Ever been to Neuschwanstein Castle?
 

Hi,

I'm headed to the Christmas Markets in Germany next weekend. Planning on Rothenburg and possibly one other. I'd also like to go to see Neuschwanstein Castle. I'm figuring on taking a train from FRA to Fussen in the morning. Is it possible to do the castle as a daytrip from FRA? Granted 7 hours travel time is a drag but I'm not sure how much else there is to see around the castle. I'm thinking that I would rather have a day to see another city than spend the time around Neuschwanstein, if I can do the castle as a day trip.

Any advice?

My wife and I were there in summer...it is pretty darn neat!

However, only because we were blessed with some divine providence...

We had the option of trying to catch it at the end of the day on our way to Munich, or go there early morning when we left Munich 2 days later. We needed to head North after Munich but we decided to head a few hours out of our way and go to the castle early morn. We left Munich about 6-6:30am and got to the castle and 8-8:30. Waiting in a medium line (15-20m) and then waited for our tour time which was at 10:30!! When we finished around noon, we headed back down to the town and I was shocked to see that the whole town was completely taken over with tourists. The line for tickets snacked down the block and would probably be over 1-2 hours long and then driving out of town...I still can't believe this...the line up of cars was stopped and backed up on the highway for like 5 km just waiting to get into the town in the first place...let alone find a parking spot and get in the ticket line!!

I was stunned. I commented to my wife that I am pretty thankful that we, by chance, decided to do it early morning rather than late afternoon 2 days before. If I had encountered those kinds of lineups, I would have turned the car around in a fit of curse words and convultions.

Of course, this was the height of summer so maybe things are different in December (hopefully they are!, local Germans should chime in) but I recommend getting there FIRST thing in the morning.

I´m not sure about convenient routing, but how about taking a night train? You could check http://www.bahn.de for late departures/early arrivals ex-FRA or Frankfurt main station.

Thanks to you both for the quick replies. It sounds like this can be a day trip then. Thanks for the advise on arriving early! I'd be upset if we spend half a day waiting for a 2 hour tour!

I've looked into the night trains and I am trying to include one in this trip. Athough a tad expensive it seems to be a great way to make the most of the trip. I think the trip from Frankfurt to the town near the castle is shorter than would be practical for the night train though.

There is a good site for the night trains at:

http://www.citynightline.ch

(Click "EN" from there for the English version)

If anyone has been one of these I'd love to hear about your experience!

Thanks again!

I did a quick check through the Bahn website and think you might consider the following:

Take a late afternoon train from FRA/Frankfurt to Augsburg, a pictoresque Bavarian town NW of Munich. Stay overnight in Augsburg and then connect directly to Fuessen early in the morning. Transfer via Munich seems more complicated.

Drive this. Especially that time of year it will be a breathtaking drive.

Personally, I prefer Berchtesgaden to the castle by way of Austria (although this would be a little dicey in winter), but coming from anywhere North you will be fine.

I think I'm right behind you. My wife an I will be visiting next weekend (Dec 10 or 11). However, we're coming in from Munich, so the train thing isn't the issue. I'd be curious about your experience with the 'crowds' in December. I can't tell if they'll be considerably lower due to the cold weather, or considerably higher (everything is more picturesque in cold, crisp air with snow). I'm also intrigued by the horse-drawn carriage up to the castle. We'll get there early, and if it's pretty cold... I'm sure I'll be motivated to pay the 5 Euros.

http://www.neuschwanstein.com/englis..._get_there.htm

Enjoy the castle. I'm counting the days until I get there. :)

-Internyet

Definitely a day trip. We took a bus tour from Munich, but it worked out well -- priority parking and we were on our own to wander the area.

Here's a photo:

http://travelersvideo.com/Munich,%20Germany.jpg

This sounds like a good idea. Thanks. Just registered for Bahn.de I’m thinking about ordering the Germany Twin Rail Pass. It sounds like a good deal. (I’m not up for renting a car I’m traveling with my GF and parents – don’t need my dad back seat driving all over Germany! :mad: ) The twin pass is being discussed here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=623120

I'll try and update this thread after I get back for anyone considering a similar trip.

We all went to Munich and Nuremburg last year as well and we had a terrific time. Can't say enough about the atmosphere and charm of Germany at Christmas! If you've never been - GO! :)

Yes
 

In 1973, at 18 years of age, and it was awesome. Well worth the climb up the stairs (I forget how many but I counted and knew when the tour guide asked how many). It would be on the very short list of places to go to out of the country....(a very short list)

As a North American, one of my favorite things, without question, is the autobahn. Last trip: new momentary personal land speed record of 245km/h with comfortable normal cruising ~200-220 in an Audi A6!

I would never give up the opportunity to drive in Deutschland! :D


I agree with this as well. I had the opportunity last year to visit the markets in Dusseldorf. Very charming experience!

As a North American, I find the German trains just awesome and can never get enough. A freeway....well, we have those here as well, but 180mph on a train trumps all auto travel.

The train station at Fuessen is not adjacent to the castle, but bus service should be available. A visit was quite worthwhile, as the castle was way ahead of its time in terms of amenities.

I respectfully disagree. I think 180mph on the autobahn trumps that same speed on the train. I am all for train travel in Europe, but I do love taking out a wonderfully engineered German auto and going FAST FAST FAST on the autoban!!!

I have been to Neuschwanstein, and it was a wonderful experience. However, I think a day trip from Frankfurt may be a little much. If you really want to go, then do it, but I think there are other things a little closer to Frankfurt worth seeing, which won't cause you to spend all day on the train (or car). (I know the Christams market in Duesseldorf has been mentioned, that would be much closer).

I think a day-trip from Munich is a much better trip.

My gosh, a person who knows one of the best but obscure places in Germany! We love the area and go there each year. I hope the OP recognizes that you let him in on a secret/ :)