Re: SYD-xBKK-HEL-BUD-VIE-MUC-FRA-xHEL-xBKK-SYD EK B777, AY A350, QF A330, + Trains i
I really appreciated your report on Neuschwanstein Castle. I'm heading over to Germany again in late September, but I'm going to have a bit more of a look around this time. (I've been to Germany twice, but they've both been quite brief visits.) A trip south to Neuschwanstein Castle is definitely on my short list at the moment.
You seem like you are good for trains. In that case go that route. And go early. It is a big day
This is a pic of the coaches starting to pull up and park. Seems like a slow way to travel vs the train doing twice the average speed.
Map of Neuschwanstein Catsle
The smaller castle was more impressive we thought.
So, time permitting don't just buy a ticket for the main castle. If you do see them both, then you have no choice but to go small then large.
They give you enough time between the tours of each to make your way (and we had lunch where showed the pic lining up for the bus). There are a heap of (very average) coffee shops and eateries. This is what it is like right where the bus picks you up to take you up to the main castle (and yes we ate there due to convenience - think german fast food of instant coffee and various sausage. But it was warm on a cold day so went down fine).
You line up at a hole-in-the-wall, place your order from a picture menu, pay, then move to the next hole in the wall where they give you your slops on a paper plate.
You can then eat outside or go inside a big room and eat.
The 2nd pic looking back at the place ... This is the view from standing in the line waiting for the bus
Other thoughts:
We were unsure of the timings from train hitting Fussen station to collecting the tickets.
For us, it was 25 mins as we timed it. And we had allowed 30 mins so we were right on the window. If I were doing it again, I would allow 45 mins to be safe from train landing to ticket collection provided you have pre-reserved.
Also, when you collect the pre-reserved tickets you then need to pay with CC or cash. Seems they just take your CC for the web booking but never charge it unless you no-show.
With the Museum ... see this last in the event you are short on time. It is good but not great.
The building is down near the coaches (imagine if a coach just reversed up into the building ... that is where the museum is). We spent about 1 hr there but were tired and in much need of alcohol.
When the day is over ... As you walk back down from the Castle to take the bus back to Fussen station, the bus stop is near where you got on, but more in the middle of the road. So look out for the H sign. Our return bus was a big one as it was a popular time with everyone just getting on. And again, the train ticket we had allowed the bus ride for free.
Ok hope this helps a little. You'll have a smashing time.