What if I can't get Neuschwanstein tickets?

Try the ticket center in Hohenschwangau village on the day - they sometimes have returns. Or focus on Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, which rarely sell out.

Can I do this trip without a car?

Yes, but it's much harder. Take train to Füssen (2 hours), then bus 73 to castles. For Linderhof, you need train to Oberammergau plus bus. Adds 3+ hours travel time daily.

Which castle should I skip if I only have one day?

Skip Hohenschwangau. Do Neuschwanstein in the morning (it's the famous one), then drive to Linderhof in the afternoon. You'll see the two most impressive castles.

How to Plan the Bavarian Castle Route from Munich

The Bavarian castle route covers 3-4 castles in 2-3 days, starting with Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau near Füssen, then Linderhof and optionally Herrenchiemsee. Book Neuschwanstein tickets 2 months ahead, rent a car for flexibility, and budget €150-200 per day including accommodation.

Book Neuschwanstein tickets first. Go to hohenschwangau.de exactly 2 months before your visit at 8am CET. Tickets sell out daily. Book the 35-minute tour (€15 adults). If sold out, try Hohenschwangau castle as backup (easier to get tickets).
Rent a car in Munich. Pick up from Munich Airport or central Munich. You need a car for castle hopping - public transport adds 2-3 hours daily. Book with Europcar, Sixt, or Hertz. Budget €40-60/day plus €15/day for gas.
Plan your castle sequence. Day 1: Drive to Füssen (2 hours), visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, stay overnight in Füssen. Day 2: Drive to Linderhof Palace (1 hour), then either return to Munich or continue to Herrenchiemsee if you have 3 days.
Book accommodation strategically. Stay in Füssen after day 1 (Hotel Müller or Gasthof Krone, €80-120/night). If doing Herrenchiemsee, stay in Prien am Chiemsee (€60-90/night). Book 2-3 weeks ahead, especially May-October.
Time your visits. Start Neuschwanstein tour before 11am or after 3pm to avoid peak crowds. Linderhof is less crowded before 10am. Allow 4-5 hours total for the Füssen castles including driving between them.

What if I can't get Neuschwanstein tickets?: Try the ticket center in Hohenschwangau village on the day - they sometimes have returns. Or focus on Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, which rarely sell out.
Can I do this trip without a car?: Yes, but it's much harder. Take train to Füssen (2 hours), then bus 73 to castles. For Linderhof, you need train to Oberammergau plus bus. Adds 3+ hours travel time daily.
Which castle should I skip if I only have one day?: Skip Hohenschwangau. Do Neuschwanstein in the morning (it's the famous one), then drive to Linderhof in the afternoon. You'll see the two most impressive castles.