Sorry if this is a silly question-- been poking around and haven't seen the answer anyplace. I want to make a reservation for the "King's Castles" tickets-- Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein-- but I read someone's comment that they didn't have enough time to stop at Mary's Bridge between their tours; instead, they had to hurry to make their time at Neuschwanstein. The website just says to choose a time for Hohenschwangau, "the entrance time at Neuschwanstein follows after." Could someone who has purchased one of these tickets please enlighten me? How long after your initial reservation time is the 2nd castle reservation? Did you have a good experience-- plenty of time to stop at Marienbrucke? Thanks so much!
Posted by
Lakeland, FL, USA
30 posts
I've done the castles twice. After finishing the tour at Hohenschwangau, you can either walk up or take the horse carriage. My husband and I preferred to walk and it's about 1/2 mile up the hill. I believe we had about 45-60 minutes between castle tours. We arrived with a little bit of time to spare. We did the Marienbrucke after the Neuschwanstein tour. This way we weren't rushed and could really enjoy the view. If you are staying in Fussen, ask your hotel if they sell tickets. We stayed at the Altstadt Zum Hechten and we could purchase our Kings tickets. They applied it to our room bill and we went to the will call window instead of having to wait in the longer lines. At the will call, they asked us what tour we wanted, so we had a choice. You just have to ask. Happy Travels!!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you book both castles, your reservation time for Neuschwanstein is determined based on your entrance time for Hohenschwangau. Marienbrucke is a further 10 minute or so walk up the mountain beyond Neuschwanstein, so if you have any doubt that you may not make it in time, just go after your tour.
Posted by
OP
Beaverton, OR, US
2 posts
OK- good to know! From the passage in the RS book, I thought maybe it was a strenuous hike from Neusch. up to Mary's Bridge, but it sounds like not! Thanks so much for the help-
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Well, it is an uphill hike. I don't find it a strenuous hike, but then again, I hike all the time and I'm about 2 or 3 decades younger than the typical Rick Steves fan. If you're fairly active and fit, you'll have no problems. If not, you may get a little winded.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Hohenschwangau is near the "village" and Neuschwanstein/Marienbrucke are at the top. We arrived early and saw Hohenschwangau first, then took the bus up the hill. The bus is the quickest route and lets you off uphill from Neuschwanstein. Once off the bus you can either go a short walk further uphill for a view of the castle from Marienbrucke or head down to Neuschwanstein for your tour, and come back after your tour. I think, with the bus ride up, you will have time for a short stop at the bridge. After your tour, you can then enjoy the walk down the trail back to the "village" (or go back up to catch the bus). We went to the bridge twice. Before our tour it was still shrouded in fog so we came back later. It was weird how the castle was completely invisible our first time at Marienbrucke and so prominent on our second visit.