Does anyone have experience requesting Neuschwanstein Castle tickets well in advance? About a week ago I filled out a reservation form for the King's Ticket, requesting a visit date of December 13. I haven't received any confirmation or reply. I did read something somewhere about responses being delayed if the request is well in advance of the visit day, but it referenced a couple of days delay and it's been over a week since I submitted the form. The form had me fill in all of my credit card information, so I'm hesitant to resubmit.

Greater than 6mo in advance, for slow season seems to be excessive. I'm willing to bet you can walk up on Friday Dec 13 and just buy a ticket - the risk of this selling out any time soon seems quite low to me.

I don't think I agree about just walking up and buying a ticket on the day. We were there in December and it was a complete zoo.

Six months in advance does seem excessive though. We booked a tour a day in advance. And no, I don't suggest the bus tour. Much preferred when we visited on our own.

This... having been there without reservations there's no way in H. E. double hockey sticks I'd recommend the same to anyone else no matter what day was chosen. Of course when we went the first time in 1981 we just walked up the hill and got in. Those were the days...

Those were the days...

They sure were. We walked right up in December 2003, but things have changed a helluva lot since then. I barely recognized the place in December 2017.

J62 I know, it does seem super far in advance, but when I accidentally clicked on December 14 the site told me that there were no longer tickets available for that day. Perhaps that's just a glitch, but I have zero flexibility in my schedule for this visit, so if things are already filling up, I don't want to take my chances.

Wait until a month or so out. Christmas markets really put many into the area. We were there in Nov and the lines were huge. I had a broken foot and nixed that right away. I saw it from afar and good enough.

Missing it would not be the end of the world, in the grand scheme of European sights to visit.

Not too far from Neuschwanstein is Schloss Hohenschwangau, Ludwig's family home. We found it more interesting, but still enjoyed Neuschwanstein. On a nice day, the view of Neuschwanstein from the Marienbrücke, a short distance from the castle, is terrific.

The view from Marienbrücke is indeed terrific, just keep in mind that it can be closed in winter if there's ice and snow.