Neuschwanstein castle

Maybe some people living in Germany have a better idea about the timing of vacation schedules in Germany and it's impact on lines, but I have been there twice in the last 10 years, both times right around Labor Day, and there were not long lines. But, reservations are not that expensive. If you can commit to a time, why not. If you are staying the night before in Füssen, easy. If you are driving from Munich, better plan plenty of time as a buffer for getting lost, traffic, etc. If you are using the train/bus, you can pretty much count on a time.

Barb, As I recall, reservations for the "official" tour are compulsory. June could be busy as it's the peak of "spring shoulder season" so pre-booking would probably be a good idea. Happy travels!

I took some family members about 2 weeks ago. Had to wait 2 hrs for an English tour. If you can, I would recommend pre-booking to prevent unanticipated delays.

I went in October on a Sunday, no European holiday of any kind. Got in line to buy tickets about 10:30 (drove over from Garmisch that morning, so couldn't get there earlier), took an hour to get to the kiosk window, got assigned the English tour at 3:00. Essentially spent the entire day for a half hour tour. Reserve in advance.

We were there in May and had to wait about 2+ hours without reservations. But I for one would not go back. The castle tour is regulated like a boot camp. One has to follow the spokesperson like sheep. You can not venture off on your own and only about 8 or so rooms are displayed. The castle is a thing of beauty w/o a doubt but the tour is anything but. Also when one tries to return down hill the bus lines were a joke. We were herded onto them like cattle. Totally over loaded to say the least. And that's after waiting in the rain for about 45 minutes. They should have paid us to venture onboard that bus. But like I said the castle is worth seeing even if one has to take the long train ride as did we out of Munich. I just didn't like the regimented attitude once you arrived.

I agree to reserve in advance, if you have the chance to. I've been there twice. Once in Oct and once in early Dec. Both were during the week and while I can't say the line either time was insanely long, I def had to wait in line, especially in October. Didn't distract from the experience, it's truly 1 of Germany's great attractilons!, but I would have loved not to have to wait at all. Time permiting, try and see neighboring Hohenschwangau, too (King Ludwig's boyhood home; the yellow castle "next door," so to speak, to Neuschwanstein.) Not as large or grand, but I enjoyed the English language tour very much.

Like Kathy, we went in mid-October (can't recall day of week - vacation days all seem the same to me). We stayed in Reutte and arrived first thing (at least 30 minutes before the first tours started). When the booths opened there was a small line but had our tickets within about ten minutes. When we finished our tours and came back down the hill, the line at the kiosk looked like a busy ride at Disneyland, I would guess at least an hour wait (probably more). If you know your itinerary and reservations are an option, I'd get them.

Reserve, Reserve, Reserve. Went in October on a Saturday and there was a huge line. We walked right up to the reservation line, and even though we were 30 min late, we were on the next English tour. I recommend following Rick's advice; take the shuttle up and the horse cart down. If you are driving from Munich, give yourself plenty of time. We underestimated the drive time and that's why we were a half hour late.