Is it possible to get to it from Munich by train, on one's own, or do you recommend taking a guided tour by bus? Would it take a whole day, or could one plan just a half day trip to visit it? Thank's for your help.

I just placed a search for a Neuschwanstein Castle in this site - more than 50 discussion posts came up! It seems like this theme is rather polemical, some people believe it is a real "tourist trap"...

The castle is touristy but worth seeing. If you take a guided bus tour, it will be expensive, confining and a true tourist trap. I believe you can do it by public transport...check a guide book or see if there is a web site/

Take a look; this may help you in your decision.
http://www.neuschwanstein.de/english..._get_there.htm

It's outside the town of Füssen, about two hours from Munich by train. At the train station, a bus will take you to the "village" below the castle hill.

It's a pretty rigorous climb from there, so most people either take a bus or horse carriage to the top.

Once on the mountain, a 15 minute walk takes you down into a valley and back up to the castle entrance.

I'd rather have my hand slammed in a car door.

We'd rather do that, too (slam your hand in a car door).

There are many more impressive castles (speaking separately of both the exterior, and definitely the interior)in Germany, not to mention other countries. However, if one were an aficionado of castles, one should see it if for no other reason than to say you'd seen it to those tourists to whom its superficialities is more than adequate.

Thanks to all of you for the information provided. Of course, I am not going to Germany just to see this Castle, but since I will be in the neighborhood, why not? It seems like I can do the visit in one morning or afternoon, going by train to Füssen, and then from there on by bus (being careful so that I won't get my hand slammed in the bus door...).

Don't neglect Hohenschwangau Castle. Ludwig actually grew up here and unlike Neuschwanstein it actually has some historical interest. You have to go within a few yards of it on the way to Neuschwanstein.

And there's lots of other stuff in the neighborhood and on the way from Munich of interest: Linderhof (another of Ludwig's castles, and the most interesting), and the Ettal, Andechs, Wessobrunn, Wies,and Ottobeuren churches. Look in the Michelin Green Guide for details.

Hourly train links from Munich to Fussen, then like said mini-bus or regular buses to castle area, from which you must hike or take fiacres or mini-bus up a steep climb to the castle. But easily done. Note- lines can be long here - you can pre-reserve. point is if you come unreserved in late afternoon you may not get in. I was there in a november day and the lines were quite long - lots of American GIs are based in the area and many were bringing visiting family here. Don't neglect Fussen itself- there is a lovely walk for about a mile along the rushing river to a most scenic boulder-strewn gorge where the river's water boisterously cascades thru. Nearly none of the zillions of tourists who pass thru Fussen to reach Mad Ludwig's castles venture into the town itself or to this spectacular natural site.

if you could drive out there you would see so much more...there are at least two other castles in the area to visit...a full day would be best, imo

Just a different perspective for the heck of it. I'm the type to travel on my own to places like this, but I opted to take a bus tour that included Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. It cost about $50 and for me, it was nice because I could sleep on the bus with no worries and I got the narrative that the tour guide could just share (instead of having to research). Don't get me wrong, that's quite a touristy thing to do, but it did take a little bit of the legwork out of it for me.

also---don't miss his mother's place next door...it is quite lovely

The Bayern Pass is a great deal for train fare, and the ride is about 2 hours to Fussen. I think it's about 36 EU for up to FIVE people round-trip in a day. The Bayern Pass also covers the cost of the bus from the train depot to the town.
Fussen's a nice little town and has good restaurants for lunch or dinner.
We weren't wild about the castle per se, but it makes a very nice day-trip.
(You know you can also use the Bayern Pass for Munich-Salzburg, which is also about 2 hours each way. That's a lovely daytrip, too.)

Went to Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau in April '05 & loved it. Book tickets ahead of time -- visit Hohenschwangau 1st -- and then walk up hill to Neuschwantstein. Don't forget to hike up to the bridge above the castle -- the view of the castle, river, falls, etc. is spectacular. We spent night in Fussen -- so took 1/2 day; however, it would take day from Munich. Interior of Neuschwantstein not that spectacular since never finisheed, but the exterior & the setting is unforgettable.

While the interior of Neuschwanstein was never finished, there are a dozen or more rooms that were finished and they are well worth seeing--especially if you know the history of Neuschwanstein and Ludwig's eccentricities. A few of these words have some of the finest 19th century carvings and other woodworking that you'll find anywhere.

Thanks for the tips. Now all I have to do is make up my mind. I might have to stay one extra day in Munich, there seems to be so much to see in that area. This will be my third trip to Germany - I loved both times -, but the first time I will visit Bavaria. Just can't wait!

Strongly lobbying for day trip to Neuschwanstein - Fussen cute town at foot of Bavarian Alps and Neuschwanstein one of the most bizarre interiors and exteriors in Europe and lovingly nestled in a forest in foothills of Alps. Train ride is nice as well.

I have a soft spot in my heart for this castle. My husband proposed to me on the bridge (Marienbrucke) overlooking the castle. The scenery is just beautiful there and both Neusch and Hohenschwangau are worth the trip.
I would even recommend renting a car for the day to drive to Fussen, the 2 castles, Weiskirche (amazing church in the meadow) and Linderhof castle (so unbelievable ornate!). This was how we spent our day and it was one of our most memorable EVER!
But, if you are going to go, make reservations ahead of time to avoid the lines.
Have a fabulous time!