Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Tour: Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Experience from Munich

Escape the crowds and experience the enchanting Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles on an exclusive tour from Munich. Skip the lines and immerse yourself in the fairy tale beauty of these iconic attractions.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Theresienwiese - PICK-UP AT YOUR HOTEL/ADDRESS INCLUDED: We will pick you up between 7:00 AM and 10 AM based on your preference. * At 7:00 AM you can SKIP-THE-CROWDS! * If you prefer to sleep in and don’t mind more people, choose any departure time until 10:00 AM! *

FROM NOW ON IT MEANS FOR YOU:
• Look forward to a journey exclusively for your group in our luxurious/comfortable new Mercedes-/ VW Minivans

• But above all, look forward to our professional, friendly and experienced guides!

• Let them give you any worth knowing information about all the sights, the country & King Ludwig II., and obtain valuable insider tips how to make the most of your time at the castles visits

• Prolong this trip for 1.5 more hours: Time enough to enjoy sights longer or to see something new, e.g. Hohenschwangau castle. Soon we 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!

  • 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…
  • 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 (only possible when booking the 11-hour tour length), you will receive information from us immediately after your booking on how to purchase skip-the-line tickets online.
  • Schloss Neuschwanstein - SKiP-THE-LiNE TiCKETS INCLUDED!
    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.
  • Marienbrücke - 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, both viewpoints are not accessible and Neuschwanstein Castle can only be reached on foot or by horse-drawn hybrid carriage.
  • Pöllat Waterfall - 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.
  • Schloss Hohenschwangau - (OPTIONAL - only possible when booking the 11 hours tour length “XXL Time Credit”) 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).
  • 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.

  • 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).
  • Plansee - 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.
  • Schloss Linderhof - SKiP-THE-LiNE TiCKETS INCLUDED! Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig’s smallest but most intimate palace is located 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. *

Please note: The Venus Grotto, located in the gardens of Linderhof, is expected to be closed until 2025 due to restoration work!

  • 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.
  • Alpine Coaster - (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 *
  • 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.
  • 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.
What's Included
  • Indicate number of children 17 years or younger under ‘Special Requirements’
  • No hidden costs
  • Mineral water provided
  • Spanish, Portuguese, or French speaking guide on request
  • Licensed, friendly, and passionate guide
  • Skip-the-line entrance fees for Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle
  • Tour length: 9.5 or 11 hours
  • Drive in new luxurious Mercedes or VW-Minivan (a/c) - private tour
What's Not Included
  • < If desired: Entrance fee Hohenschwangau Castle (2024): € 23.50 p.P/€ 2.50 for children younger than 6 years
  • Only if you can not walk the whole route from car park to Neuschwanstein castle, you might need:
  • < a) Shuttle bus (to Marie’s bridge/not operating during snow and ice) (€ 4.00 ATTENTION: does not operate during snow and ice!) and/or:
  • < b) Horse-drawn hybrid carriage (€ 8.00 up/€ 4.00 down)
  • (For the shuttle bus and the horse-driven carriage no reservation possible; waiting times possible!)
  • < Lunch
  • < Gratuities
Additional Information

FAST-TRACK TiCKETS: NEUSCHWANSTEiN & LiNDERHOF CASTLE Tours!

Our enchanting NEUSCHWANSTEiN Castle, the second most sought-after tourist spot in Germany, annually lures in over 1.5M visitors due to its ethereal beauty and being inspired by dramatic characters from Wagner’s monumental operas. This popularity results in approximately 8,000 daily visitors flocking the site throughout the year.

This special tour offers you a chance to sidestep the bustling crowds and peacefully immerse in the serene allure of not only NEUSCHWANSTEiN but also LiNDERHOF PALACE (and HOHENSCHWANGAU Castle). Step into the grandeur of the castles and their surroundings and let the fantasy tales unfold!

Our proficient guide will ensure you have plenty of time to explore various other attractions, while always being accessible and accommodating to your queries and needs.

WHY CHOOSE US:

• Rest assured your day’s itinerary will be seamlessly orchestrated by a friendly & professional tour guide
• Get excited for an exceptional tour package
• Relish in the perfect blend of leisurely comfort travel and optimizing your invaluable vacation time

  • Are you able to walk slightly uphill from the car park to Neuschwanstein castle - approx. 1,5 km/1 mile within 45 minutes? 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!
  • Photo credit: Bild #2 (Neuschwanstein und Hohenschwangau) © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de), Bild #3 (Schloss Neuschwanstein) mit freundlicher Genehmigung © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (neuschwanstein(dot)de), Fotograf: Anton Brandl
Location
Theresienwiese
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(18 Ratings)
5 stars
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Rochelle_b
Nov 25, 2023
Private tour - The entire day was amazing. Being able to relax and let someone else take us and not have to navigate public transportation. Stephan was punctual, communicated well and stayed in touch prior to ease my mind. The castles were breathtaking. Along the journey he told us of the history of the areas we were driving through. He made us reservations and a very nice restaurant that was very yummy. The entire day was stress free as we will remember it forever.
Review provided by Viator
Peter_g
Aug 13, 2023
Perfect way to see it ALL! - Our guide Christian was amazing! He was so nice and professional. He was on time and always told us where to go, where to find him, how to reach him, etc. He gave a lot of great stories and advice. We were able to see Starnberger See, Neuschwanstein, Queen Mary's bridge, Hohenschwangau, Linderhof palace, Oberammergau and several other things. The alpine coaster had too long of a wait time but we did get to see it. Not only would we do this again but we would recommend it to everyone. Definitely pick the add time option. We wish we had even MORE time!
Review provided by Viator
Kylie_p
Jul 14, 2023
Amazing Tour - Maria was amazing! Very knowledgeable about the places on the tour. Everything was organized and well run. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_f
Jun 20, 2023
Stress-free day at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles - Our tour guide, Maria, was wonderful!! She first took us to a local bakery in a small town and we got warm Bavarian pastries. She grew up in the area and loved her land. We did not have to worry about any details all day. She took us to the castle and got the tickets for us and then made lunch reservations (not included in price of tour) for us. She told us exactly what to do to enter the castles. We went through wonderful Bavarian towns with much history that Maria knew. She answered all of our questions and gave us a lot of history and information during our 10 hour tour. It was a marvelous adventure with an excellent tour guide. I highly recommend this tour with the company!!
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_w
Jun 15, 2023
Amazing day with a local! - We had an amazing day with Thomas! He arrived at our hotel right on time and we started off for a stunning day in Bavaria. We worked ahead of time with Stefan to make some adjustments (issues completely out of their control)…the communication was excellent. Thomas provided tremendous insights at all of our locations that made us feel like we were experiencing the castles like locals. By the end of the day we felt like we had a new member of the family! It was the first visit to Germany for many in our group and we all agreed that the private tour was worth the cost. We definitely recommend and will use the company again on future trips to the region. Thank you Thomas and Stefan for a great experience!
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Richard_c
Feb 3, 2023
Germany Castle tours - Our tour guide was the greatest. He was on time at our hotel pickup. We left early in the morning and drove a couple of hours through Germany to castle views and tours, he knew several of the locals and a bunch of the great local places to eat. He did a great job watching over our family, we got to know him very well and still communicate with him frequently now that we are back home. Can't wait to go back and visit with him and go on another tour.
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Aaron_c
Jan 9, 2023
Picked up promptly at 7... - Picked up promptly at 7 am at our hotel. Our drive took us on a tour leaving Munich for the castles. So much history was learned. Had a very pleasant drive to Neuschwanstein. Our guide gave us great instructions for the castle tour part and we had a lovely time seeing such a beautiful piece of Bavarian history. After that had lunch and headed off to the next castle of Linderhof Palace. Such an interesting place. The details that built the Palace are amazing to see in person. After Linderhof, we checked out a few sights on the way back to our hotel in Munich. I highly recommend for small groups that want a more private less crowded experience of getting to and from these great building.
Review provided by Viator
Priyanka_j
Dec 31, 2022
An amazing and insightful trip to two of the most beautiful architectural wonders. - Stefan was an excellent guide. His knowledge of the city was simply astounding. He was courteous and incredibly helpful. We would absolutely love to have him as our guide again.
Review provided by Viator
Johnkx1082xb
Nov 7, 2022
Best Day in Bavaria - What an amazing day! 10 hours wasn’t enough as there is so much to see! Katerine was outstanding! She was knowledgeable and showed us so many things in every location we visited. The castles, villages and incredible scenery is all worth the long day. The small group experience allowed us to move at a great pace to see everything!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janette_b
Apr 25, 2023
Maria was fabulous and... - Maria was fabulous and the little towns we went thru were so beautiful! She was so knowledgeable !The castle itself for all the work getting up there and then it had only 3 rooms to see - that was a little disappointing.
Review provided by Viator
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