We ordered our tickets online ahead of time. We scheduled an early afternoon tour. We took the train from Munich, and then the bus from Fuessen. The entire place was covered in snow...it was unbelievably beautiful.

We had some trouble in the bathroom. My worst nightmare came true! You had to pay to use the bathroom...30 euro cents...3 dimes. Unfortunately, we did not have exact change...I gave it all to fellow at the ticket window! and the change machine behind the door was out of order!! I found myself trying to explain this mystery to other tourists who did not speak English or German...and many decided to climb under or over the turnstyle to use the facilities...after putting 50 euro cents in the change machine, and not getting any change in return.

We took the horse carriage to the top...it was bitterly cold...and the busses were not running due to the snow. We were left off with a good 10 minute walk up to the castle. We took our time walking up the hill. We stopped for some fried dough "snowballs" YUMMY and to take in the view. My younger son enjoyed playing in the snow along the way, and my older son took lots of pictures. It was a blast...although very cold!

When we finally made it in to the castle, we climbed so many stairs that I was still trying to catch my breath when our tour guide was talking. It was a lovely castle, the crowds were not unbearable, but the Maria bridge was closed. We were a bit disappointed, but also exhausted, so we headed back down the mountain and had a meal at the Muller hotel restaurant. My only complaint here was that when I finally got to use the restroom, my teenagers ordered 2 shots of VODKA, and the waitress had brought it out to them!! There was a shot left when I returned to the table - so I gave it back to the waitress, but I still had to pay for both.

We poked around Fuessen before heading back to Munich.

What a great day!

You can see castle Neuschwanstein and Castle Hohenschwangau in 1 day. Start early and get a preset time for your tour..

I actually thought Hohenschwangau was more interesting as it is much older and has more history, but Neuschwanstein is a shock to the senses in the level of detail.

This castle was extraordinary and the tour was fascinating! Yes, there is a twenty minute hike up the hill and it was quite cold in February, but well worth it. The mountains are breathtaking and the castle itself... Well, it was just my favorite thing on my whole trip. Well worth the drive (which was exceptional in itself) and worth the time to visit.

One thing: Hotel Muller is located right next to the ticket center. We stopped for coffee and dessert on our way up to the castle and couldn't wait to get back down for lunch afterward. This is one of the best restaurants! We both had dark beer, Konig Ludwig Dunkel and Jagerschnitzel! Yum, yum. Our bill totaled 35EUR. A great value for great food!

Last thing: While you are traveling through this area, stop and check out the grocery stores. This has become a new favorite thing for the hubby and I to do. So many different types of foods (and beer). It is a lot of fun to try new things and the people are super friendly!

We reached Neuschwanstein Castle at the conclusion of our 'Romantic Road' Tour in the summer of 2006, and the 3 days we spent there were absolutely breathtaking. The castle itself is only the diamond in the crown; the quietness of the little town at night, the beauty in the surrounding countryside and lakes, the friendliness of the locals and the opportunity to ramble down small roads or climb up dazzling green mountains made up the rest of Neuschwanstein's jewels. The castle is splendid and offers world class views, as does Mary's Bridge (which can be reached by taking an alternate path along the same walk up to the castle). Keep in mind that it is incredibly steep and quite a climb, so take the inexpensive bus journey up the side if you think you might not be up for it. Take your time, and if you have the chance, stay for at least a night in the little town. The restaurant's aren't open too late, so get your food early, but the peacefulness of the place will make it all well worth your while.