I see there has been some discussion already about the timing needed to see both of these. However we are traveling in the December and I am wondering if anyone can tell me if the same 2.5 hours between may apply, or if it might be shorter given that there will most likely be less lines. OR am I completely wrong and December will be just as busy.
Thanks
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
195 posts
How do you plan to visit?
In other words, are you hiking, using the bus, which may not be service (depending on weather), or the horse drawn carriage?
Crowds will be a factor, as will weather, and how you are planning to visit the sites (travel and then how much time you spend at each place outside of tours - will you linger and how long?).
I don’t have experience with crowds in December, so I cannot comment on that. I can tell you that I visited in March 2023 and the bus was not running, due to weather. We chose to hike with 4 kids ages 13-5 and we thoroughly enjoyed the surroundings. It was only a 30 min hike each way for us, plus the tour and the time we spent in and around castles.
Maybe share how you plan to get between the places and then if you plan to go on tours and if you plan to spend additional time at each site. That may help the group give you a good answer.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I am planning on walking. I am not sure there will be busses and I feel like as long as it is not really really cold we would enjoy the hike. I read that it would take an hour to walk between the two castles and to be up there 1.5 hour to get your tickets. In my head I have it planned that we would have two hours between both castles to walk over and get tickets and be ready for our scheduled time. But that means I wouldn't be at the ticket booth 1.5 hours early....and I am wondering if that will be as necessary in winter.
Am I estimating correctly for an hour to get from one castle to the next on foot. My girls are 11 and 13 and I am the slowest of our bunch. We would do the audio guided tours.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Sorry- when you say it was a 30 minute hike was that from one castle to another. I assumed at first you meant from the parking because I read that is what it would be
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
195 posts
Yes, that was between the two. We did Neuschwanstein first. Know that my wife and I chased the kids down the mountain and the trails were clear in March. There was snow on the sides of the trail and deeper snow towards the top.
I bet you will have snow and/or ice in December and so I think you should plan for a slower hike. I think planning an hour each way is wise. If you somehow take less time on the hike then you have more time to explore the exterior of the sites. Check historical temps before you decide to hike
We liked Neuschwanstein better because the surrounding area is higher and more scenic, but you will likely have different opinions. Some will even vote for skipping both. Millions choose to go and like it, though. I recommend it! To us, it was much more than a building; it was a beautiful excursion and great way to spend some hours outside.