Neuschwanstein from Munich

Posted by Cary (Pacific Northwest) on 01/15/10 07:14 PM

For our trip this summer, my wife and I want to visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. We were originally planning to have a night or two in Fuessen to facilitate this portion of the trip. However, looking at our schedule, it seems it would be easier to do it as a day trip (albeit a long one) from Munich (we won't have a car). Is this is a doable venture? It seems so on the surface, but not sure in reality. Ware trying to minimize the number of nights we are in "moving" and would rather not have a new hotel in Fuessen since it would only be for a night.

Thanks for any insight!

Posted by Tom

Danville, VT

01/15/10 08:46 PM

12040 posts

"Is this is a doable venture?" Yes, it is one of the most popular day trips from Munich. You can either take the train to Fuessen or go by bus tour from Munich.

Posted by Cary OP

Pacific Northwest

01/16/10 05:35 AM

347 posts

Thanks. That is what I thought, but I wasn't sure if it took way longer than it appears making it more of a hassle. And since Rick only ever gives you his preferred method, all he talks about is starting from Fuessen. Thanks again.

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

01/16/10 07:54 AM

19274 posts

See my webpage on traveling from Munich to the castles.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

01/17/10 10:11 AM

8062 posts

While I did not investigate them, an organized bus tour may be worth the money. The train from Munich is slow and requires changes, once there, you are a bit at the mercy of your reservations for the castles, all translating to much wasted time. At least on a bus, you have a comfortable, probably faster ride, and I would guess pre-arranged tickets.

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

01/17/10 11:23 AM

19274 posts

Getting out to Hohenschwangau with the train and bus is no big deal. There are hourly trains. Every other train is direct, no change. The alternate trains have one change, at Buchloe. It's a cross platform change, and the other train is sitting there waiting for you when you arrive. The train goes to Fuessen Bahnhof. From there you take a bus to Hohenschwangau. The bus leaves from the other side of the station parking lot, a few yards from the front door, and lets you off around the corner from the castle ticket kiosk. One €28 ($40) Bayern-Ticket covers up to five people for all of their travel, including the bus, for the day. (If you want to leave on a workday on the 8:52 train, you must also purchase tickets from Munich Hbf to Geltendorf to cover your travel before 9 AM. These tickets are €7,20 pP, €18,80 for up to five. So, for two people leaving Munich at 8:52, transportation to and from the castles is €42,40, about $61).

Grayline, however, charges almost $162 to take two people to and from the castle, and you still have to pay for you castle tickets, which always includes a guided tour.

Radius charges less per person for the trip, but uses the train and bus.

When I was last there (Labor Day weekend), I arrived at the ticket kiosk at 11:30 and they were booking the 12:40 tour. (It takes a half hour or more to walk up to Neuschwanstein.) You can call ahead up to the day before and reserve a tour time for €1,80 pP.