germany, what comes to mind? The Bavarian Alps? Pretzels? Beer? Oktoberfest? While all these things are associated with this beautiful European country, another thing Germany is famous for is the amount of fairytale castles throughout its lands. 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 they may be, tourists may want to avoid this overrated castle on their next trip to Germany.

Germany is one of the world's most visited countries, and castle-hopping is one of the must-do activities inside 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 to be worth the visit, according to comments on TripAdvisor.

Located in the town of Mespelbrunn, which is situated just between Frankfurt and Würzburg, this moated castle is notably one of Germany's best water castles, and is easy to reach from all surrounding major cities. From Frankfurt, Mespelbrunn Castle is about 42 miles away, from Cologne it's approximately 155 miles away, and from Würzburg, you've got about a 43-mile drive ahead.

One of the rare things about Mespelbrunn Castle is that it's still privately owned by the same family, the Counts of Ingelheim, which still live inside the castle's southern wing. Originally built as a residence back in 1412 in the Spessart forest, the Renaissance-style castle was not altered or destroyed, so travelers tend to flock to see a piece of untouched history when in the area.

Although beautiful and historically significant to Germany, that doesn't mean all visitors are pleased with their visit. TripAdvisor user PMausBo left a review with the title "Seeing from the outside was quite enough for us." They go on to mention their disappointment with consistently being charged at every turn. "Parking: subject to charge. Entering the property: subject to charge. Parking facilities first behind the barrier, for 3 euros, then an unpaved path up to the property, at the beginning of the path directly further possibility to invest money for keepsakes (coin) by machine. At the park entrance next payment 6,50 Euro pP for entering the garden due."

Désirée M on Tripadvisor also shared disdain for the cost of visiting the castle. "In addition, the price of €6.50 for adults is far too expensive in my opinion. On top of that, we paid €2 in the car park beforehand, only to walk behind it, not be able to get in, and then walk back to the car." She went on to mention how the toilets were a disgrace, and with all the fees that are charged, visitors should have clean toilets to use.

Although there are negative reviews regarding the castle's admission fees, there are positive reviews on TripAdvisor as well. While you can visit the castle grounds and courtyard without a guide, you will need a guided tour for the interior. User Maik was perfectly content with the fee for entrance stating "A fairytale castle worth seeing. Entrance fee 6.50 with or without guide I found fine." User Anna mentions her positive review of the castle by saying "Beautiful castle and grounds! Definitely worth a visit! The water is just gorgeous plus they offer tours of the interior of the castle." TripAdvisor user Klaus N defends the castle by saying "I can't confirm the bad reviews. The tour was OK and the friendly guide did everything as it should be."

For a little over $2 for parking, which is sometimes waived during low season, the costs do seem fairly reasonable, and for under $6, you'll be granted entrance to the castle and given a formal 40-minute tour of the interior. Keep in mind that tours are only in German, but literature in other languages can be purchased.

Travelers looking to explore the region around Mespelbrunn Castle will be delighted to know that there are many other beautiful castles to visit. Heidelberg Castle is a stunning hilltop castle ruin that overlooks the old town below, and is one of my personal favorites from my trip to Germany. From Mespelbrunn Castle, the drive is approximately 94 miles, and for just under $13 you'll get a return trip on the funicular up to Heidelberg Castle, access to the castle courtyard, barrel cellar, and the German Pharmacy Museum.