a view Neuschwanstein castle from road?

Yes, you can easily see it. If you know exactly when to look, you can even catch a glimpse on A7 immediately before the road enters the tunnel into Austria.

then visiting Linderhof to hopefully avoid the hordes of tourists Don't expect Linderhof to be a cakewalk either. In fact, it has a much lower capacity at any given time, so conceivably, you could wait even longer here than at Neuschwanstein.

Yes, but it isn't the best view in the world. It is also possible to walk up (or take a horse drawn carriage) up the road to the castle for better views. Probably the best view is from "Mary's Bridge" which is a way up the access road. It sticks in my mind that I read something awhile back that indicated the bridge was closed, but that may no longer be the case.

If you drive to Schwangau the castle is above you on the hill, very easy to see. We stayed in the hotel next to the castle and drove right up to it in the late afternoon. The first tour the next morning was not crowded.

Mary's bridge is open. Last week it was so crowded that I found myself wondering 1) what is the load rating for this. 2) would a pickpocket feel he/she had it made if they were standing in the crowd?

The pictures are excellent from the bridge. I would say come early or late in the day and avoid the mob.

would a pickpocket feel he/she had it made if they were standing in the crowd?

Probably not. The pickpocket's modus operandi is usually to have an easy get-away. Mary's Bridge is a little remote for that possibility.

We enjoyed the view from St. Colomon church just outside Schwangau (follow Colomanstrasse (ST2016) from the castle parking lot towards Schwangau for 2.5km, St. Colomon will be on the left). It's just off the main road.

We just got back and hiked up to the castle and to Mary's bridge. It was a nice walk for us. Beautiful views. Go early. The crowds show up between 10 and 11. We stayed in Fussen which is really close by. We loved Fussen and our stay at Hotel Hirsch!

Load capacity certainly was foremost on my mind when we were there the week before last. Seriously. Pickpockets came up too, but the bridge felt more like a crowded subway car than a bridge. Everyone packed on like sardines and trying to get to the side of the bridge overlooking the castle. We had a little one with us and her safety was even a concern. The website has the dates of closure for the bridge.

The view from Marienbrucke (bridge) is the classic view, you can take the shuttle bus up without having to tour the castle.

From the bottom (Schwangau) looking up is also a good view - as is the view you see from the walking path down the hill, from the bus stop, just before you reach the castle.

We visited both and enjoyed them but Neuschwantstein is magical. So if you can visit Neuschwanstein, it is worth it, I think. As beautiful as it is from a distance, it's gorgeous up close!

Jenny