Is it absolutely ridiculous to think that you might be able to do both in one day? Here's what I was thinking. Sleep at a hotel 5 min. walk from train station (breakfast included). 8-8:30: Catch a train to Dachau 9:00: Tour Dachau via audio-guide 12:00: Grab something to take on the train for lunch. 12:00-12:30: Take train/bus to Neuschwanstein ticket booth. 3:30ish: arrive, purchase tickets for a 5pm or 6pm tour depending on what's available. 4:00: Take pics of the H. castle (I originally wanted to tour this too, but I'm pretty sure I REALLY wouldn't have time for that). Go to bridge, enjoy scenery, walk up to castle, etc. 5 or 6:00: Tour castle then bus/train home (to Munich).
(Although I also wanted to see Wieskirche which I could bus to from Fussen, but they don't seem to have buses in the late afternoon/evening and the church closes at 7pm). So is that too crazy tight of an itinerary? Will we be able to tour Dachau in 3 hours? Will there be too long of ticket lines to get tours that late in the day? Should we try to reserve that time ahead of time? This is in planning for mid/early May 2013 (btw). Thanks for your help/experience with this!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1864 posts
I can't advise on the logistics. However, if you decide to do both in one day, then do Dachau in the afternoon. Visiting Holocaust sites is a very grim experience. Whether it is a Holocaust museum or a concentration camp, I have always felt sad and / or angry afterwards. IMHO, I would not be ready to proceed from Dachau to an enjoyable lunch and a visit to a fantasy castle like Neuschwanstein.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, US
33 posts
That's a good point. I hadn't thought about that aspect. Thank you.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
I wouldn't advise doing this. Yes, it's technically feasible, and 3 hours is enough time to tour Dachau, this would be an exhausting day, and it's quite a trip to Neuschwanstein from Munich. You'd be spending most of your day in transit and you wouldn't be able to see as much as you'd like.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Rachel, While it may be feasible, that's a very challenging travel plan, and not something I'd attempt. If there are any disruptions at any point, it will affect the subsequent parts of the plan. I can't recall if it's possible, but you might pre-book tickets for the Neuschwanstein tour. However, if you miss your appointment time, you'll have to try and obtain another ticket. If at all possible, I'd suggest visiting those locations on different days. Especially for the Neuschwanstein tour, it's nice to be able to walk to the bridge for the "classic" view of the Castle and the surrounding scenery. Also, you'll need to allow time to either walk up the hill to the Castle entrance, take the horse-drawn wagon or whatever. Extra time might also allow some time to look around Hohenschwangau. If you do decide to try and do both the same day, I agree with the previous comment about leaving Dachau to the end. Happy travels!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
One of our favorite places outside of Munich is the little village of Horn at the base of the castle Neuschwanstein. The whole village is just idyllic and deserves at least 1 night and maybe 2. Yes you can do a daytrip from Munich to Neuschwanstein...it's also possible to eat at McDonalds and Burger King every day you're in Europe, but you wouldn't want to do that either!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
It is crazy, and I'd not do it.... it resembles more or a busy business trip arrangement: speech 8h45, meeting with client 11h20, lunch 1PM, videoconference 3.30PM. While you are probably able to "walk through" Dachau in 3h, I think it'd be an hurried up visit.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, US
33 posts
Ok, ok :) So it is crazy and probably not desirable. I will start working on ways to fit an extra day or two into that area. Thanks for your suggestions and good points :)