King's Castles Tours (Neuschwanstein/Hohenschwangau)

I can't answer your specific question, but I wanted to offer a suggestion. First, my recollection is that the Hohenschwangau tour is longer, but not more than an hour, probably less. I think I'd give myself about two or three hours between the two. That gives you some time to browse the Hohenschwangau gift shop and then casually stroll up to Neuschwanstein taking some photos. My recollection is that you can specify the order and I would do Hohenschwangau first. That tour will provide background of the family and context for Neuschwanstein. Hohenschwangau is furnished and was actually lived in.

We were there in April and saw both castles plus the museum. Our ticket gave us set times for each castle-as I recall, you select times for each castle. FYI-the time you request is not necessarily the time you will be assigned. It took me 3 tries to get something that kind of worked for us (we were day tripping via train from Munich, so the train schedule defined how early/late we could be there). When I picked up the tickets, the employee helping me said she didn't like the schedule the computer assigned us and gave us a much better option. We ended up doing the museum first, Hohenschwangau 2nd, and Neuschwanstein last. Have a great trip!

I would also suggest taking the side hike to the Marienbrücke. It's the bridge the crosses the gorge and allows you to take the classic picture of Neuschwanstein.

The Marienbrucke can be closed in the winter. I was so sad to not be able to get that pic! I might have gone around the barrier like others did, but I was already falling on the icy pavement around the castle!

When we visited this past May, we bought tickets at the ticket office on site in Fuessen (I.e., we did not pre-order). We had to visit Hohenschwangau first, and there was about a two hour interval between completion of Hohenschwangau and start of Neuschwanstein. I have a recollection that the Rick Steves guide says you have to see Hohenschwangau first.

About the Marienbrucke: It is a "must-see" site, for you, and everyone else. When we visited in 2015, in June, it was an insane scene. We simply were unable to get on the bridge. If you go during the high season, you need to get there early or late. In midday, it will be very crowded.

In addition, if you get to Fussen and see a long line for tickets, go to the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, where tickets can also be purchased.

Just piggy-backing a little here: is it common for Marienbrucke to be closed in the slower/colder months? Or is it just dependent on the weather that day? We're planning a trip in the first week of March. Thanks!