We are planing a trip beginning in Munich. We want to plan a day trip Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles since they are close to each other. I don't want a tour of the castles, I am interested only in photographing the exterior of the two castles. If I am understanding what I've read, then I don't pay, in order to proceed to the exterior of the grounds of the two castles.
If you leave after 9:00 AM weekdays or anytime on weekends, travel on trains using the Bavaria Ticket. It is also good for the bus to the castles.
You only pay for entrance. Views are free. It’s also free to walk up to the castle, but if want the easiest way to get up the steep road to the castle you’ll need to pay for the bus or the horse and carriage.