Neuschwanstein Castle a.m. or p.m. reservation

We just went so it wasn't all that crowded. We made reservations the day before from out timeshare. We followed the advice in the Rick Steves' book regarding transportation between the castles. Book Hohenschwangau first and walk up and back down. Take the bus to Neuschwanstein which lets you off a bit below the Marienbrucke bridge. Visit the bridge and take your photos. Amble down and around the path (take more photos of Hohen and lake scenery) and arrive at Neusch for your tour. After the tour, walk down the other path past the restaurant mentioned earlier (we bought some fresh cream cheese donuts that were to die for) for the horses. You could "try" catching a horse carriage for the trip down (we paid the driver but it might be different in busier times). It took awhile between carriages for them to arrive and then everyone made a mad dash for them since there was no line. I thought it a little chaotic and people waited through several carriage arrivals to get one. If you have the energy, you might end up walking down but we heeded most everyone's advice and did not walk up (took the bus) - which would be miserable in hot weather.

It does get very crowded in the summer, so going as early as possible is definitely suggested. Make sure to walk beyond the castle to Mary's Bridge to get an amazing side view of the castle. And I would suggest giving youself time to also tour Hohenschwangau; "Mad" King Ludwig's boyhood home; the smaller, yellow castle that's part of the same area as Neuschwanstein. Only challlenge is that they only do english speaking tours of Hohenschwangau if there are enough people for it (if I recall, min of 10), but that shoudn't be too hard in summer. The nearby luge ride is great fun, especially if you have kids w/ you (although it's just as fun for us BIG kids, too!); they should enjoy the Tegelbergbahn; the gondola that whisks you up. Beautiful views on the way and especially once you get out on top. Have a fantastic time.

there is no difference for the tour itself, but early morning and late afternoon do work out better for the hike up the hill to the bridge for photos (during the day its very crowded up there). i think the walk around the lake is generally ok. also, if you drive to the castle early morning or late afternoon works better with parking space.

You do have quite a drive from Mittewald. Getting the kids up early for a full day of activities might not be the best idea. I would get reservations for the afternoon. We went several years ago in the afternoon and it was fine. Our English tour group was not huge. Give yourself enough time to walk up the hill to the castle. We left early and then got pommes frittes and drinks at the restaurant towards the top. It was a nice break between the walk and the castle tour. The Tegelberg luge is a lot of fun and has a beautiful view of the castle. Just be aware that it will close at the slightest drizzle. The storms tend to build up in the afternoon. We bought a book of tickets, however, my son was only able to go on one run when it started to drizzle. An hour and a half later they physically dried off the run and then re-opened it. Hope this info helps. Have a great time on your trip making lifetime memories with your family.

We visited about the middle of October. We arrived shortly before opening (no reservation), stood in line for a few minutes and started our tours early. By the time we came back to the ticket booth after our tours, it looked like Disneyland (even in October). I think earlier is best.

Entry into the palace is on timed tickets,, and they only let so many people in at each time slot, and you are accompanied through,, so really, it makes no difference once INSIDE the castle,, the crowds will be the same regardless of time of day.. I don't think travelling with kids and making it a 6 am morning is ever a great idea,, cranky tired kids by 3 pm I figure. The luge is fun,, and the kids will probably want to do it lots,, but its not free, so talking abit about limits before you go is a good idea.