Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour

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Duration:9 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours (approx.)
Location: Munich, Bavaria

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The famous Fairytale Castle NEUSCHWANSTEiN is the 2nd most visited attraction in Germany. It captivates 1.5M visitors with its dreamy beauty, inspired by characters from Wagner's epic operas. Unfortunately this means that up to 8,000 visitors/day crowd the place all year long.

This tour gives you the unique opportunity to avoid these crowds and enjoy the calm magic also at HOHENSCHWANGAU in peace. Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the castles and grounds: Let the fairy tale come to life around you!

Our expert guide will give you space to enjoy numerous other sights as well while being at your disposal and alert to your needs & questions at all times.

WHY WITH US:

• Know that your day is planned and conducted by a friendly & professional tour guide
• Look forward to an unique excursion package
• Enjoy the perfect symbiosis of traveling in relaxed comfort and fully leveraging your precious vacation time

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Theresienwiese
After pick-up at your Munich hotel, settle in our new luxurious/comfortable Mercedes- or VW Minivan. We'll pass the place where King Ludwig I (Ludwig II's Grandfather), celebrated his wedding more than 200 years ago, which we know today as the Oktoberfest!
2. Starnberger See
20 min later we reach the impressive Lake Starnberg, also known as the “Dukes lake”. Magnificent villas stretch along the lakeshore, including the summer residences of Sissi, the pretty but unfortunate Empress of Austria. See the spot in the lake where King Ludwig II mysteriously died on June 13, 1886. Learn about the strange relationship between Ludwig and Sissi, and why he didn't want to marry Sissis younger sister. The only island of the lake ("Roseninsel") which was in royal possession, too, was the meeting place of Ludwig and Sissi several times...
3. Hohenschwangau
After another hour drive through the beautiful rural Bavarian countryside we approach the range of the Alps and can see the towers of Neuschwanstein at an altitude of about 1000m/3000ft. Soon we will reach the little village of Hohenschwangau which is the starting point for both castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. From your guide you will receive the skip-the-line tickets for NEUSCHWANSTEIN castle and a very detailed map of the surrounding area. He will give you tips on how to spend your stay in the best possible way (e.g. visiting the viewpoint Queen Mary's bridge, using the shuttle buses or horse-drawn carriages, and where it is best to eat or shop). If you would also like to visit HOHENSCHWANGAU Castle, you will receive information from us immediately after your booking on how to purchase skip-the-line tickets online.
4. Schloss Neuschwanstein
The famous Fairytale Castle NEUSCHWANSTEiN is one of the most popular landmarks of Germany. It captivates visitors from all over the world with its dreamy beauty, inspired by characters from Wagner's epic operas. You have the option to walk up to the castle, take the shuttle-bus (not during snow and ice) or the horse-drawn carriage --> details see "Additional Info". The guided tour in Neuschwanstein castle takes approx. 35 min, afterwards you'll walk for another 15 min through many more rooms by yourself. About the particularities of these rooms you will be well informed by your guide.
5.
Queen Mary's bridge ("Marienbrücke") - THE TOP VIEWPOINT - built in 1866 by King Ludwig II - one of the most famous in the world! It can be easily reached by a shuttle bus (€ 4.00 p.p.) from the parking lot or on a nice 40-minute uphill hike. From the bridge you'll reach the castle entrance within a 20-minute walk downhill and pass one more magnificent viewpoint! PLEASE NOTE: For departures after 8 a.m., there may be waiting times for both the shuttle bus and access to the bridge! But not far away we can show you another spectacular viewpoint without waiting. In snow and ice, the bridge is not accessible and Neuschwanstein Castle can only be reached on foot or by horse-drawn hybrid carriage.
6. Schloss Hohenschwangau
Just as worth seeing is Hohenschwangau castle, the neo-gothic summer residence of Ludwig II's father, King Maximilian II. with Ludwig's spectacular children's room. For the 45 min guided tour Skip-the-line-tickets can be booked, too - we will inform you after your booking exactly how to do this. (Skip-the-line entrance fee (2024) € 23.50 per person 18 years or older, reduction for children).
7.
Enjoy views of the spectacular Pöllat waterfall from the Neuschwanstein Castle Courtyard and from the view point Marienbrücke "Queen Mary's Bridge" (for departures after 8 a.m. waiting times are possible; in case of snow and ice, the bridge is closed). The Pöllat is a 10 km long wild river and rises not far from Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps.
8. Altstadt von Fuessen
(OPTIONAL - Please note that Füssen can only be visited if you book the 11-hour tour length ("XXL-Time credit") - you will have 25 minutes less time at the other attractions, or if you book the 9.5-hour tour length in exchange for another 25-minute attraction) ***** The extremely charming medieval town can look back on a 2,000-year history. As the favourite seat of the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I, Füssen experienced its first heyday at the beginning of the 16th century; the 'High Castle' - one of the best preserved medieval castles in Bavaria - was already decorated in 1499 with unusually rich architectural and illusion paintings. Let yourself be enchanted by the well-preserved city wall, crooked houses and the Italian-looking former monastery complex with its magnificent baroque church during a walk through narrow streets. Enjoy a refreshment in one of the numerous street cafés or the numerous shopping facilities.
9. Mount Tegelberg
(OPTIONAL - If you like to do one of theses attractions, please note the following: 1)It is imperative to inform us about it (e.g. when booking in the field "Special Requirements") 2) You will have about 60 minutes less time for the other sights, or you will have to do without them in some cases. 3) For the bike tour you are not insured through our company or through the bike rental company) ***** Keen of further activities? On request you can take a private bike ride through the picturesque Bavarian countryside. During an approx. one-hour roundtrip, you can see mountain lakes and a medieval town (perhaps bring your swimsuites). Rental bikes from 20.00 € p.p. OR take a cable car ride on one of the Alpine peaks (from 28.50 € up and down).
10.
For a while we pass Austrian territory on our approx. 50 minutes way to Linderhof palace on a breathtaking drive along the mountain lake Plansee. Depending on the traffic situation or - in winter - if there is a risk of avalanches, we drive a similarly scenic route on the Bavarian side.
11. Schloss Linderhof
(OPTIONAL) - If you have booked the 11 hrs tour, OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO HOHENSCHWANGAU CASTLE, we would highly recommend the visit of Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig's smallest but most intimate castle located in a in a secluded Alpine valley with breathtaking french baroque design, spectacular Bavarian trick paintings and the famous "Magic Table" ("Tischlein-deck-Dich"). Let yourself also be enchanted by the baroque palace park, which merges into a landscape park, and where you can admire even more fairytale buildings. ***** Entrance fee (2024): € 10.00 per adult / Children under 18 are free of charge! ***** Please note: The Venus Grotto, located in the gardens of Linderhof, is expected to be closed until 2025 due to restoration work!
12. Oberammergau
Shortly after visiting Linderhof we reach the world-famous Passion Play Village OBERAMMERGAU, where you should accompany your guide on a 20-minute guided tour. Marvel at the partly over 250-year-old murals ("Lüftlmalereien") as well as the impressive Passion Play Theatre. Take advantage of your subsequent free time to stroll in the historic center, where you will find shops with a huge range of the famous wood carvings, including numerous nativity sets and other enchanting Christmas items.
13.
(OPTIONAL - If you like to visit this attraction, please note the following: 1) It is imperative to inform us immediately (e.g. when booking in the field "Special Requirements")! 2) You will have about 45 minutes less time for the other sights 3) The coaster cannot be reserved; to avoid waiting times, we have to go there first and put Neuschwanstein Castle at the end of the tour. ***** A cosy chairlift takes you through the magnificent alpine world to a cosy mountain restaurant and to the start of the adventurous ALPINE COASTER at 1,270 m (4.170 ft) altitude: With the 1st world's longest weatherproof toboggan run with magnetic brakes, you can reach the valley at a length of 2,600 meters (1,6 miles) with breathtaking views and adventurous curves. ***** Open daily with suitable weather from approx. April - October ... Prices (2024): Adults: € 16.50/Children 8-15 years: € 12.00 *****
14. Ettal Abbey
If you want to see (and understand) another baroque masterpiece concerning church decorations, inserted in a 12-wall domed mediaval hall from the 14th century, you should follow your guide in the Ettal Benedictine monastery near a little passo, just a 5 minutes’ drive away from Oberammergau. In the monastery shop you can buy the excellent home-brewed Ettal monastery beer or liqueur.
15. Pilgrimage Church of Wies
Another unforgetable stop will be at one of the overwhelming baroque churches. Your guide will provide you with all the worth knowing information, for example about the very popular Wies-Church, or – what we not recommend less – one of the other churches on the way, which are still "secret tips", quiet and peaceful far away from the tourist masses. Please note: If we drive over the Lake Plansee route to Linderhof palace or Oberammergau, the Wieskirche cannot be visited, but an equal beautiful baroque church.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Are you able to walk slightly uphill from the car park to Neuschwanstein castle - approx. 1,5 km/1mile in an hour's time? If not, we have to calculate additional (waiting-) time for the horse-hybrid carriage or the Shuttle bus (not operating during snow and ice) – Anyway, an approx. 450 meters/0.28 miles uphill walk (up to 15 % slope) or an approx. 500 meters/0.3 miles downhill walk (up to 19 % gradient) from the respective terminal to the entrance of the castle have to be managed in any case! We can accompany you so that you can reach your castle tour in time.
• In Neuschwanstein Castle itself, a total of 346 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered. If you have a corresponding medical certificate about walking disability or mobility restriction or similar --> please inform us IMMEDIATELY after your booking! <-- we can request an exclusive lift service only for you with a maximum of one accompanying person, accompanied by the castle staff. The elevator service is at no extra cost, but (due to fire regulations) the number of tours with this service is very limited and must be reconfirmed by the castle authority.
• To Hohenschwangau castle there is a carriage service (not in winter season) almost from door-to-door. You have to climb stairs up to the 3rd floor and back (no elevator).
• In Linderhof castle you have to walk only approx. two times 10 minutes (relatively flat) and in the 30 minutes tour of the castle you have to climb stairs to the first floor.
• Each castle can be reached also with strollers, but they are not allowed during the tour of the interiors.
• If you want to reach Neuschwanstein castle by the "breathtaking" hike through the spectacular Gorge (approx. 45 to 60 minutes) on a well-developed path (not suitable for strollers, 1/4 of the distance are stairs), suitable footwear is required (for example hiking boots). In case of unsuitable weather or during maintenance work, the path through the gorge remains closed!
• Image credit #2 (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castle) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de)#3 (Neuschwanstein castle) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de), Photographer: Anton Brandl), #4 (Neuschwanstein throne room) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de) #all others: Sightseeing Bavaria Exclusive

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : redia_friendia
I went there on a day trip from Munich. I took a bus from Fussen station to the base of the castle. From there I took a horse-drawn carriage to right in front of the castle.
It was a truly beautiful castle. I'm sure people all over the world have seen photos of the long view from Marienbrücke, but when I actually went there and saw the real thing from that scary high suspension bridge, I felt that it was amazing in a way that couldn't be compared to the photos.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-25 07:37:53

Posted By : kittenlover2015
We left from Munich. Stopped first at Linderhof castle. Then went on to Cinderella’s castle. It was a full day of sightseeing and driving. Maria was our driver. She did a great job of accommodation and it was a pleasure to be with her. Highly recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-21 03:45:38

Posted By : O3053IQrachelh
My husband and I took this tour as part of our Honeymoon trip, and we had a fantastic experience! Stefan was great! He was very informative about the history of Bavaria, the sights we were seeing, and local trivia. I would highly recommend doing a private tour to see Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau as you will be able to take in the sights at your own pace (and not having to worry about purchasing the ticket to Neuschwanstein yourself is an added perk). If you want to go into Hoenschwangau and/or Linderhof you will need to purchase tickets. Tickets to Hoenschwangau need to be purchased in advance, but you can wait to purchase Linderhof tickets till the day of at the ticket office of the palace if you decide you want to see it. We went to all three palaces, and I am glad we did as we got to see three very different structures.

Alongside the three palaces, we were able to see the lake where Ludwig II and his psychiatrist were found dead, Oberammergau, and Ettal Abbey. The views of the Alps were stunning, and we were able to enjoy them peacefully. This tour was a fantastic end to our Honeymoon.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-13 10:54:43

Posted By : Liliana_B
We have an excellent guide, Thomas, who was very attentive to our needs. We had elderlies in our group and he made sure the experience was smooth. Stefan, also was very helpful and he has made sure our parents could take the lift ride in the castle (we informed him ahead that our parents had difficulties walking). Definitely the best!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-20 01:30:30

Posted By : Shannon_B
This was a wonderful tour! Throughout the drive, Stefan shared the history of the castles and surrounding areas making the actual castle tours more meaningful. The van was very comfortable and timing of the stops was just right, including the lunch reservations. Starting early (7:30am) did get us ahead of the crowds at Neuschwanstein as stated - definitely glad we followed this recommendation. The walk up the road to Neuschwanstein was a bit of a workout but pretty cool - Stefan provided detailed information about the walk and accessing the castle entrance which made the experience stress free. We also toured Linderhof Palace - I loved it! We visited the quaint village of Oberammergau, where I bought a few wood carved items in a local shop, plus Ettal Abbey, and a few other quick stops along the way. Overall, we truly enjoyed the day and would absolutely recommend it. Thank you Stefan for a fantastic day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-25 19:08:47

Posted By : David_S
Customized excursion created by my wonderful guide Maria. Castles were super interesting to see and lots of fun facts about the kings who built them.
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Posted On : 2023-12-17 12:21:44

Posted By : kris772016
Christian was a wonderful tour guide! If we could give him a rating of 10, we absolutely would! He is so well informed and gave us an absolutely amazing tour of the castles and Weiskirche. We have taken other tours in the past, and he was by far the best guide we've ever had. He knew the history of each location and answered all of our questions. We highly recommend Christian if you are considering a tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-09 05:50:29

Posted By : William_H
This trip is a must do and this is the way to do it!! Christian was wonderful!! He perfectly catered the trip to what we wanted to see and made sure we had plenty of time while keeping in mind we were traveling with a 2 year old. He gave us lots of information about the places we were going to and took lots of pictures for us. We love history so he gave us plenty of that. We asked ahead of time for extra stops to let the little one stretch and he made sure we did; and in some of the most beautiful spots. When we passed scenery we loved, he offered to pull over and let us take pictures. It started to rain when it wasn't suppose to, he met us coming out of the castle with umbrellas. Thank you for making this a day the 6 (3 generations together) of us will never forget!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-27 16:08:55

Posted By : Sally_M
Christian did an excellent job not only safely driving my husband and I on a private tour but also having a great deal of knowledge on the history through our drive through the absolutely beautiful countryside, the massive castle and other historic buildings. He choose an excellent restaurant for our lunch which also makes two local beers, (the wheat beer was very tasty for someone from Northern California wine country) Christian mentioned the Alpine coaster being close to the village where we were headed. When I mentioned I’ve always wanted to do that, he made it happen, we treated him to a ride and joined us down the hillside. We highly recommend this tour and thank you Christian for all your knowledge, friendly demeanor and allowing us to wing it!

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Posted On : 2023-08-31 15:05:02

Posted By : Courtney_D
Maria was the best tour guide we could have asked for. She provided us with so much history and information on the paces we went and even passed. It was truly the best day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-08-27 06:09:34