Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour

By Sightseeing Bavaria Exclusive

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
11h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

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 travelling in relaxed comfort and fully leveraging your precious holiday time

Activity location

Starnberger See
- Possenhofener Str. 5
- 82319, Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany

Meeting/Redemption Point

Starnberger See
- Possenhofener Str. 5
- 82319, Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany

Check availability

9.5 Exclusive Private hours!

11h
English

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes: 'SKIP-THE-CROWDS' at 7:00am, Skip-the-Line tickets for Neuschwanstein castle are inclusive!
Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

NZ$2,777.22 x 1 AdultNZ$2,777.22

Total

Until Mon, 29 Jun

XXL-Time credit

11h
English

Duration: 11 hours: 'SKIP-THE-CROWDS' at 7:00am, inclusive Skip-the-Line tickets for Neuschwanstein! Enjoy this XXL-tour length to see even more!
Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

NZ$3,092.08 x 1 AdultNZ$3,092.08

Total

Until Mon, 29 Jun

What's included, what's not

Drive in new and luxurious Mercedes- or VW Minivan (a/c) - only your group participates!
Skip-the-Line Ticket Neuschwanstein Castle, even for bookings at short notice
Professional English-speaking tour guide
No hidden costs!
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Munich (outside of Munich additional costs may apply)
Bottled water
if desired: Skip-the-Line ticket Hohenschwangau Castle: Adult € 26.00 / Child (0-6 years): € 2.50
Lunch
Service charge

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialised infant seats are available
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Are you able to walk uphill from the car park to Neuschwanstein castle on a paved road - approx. 1,5 km/1 mile in an hour's time? If not, we have to calculate additional (waiting-) time for the horse-hybrid carriage or the Shuttle bus, since neither can be reserved (the latter is not operating during snow and ice) – Anyway, an approx. 450 metres/0.28 miles uphill walk (up to 15 % slope) or an approx. 500 metres/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. The costs for the shuttle bus/horse-drawn carriages are not included in the travel price and can only be paid in cash on site (maximum € 12.00 per person for the return. As of 2026)
In Neuschwanstein Castle itself, a total of 346 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered. For wheelchair users and people with severe walking disabilities who can show a disability ID --> 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 lift 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. In Hohenschwangau Castle, a total of 180 stairs (up and down) have to be mastered (no lift). The costs for the horse-drawn carriages are not included in the travel price and can only be paid in cash on site. No advance reservation possible.).
In Linderhof castle you have to walk only approx. two times 15 minutes (relatively flat) and in the 30 minutes tour of the castle you have to climb stairs to the ground 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 - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!) 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

Activity itinerary

Theresienwiese (Pass by)

We carefully curate our selection of sights for each tour to give you the ultimate tour experience. At the same time, this is YOUR exclusive tour, so we welcome your suggestions and do our best to accommodate your wishes. If you, for example, want to stay longer at a stop, or don't want to visit all the mentioned stops, just let us know; we will adjust your requests accordingly and create a tailor-made tour according to your wishes! ... but now: Look forward to a delightful tour, resting assured that you are in good hands with your friendly & professional tour guide, who will take you on eventful, informative yet relaxing excursions in our luxurious Minivans. 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! (Depending on traffic conditions or your pickup address, we reserve the right to show you a different attraction.)

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, you will receive information from us immediately after your booking on how to purchase skip-the-line tickets online.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

2h 30m
Admission ticket 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 car park 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.

Schloss Hohenschwangau

50m
Admission ticket not included

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 (2025) € 23.50 per person 18 years or older, reduction for children).

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.

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.

BIKE FÜSSEN- Fahrradverleih

1h 15m
Admission ticket not included

(OPTIONAL - If you like to this activity, 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) You are neither 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 return, you can see mountain lakes and a medieval town (perhaps bring your swimsuites). Rental bikes from 20.00 € p.p.

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

1h 15m
Admission ticket not included

(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"). ***** Skip-the-line entrance fee (2025): € 10.00 per adult / Children under 18 are free of charge! ***** 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, such as the Venus Grotto, which reopened in April 2025 after years of renovation work (€ 3.00 per adult extra, only cash payment possible; the Venus Grotto can only be reached on a very steep path of about 0.3 miles and is closed in winter)

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 centre, 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

1h
Admission ticket not included

(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 metres (1,6 miles) with breathtaking views and adventurous curves. ***** Open daily with suitable weather from approx. December - October ... Prices (2025): Adults: € 17.50/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.

Munich

After this eventful excursion with unforgettable impressions, you can relax on the way back in our luxury vans – your tour guide will safely bring you back to your accommodation or to any other address of your choice in the Munich city area.

Location

Activity location

Starnberger See
- Possenhofener Str. 5
- 82319, Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany

Meeting/Redemption Point

Starnberger See
- Possenhofener Str. 5
- 82319, Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany

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