I'm going to Munich next month and would like to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. I'm not sure shall I make trip to the castle on my own (is it easy to access?) or just join a day trip tour? If choose a tour can someone recommand a good tour? should I book in advance before leaving U.S. or book it when I get there?
Thanks for any suggestions!
2006-10-24 05:00:56 · 9 answers · asked by Silly Girl 1 in Travel ➔ Germany ➔ Munich
try to take the horse and buggy ride from the town down below. Go early in the morning. The lines are long. There open at 10am. You don't have to go with a tour, just do you own thing.
2006-10-24 13:22:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all Neuschwanstein Castle (By King Ludwig) is in Fussen, Germany so you will need to take transportation to get there. There is a bus that runs up the hill to the castle from the center of town. Once you are there you can get tickets to visit that castle and the castle of the father (Hohenschwangau castle) while your there. You dont need arrange for a tour because the tour is included in the price of the ticket. I dont know how old you are but the ticket for adolescents is 18 Euros. I was just there and it's amazing. The tour director knows a ton about the castle and you will be impressed. Also...no you don't need to buy in advance. They have tours that go on about every thirty minutes and you can either take the bus or the carriage ride up to the castles. The bus is about 2 to 3 euros round trip. Have fun!!! Check out the link below for more info.
2006-10-24 16:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by cocoa198517 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, so the castle in NOT directly in Fussen, but it is certainly closer to Fussen than Munich. I have often encountered a tourist looking for the 'Walt Disney Castle' in the center of Munich - mainly because someone told them that while at the Oktober Fest they visited that castle. Many tours include that castle as part of the Oktober Fest tour.
Because of work I often have to organize a trip to that castle, many times at the last minute or the day before(I use the InterNet for info and then call to make the reservations). Being that your visit will be in November it will not be that crowded as compared to summer or Oktober Fest times.
Check with your hotel or the tourist office at the main train station for the details of tickets for the castle tour, and other stops(The smaller Ludwig Castle, Passion Play Town Ober something, etc). Trust me you can ride around for days in that area and not see everything. while you are at it head over to Salzburg, In Austria and take 'The Sound of Music' bus tour. Oh yeah, the hills are alive....
With a rental car, hey if you have the money for that - go for it. Just make sure the 'On Board Navigation System' - HAL(from the film '2001' A Space Odysey') is not from a disk, and is Live. Very frustrating when the sweet little voice tells you to turn right in 300 meters, and then you discover the street is closed because of construction. Also that castle is not a direct exit from the Autobahn. You have to drive over some 'Charming' country roads. And the signs for that castle and other points of interest are not always clear(OK, after 27 visits to that castle I can find it now and give a guided tour, I am talking about my first visit with an Army 1st Lt. reading the map - saw alot of Bavaria that day!). Anyway before I write a book 'Gone With The Castle' I will close. However you decide to get to that castle have a good trip, good luck, and tell Snow White and Mad Ludwig I said hello! *smile*
If you will be staying Munich at a hotel they can arrange or recomend a bus tour. I can not give you a tour company name - there are several in Munich city alone. The plus of a bus tour is; You get a tour guide, helps you find the correct restaurants with menus in English, transportation to the castle, and tickets for the castle tour, plus depending on which tour you opt to take you may get to see the other Ludwig castles. Credit cards are accepted.
If you will be in Munich and not staying at a hotel then walk over to the main train station(HBF) and go to the Tourist Office. They speak English and will know exactly what you are talking about.
I have been that castle 27 times. If you are a jogger, in good health, or walk a lot then you can manage the hiking around the castle and lake, but if not take the bus or horse and buggy up the hill.
While the options of taking a train, bus, or a rental car are available, unless you have been to Germany before and know all the ins and outs of using public transportation in this wonderfully efficient country I would strongly urge you to use a bus tour. If you do it on your own, you will get lost, or maybe take the wrong train, and end up wasting a lot of time. This is coming from the been there, done that school of experience.
One other thing when you first drive into the castle area, be prepared. The castle sits on the side of the hills/mountains and does not at first look like the postcard pictures you always see. If you want that classic scene you will have to hike over(sorry, no bus, horse, or richschau available) to the bridge. From that bridge you can take the postcard pictures and the classic shot of yourself with the castle in the background. So, when you book your tour make sure they give you enough time to do that if you are interested in that.
I hope this info helps. Have a good trip and good luck.
2006-10-24 20:18:27 · answer #3 · answered by dbdoit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I must clarify the exact location of Neuschwanstein Castle because it is NOT in Fussen.
"How to get there
Neuschwanstein Castle is near the Forggensee in the Allgäu, very close to Schwangau. The path to the castle starts in the village of Hohenschwangau, and this is also your last opportunity to park. You must buy your tickets down here too, before you set off for the castle."
Source: Neuschwanstein Castle Official Website.
It is your decision.
Tour Bus – If you decide to take a tour bus from your hotel, you will need to make a reservation ahead of time to reserve your seat on the bus. In addition, while taking a bus tour it is the best way to observe the beautiful in route scenery. Sometimes tour operator has tickets ready for passengers, so you do not have to stay in line to buy your entrance ticket(s). The best part …you can take a nap on the bus while on your way to your hotel.
Note: Contact your hotel for tour busses informations.
OR
Car Rental – Don’t be afraid to rent a car and explore the beautiful scenery. You will have a chance to stop and explore some cute little town along the way. Who can resist driving on the Autobahn (Bundesautobahn (BAB)) a high speed freeways, despite the fact that there is no speed limit (there is only a speed recommendation of 130km/h), it is actually safe and fun (I don’t promote reckless driving or excess speed beyond your comfort and safety zone).
I highly recommend Sixt Rental Car because of its reliability and/or for the right price, electronic Navigation System (no worry on getting lost) is included.
Note: We rented their BMW 5 Series, Manual for 1 ½ years while we were on business project in Germany. It is the best, except going to Prague, Czech Republic, is another ball game.
Note: Ticket reservation is available with extra fee and some restrictions, which I find this a bit of a hassle. I do recommend for you to arrive early because this is a very popular destination.
Also, check out the Neuschwanstein Castle official website for details.
Bon Voyage!
www.millsfamilyadventures.net
2006-10-25 17:00:48 · answer #4 · answered by Travelled 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the tour , it's a long complicated way and you are going to get lost ( and you don't drive on the left). There are multiple tours leaving across from the main train station ( next to Herti's Department Store). Just check a day in advance for the times the next days trips. Oh yeh it's not that much fun reading german road signs at 80 miles an hour anyway.....
2006-10-25 16:10:22 · answer #5 · answered by Paris Hilton 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to book in advance. The castle itself runs a tour, gift shop, etc. It's a good day trip, and easy to access.
2006-10-24 05:08:13 · answer #6 · answered by jframeisu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Totally do it on your own. Very easy to access. The area near the casle is beatiful, plan to spend some time exploring the aurrounding countryside. Also...literally right next door is Hohenschwangau...go see both...you can walk from one to the other.
2006-10-24 07:57:28 · answer #7 · answered by MEW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do it on your own. it's the easiest way. Hfun!!
2006-10-27 03:02:49 · answer #8 · answered by Fornarina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
been there but dont remember any
2006-10-26 11:27:14 · answer #9 · answered by Heidi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋