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What time should I book Neuschwanstein?

Hi-

Our family of 5 will be renting a car from Munich for several days to explore Fuessen, Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, and Hallstat. On the morning we leave Munich, we plan to rent the car and then head towards Fuessen. We plan to stop by the Wieskirsche on the way which is open from 12-2pm for sightseeing.

We then plan to head to Fuessen and could try to check into our hotel (Hotel Fantasia) before going to see the castle but also could head directly to the castle. Our hotel gives us a guest card for free bus transportation so I am not sure if it is better to take the bus or just drive the car since we have it.

What time do you think is the best time to book our castle visit? I have heard that the afternoon is usually better for the views from Mary's Bridge because of less fog than the morning. It is open until 6pm. I was thinking 3:30pm or 4pm?

Google maps shows 2 routes from Munich to Wieskirsche - either A95 or A96+B17. Does anyone know if there are any other points of interests along either of these 2 routes that we might be able to visit if we get an early start? Any ideas for cute lunch spots along the way or should we wait until we get to Fuessen?

Thanks for any tips,
Cindy

Posted by
12040 posts

Crucial question- what time of year? It really isn't necessary to reserve tickets except perhaps in July, August and during Oktoberfest. Even in July and August, you could probably just show up and expect to get in, but you may have to wait much longer. Any other time of the year, you can simply walk up to the ticket office and expect to finish your tours of both castles within 2-3 hours.

The time of day at Marienbrucke doesn't really matter. You can get fog anytime of the day, but unless it's a complete white-out (rare), it shouldn't affect the view. Crowds will have more of an influence than the weather.

If you weren't stopping at Wieskirche , A95 through Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Austria is a much more interesting drive than the other option. You could stop at GaP, Ettal or Oberammergau for lunch. I don't recall seeing that much on B17, at least south of Landsberg am Lech. Years ago I had a lunch at a delightful little lakeside restaurant in Bad Bayersoien, but this isn't along your route of travel.

Posted by
91 posts

Yes, we are going in late July so we wanted a reservation. We are a family of 5 including 3 boys ages 15, 12, and 9 if that makes a difference in the recommendations for stops, etc. Thanks for the tips so far...

Posted by
3696 posts

I would think anything relating to castles would make for some great stops with 3 boys. I took an 11 year old grandson on a 'castle tour' and one thing I can recommend would be to give each of the boys a certain area to investigate at home and become the 'expert' on this destination. Let each one decide something he wants to see. I find getting them involved makes for a much better experience for everyone. We loved that whole area and I know Neuschwanstein is a 'fake castle' we found it amazing...
We were there in November so the crowds were not too bad. I like to be at places when they open, but I find a lot of other people have that plan. I am now finding there are less people at the very end of the day (closer to closing) and if you won't be upset that you might have to leave before you want to I would try the end of the day.

Posted by
7209 posts

I would not stay in Füssen, but rather in Schwangau at the Hotel Helmerhof or the Hotel Rubezahl. Both have spectacular views to the castle especially at night when all of the lights are on.

http://www.helmerhof.de/startseite.html
http://www.hotelruebezahl.de/

There are many hotels and chalets dotted all around surrounded by pastures and cows and goats and bike paths and the Crystal Therme just down the little bike path. Both of these hotels have bikes for their guests and it's a blast to get out on the paved trails and ride and ride and ride. We've stayed in both of these hotels and been to the area several times as it's one of our favorites. Just take your car over to the castles and park in the big parking area. It will cost you a few Euro, but it's easier and more convenient than dealing with buses.